8/29/14

* Operation Protective Edge an "impressive victory," says Ya'alon Hamas left with roughly 1/4 of pre-war rocket arsenal, defense minister says, warning of heavy blow if ceasefire broken.

* Global coalition needed to destroy Hamas, all Islamist terror, Steinitz tells US lawmakers Cooperation between the US, Western democracies, Israel and moderate Arab states is needed to eradicate scourge, minister tells visiting Congressmen.

* Islamic State's appeal presents Jordan with new test King Abdullah, a steadfast US ally who has safeguarded his country's peace treaty with Israel, is seeking to ease concerns in Jordan about the threat posed by Islamic State.

* Nato accuses Russia of violating Ukraine sovereignty Nato has accused Russia of a "blatant violation" of Ukraine's sovereignty and engaging in direct military operations to support pro-Russian rebels.

* As Gaza cease-fire holds, Arab propaganda war against Israel escalates in press, social media Palestinians and Hamas sympathizers in the Arab press attempt to disseminate the message of "victory" over Israel after the 50-day Operation Protective Edge.

* UK terror threat level raised to 'severe' The UK's terror threat level has been raised from "substantial" to "severe" in response to conflicts in Iraq and Syria, Home Secretary Theresa May says.

* Iraq conflict: Kurds 'recapture oilfields from IS' Kurdish Peshmerga forces say they have retaken oilfields near Mosul in north Iraq from Islamic State (IS) militants.

* Islamist gains prompt US to send arms to Lebanon The United States has begun delivering nearly $20 million of arms including assault rifles, anti-tank missiles and mortars to bolster Lebanon's army.

* Obama says no military strategy yet for Islamic State in Syria US president indicates that decision has not been made on whether to launch air strikes against the terror group.

* UN Confirms 43 Peacekeepers Captured by Syrian Rebels on Golan 43 peacekeepers from Fiji captured on Syrian side of Golan, where rebels fly black Al Qaeda flag.

08/28/14

* 'Russian troops deployed' in Ukraine - Petro Poroshenko Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has accused Russia of deploying its troops in the east of his country.

* UN Confirms 43 Peacekeepers Captured by Syrian Rebels on Golan Syrian rebels have taken UN personnel prisoner after they took over the area near the Quneitra border crossing on the Golan Heights.

* Spanish Cleric: 'Allah Destroy the Jews, Spare None of Them' In a recent Friday sermon by a Muslim cleric in Azuqueca De Henares, Spain, the rampant anti-Semitism palpable in that country was put on display in rare fashion.

* Syria conflict: IS 'kills dozens of Assad soldiers' Jihadist militants from Islamic State (IS) appear to have killed "dozens" of Syrian army soldiers, activists say.

* Media are Hamas's main strategic weapons, says visiting US historian Western news organizations have failed to see and understand Hamas's media strategy as part of a long global jihad war.

* PA official: Hamas should admit defeat Mahmoud al-Habbash, a senior advisor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, on Thursday hinted that Hamas and other Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip should admit their defeat in Operation Protective Edge.

* PA to tell UN: Force Israel out of W. Bank, or we'll seek war crimes charges in The Hague A senior Fatah official announced on Thursday that the PLO would submit an application to the United Nations Security Council next month demanding a "timetable" for an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-1967 lines.

* Turkey's Erdogan is inaugurated as president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been officially sworn in as Turkish president after winning the country's first public vote for head of state.

* Ebola outbreak: WHO warns that virus could infect 20,000 The World Health Organization says the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa could infect more than 20,000 people before it is brought under control.

* Captured Hamas Militants Spill the Beans on Gaza War Crimes During the summer's Gaza war, hundreds of Hamas militants surrendered to or were otherwise captured by Israeli forces.

08/27/14

* IDF officer injured as Islamist rebels seize Syria-Israel crossing Army hits Syrian targets after soldier is hurt as salvo of mortars hits the Golan.

* Iran likens Israelis to egg-stealing pigs from 'Angry Birds' Iran's version of the popular phone app can be seen at a digital media exhibition in Tehran.

* Amidror: Israel's red line with Syria is the border, and if anyone crosses it they should be killed Former National Security Council head says if Nusra Front takes control of Golan Heights, threats of radical Islam will not stop on frontiers of Israel, but spread out to Western countries.

* Syria conflict: Islamic State 'committed war crimes' Islamic State (IS) militants have committed "mass atrocities" in Syria and have recruited children as fighters, the United Nations says.

* Germany steps up fight against far rightists after neo-Nazi murders German authorities failed to view crimes as racially motivated, did not connect several murders perpetrated by neo-Nazi cell of National Socialist Underground.

* Iran: Gaza put the Zionist regime on its knees Iranian Foreign Ministry congratulates "Palestinian resistance" on its "victory" over the "Zionist aggressors."

* Crowds celebrate Hamas 'victory' in Gaza streets Hamas leader resurfaces to declare that Gaza will build sea-port, airport and show Palestinians can "target any part of Israel."

* Blair Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Former British prime minister welcomes the announcement of an open-ended ceasefire in Gaza, calls for long-term plan.

* Nato chief unveils new plan for eastern Europe A summit in Minsk on Tuesday (26 August) failed to produce a breakthrough on the Ukraine conflict, while Nato announced a bold new plan for eastern Europe.

* Washington prepares to attack Islamic State targets in Syria The US government has stepped up its efforts to increase its knowledge of Islamic State activities and assets in and around Raqqa, the group's nominal capital.

