10/31/14

* Security official: Jerusalem rioting could persist for weeks, even months Relative quiet pervades Friday morning as Temple Mount reopens; police remain on high alert in capital.

* Abbas's 'Day of Rage' Fizzles on Temple Mount Arab rioters shoot fireworks and try to storm Temple Mount before being repulsed, in what looks to be 'day of rain' instead.

* MK Tibi: 'Jews Have No Right To Pray on Temple Mount' At the peak of tension in Jerusalem, Arab MK attacks Jews for praying on the Temple Mount, proclaiming it holy only for Muslims.

* Jordan Threatens to Revoke Peace Treaty Over Temple Mount Jordanian minister blames Netanyahu for 'not keeping promise' of discriminatory status quo on Temple Mount, drafts plan against 'breaches.'

* Police on high alert in Jerusalem after Fatah calls for 'day of rage' Israel Police decide to reopen Temple Mount after closing it for first time in 14 years; entrance will be limited to men over 50 and women; Fatah calls on Palestinians to "defend Aksa Mosque."

* France denies warship delivery, as Russian bombers skirt EU airspace France's controversial warship deal with Russia is hitting the headlines again, with a cacophony of statements and denials after a Russian minister published a French invitation to the hand-over ceremony.

* Friend and colleagues describe Glick as quiet, dignified and dedicated to the cause Glick was "totally nonviolent, despite the violence directed toward him at the Temple Mount."

* In wake of shooting, sides spar over future of Temple Mount access Violence should not prompt changes to status quo at incendiary site, says left-wing researcher, who was invited by Yehudah Glick to speak at conference where assassination attempt took place .

* Kerry Reiterates Call to Reopen Temple Mount to Muslims In a statement, Secretary of State condemns shooting of Yehuda Glick but also calls 'to maintain the status quo.'

* Latvian Nazi Musical Stirs Jewish Outrage The Jewish community of Latvia has come out in protest of the musical 'glorifying' Nazi Herbert Cukurs, known as the 'Butcher of Riga'.

10/30/14

* 'Gov't Inaction Paved the Way' for Jerusalem Shooting The Temple Institute has condemned last night's attempted murder of Yehudah Glick, a former director of the Institute, and said that Israeli authorities must shoulder their share of the blame for the attack.

* WATCH: Activists try to storm Temple Mount after closure of holy site Some 30 hard-right and Temple Mount activists assembled outside the entrance to the Mughrabi Gate which leads to the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem on Thursday to demonstrate in solidarity with Rabbi Yehuda Glick who was shot on Wednesday night.

* Jordan Accuses Israel of 'State Terrorism' over Temple Mount Ban Jordan on Thursday accused Israel of "state terrorism" after it closed Jerusalem's Temple Mount to Muslim and Jewish visitors alike, following the attempted assassination of a prominent Jewish rights activist.

* Knesset Chair Visits Glick: 'Free Prayer on Temple Mount' Knesset Chairman Yuli Edelstein (Likud) on Thursday went to Shaare Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem to visit Temple Mount activist Yehuda Glick, who was put in critical condition by an assassination attempt in the capital Wednesday night by an Arab terrorist who was later eliminated.

* Jerusalem holy site closure 'declaration of war' - Abbas A spokesman for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has described the closure of a disputed Jerusalem holy site as a "declaration of war".

* Islamic Jihad: Glick incited death of Abu Khdeir; he got what he deserved The Islamic Jihad said on Thursday that the organization supports the struggle for Jerusalem, after it was revealed that the suspect in the shooting of right-wing activist Yehuda Glick was a member of the organization.

* In past interview, Islamic Jihad shooter 'wished to be a thorn in the throat of Zionists' Following his release from an Israeli prison two years ago, Moataz Hejazi, the terrorist suspected of shooting right-wing activist Yehuda Glick on Wednesday night, gave an interview to Palestinian TV Al Quds and was quoted as saying "I wish to be a thorn in the throat of the Zionist plan to Judaize Jerusalem."

* Jewish Agency board of governors feuds with Eckstein Anger at Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein simmered during the Jewish Agency's triannual Board of Governors meeting in Ashkelon on Monday.

