07/31/13

* 'The Israeli Government Has Surrendered the Temple Mount' In an "unprecedented" move, police on Wednesday informed Jewish groups that the Temple Mount will be closed to all non-Muslims until at least the end of Ramadan.

* Analysts predict Iran able to produce atom bomb by mid-2014 Iran is expected to achieve a "critical capability" to produce sufficient weapon-grade uranium by mid-2014.

* Egypt's cabinet orders police to end pro-Morsi sit-ins Egypt's military-backed government has ordered police to end sit-ins by supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in the capital Cairo.

* Syria's Assad on popularity campaign with new Instagram account Syrian President Bashar Assad is on a campaign to increase popular support by opening up an Instagram account last week.

* Ashton: Revived talks opens new doors for EU contribution to peace, security The revival of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians "opens new doors" for developing further European Unioncontribution to peace and security in the region.

* Anti-Semitism in Sweden Forces Jews to Question their Future Attacks against Jews in Malmoe, Sweden's third largest city, have left members of the community questioning their future.

* Eurozone economic confidence rises Economic confidence in the 17-nation eurozone rose in July reaching the highest point since April last year.

* Temple Mount shut to non-Muslims till after Ramadan The Joint Committee of Temple Organizations condemned on Wednesday the closure of the Temple Mount to non-Jewish visitors for the last two weeks of Ramadan.

* Obama Sending McCain and Graham to Egypt Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain said Tuesday they're traveling to Egypt next week at President Barack Obama's request.

* All issues to be on the table, Kerry says as peace talks kick off Israel and the Palestinians have no choice but to reach a full peace agreement.

07/30/13

* Israeli-Palestinian peace talks: Nine-month deal goal Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will aim to reach a "final status" agreement in the next nine months to end their long conflict, the US secretary of state has said.

* U.S. in the Mideast: From a stabilizing to a destabilizing influence The Obama administration's Middle East policies - it would be foolhardy to call them "strategy" - would be ludicrous were they not so threatening to American interests, regional and world stability.

* France and Germany seek to revive EU defence policy The EU needs to do more for international security France and Germany have said as they call for improved battlegroups and the use of drones in civilian airspace.

* China's Military Preparing for 'People's War' in Cyberspace, Space China's military is preparing for war in cyberspace involving space attacks on satellites and the use of both military and civilian personnel for a digital "people's war".

* Why a Mideast peace deal seems far off The contours of Israeli-Palestinian peace are clear, experts say.

* Experts Say Muslim Brotherhood Will Strengthen in Egypt Despite Military Control The seizure of control by the military in Egypt will likely embolden the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood.

* Bill Seeks to Advance US Embassy Move to Jerusalem Members of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus have introduced legislation in the United States Congress that would move the U.S. embassy, which is not located in Tel Aviv, to Israel's capital -- Jerusalem.

* Catherine Ashton meets with Morsi in Cairo EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton was granted access to ousted Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi in Cairo.

* Why a Mideast peace deal seems far off The contours of Israeli-Palestinian peace are clear, experts say: If only the sides summon up the will, the inevitable outcome is two states roughly along the pre-1967 borders.

* Muslim Brotherhood set for million man march With no letup of protests in sight, and despite the recent military crackdown on demonstrators.

07/29/13

* Pope Francis: Who am I to judge gay people? Pope Francis has said gay people should not be marginalised but integrated into society.

* EU urges Egypt rulers to end stand-off with Muslim Brotherhood Europe's top diplomat pressed Egypt's rulers on Monday to step back from a growing confrontation with the Muslim Brotherhood.

* Hamas reconciling with Iran Hamas is reportedly holding meetings with representatives from Iran and Hezbollah in order to increase financial aid to the terror group that rules the Gaza Strip.

* PA minister: New peace talks will help us conquer Israel later There are more than a few in the Palestinian Authority who are upset over the pending renewal of peace talks with Israel.

* Syria a magnet for young Islamists, including Americans Born in Pittsburgh 32 years ago, Amiir Farouk Ibrahim took a path to holy war in Syria increasingly traveled by tens of thousands of young Muslim men.

* Snag in Israel-PA Peace Talks Israel has agreed to all demands, but a major faction in the Palestine Liberation Organization has just balked against holding talks with the Jewish State.

* While Abbas Talks 'Peace,' PA TV Continues Hate Broadcasts As Israel and the Palestinian Authority prepare to sit down yet again for another round of talks, PA television has been broadcasting the latest in its long string of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic programs and songs.

* Peres Politely Asks Europe to Step Out of Mideast Affairs President Peres has politely suggested that the European Union to step out of Middle Eastern affairs while delicate negotiations are in process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

* Martin Indyk is new US envoy for Israeli-Palestinian talks US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday announced the appointment of former ambassador Martin Indyk to serve as US envoy for Mideast peace.

* Rouhani to pick insiders for new Iran cabinet Iranian President-elect Hassan Rouhani will pick a cabinet of experienced insiders.

07/27/13

* Egypt crisis: 'Scores killed' at Cairo protest More than 100 people have been killed and 1,500 injured at a protest held by supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo, doctors say.

* Egyptian military launches operation 'Desert Storm' to root out Sinai terrorists Operation comes after 20 police, soldiers killed in Sinai this month.

* Poll: Israelis Oppose Releasing Terrorists Almost 85% of Israelis oppose the release of terrorists in order to restart peace talks, finds new poll.

* Egypt’s burning, but don’t call it a civil war — yet The army is playing hardball with the Muslim Brotherhood, but as the body count rises, public support for the generals is eroding

* Rio World Youth Day: Pope re-enacts Way of the Cross Pope Francis has joined crowds of Roman Catholic pilgrims in Rio de Janeiro for a re-enactment of Jesus carrying the cross to his crucifixion.