08/26/14

* Ceasefire Begins, With Rockets Still Raining Down on Israel Israeli government accepts Egyptian-brokered ceasefire deal, starting from 7 p.m. Israel-time; rockets still falling.

* Ministers, MKs Critical Over Ceasefire with Hamas Bennett and Livni both oppose giving Hamas achievements at end of Gaza operation; Livni again calls for two state solution.

* Hamas: Our War is For Liberating Jerusalem, Not Lifting Blockade Hamas Spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri rouses crowd over statements to 'end Judaization of Israel,' says 'Netanyahu must understand this.'

* White House at 'tipping point' on Islamic State Increased war-like rhetoric from officials may indicate the US is ready to strike terror group, even in Syria.

* Fractures in Arab Gulf alliance a greater threat to oil security than Islamic State Break up of the Gulf Co-operation Council could threaten world's largest oil fields as Saudi Arabia and Qatar lock horns over alleged support for Islamists

* Gazans Celebrate Hamas 'Victory' With Gunfire Gaza explodes in raucous celebration and mosques broadcast 'Allahu akbar' as long-term ceasefire comes into 

effect.

* Islamic State Planning to Use Drones to Attack Israel A member of the Islamic State tweets that the organization will soon use unmanned drones to attack Israel.

* Marketing Campaign Shows IS's 'Headless West' Posters decapitate Statue of Liberty, Mona Lisa, and other symbols to show what could happen if Islamists win.

* Obama Authorizes Islamic State Recon Flights in Syria US makes apparent prelude move to airstrikes, but has no intention of getting Assad's permission to operate in Syria.

* Tehran seeks to overcome Western influence by supplying weapons to Kurds Iranians have been present in Kurdistan and pushing for their interests for a long time, says expert.

08/25/14

* Iran 'will arm Palestinians' after Israeli drone downed Tehran says unmanned aircraft was shot down as it approached a nuclear installation.

* Doll-beheading photos surface in tribute to Islamic State 'Teach your children to cut necks, tomorrow there will be a lot of rotten heads,' reads a caption.

* Mashal: Lift Gaza siege, end 'real holocaust' by Israel EJC Chief: Parts of Europe Ripe for Islamic State Attack.

* Ukraine crisis: 'Column from Russia' crosses border The Ukrainian military says it has clashed with rebel armoured vehicles that crossed from Russia and headed to the south-eastern port of Mariupol.

* Hamas claims it seizes Israeli reconnaissance drone in Gaza Izzadin Kassam Brigades announces seizure of "Zionist reconnaissance plane” in east Shejaiya in Gaza City.

* 'Palestinians willing to accept new Egyptian truce proposal, but awaiting Israeli response' AFP quotes senior Palestinian official as saying proposal would open crossings, allow aid, but leave disputed points for discussion in 1 month.

* Boko Haram declares 'Islamic state' in northern Nigeria Militant group Boko Haram has said it has set up an Islamic state in the towns and villages it has seized in north-eastern Nigeria.

* Iraq crisis: Suicide blast targets Baghdad Shia mosque At least nine people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack on a Shia mosque in Baghdad, Iraqi officials say.

* Merkel: Ukraine can go to Eurasian Union Germany's Angela Merkel has said Ukraine is free to 'go to' Russia's 'Eurasian Union', amid signs of a new willingness to make peace with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

* Photo implies ISIS threat to Chicago There is another chilling Chicago connection in the battle between the US. and extreme Islamic militants isil (ISIS).

08/23/14

* Iraq conflict: UN warns of possible Amerli 'massacre' The UN has called for action to prevent what it says may be a possible massacre in the northern Iraqi town of Amerli.

* Gen. Allen: Destroy the Islamic State Now The brutal murder of the brave American journalist James Foley is meant to directly terrorize the world's media.

* IDF warns Gazans: Steer clear from terror sites The IDF called on residents of Gaza to steer clear of areas used to wage attacks against Israel.

* Ukraine crisis: Russian lorries leave as Merkel visits The convoy returned from the eastern city of Luhansk, which is held by pro-Russian separatists.

* Messianic Jews Make Mockery of Kerry One of the many things I love about Israel is that we can still laugh about the crazy and even deadly realities of life in this Land.

* US considering taking fight against Islamic State into Syria The United States is considering taking the fight against Islamic State militants into Syria.

* Hamas executes 18 suspected collaborators with Israel in Gaza Hamas gunmen executed 18 Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel in Gaza on Friday.

* Huge trove of dinosaur footprints discovered in Alaska A "world-class" dinosaur track site discovered in Alaska's Denali National Park shows that herds of duck-billed dinosaurs thrived under the midnight sun.

* RED HEIFER UPDATE Several months ago the Temple Institute was delighted to announce the birth of a perfect red heifer in the USA.

* Egypt, Abbas call for Gaza ceasefire and resumption of talks as fighting rages As projectiles continued to rain down on Israel from Gaza, and the IDF responded with military strikes on the coastal enclave, Egypt on Saturday called on Israel and Hamas to agree to an indefinite cease-fire and resume indirect negotiations in Cairo.

08/22/14

* Islamic State militants pose 'biggest threat' to US Islamic State militants are the most dangerous threat America has faced in years, top US officials have warned.

* Ukraine crisis: Russia aid convoy 'invades Ukraine' Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has accused Russia of a "flagrant violation of international law" after Russian humanitarian aid lorries entered Ukraine without permission.

* Netanyahu vows 'Hamas will pay heavy price' for death of Israeli boy Premier spoke with Sha'ar Hanegev regional council chief shortly after news broke of the boy's death.

