09/25/12

* Security forces on high alert as Israel marks Yom Kippur Security and rescue forces were on high alert and deployed in large numbers in Jerusalem and throughout the West Bank for Yom Kippur.

* At U.N., Obama downplays terrorism in Libya attack Speaking at the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday, President Obama portrayed the deaths of four Americans in Libya as a result of inflamed tensions over an anti-Islam movie produced in the U.S., rather than a terrorist attack.

* Syrian mortars fired into Golan Heights Several mortar shells from Syria fell in agricultural land in the northern Golan Heights early Tuesday morning.

* Iran tests warship-busting missiles Iran has test-fired four missiles designed to hit warships during a drill near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

* Egypt threatens to cut off IDF's hand if it enters Sinai A senior member of Egypt's Supreme Council of Armed Forces warned Israel against considering an incursion into the Sinai Peninsula to contain terrorist activity.

* Muslim-led nations seek global ban on insults of Muhammad As the U.N. General Assembly convenes this week in New York, several leaders of mostly Muslim nations are suggesting that the world body consider sanctions on blasphemy.

* Iran threatens attacks on US bases in event of war A senior commander in Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard warned that Iran will target U.S. bases in the region in the event of war with Israel.

* Libyan army removes heads of Benghazi militias Libya's army has removed the heads of two of Benghazi's main militia groups, as it tries to reassert control over armed groups or disband them.

* PLO ambassador calls on UN to recognize Palestine PLO ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ibrahim Khraishi on Monday called on the United Nations to accept Palestine as a member state.

* The war that nearly was During the Yom Kippur War, in the waters of the Mediterranean, US and Soviet vessels were gearing up for a clash which could have escalated to a global conflict.