* Libya protesters attack Muslim Brotherhood offices Protesters in Libya have attacked offices linked to the Muslim Brotherhood following the assassination of a prominent political activist.

* Exile Iranian's launch satirical program Spitting Image remake hits Iran to major popular success, despite slamming president, public executions. Watch season finale 'Mahmoud's going away party' or jab at public execution

* North Korea's War Anniversary Spectacle The nation goes into propaganda overdrive as it holds a huge celebration involving 150,000 people to mark the end of the war.

* Obama hosts Ramadan dinner at White House President says Americans and people in the Middle East share goals of economic opportunity and entrepreneurship

* ‘Israel agrees to release 24 Israeli-Arab pre-Oslo prisoners’ If true, Israel Radio report means all ‘serious’ longterm security inmates, including major terrorists, will go free as new talks move forward

07/26/13

* Clashes ensue between Morsi supporters, opponents in Egypt Thousand of pro-army, pro-Morsi activists clash in Alexandria, 15 hurt; seven injured in Nile delta city clashes; demonstrators hurl rocks in Cairo neighborhood amid military threats to "turn its guns" on violence.

* Iraq's Maliki says Iran wants to have nuke talks with US Iraqi PM brings message to US that Rouhani wants talks.

* Egyptian army questions Mohamed Morsi over alleged Hamas terror links News of overthrown president's alleged help in 2011 attacks comes as showdown looms between Muslim Brotherhood and opponents

* Thousands meet Pope Francis at Copacabana beach event Pope Francis has visited Copacabana beach, in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, to hold the greeting ceremony for World Youth Day.

* Egyptian Army Gives Brotherhood a 48 Hour Ultimatum The Egyptian army gives the Muslim Brotherhood until Saturday to sign up for political reconciliation.

* Hezbollah military wing officially added to EU terror blacklist EU's Official Journal now includes Hezbollah in list of 11 persons, 25 groups after pressure from Britain, Netherlands.

* 1,000 paratroopers simulate operation behind enemy lines “Through parachuting, we can cross borders and gain a huge advantage," senior army spokesman says.

* UN: Egyptian authorities increasing 'anti-Syrian' hostility Egyptian forces arbitrarily arrest, detain Syrian refugees, according to UN; Upward of 300,000 Syrians in Egypt, gov't estimates.

* Obama hosts Ramadan dinner at White House President says Americans and people in the Middle East share goals of economic opportunity and entrepreneurship

* Hevron: Israelis "Fight Back" Against Anarchist, Arab Extremists Israelis form plan to fight anarchists who hold weekly violent protests on Israeli land. ‘It’s become an existential threat.’

07/25/13

* Better defence spending needed to back up EU 'principles' Europe needs to make better use of dwindling defence budgets if it is to properly take care of military problems in its own backyard as the US orients itself towards Asia.

* US delays delivery of F-16s to Egypt The US is delaying its delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Egypt in light of the military overthrow of Mohammed Morsi as president.

* 'Peace Talks? The Mideast is Going Up in Flames' Nobel Prize winner Professor Yisrael Aumann is baffled by the decision to return to negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.

* Egypt Braces for Mass Demonstrations, as Army Ups Stakes Egyptians are bracing for a massive demonstration set for Friday, urged on by the military to show the country – and the world – that the interim government has a mandate to rule.

* 'Settlers' Answer Kerry - in Washington Samaria leaders established their own Foreign Ministry earlier this year.

* Pope Francis's judgment in question after priest named in gay sex scandal Pope Francis will fly out of Rome on Monday, leaving behind the latest controversy to engulf the Holy See.

* The EU declares Israel as occupier For more than thirty years the European Union (EU) has issued statements critical of Israel.

* Fatah Honors Terrorist for Murdering 61 Israelis As western leaders push for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, urging Israeli concessions.

* Israeli Historian Proves Roman-Jewish 'Friendship' Tablet An independent historian from the small northern Negev city of Arad has turned the world of historical research upside down with controversial new research published in a Danish journal.

* Eurozone edging towards economic recovery The eurozone appears to be edging towards economic recovery.

7/24/13

* Top IDF Official Warns: Global Jihad is at Our Doorstep The threats against Israel are changing and the global jihad is literally at its doorstep.

* Egypt's military leader calls for anti-violence rallies Egypt's military chief called for mass rallies on Friday to give the army a mandate to confront violence.

* The Holy Anti-Semitic Month of Ramadan From the days of my early childhood in Egypt, anti-Semitism was not only a common phenomenon, it has been a national characteristic of my country.

* "This Has Been Our Land for Almost 4,000 Years" Ministers and Members of Knesset were among those who came to the Samaria town of Shilo on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a unique new tourism center.

* Muslim Anger over Virtual 'Third Temple' A Jewish website that aims to teach Israelis about the Temple has been met with an angry backlash from the Arab Muslim community.

* Jewish Rosh Hodesh, Muslim Religious Event on Collision Course Rosh Hodesh Elul, the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul, coincides with an important Muslim event – the "Night of El-Khader," the culminating night of the Ramadan fast.

* Light at the end of the tunnel: Eurozone private sector hits 18-month high The eurozone may be emerging from the longest recession since the currency was created.

* Nazi-Themed Cafe Relents Amid International Pressure The owner of a Nazi-themed cafe in central Indonesia agreed on Monday to close down his shop after coming under a whirlwind of international pressure.