* UN puts Syria death toll at over 191,000 International body's top human rights official says number 'is probably an underestimate'.

* Hamas Goes on an 'Israel Collaborator' Killing Spree Eighteen Gazans publicly executed in central Gaza City Friday morning as part of the terrorist regime's ongoing bloody 'purge.'

* Hamas feels the corrosive effect of 'grave betrayal' The assassinations of several key figures have left Gaza's terror chiefs in shock, says an Israeli official.

* Kurds launch op to take back town from IS Official says forces have already retaken several positions in battle against jihadists.

* Americans among 12,000 foreign fighters in Syria US official estimates that more than 100 US citizens have traveled to join the conflict.

* Arab states look to single out Israel at UN nuclear meeting Arabs states, Iran claim Israel has nuclear arsenal that threatens peace in the region while Israel, US point at Iran as main threat of proliferation.

* Photo implies ISIS threat to Chicago There is another chilling Chicago connection in the battle between the US. and extreme Islamic militants isil (ISIS).

08/21/14

* Ya'alon: IDF will continue to strike Hamas leaders at any time and place Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Thursday that the Hamas commanders killed by the IDF overnight "were responsible for severe terror attacks against Israel's citizens and IDF soldiers.

* Cabinet approves call-up of 10,000 IDF reservists Israel approved the call-up of 10,000 IDF reservists on Thursday, two days after the collapse of negotiations.

* The IDF's first fully digital war On July 22, a team of paratroopers, stationed in a house in Gaza, took fire from locations unknown.

* Minister: Israel 'Closer than Ever' to Full-Scale Gaza Invasion Communications Minister and Security Cabinet Member Gilad Erdan (Likud) has appealed for Israelis to be patient and to allow the IDF time to complete Operation Protective Edge.

* Huge trove of dinosaur footprints discovered in Alaska A "world-class" dinosaur track site discovered in Alaska's Denali National Park shows that herds of duck-billed dinosaurs thrived under the midnight sun.

* Watch: Islamic State Forcibly Converts Hundreds of Yazidis The Islamic State terrorist group has released a video, purportedly showing hundreds of members of the Yazidi minority sect converting to Islam.

* A Hamas Love Letter to ISIS (with Ten Tips) Dear Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Our leadership felt bad about all of the tough press you've been getting lately and - given our talent for ruining Gaza while enjoying endless love from the media - we thought we'd share some pointers with you.

* Obama calls Islamic State a 'cancer' after graphic threat The Islamic State has no place in this century, is ideologically bankrupt, and is a cancer infecting the entire world that must be stopped, US President Barack Obama said sternly on Wednesday.

* Israel kills two Hamas senior military commanders in air strike The air force carried out a targeted assassination of two very senior Hamas terrorists and a lower ranking terrorist in the Gaza Strip overnight.

* Intl manhunt underway for 'British' extremist in beheading video UK intelligence services and police are trying to identify a suspected British jihadist who beheaded a US journalist.

8/20/14

* 'Spare the lives of the remaining hostages. Like Jim they are innocents' Brave mother of beheaded American journalist calls on ISIS to cease killing as she pays tribute to her 'extraordinary son'.

* Islamic State warns it has sleeper cells in the West, raises the stakes with beheading of American The abundance of foreign fighters in Islamic State ranks pose a serious threat, could use Western passports to keep low profile in home countries.

* U.S. intel on ISIL's confident terror plans for West: "What they have is momentum" The U.S. intelligence community has determined that Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant was building an infrastructure in the West.

* Ministers and MKs urge Netanyahu to pound Hamas Even MKs on the Left push Netanyahu to use more force; "No more talking, shoot," says MK Nachamn Shai of Labor.

* In truce breach, a whodunit of little consequence to Israel Hamas says it didn't shoot on Tuesday afternoon and it's possible a smaller group fired the first rockets. To Jerusalem, though, he who rules Gaza is responsible.

* Ukraine conflict: Fierce battle for town of Ilovaisk Ukrainian government and rebel forces are both claiming control of the small town of Ilovaisk in the Donetsk region after fierce fighting.

* Hamas: Mohammed Deif wasn't killed or injured in IDF attack Israeli source tells Fox IAF did kill the shadowy commander of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, who survived at least five Israeli assassination attempts, was apparently killed in attack on Gaza City on Tuesday together with his wife and infant son.

* Messianics Respond: Christians' Appeasement of Islam Won't Save Them The New Testament Congregation is to be the courageous voice of morality and honesty to the world. However, this video by Bethlehem Bible College lacked the courage to confront Islamic Terror.

* Qatar "threatened to expel Mashaal" if he agreed to Egypt deal Palestinian negotiator tells Arabic daily that Doha threatened to deport Hamas chief if he accepted the terms of Cairo's ceasefire proposal.

* RED HEIFER UPDATE Several months ago the Temple Institute was delighted to announce the birth of a perfect red heifer in the USA. This heifer was a proper and fitting candidate for the 'ordinance of the red heifer' (Numbers Ch. 19).

08/18/14

* RED HEIFER UPDATE Several months ago the Temple Institute was delighted to announce the birth of a perfect red heifer in the USA.

* Tony Blair: ISIL in Iraq and Syria 'won't be successful in the end' Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair told Yahoo News on Monday that a ruthless al-Qaida offshoot that just declared an Islamic state carved out of Syria and Iraq can still be 'forced back' and ultimately defeated.

* Poll finds almost no support for accepting Hamas's demands Peace Index poll finds that 58% of Israeli Jews think Israel should continue to fight until Hamas surrenders.

* ISIS to US: 'We will drown all of you in blood' Islamic State terror group warns it will attack Americans "in any place" if US raids hit its operatives.

* US Blacklists IS Leader as 'Global Terrorist' State Department blacklists Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, senior Islamist in IS Caliphate.

* Israeli in contact with Syrian Opposition : Obama let ISIS 'cancer' metastasize Syrian opposition members say they want friendly relations with Israel; Meet with Mendi Safadi, an Israeli Druse.

* Pope Francis: I Only Have 2-3 More Years to Live Pope Francis speaks about his poor health for the first time, indicates the possibility of early retirement.

* Israel says it foiled Hamas plan for massive attacks on Israel, coup against PA 93 arrests made, Shin Bet says, thwarting Hamas preparations for third intifada; Abbas says revelation a threat to Palestinian unity.

* US hits 90 IS targets in three days, says Pentagon Aircraft carry out 35 strikes, marking most intense American bombardment of extremist group to date.

* Turkey's Erdogan raises millions for Gazans Aid campaign initiated by Turkish PM and president-elect has garnered nearly $21 million for Palestinians.

08/18/14

* Gaza conflict: Peace talks continue as deadline looms Israelis and Palestinians are trying to agree a long-term deal on Gaza's future and end weeks of deadly fighting before a five-day ceasefire expires.

* IDF Preparing for Possible Resumption of Rocket Fire IDF preparing for a resumption of rocket fire from Gaza before the end of the current five-day ceasefire.

* Iraq crisis: Military claims control of Mosul dam There are conflicting reports about whether Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and Iraqi troops have fully retaken Mosul dam from Islamic State (IS) militants.

* Syria: Hundreds of Bedouin Sentenced to Death 700 Bedouin executed by IS in Syria as bloody conquest in the Gulf region continues.

* Hamas in West Bank 'planned to topple Palestinian Authority' Shin Bet, IDF say plot was orchestrated by Hamas overseas headquarters located in Turkey, and centered on a string of mass casualty terror attacks on Israeli targets; 93 suspects arrested so far.

* Iran attempted large-scale cyber-attack on Israel, senior security source says "This is not something we have seen before, both in terms of scope and the type of targets," source says; new, integrated military communications network was used in Gaza during the conflict.

* Ukraine refugee convoy hit by rockets, says military Many people died when rockets and mortars hit vehicles moving refugees from the Luhansk area of eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian military says.

* While the US 'Reviews,' EU Calls for Disarming Hamas American vacillation over demands to disarm terrorist groups in Gaza contrasts with Europe's surprising support of Israeli position.

* Lebanon asks US for combat planes to battle jihadists Request comes alongside call for munitions to restock supplies after heavy clashes in east, near Syrian border.

* Nato chief warns Russia against 'green men' tactics Philip Breedlove, Nato's top military commander, has said that if Russia does what it did in Crimea to a Nato state, it would be considered an act of war against the alliance.

08/16/14

* Iraq crisis: Yazidi villagers 'massacred' by IS Militants in northern Iraq have massacred at least 80 men from the Yazidi faith.

* Security Council orders Islamic State to disband Responding to the growing terrorist threat in Iraq and Syria, the UN Security Council imposed sanctions Friday.

* Ukraine crisis: Rebel leader says Russian arms on way A rebel leader in eastern Ukraine has said a convoy of military hardware is on its way to the region from Russia.

* Hamas to Israel: Accept our terms or brace for war of attrition Senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad members say that the proposals that Palestinians received during the negotiations in Cairo, including those detailed in the latest Egyptian draft, do not meet their demands.

* Israel Welcomes EU's Call on Gaza Groups to Disarm Israel's Foreign Ministry welcomed on Friday the call by the European Union (EU) for terrorist groups in Gaza to disarm.

* Poll: Most Americans Disapprove of Obama's Israel Policy The great majority of Americans reject US President Barack Obama's policies on Israel, according to a recent poll.

* Iraq Yazidis fear for thousands kidnapped by jihadists In a dusty, ill-equipped camp in northern Iraq, Yazidis fleeing a jihadist offensive say members of their families - men, women and even babies - have been abducted by militants.

* Nasrallah: Syria war prepared us for next round with Israel Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has called the Sunni Islamic State group a "monster" of an organization.

* Uneasy about future in Russia, 'Putin's Jews' seek quiet exit Russian President Vladimir Putin and many senior civil servants travel this route to their dachas (summer homes) in convoys of black limousines with blaring sirens.

* Anti-Semitism thriving in ways big and small When a Turkish owner of a cafe near the Belgian city of Liege puts up a poster that welcomes dogs but not Jews, that's a sign of the times.

08/15/14

* Ukraine 'hits Russia armoured column' amid aid impasse Ukraine says it has partially destroyed an armoured column crossing from Russia, as a controversial Russian aid convoy still waits at the border.

* Iraq crisis: Sunni leaders propose deal with new PM Some leaders of Iraq's Sunni Muslim minority have said they may work with the new prime minister, a move that could help break political deadlock.

* Draft terms for long-term Gaza truce revealed in Egyptian newspaper Draft terms reportedly include agreement to open border crossings, deploy PA security forces in enclave.

* Russian defense ministry denies any incursion into Ukraine, says no vehicles destroyed Ukrainian artillery destroyed a "significant" part of a Russian armored column that crossed into Ukraine during the night, President Petro Poroshenko told British Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday, according to Ukraine's presidential website.