* Russia's Putin to visit Tehran for nuclear talks Russian leader Vladimir Putin will meet Iran's newly elected president in Tehran next month to discuss restarting talks on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

* Russia: US drive to arm Syria rebels hurts chance for peace Russia accused the United States on Wednesday of stalling chances for peace in Syria.

07/23/13

* Royal Baby 'Will Suck our Blood in Mid-21st Century', Says Russian Lawmaker The royal baby boy, born to Kate Middleton and Prince William, is yet another British monarch who will suck the blood of Russians in the mid-21st century, says a Russian lawmaker.

* Fall of 'Islamic model' in Egypt has Erdogan fearing coup in Turkey Prime Minister Recep Erdogan, alarmed by the military coup in Egypt, was said to fear a similar scenario in Turkey.

* 'Recognizing same-sex unions brings us closer to apocalypse' - Head of Russian Orthodox Church The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill sees the recognition of same-sex unions by Western countries as a portent of doom.

* A decision 'written by American hands with Zionist ink' "The blacklisting of Hezbollah is Israel forcing its way on the EU," was the response from Lebanon's Al-Manar TV.

* Defense Minister: Egyptian Sinai Op. Dragging Out Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said Tuesday that while the Egyptian army is operating effectively against terrorists in the Sinai, the process is taking longer than Israel had hoped.

* Home Front Command simulates chemical missile attack on Tel Aviv The IDF Home Front Command (HFC) launched a three-day exercise on Tuesday simulating a chemical and conventional missile attack on Tel Aviv.

* Syria conflict: Top US general outlines military options The top US military officer has outlined the costs, risks and benefits of possible American military involvement in the Syrian conflict.

* North Korea Mass Games mark 60th anniversary of Korean War North Korea launched a new run of its large-scale "Arirang" performance in Pyongyang on Monday to mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of hostilities during the Korean War.

* EU's Ashton Adds to 'Settlement' Discrimination EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton is pushing for comprehensive guidelines to introduce separate labeling for products made by Jews in Judea and Samaria.

* EU urges Egypt junta to free ex-president EU countries have urged the Egyptian military to release the country's deposed president for the sake of political stability.

07/22/13

* Abbas threatens 'all options open' if US-led diplomatic bid fails Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned in comments published Monday that "all options are open" if there is no substantive progress.

* 'Syrian army uses chemical weapons against Palestinians' Syrian opposition activists say that the military has used chemical weapons against the Al Yarmouk district of Damascus.

* NATO: Assad, Russia and Iran are prevailing in Syria NATO has determined that President Bashar Assad ended any short- or mid-term threat from the Sunni revolt in Syria.

* Syria accused of gassing Palestinian refugee camp A camp for Palestinian refugees in Syria has been bombed by chemical weapons.

* PA Children Call for 'Liberation' of Palestine' Hizb ut-Tahrir, an Islamic organization which aims to have all Muslim countries unify as an Islamic state or caliphate ruled by Islamic law, has posted a video to YouTube.

* EU places Hezbollah military wing on terror blacklist European Union governments agreed Monday to put the armed wing of Hezbollah on the EU terrorism blacklist.

* Family of Former President Morsi to Sue Egyptian Army The family of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi said Monday they plan to file a lawsuit against the Egyptian Army.

* Khamenei urges caution in dealing with 'untrustworthy' US Iran's top leader said Sunday he has not prohibited talks with the U.S. but urged caution with any possible dialogue.

* Settler leaders hold emergency meeting against renewed Israeli-Palestinian talks Settler leaders on Sunday afternoon held an emergency meeting in Jerusalem against renewed Israeli-Palestinian talks.

* "Take the Word 'Withdrawal' out of the Israeli Lexicon" As Israeli leaders scramble to react to pressure from both sides of the Atlantic - including a European Union boycott against Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria, the Golan Heights and Jerusalem; and US pressure to make concessions to the Palestinian Authority - one group of rabbis insists that the only effective response lies in a return to traditional Jewish values.

07/20/13

* NATO: Assad, Russia and Iran are prevailing in Syria NATO has determined that President Bashar Assad ended any short- or mid-term threat from the Sunni revolt in Syria.

* Analysis: Wars within wars in northern Syria A senior figure in the Free Syrian Army said this week that al-Qaida in Syria is preparing to declare an "Islamic state" in rebel-held northern Syria.

* Nasrallah: Galilee will be in danger before Beirut Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah , currently the center of an international debate, slammed the United States and Israel in a speech on Friday evening.

* EU officially publishes settlement guidelines despite Israeli objections The European Union, as expected, published new guidelines limiting interaction with Israeli entities beyond the pre-1967 lines on Friday.

* Erdogan blasts West, Arab states for silence on Morsi coup Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan accused Western and Arab nations of "double standards".

* Inside Google HQ: What does the future hold for the company whose visionary plans include implanting a chip in our brains? The power of computing, and the thrill of its apparently infinite possibilities, has also long been a source of fear.

* Pro, anti-Morsi clashes resurface in Egypt; 3 dead Three Egyptians were killed during clashes between supporters and opponents of deposed President Mohamed Morsi late on Friday.

* This Week in History: Herzl's Sinai alternative On July 20, 1903, father of political Zionism Theodore Herzl implored prominent British-Jewish journalist Leopold Greenberg to revive the "popular" alternative of El-Arish, on the Turco-Egyptian frontier in the Sinai Peninsula, as the land for the future Jewish state.

* Kerry announces new peace talks, to begin shortly in Washington US Secretary of State John Kerry announced Friday evening that Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to resume peace talks without preconditions.

* Releasing Palestinian terrorists 'immoral and unethical,' settler leader says Dani Dayan, the former head of the Yesha settlements council, lashed out at minister Yuval Steinitz Saturday.