* Clashes in Cairo as Morsi Supporters Riot Three people killed in Cairo as supporters of ousted Islamist President protest for a second straight day.

* The Chinese cult that kills 'demons' China is about to try one of the most notorious murders in recent memory.

* Watch: Islamic Scholar Explains How 'Jews Control America' In a televised interview, an Islamic scholar explained how the Jews bought the largest media outlets in the U.S.

* Boko Haram suspected of abducting more than 50 Nigerian villagers Residents of a Nigerian village on the shore of Lake Chad say at least 50 residents are missing after a raid by suspected Boko Haram militants.

* Ebola crisis to last 'at least six months' - MSF The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa will take at least six months to bring under control, the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) says.

* EU Offers to Take Charge of Gaza Border Crossings The European Union offers to help prevent illegal arms flows into Gaza.

08/14/14

* Islamic State continues sweep against Kurds towards Baghdad Islamic State gunmen are continuing their sweep across Iraq and are poised at the gates of a town just north of Baghdad.

* 'Dramatic surge' in anti-Semitism during Operation Protective Edge, says ADL The Anti-Defamation League said in a new report on Thursday that a "dramatic upsurge in violence and vitriol against Jews," had occurred around the world.

* Politicians weigh in on 'crisis in US-Israel relations' Reactions were voiced on Thursday from across the political spectrum.

* Sisi receives offer of fighter jets, helicopters, weapons on Russia visit Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi paid his first visit in office to Russia, meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

* WATCH: Hamas gives a glimpse into home-grown rocket production in Gaza A video aired Wednesday on Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV showed terrorists from the group's Izz a-Din al-Kassam Brigades.

* Sharansky predicts 'beginning of the end of Jewish history in Europe' Jewish Agency chairman Natan Sharansky joined with a growing number of high profile figures in casting doubt on the viability of European Judaism in an article in the Jewish Chronicle.

* Iraq: UN sounds alarm on humanitarian crisis The UN has declared its highest level of emergency in Iraq as a humanitarian crisis follows the advance by Islamic State (IS) militants in the north.

* Ukraine crisis: Russia aid convoy heads for border More than 100 lorries carrying Russian aid are heading towards the border with Ukraine.

* And Now, Abbas's Daily Accuses US of Founding IS The Palestinian Authority official daily has published five articles in the last six weeks accusing the United States of establishing the radical Islamic movement Islamic State (ISIS or IS).

* Israel Waiting for Hamas to Get Serious About Ceasefire Israel's leading newspaper, Yediot Ahronot, on Thursday cited Israeli officials as saying they are waiting for Hamas to "climb down from the tree" and get serious about a long-term Gaza ceasefire.

8/13/14

* Iraq crisis: International boost to arms and aid supply The delivery of arms and aid to Iraq is being stepped up, in an international push to tackle jihadist militants and help those who have fled their advance.

* Defense Secretary: 'The World is Exploding All Over' Fresh off a trip to India and Australia, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel addressed a group of Marines in San Diego, California Tuesday, and may have delivered a line that will show up in Republican campaign ads this election cycle.

* Netanyahu: UN committee should look to ISIS, Hamas for war crimes PM says United Nations commission probing Gaza op has "nothing to look for" in Israel.

* Amidror: Reoccupation of Gaza "only military way" to stop rockets BESA head Inbar: Another option is to take out Hamas's military leadership, which "might be best, even if costly."

* Knesset Committee: Everyone who wants to must be able to pray on Temple Mount Deputy Jerusalem District police commander says Jews will be allowed to visit the Temple Mount in upcoming months, but there are public safety considerations.

* Ebola outbreak: Kenya at high risk, warns WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Kenya as a "high-risk" country for the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

* Iraq: Islamic State leaves behind fear and humiliation in Kurdish settlement Dispatch: Ruth Sherlock reports from Mahmour, a mixed Kurdish settlement west of Erbil, which jihadists fled from after US air strikes.

* Iran's New Gay Executions Conservatives may be the ones voicing the loudest outrage at the hanging of two gay Iranian men- but not because they've suddenly become supporters of LGBT human rights.

* Watch: Muslims Force Closure of Temple Mount for Jews Watch harrowing video of raucous Muslim mob pursuing three Jews, day before Knesset Committee discusses status quo.

* EU countries give France green light to arm Iraqi Kurds EU countries have moved a step closer to sending arms to Iraqi Kurds to help them fight the Islamic State (IS).

08/12/14

* Hamas Clarifies Truce Would Only Be to Plan Next War Even as Israeli representatives are in Cairo to discuss a truce with Hamas on Tuesday, the terrorist group is taking pains to clarify it has no intentions of desisting from trying to wipe Israel off the map..

* NATO Sees High Probability of Russian Invasion President Vladimir Putin said on Monday Russia is sending an aid convoy to eastern Ukraine .

* Nouri al-Maliki forced from post as Iraq's political turmoil deepens Iraq's embattled prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, appeared to have lost his job on Monday.

* Islamic State Funds Caliphate With Mosul Dam as Terror Spreads Islamic State militants who last week captured the Mosul Dam, Iraq's largest, had one demand for workers.

* Israel's Peace Partners: We Killed More Jews Than Hamas! Among some Palestinians, Hamas' stock is soaring after it dragged Israel into a month-long war.

* Thousands of Yazidis 'still trapped' on Iraq mountain Tens of thousands of civilians remain trapped by militants on a mountain in northern Iraq.

* Watch: US Air Strikes Pound Islamic State in Iraq Footage has surfaced of the US airstrikes on Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) terrorists in Iraq, which began last Friday.