07/18/13

* Imam calls for US and Europe's destruction from Temple Mount pulpit Hundreds of worshippers at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque responded with cries of "Allah Akbar" (God is Great) to Imam Ismat Al-Hammouri's calls for the destruction of America.

* Obama Dictatorship Grows As Carter Declares Democracy Dead A grim report issued by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) today is warning that the Obama regime dictatorship has grown "beyond all logical scope and moral reason".

* Jordan: Islamists will pay price for Egyptian failure Jordanian Islamists remain defiant at suggestions that their position has weakened in the aftermath of the ousting in Egypt of President Mohamed Morsi.

* Archaeologists say they've found one of King David's palaces Two Israeli archaeologists announced that they have found a palace and royal storehouse that belonged to King David.

* Palestinians Torpedo Kerry Plan to Restart Negotiations Fatah - the party of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and the dominant faction within the PA - has effectively torpedoed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's plan.

* EU sources: Settlement directive will be published as planned Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres failed to convince the EU to freeze the publication.

* EU's Yesha Sanctions Could Boomerang The European Union is not the only one that can impose sanctions and boycotts, Israeli officials said.

* Second Civil War Brewing Among Rebels in War-Torn Syria A second war is brewing in war-ravaged Syria.

* Britain abandons plans to arm Syrian rebels Britain has abandoned plans to arm Syrian rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar Assad.

* PM Denies Talks on Basis of 1949 Lines, But Not Freeze In a statement, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's office denied that Israel had agreed to accept the 1949 armistice lines as the basis for renewed negotiations.

07/17/13

* Apocalyptic Threats Cannot be Hoped Away: Iranian Nukes Must be Stopped President Obama's Middle East policy has been an ever-worsening train wreck because it lacks credibility and strategy.

* Netanyahu to press EU to freeze directive on settlement ban Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu hopes to convince the EU not to formally publicize on Friday the new EU guidelines on settlements.

* Elkin: Israel won't give in to EU pressure Deputy Foreign Minister Zeev Elkin on Wednesday declared that Israel will not succumb to European pressure.

* When Europe demanded Israel surrender the Western Wall The European Union's new directive banning any cooperation with Israeli institutions over the Green Line isn't new, and is actually being implemented for Israel's benefit, according to the office of the EU's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

* German police lead European raid on neo-Nazi terrorist suspects Police raided premises in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands on Wednesday seeking evidence of planned terrorist attacks by a far-right group calling itself the "Werewolf Squad".

* Hundreds of Jews denied entry to Temple Mount after riot threats Politicians responded with outrage and bitter disappointment Tuesday morning after being denied entry - along with hundreds of rank and file Jews and Christians – to the Temple Mount on Tisha Be'av.

* China smartphone owners swell number of internet users China now has 591 million internet users, according to the latest official figures from the country.

* Nasutoceratops: 'Big-nose, horn-face' dinosaur described An unusual new species of dinosaur, unearthed from the deserts of Utah, has been described by scientists.

* Do You Know Where You'll Be 285 Days From Now At 2 P.M.? These Data-Masters Do Would you like to know how crowded your drive to the beach will be in three weeks? Or where your ex will be on a Friday night next month so that you can avoid him?

* First Time Since 6-Day War: Egypt Helicopter Over Gaza One Egyptian army officer died and five soldiers were wounded Wednesday in ongoing battles with Arab terrorists in the Sinai Peninsula.

07/16/13

* Thousands gather at Western Wall for annual fast At sunset on July 15, the start of the fast of the Ninth of Av, the city of Jerusalem mostly shut down to mourn the destruction of the first and second Jewish temples.

* Tisha B'Av: Jews Banned from Temple Mount Jewish worshippers hoping to ascend the Temple Mount in commemoration of Tisha B'Av were bitterly disappointed as, once again, police prevented them from ascending.

* Russian military stages biggest war games since Soviet times 160,000 servicemen, 1000 tanks, 130 planes and 70 ships are taking part in Russia's biggest military drill since Soviet times.

* Mortar Fire from Syria Hits Golan Mortar fire from inside war-torn Syria hit the Israeli part of the Golan Heights on Tuesday.

* Iran's Rouhani affirms support for Syria, Hezbollah Iranian president-elect sent messages to Syrian President Bashar Assad and Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group, reaffirming support for the two allies.

* EU Redraws Israel Borders to 1949 Lines The European Union has issued orders forbidding its member states from cooperating, transferring funds, giving scholarships or research grants to bodies in Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem , and even the Golan Heights.

* New EU directive bars all dealings with Israeli-held areas over the pre-1967 lines A dramatic new directive published by the European Union bars its 28 members from all cooperation with Israeli entities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

* Israel scratching its head after US officials (again) leak Syria strike In the wake of Israeli media reports about "anger" in Jerusalem over American leaks to CNN and The New York Times regarding an alleged Israeli attack in Syria this month, official sources clarified to The Times of Israel Monday that "there is no anger toward the administration."

* John Bolton: Israel should have attacked Iran 'yesterday' Former US ambassador to the UN says every day that goes by "puts Israel in greater danger," urges Israel to stop waiting.

* Kerry to meet with Abbas in Jordan for peace push US Secretary of State John Kerry will discuss his effort to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks with Arab officials in Jordan on Wednesday.

07/15/13

* Muslim Brotherhood suspends Ramadan, Egypt inches toward war The leader of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood on Monday ruled that pious Muslims are permitted to break the fast of Ramadan in order to take part in the "jihad" to regain control of the country.

* Arab TV stations air anti-Semitic show over Ramadan After fast, viewers get to sit down and watch 'Khaiber,' a historic drama rife with negative Jewish stereotypes.

* Muslim Extremists Force Jews From Temple Mount Hundreds of pilgrims forced from Judaism's holiest site by Muslim mob. Activist: "Police failed to carry out their duties again".

* Israel Increases Pressure on U.S. to Act on Iran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ramped up pressure on the White House on Sunday to put the buildup of Iran's nuclear program ahead of other crises in the Middle East, complaining of a lack of urgency on the issue and saying that the Obama administration must demonstrate 'by actio' to Iran's newly elected president that 'the military option which is on the table is truly on the table.'

* One third of Israeli Jews want Temple rebuilt in Jerusalem, poll finds Right-wing organizations devoted to the Temple Mount are buoyed by a new poll they commissioned finding that 30 percent of Israeli Jews support rebuilding the Jewish Temple on the site.

* Fanta Corrects 'Mistake," Puts Israel Back on Site A threatened boycott of Fanta products succeeded in convincing the company to acknowledge Israel's existence.

* MK Feiglin: Let Me Pray Maverick MK fights for religious freedom, challenges authorities' use of vague "security concerns" to limit Jewish prayer on Temple Mount.

* Hamas Testing Missiles That Can Reach Jerusalem Gaza's Hamas rulers are testing locally-produced M75 missiles, according to military sources.

* Outrage as Culprit in Hevron Massacre to Manage Holy Site MK Yariv Levin calls to suspend all agreements with PA regarding Cave of Machpela until appointment of Taysir Abu Sneina is cancelled.

* Netanyahu to Iran: We will attack if necessary Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned in an interview with American media on Sunday that Israel will attack Iran's nuclear facilities in the very near future if such action is deemed necessary.

07/13/13

* Is the Temple Mount really ours? For the last 46 years, Jews have not been allowed to pray on Temple Mount, and few Jews even visit.

* PM to push US for ‘more credible military option’ on Iran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly to launch a new, last-ditch effort in the next few days to persuade the United States to credibly revive the military option against Iran.

* Arab-Israelis: 'We'll give our lives for Morsi' More than 2,000 people affiliated with the Israeli branch of the Islamic Movement held a pro-Morsi demonstration in the Arab town of Kafr Kanna on Saturday.

* Nablus mayor: If talks fail, Palestinians will take to streets Israel and the Palestinians are headed toward another round of street clashes if peace efforts spearheaded by US Secretary of State John Kerry fail.

* Sneak Peak: Temple Institute's Visitors' Center The Temple Institute's new Visitors' Center is preparing to open its doors.

* Iraq says Iran weapons flights to Syria cannot be stopped without West's help Iraqi FM calls on international community to enforce UN sanctions on Iran that prohibits its transfer of arms.

* Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims over coronavirus Health officials in Saudi Arabia have asked pilgrims visiting its holy sites to wear masks in crowded places to stop the spread of the MERS coronavirus.

* Thai university slammed for Hitler superhero mural The Simon Wiesenthal Center condemned Thailand's Chulalong University and its faculty Friday for displaying a mural depicting Adolf Hitler along with a group of superheroes on the wall of one of its buildings.

* Egyptian military bombards militant towns in Sinai Military attack helicopters rattle over the impoverished desert towns of northern Sinai and the sound of gunfire erupts nightly.

* Turkey redefines duties of armed forces Turkey's parliament has amended an armed forces regulation which once-powerful military leaders have held up in the past.

07/12/13

* Ramadan: Morsi banner at Temple Mount A huge banner bearing the image of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi juxtaposed with the Egyptian and Hamas flags greeted the tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers who arrived at the Temple Mount.

* Thousands gather for pro-Morsi rally in Cairo Thousands of supporters of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood have been demonstrating in Cairo's Nasr City district.

* US Navy ships in Red Sea move closer to Egypt amid turmoil Two US Navy ships patrolling in the Middle East moved closer to Egypt's Red Sea coast in recent days.

* Key Free Syria Army rebel 'killed by Islamist group' A senior rebel commander in Syria is reported to have been killed by rebels from a rival group linked to al-Qaeda.

* Sneak Peak: Temple Institute's Visitors' Center The Temple Institute's new Visitors' Center is preparing to open its doors.

* PA Police In Jerusalem to 'Help Out' With Ramadan Crowds Israel on Friday authorized Palestinian Authority police to enter areas of Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty.

* Earliest written text ever found in Jerusalem Jerusalem archaeologists are excited by a new find that is believed to be the earliest written text that has ever been discovered in this ancient city.

* EU's longest-serving PM resigns, 'hopes' to return The EU's longest-serving PM, Jean-Claude Juncker, on Thursday (11 July) handed in his resignation to the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

* Pentagon: Iran will soon have nuclear missiles capable of striking US A Pentagon report states that China, Iran and North Korea are aggressively developing nuclear missiles capable of striking the United States.

* Dominicans Freak Out Over Obama's Gay Ambassador Pick Opposition to President Obama's nominee for U.S. ambassador to the Dominican Republic reached a fever pitch this week.

07/11/13

* Saudi Arabia 'targeting Iran and Israel with ballistic missiles' Images analysed by experts at IHS Jane's Intelligence Review has revealed a hitherto undisclosed surface-to-surface missile base deep in the Saudi desert.

* Egypt Seeks to Send Thousands of Soldiers to Sinai Egypt is seeking permission to send thousands of soldiers to Sina.

* The rise of Hezbollah in Africa With the admission on Monday by three Lebanese men in Nigeria that they had been trained by Hezbollah and accumulated enough military hardware to wage a war, the entrenchment of the Shi'ite terrorist organization in Africa has fueled renewed interest.