* MKs, President Rivlin Attend Aliyah Ceremony for 338 Olim Despite tensions surrounding the war in Gaza, 338 new Olim (immigrants) from the United States and Canada arrived in Israel Tuesday.

* Right of Return Extended to Gay Couples Israel's Right of Return also gives citizenship to spouses of the same sex when Jews choose to immigrate to Israel together.

* Uncertainty surrounds Russian 'aid' convoy to Ukraine The Red Cross says it has no agreement to govern what will happen when Russian "aid" trucks arrive at Ukraine's border.

8/11/14

* Gaza conflict: Fresh talks begin in Egypt Indirect talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators aimed at finding a long-term solution to the conflict in Gaza have begun in Cairo, according to Egyptian state media.

* The rise of the Islamic State The rapid advance across Iraq by militant fighters from the Islamic State, widely known as Isis, has thrown the country into chaos and led to US air strikes against their key positions.

* Iraq president asks Abadi to succeed PM Nouri Maliki Iraq's president has asked the deputy speaker of parliament, Haider al-Abadi, to form a new government. .

* Sisi, King of Saudi Arabia meet to discuss Gaza crisis, threat posed by Islamic extremists Both countries face criticism for giving Israel time to destroy Hamas, an affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, a sworn enemy of both countries..

* Blockbuster terror finance trial to start against Jordan's Arab Bank After about a decade of waiting, and a last ditch attempt to get the US government or Supreme Court to block the case, the most significant terror finance case ever to go to trial in US history, against Arab Bank, is set to begin on Monday.

* Erdogan secures his place in history as Turkey's first directly elected head of state President-elect vows reconciliation after Turkish win; supporters laud Turkey's economic transformation.

* Turkish aid group steps up preparations to launch 'Freedom Flotilla II' for Gaza The same organization that launched the 'Mavi Marmara' in 2010 says it will make second attempt to break Israeli blockade on the Strip.

* World shrugs as ISIL targets Christians, Mideast returns to Middle Ages The headlines seem from another era, if not century; that of Christian persecution by militant Islam in the Middle East.

* Portions of the Western Wall may be facing problematic erosion Geologists have found that cracks in the wall may be indicative of erosion and structural instability.

* 'We Believe it'll Happen- We'll Return to Gush Katif' They're told that it's an unrealistic idea, but many of the 9,000 Jews expelled from Gaza are convinced that they will return to Gush Katif.

08/09/14

* Iraq conflict: Obama vows to stop jihadist state US President Barack Obama has said he will not allow jihadists to carve out a "caliphate" straddling Syria and Iraq.

* US drops new aid to Iraqis fleeing militant surge Islamic State extremists capture hundreds of Yazidi women, while thousands of other civilians flee in fear.

* Hamas - a wounded animal in Gaza With Hamas' demands left unanswered in Cairo, the group was forced to launch a fresh round of rocket attacks in an attempt to save face, salvage a semblance of achievement.

* 'If demands not met by Sunday, we will attack Tel Aviv,' says Hamas Hamas spokesman says resistance ready for long battle, will not waiver on demands, in particular opening of Gaza sea port.

* Christians: 'We Are Dying, and World is Too Busy With Gaza to Care' As the orgy of condemnation against Israel in the wake of the Gaza war continues, Christians in Iraq are doing their best to be heard above the din while they still have a voice.

* Watch: Temple Institute Tours Temple Mount on Tisha B'av Rabbi Chaim Richman leads tour of the Temple Mount as it is opened for Jews on 9 Av for the first time since 2011.

* Iran's elite Guards fighting in Iraq to push back Islamic State In early July, hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of Kamal Shirkhani in Lavasan, a small town northeast of the Iranian capital Tehran.

* Watch: Italian Muslim Cleric Calls to 'Kill the Jews' Imam in northern Italian city recorded giving anti-Semitic sermon, prays for Jews to be wiped out 'to the very last one'.

* Egypt court bans Muslim Brotherhood's political wing A court in Egypt has dissolved the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the Muslim Brotherhood's political wing.

* Jordanians stage massive pro-Hamas rally Over 15,000 supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood hold protest in Amman, call on Palestinian factions to intensify rocket fire into Israel.

8/8/14

* Israel air strikes resume in Gaza amid rockets Israel says it has resumed air strikes in Gaza after Palestinian militants fired rockets following the end of a three-day truce on Friday morning.

* Right, left call for strong response to renewed Hamas rocket fire Lawmakers from across the political spectrum weigh in on the appropriate response to renewed aggression by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

* 'It's Time for Real Victory Over Hamas' The former head of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, wrote on Friday that the time has come for real victory over Hamas and other jihadist forces holding sway in the Gaza Strip.

* ISIS Threatens America: "We Will Raise The Flag Of Allah In The White House"The terror group President Barack Obama threatened to strike in Iraq Thursday evening is itself threatening to strike the American homeland.

* US aircraft strikes Islamic State targets in northern Iraq Two F/A-18 aircraft dropped 500-pound laser-guided bombs on a mobile artillery piece near Arbil, the Pentagon said.

* Three Quarters of Syria's Chemicals Destroyed Three quarters of Syria's chemical stockpile has been destroyed, says Organization for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons.

* Iraq: US air strike on Islamic State militants in Iraq The US says it has launched an air strike against militants from the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq.

* WHO: Ebola 'an international emergency' The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of Ebola in West Africa an international health emergency.