* Egypt: Morsi loyalists vow to keep up 'peaceful' protest Supporters demanding Mr Morsi's reinstatement have been staging mass protests in Cairo near a barracks where he is believed to be held.

* Despite instability, US to equip Egypt with new F-16s The U.S. is moving ahead with plans to deliver four F-16s to Egypt.

* Speedy tsunami seen on Sun's surface These tsunami of heightened magnetic field and hot, ionised gas race across the Sun at about 400km per second.

* Egypt kills 32 Hamas fighters in Sinai campaign, daily reports The Egyptian army has killed some 200 gunmen in Sinai.

* Egypt: Christian Beheaded as Islamist Violence Escalates Amidst continuing unrest in Egypt, the country's Coptic Christian minority is facing an alarming campaign of violence at the hands of Islamist extremists.

* Netanyahu Filmed Scribing Torah at Masada's Ancient Synagogue Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu visited the wind-swept Judean mountain top fortress of Masada, along the Dead Sea.

* Assad applauds fall of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Arab identity is back on the right track after the fall from power of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.

07/10/13

* Egypt military braces for infiltration of Islamist fighters from Gaza Egypt has reinforced its military presence to block the infiltration of Palestinian fighters from the Gaza Strip.

* Egypt Orders Brotherhood Arrests Over Clashes Egypt's public prosecutor has ordered the arrest of Muslim Brotherhood supreme guide Mohammed Badie and other top leaders of the movement for inciting violence.

* Scary future ahead By the time you're done reading this article, a few dozen more babies will have been born in Egypt. In a day, their number will reach hundreds, and a week – thousands.

* Britain fears chemical catastrophe if Syria's Assad goes Syria's huge array of chemical weapons could fall into the hands of militants.

* Million Palestinians to enter Israel during Ramadan For devout Muslims in Israel and abroad, Wednesday ushers in a month-long endurance test of faith and resolve.

* IDF reinforces Golan border with eye on Hezbollah An Israeli military source on Wednesday told Reuters that Israel is bolstering its forces on the once-quiet frontier with Syria.

* UN questions Vatican over child abuse cases A major UN child rights protection body has asked the Vatican to disclose details of thousands of paedophilia cases involving Catholic clergy.

* Russia Could Suspend Syria S-300 Sale for Golan Role Israel may drop its opposition to stationing Russian troops on the Golan Heights as members of the UN peacekeeping force there.

* Ahmadinejad: Holocaust Denial Was Proudest Presidential Moment Outgoing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has celebrated his achievements as President of Iran in the field of... Holocaust denial.

* Oldest inscription found in Jerusalem, but no one can read it An ancient inscription dating back to the time of King David, recently discovered in Jerusalem, has researchers scratching their heads.

07/09/13

* Key Islamist group pulls army backing after dozens killed in Egypt A hard-line group seen as a linchpin of the military-backed coalition ruling Egypt withdrew its support Monday.

* Car bomb hits Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut; dozens hurt A massive car bomb ripped through a Beirut stronghold of Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group that has been fighting alongside President Bashar Assad in Syria's civil war.

* NSA controls global Internet traffic via private fiber-optic cables Deals brokered between federal agents and foreign corporations have allowed the United States government to easily intercept and interpret a vast swath of communication data sent around the world, new documents reveal.

* Egypt unrest: Brotherhood rejects Mansour poll decree The Tamarod protest movement has said it was not consulted on the election plan and has asked to see Mr Mansour.

* New idea tackles Earth core puzzle Scientists have proposed a radical new model for the make-up of the Earth's core.

* Has the Temple Mount become a Theme Park? The Temple Mount, which is Judaism's holiest location, has turned into a theme park for Muslim children in the course of the last month.

* Peres: Israel's nuclear power has promoted peace Israeli President Shimon Peres last week stated that Israel's successful development of nuclear power (including the believed development of nuclear weapons) had been a major contributor to peace and stability in the region.

* Fear of Egypt civil war: Al-Sisi 'enemy of Allah' Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood and its Islamist allies called for more protests on Tuesday, after at least 51 people were killed in Cairo on Monday.

* Morsi Supporters Threaten Violence, Civil War This week has been a particularly brutal one for the people of Egypt.

* Syrian rebels hint Israel behind attack on missile cache Foreign forces destroyed advanced Russian anti-ship missiles in Syria last week.

07/08/13

* Muslim Brotherhood urges 'uprising' as dozens are killed After 40 of its members die in clash, Egypt's ousted ruling party calls on international community to 'prevent a new Syria'.

* Egypt unrest: Interim leader Adly Mansour calls for calm Egypt's interim leader has expressed sorrow over the deaths of at least 51 people near a barracks in Cairo, urging restraint amid ongoing unrest.

* Hamas shaken and cautious after Egyptian upheaval Islamist group's leaders in Gaza pondering how turmoil will play out and what it means for their own rule.

* On PA TV, child calls Jews 'barbaric monkeys, wretched pigs' Pointing to ongoing incitement in Palestinian media, watchdog group cites anti-Semitic poem broadcast on morning show.

* ARCHAEOLOGISTS BELIEVE THEY MAY HAVE FOUND WHERE THE TABERNACLE HOUSING THE ARK OF THE COVENANT ONCE STOOD In the Bible during the Hebrews' 40 year trek in the wilderness, the Tabernacle was described as a movable tent which housed the Ark of the Covenant and accompanied the Israelites as they made their way to the Promised Land.

* Gaza Terrorists Stream Into Sinai Muslim Brotherhood-linked Gaza terrorists are infiltrating the Sinai to attack Egyptian army outposts.

* Anger over Continued Temple Mount Discrimination Activists furious at police attempts to delay traditional Jewish march in deference to Muslim worshippers. "Why can't they pray later?"

* Tisha B'Av: "When will the Mourning Stop?" Temple Institute video seeks to reframe the traditional Jewish day of mourning over the loss of the Two Temples in Jerusalem.

* Quartet, US Disagree as Syria's Assad Gains on Rebel Forces Quartet envoy Tony Blair, US officials disagree on how to deal with Syria as Pres. Assad gains on increasingly fragmented opposition forces.

* Thousands of haredi girls prevent Women of Wall from praying by Western Wall Police detain two haredim for disturbing the public order.

07/06/13

* Egypt Clashes Turn Deadly As Troops Open Fire At least 36 people in Egypt have died and over 1,000 were hurt in fierce clashes between supporters and opponents of deposed president Mohamed Morsi.

* Islamic Militants Kill 30 In Nigeria School Attack Armed Islamic militants have killed 29 students and an English teacher in an attack on a boarding school in northeastern Nigeria.

* Brotherhood leader: Morsi is president, we're stronger than tanks The Muslim Brotherhood's Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie spoke before tens of thousands of the movement's supporters protesting deposed President Mohamed Morsi's ouster in Cairo.

* Kerry's peace plan includes 'settlement freeze outside major blocs' US Secretary of State John Kerry's much-anticipated formula for peace talks progress will include the release of 103 Palestinian prisoners.

* Coptic priest shot dead in latest Egypt violence Gunmen shot dead a Coptic Christian priest in Egypt's lawless Northern Sinai on Saturday.

* In Shiloh, an intriguing discovery alludes to the Tabernacle The Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting -- which, according to the Bible, housed the Ark of the Covenant -- was a temporary structure made of wooden beams and fabric.

* Morsi's ouster -- good for the Jews "Allahu akbar" ("God is great") is an effective war cry in any battlefield, whether in the original Arabic or in any other language.

* Vatican to make John Paul II a saint The Vatican says Pope John Paul II is to become a saint.

* EU reaction to Egypt coup: 'Awkward. Disturbing' EU countries are unsure how to react to the Egyptian army's removal of President Mohamed Morsi from power.

* The Arab world and Egypt's divide For many in the Arab world, the emergence of the Muslim Brotherhood was an unmitigated disaster.

07/05/13

* Clashes break out as thousands of Morsi supporters march on Tahrir Square Fired up by Islamist leader who vows to restore the ousted president, protesters fire and hurl rocks at opponents, hours after troops kill 10 of their comrades.

* Egypt unrest: Morsi marchers die as army fires Egyptian troops have opened fire on protesters marching in support of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, killing three and wounding dozens.

* Erdogan Slams Egypt Coup Turkey's prime minister condemns the military intervention that toppled Morsi as an enemy of democracy.

* Britain wants EU ministers to break Hezbollah deadlock Britain has asked European Union foreign ministers to discuss putting Hezbollah's armed wing on the EU terror list amid signs that opposition to the move is weakening, diplomats said on Friday.

* Egypt shows power only comes from force, Somali militants say Events in Egypt, where an elected Islamist president was ousted by the army, showed that power only comes from force, not democracy, Somali militant group al Shabaab said on Thursday.

* Fatah calls on Palestinians to overthrow Hamas in wake of Morsi's fall Fatah expresses hope that the ouster of Morsi will aid efforts to end divisions among the Palestinians.

* Beyond natural gas: Does Israel have oil in its future? CEO of Shemen Oil and Gas Exploration hopes drilling off Ashdod will lead to find natural gas if oil drilling results unsuccessful.

* Vatican to make John Paul II a saint Pope Francis cleared the way for his canonisation, expected later this year, after a second miracle was attributed to the late pontiff's intervention.

* China and Russia conduct joint naval drill China and Russia are beginning joint naval drills which Beijing has described as the country's largest with a foreign partner.

* 'Muslim Brotherhood claims interim Egyptian president is Jewish' The Muslim Brotherhood claimed in a post on its official website that Egypt's new interim president Adli Mansour is Jewish, The Washington Post reported on Friday. 

07/04/13

* Egypt Coup: Interim President Is Sworn In An interim president is sworn in and the Muslim Brotherhood's supreme leader is arrested in Egypt a day after a military coup.

* Statue of Liberty reopens on Independence Day The Statue of Liberty, shut last year after a huge storm, has reopened to the public as Americans everywhere mark Independence Day.

* In Arab World, Egypt turmoil elicits both praise and censure Gulf Arabs greet Egypt's new leader, Turkey slams 'coup.'

* Syria's Assad says only foreign invasion can threaten him Assad: My gov't will survive civil war, opponents will fail.

* Former IDF chief: Morsi's fall doesn't pose immediate danger to Israel Ashkenazi says Egyptian army is too busy with domestic concerns to pose any threat to Israel, but warns situation in Egypt is still volatile; Hanegbi hopeful Morsi's ouster could strengthen future diplomatic ties with Cairo.

* Syria's Assad Gloats Over Morsi's Fall Syria's President welcomes the end of the Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt as he fights rebels in his own country.

* After Morsi: 6 thoughts on the ouster of an undemocratic, elected president American hesitancy, the Brotherhood's extreme anti-Semitism, and how the short-lived leader was the architect of his own downfall

* Turkish 'Incendiary Words Have Tragic Consequences', Says AJC 'Incendiary words can have tragic consequences,' says AJC in response to claims by a Turkish official that world Jewry is behind protests.

* EU sheds no tears over Morsi's departure The EU on Wednesday (3 July) tacitly approved the Egyptian army's defenestration of President Mohamed Morsi amid mass civil unrest.