* Hamas: Israel rejected our demands After Hamas rejects extended truce, renewed rocket fire wounds two Israelis, Egypt works to secure extended lull; Hamas: Israel wasting our time.

* Iran as a superpower, and Hungary tilts away from EU A review of the best commentary on and around the world...

08/07/14

* Hamas vows to restart attacks Friday if blockade not lifted Terror group's spokesman warns southern residents not to return to their homes; Israel says it is poised to respond as required.

* Christians: 'We Are Dying, and World is Too Busy With Gaza to Care' As the orgy of condemnation against Israel in the wake of the Gaza war continues, Christians in Iraq are doing their best to be heard above the din while they still have a voice.

* Watch: Temple Institute Tours Temple Mount on Tisha B'av Rabbi Chaim Richman leads tour of the Temple Mount as it is opened for Jews on 9 Av for the first time since 2011.

* Hamas military wing says it's ready for next round of fighting with Israel Masked members of the Hamas military wing in Gaza gave Al Jazeera an exclusive look at how they are preparing for a new round of warfare.

* Iraq Christians flee as Islamic State takes Qaraqosh Up to a quarter of Iraq's Christians are reported to be fleeing after Islamic militants seized the minority's biggest town.

* CHRISTIAN LEADERS CALL FOR HELP AS ISLAMIC STATE SWEEPS SINJAR Over the past week the terror group Islamic State (formerly ISIS) surged ahead on multiple fronts and scored numerous victories, leaving a wake of death and destruction.

* Russian Strategic Bombers Conduct More Than 16 Incursions of U.S. Air Defense Zones 'Spike' in Bear H flights over past week seen as test of U.S. air defenses.

* Iran to Unveil its Own 'Iron Dome' Style Defense System New missile defense systems set to go online in September.

* Hamas Holds 'Victory Rally' in Gaza As ceasefire hangs in the balance, and despite severe losses, Hamas predictably claims victory.

* Russia imposes retaliatory sanctions on EU Moscow is slapping a ban on EU-imported fruit and vegetables and food from the US in retaliation for western economic sanctions.

8/6/14

* Want Peace? Build the Third Temple, Says Israeli Group Ceasefires, truces and bilateral agreements will never bring the peace most people in the Middle East desire. Only by following the biblical model, including the rebuilding of the Third Temple in Jerusalem, can genuine peace be achieved.

* 'We're in orbit!' Rosetta becomes first spacecraft to orbit comet fter a 10-year chase taking it billions of miles across the solar system, the Rosetta spacecraft made history Wednesday as it became the first probe to rendezvous with a comet on its journey around the sun.

* Hamas chief declares victory over Israel Political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh says military resistance, strength of Palestinians will lead to lifting of blockade during Cairo talks.

* Fatah official threatens settlers with death Jamal Muheisen says Palestinian merchants have two weeks to rid their shops of Israeli products; Fatah decries Hamas harassment in Gaza.

* As Cairo Talks Begin, Hamas Vows Never to Disarm Rejecting key Israeli demand, Hamas spox threatens to 'take the life' of anyone trying to disarm the group; Israeli delegates meet in Egypt.

* Watch: Tisha B'Av Takes Special Significance Amid Gaza Operation Religious and political figures explain the country's observance of the 9th of Av, and its connection to Operation Protective Edge.

* Poll: Americans Favor Israel over Hamas 3:1 42% thought Israeli actions were 'mostly justified,' while 14% thought the same about Hamas's actions.

* UN Chemical Experts to Return to Syria Next Month A team of chemical weapons experts will travel to Syria next month to follow up on Damascus' pledge to hand over its arsenal.

* Trove of Jewish Revolt coins discovered near Jerusalem Bronze bits minted months before destruction of temple on Tisha Av; "Judea Capta" coin found in north in summer excavations.

* NATO Fears Ground Invasion as Russia Masses Troops on Ukraine Border Russia has massed around 20,000 combat-ready troops on Ukraine's border and could use the pretext of a humanitarian mission to invade.

08/05/14

* Ninth of Av Set to Begin Monday Night Monday marks the advent of Tisha B'Av, the Fast of the Ninth Day of Av, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

* Israel pulls troops out of Gaza Israel has withdrawn its troops from the Gaza Strip to "defensive positions" outside the Palestinian territory.

* Israel, Hamas agree to Egypt proposal for 72-hour truce Officials to head to Cairo for talks on long-term deal after military says all tunnels from Gaza into Israel destroyed.

* As truce holds, Israelis set to negotiate long-term solution Preventing Hamas from rearming, with regional support, is government's top priority; Jerusalem willing to ease Gaza blockade.

* ISLAMIC STATE'S HOLIDAY GREETING: 'WE DON'T NEED ANY DEMOCRACY' The highly polished publicity wing of the terrorist group Islamic State, now trying to establish itself as a sovereign nation, continues to publish high-production videos to encourage Muslims around the world to abandon their lives and families and move to Islamic State-controlled lands in Syria and Iraq.

* Police on high alert in Jerusalem for Tisha Be'av; rioters throw firebombs at police Security forces stationed throughout the capital with emphasis on securing Jews gathered at Western Wall to pray on annual fast day.

* Hamas, Hezbollah and the tunnels: Who's inspiring whom? Hamas had been digging tunnels in Gaza for decades. But it was only after the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000 that it saw them as part of the route to 'liberation'.

* IN PICTURES: Thousands rally around the world to support Israel From Guatemala to Zurich, pro-Israel activists gather to show their support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.

* Nato to strengthen military exercises after Russia 'aggression' Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said the transatlantic military alliance will draw up new defence plans following Russia's "aggression" in Ukraine.

* Nigeria army committed atrocities, Amnesty says Nigeria's army has committed atrocities in the north-east in its fight against Islamist militants belonging to Boko Haram, Amnesty International says.

8-4-14

* ISIL Targets Saudi Intelligence Officials: "Crowd-sourced" assassination campaign aimed at destabilizing Saudi Arabia.

* Netanyahu: Gaza Op is Continuing 'This operation will end only when quiet and security are restored to the citizens of Israel for a lengthy period'.

* Watch: Italian Muslim Cleric Calls to 'Kill the Jews' Imam in northern Italian city recorded giving anti-Semitic sermon, prays for Jews to be wiped out 'to the very last one'.

* Islamic State grabs Iraqi dam and oilfield in victory over Kurds slamic State fighters seized control of Iraq's biggest dam, an oilfield and three more towns on Sunday after inflicting their first major defeat on Kurdish forces since sweeping across much of northern Iraq in June.

* Terror in Jerusalem Construction vehicle overturns Jerusalem bus in suspected attack.

* Iran's elite Guards fighting in Iraq to push back Islamic State In early July, hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of Kamal Shirkhani in Lavasan, a small town northeast of the Iranian capital Tehran..

* Turkey's Erdogan lashes out at Israel at election rally Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel on Sunday of deliberately killing Palestinian mothers and warned it would "drown in the blood it sheds".

* Poll: 5 Times More Religious Americans Support Israel than PA Religiously-affiliated Americans show far higher proclivity to supporting Israel over the Palestinians - but why?

* African leaders gather for US summit Delegates are gathering in Washington DC for the largest ever summit of African leaders in the US.

* World leaders at WW1 centenary events in UK and Belgium Royals and world leaders have gathered for ceremonies marking 100 years since Britain joined World War One.

08/02/14

* Apocalypse NOW: Killer solar superstorm could destroy Earth at ANY MOMENT, scientists warn VIOLENT solar superstorms could destroy life as we know it at ANY MOMENT, shocked scientists have warned today.

* NETANYAHU TO US: DON'T SECOND GUESS ME ON HAMAS Following the quick collapse of the cease-fire in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the White House not to force a truce with Palestinian militants on Israel.

* WATCH: Islamic Jihad showcases rocket capabilities Terror group's operatives can be seen firing at targets across border from underground launching pads.

* Israeli Analyst: Hamas Has 3,000 Elite Soldiers Ready to Die in Suicide Attacks on Israel An Israeli analyst told CNN's Wolf Blitzer Friday morning that he received information from reliable sources that 3,000 Hamas elite soldiers told their families goodbye and appear ready to carry out suicide attacks on Israel.

* Hamas says Israel can't achieve calm without agreeing to cease-fire 'on our terms' The Islamist group was responding to the Israeli cabinet's decision early Saturday to refrain from sending a delegation to Cairo for cease-fire talks.

* Is Israel a David, or a Goliath? And What Are You? We all know the story of David and Goliath, a story that inspires us to root for the underdog.

* The God of the Armies of Israel Operation Protective Edge is exposing a new phenomenon that may prove to be a source of strength for the IDF and for Israel.

* Gaza militants get Disney treatment Hamas propaganda video 'Shake Israel's Security' spawns parodies.

* EU 'quietly' lifts ban on supplying Kiev with weapons and technology - Russia The European Union has 'quietly' agreed to lift restrictions supplying Kiev with military technology and equipment which can be used for the 'repression' in the country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

* U.S. plan to rebuild Iraq's Army assumes division of nation into enclaves The United States has proposed a restructuring of the Iraqi military.

8/1/14

* Fighting in Gaza continues as truce collapses Rocket fire into Israel resumes two hours into 72-hour cease-fire; Palestinian sources report 40 killed from IDF artillery fire.

* Amid more talk of cease-fire, Israel says it will not leave Gaza until tunnels destroyed Lapid says after "quiet is restored for a long period of time," there will be agreement along the lines of Egyptian cease-fire proposal.

* Is Israel a David, or a Goliath? And What Are You? We all know the story of David and Goliath, a story that inspires us to root for the underdog. David and Goliath is largely presented as a conflict based on values - David being good, and Goliath being evil. Yet we rarely choose to set aside the morality of the story and look at this conflict as more of a tactical configuration.

* Israeli Frustration With Obama Reaching Boiling Point "Obama is a fool, and Kerry is an idiot." "The Americans' behavior has angered not only Israel, but all moderate forces in the region."

* Weakened, but not down for the count: Hamas may resurface stronger than before After many killed and wounded, Hamas has still not surrendered nor have the people of Gaza rebelled.

* Gaza militants get Disney treatment Hamas propaganda video "Shake Israel's Security" spawns parodies.

* Saudi king condemns Gaza war, but not Israel 90-year-old monarch says conflict is "collective massacre," slams terrorists for tarnishing Islam's purity and humanity.

* Ebola crisis: Virus spreading too fast, says WHO The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is spreading faster than efforts to control it, World Health Organization (WHO) head Margaret Chan has said.

* Jerusalem: Arabs Attack Woman for Attempting to Remove PLO Flag Flag sighted near the Lion's Gate in Old City; police take action only after teenagers guarding the flag riot.

* From tunnels to R-160s, a primer on Hamas and its deadly capabilities The full story of the subterranean passages, thousands of foot soldiers, and large supplies of rockets and bombs, that turned Hamas into a sophisticated enemy.