* Russia, Turkey criticize Egyptian democracy Turkish officials call Morsi's ousting anti-democratic, 'backward'; Russian lawmaker suggests democracy may not come easily to non-Western states.

07/03/13

* Egypt awaits army statement after deadline passes Egyptians are awaiting a televised statement on the political crisis, after a deadline set by the army for a resolution to the turmoil passed.

* Egyptian army deploys tanks surrounding Morsi's barracks The Egyptian army erected barbed wire and barriers around a barracks where embattled President Mohamed Morsi was working.

* PM: Palestinian leaders think its possible to destroy Israel The legacy of Likud ideological forebear Ze'ev Jabotinsky will help bring stable peace to Israel, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told the Knesset Wednesday.

* US State Dept: Peace talks will be kept private State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told a press corps anxious for details that negotiations, for the time being, would be kept private.

* Russian foreign minister contradicts his deputy: Moscow not evacuating Syrian naval base Russia, in yet another reversal of its military assistance to Syria, said operations at the naval base of Tartous were not hampered by the war against President Bashar Assad.

* Israel's Ambassador condemns 'anti-Semitic' German cartoon Israel's Ambassador criticized on Wednesday the publication of an alleged "anti-Semitic" cartoon.

* Court Allows Jew to Pray at Gate to the Temple Mount A faithful Jew prays regularly at the gateway to the Temple Mount, and returns when detained by police.

* Arab Christians: Israel only state worth fighting for Arab Christian residents of Nazareth who proudly serve in the Israeli army and encourage their children to do the same are coming under increasing attack.

* Iran Exploits Sanctions Loophole, Buys High-Grade Alumina Ore Iran has exploited a loophole in international sanctions to import tons of alumina - a refined version of raw bauxite ore.

* Iran's president-elect extols human rights, the Internet Iran's newly elected president, Hasan Rouhani, says he is in favor of upholding civil liberties that have been "ignored" in Iran.

07/02/13

* Egypt protests: Army issues 48-hour ultimatum for agreement amid clashes The unprecedented step, described by government opponents as a "coup with two days' notice", left the Islamist organisation looking beaten and outnumbered just a year after it won elections in Egypt.

* Abbas praises Kerry, says window for peace deal closing Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas sounded upbeat Tuesday in his first public comments on the diplomatic process since US Secretary of State's intensive shuttle diplomacy over the weekend.

* Fearing chaos, US wades into Egypt turmoil Fearing a political-military implosion that could throw its most important Arab ally into chaos.

* Kerry: Israeli settlements not obstacle to peace The Palestinian Authority and its supporters around the world regularly single out Jewish "settlements" on the biblical lands of Judea and Samaria.

* China to hold its 'biggest-ever' foreign navy drills with Russia A Chinese fleet of seven vessels is on its way to Vladivostok to participate in its biggest-ever foreign joint exercise with Russia.

* Palestinians, Israelis closely watching Egypt instability US Secretary of State John Kerry's latest attempt to get Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table has been forgotten in the huge protests that are sweeping Egypt.

* John Paul II 'set for sainthood' with second miracle The Congregation for the Causes of Saints ruled an "inexplicable recovery" on 1 May 2011 was due to the late Pope's intercession.

* 'Jewish Diaspora' Behind Unrest, Says Turkish Minister The "Jewish diaspora" and "foreign powers" are behind recent unrest in Turkey, the country's Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay claimed Monday.

* PM Tells Red Cross: 'Freeing Hamas Prisoners Means More Terror' Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Mauer on Monday of a recent case in which a Hamas prisoner freed on humanitarian grounds soon gloried in his return to terror.

* Syrian Jihadists Publicly Behead Catholic Priest A Catholic priest has been publicly beheaded by Syrian terrorists after he was accused of collaborating with President Bashar Al-Assad's regime.

07/01/13

* Egyptian army to Morsi: You have 48 hours to compromise Chief of staff in ultimatum to Egyptian president and politicians, says if demands of people are not realized within two days, army will announce a road map for the future; Morsi says met with army chief after statement.

* Kerry fails in bid for Israeli-Palestinian summit US Secretary of State John Kerry is currently on the last leg of his latest round of Middle East shuttle diplomacy, and looks to have fared no better than in his previous visits.

* Abbas: Israel trying to rebuild Jewish Temple! Once again demonstrating his penchant for theatrics, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas last month made an impassioned call to the Arab world to stop the insidious Jewish plot to rebuilt the Jewish Temple in its historic location - Jerusalem's Temple Mount.

* Croatia becomes 28th EU member state Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union at midnight Sunday (1 July), a decade after it started the process and less than 20 years after the end of its war of independence from Yugoslavia.

* Egyptian tanks said to mass on Gaza-Sinai border 'First time in years' heavy armor has been deployed in the area, report says.

* Rabbi on DOMA Ruling, Morality and Israel Rabbi: DOMA ruling may have been reasonable, but blurring the lines is dangerous. Israel must take particular care.

* Saudi Arabia to EU: Arm Syrian rebels Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal allegedly slams Assad's "illegitimate regime."

* New Book Finds Ties Between Nazis and Hollywood Hollywood's major studios not only accepted Nazi censorship, but collaborated with Hitler, finds new book.

* For the Brotherhood, Morsi's fall would have a domino effect Keeping Egypt's president in power will send a message to the Arab world, but Islamists will face a tougher battle should the opposition begin labor sanctions.

* EU capitals call on US to stop 'unacceptable' spying Paris, Berlin and Brussels on Monday (1 July) denounced the alleged bugging of EU offices by the US as "unacceptable" and reminiscent of the Cold War, warning that if the media stories prove true, transatlantic trade talks will not continue.