* Syria IS: Iraqi Peshmerga fighters 'enter Kobane' Ten Iraqi Kurd Peshmerga fighters have entered the besieged Syrian town of Kobane on the Turkish border, Syrian opposition activists say.

* Abbas's Fatah Calls for 'Day of Rage' Terrorism Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction, held by some as a "moderate" alternative to Hamas, has called for a "day of rage" on Friday through the official PA news source Wafa.

10/29/14

* Iran Says Turkey is Prolonging the Syrian Civil War Iran says Turkey is prolonging the three-year conflict in Syria by insisting on Assad's overthrow.

* White House Rejects Personal Attack on Netanyahu National Security Council says 'chickensh**t' insult to Netanyahu is 'counterproductive,' and 'not the Administration's view.'

* Al Qaeda Targets Oil Tankers, Sea Lanes New call to wage economic jihad against U.S. .

* Officials Reveal US is Cozying Up to Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas US and Arab officials reveal Obama administration's about-face, including backdoor communication and intelligence cooperation.

* IDF Northern Commander: 'Hezbollah Likely Has Terror Tunnels' After playing down threat, IDF acknowledges likelihood of attack tunnels from Lebanon, warning 'can't use Iron Dome there.' .

* TRENDING: MORE COLLEGE STUDENTS SUPPORT POST-BIRTH ABORTION A trend seen by prolife activists that frequently engage college students on campuses nationwide is the growing acceptance of post-birth abortion, or killing the infant after he or she is born.

* Entire High School Class Under Investigation for Neo-Nazism Ninth-graders in Germany had secret WhatsApp group with anti-Semitic slurs and 'Heil Hitler' photos. Parents are horrified.

* PA Official Compares Netanyahu to ISIS Leader, Has VIP Revoked Israel revoked the VIP status of the spokesman for the PA's security forces after he compared PM Binyamin Netanyahu to ISIS leader.

* Were Pope's evolution remarks a break from Catholic teaching? Media coverage presented Francis's speech as a move in a new direction, but it reflects long-standing Church ideas.

* ISIS CASHES IN ON ANTIQUES FROM SHRINES DESTROYED IN IRAQ AND SYRIA The Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) destroys Christian and Muslim shrines and tombs because of idolatry. However, the jihadists know the value of items and manage to sell them to Western antique collectors.

10/28/14

* Mayor Barkat Tours Temple Mount Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat toured the Temple Mount Tuesday together with the commander of the Israel Police's David District, Brig.-Gen. Avi Biton, and City Director Amnon Merhav.

* Waqf condemns mayor's visit to Temple Mount The Islamic Waqf body, which administers the Temple Mount, on Tuesday condemned Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat's visit to the site earlier in the day, charging that it had not been coordinated.

* UN Security Council to Meet over Israeli Building in Jerusalem The UN Security Council will hold an "emergency meeting" on Wednesday to discuss Israeli plans to build more Jewish homes in Jerusalem, diplomats said.

* Islamic State crisis: Peshmerga fighters head to Turkey Iraqi Kurdish forces are travelling to Turkey, from where they plan to cross into Syria to battle Islamic State (IS) militants besieging the town of Kobane.

* Ukraine crisis: Russia to recognise rebel vote in Donetsk and Luhansk Russia says it will recognise the results of controversial separatist elections in eastern Ukraine, which the rebels plan to hold on 2 November.

* Israel's air force the best in the world, study finds Israel's military is the most powerful in the Middle East while its air force ranks second to none globally, according to a new study conducted by military experts for the publication Business Insider.

* US tells Arab allies against ISIS to 'reclaim youth' from extremism Retired US General John Allen, Washington's special envoy to the coalition against Islamic State, worked over sixty international partners in the cause at a conference in Kuwait City on Monday, discussing the progress of their fight against the group and the long haul expected ahead.

* Pope Blesses Work of Exorcists According to Pope Francis, priests devoted to the ministry of exorcism "manifest the Church's love and acceptance of those who suffer because of the devil's works."

* Knesset Speaker: 'American Critics Are Out of Touch' Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein (Likud) sharply criticized the American condemnation of building plans in the Israeli capital of Jerusalem.

* Netanyahu: "We must build in Jerusalem!" Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for a special meeting of the Security Council demanding international intervention to investigate "Israeli attacks" in Jerusalem as well as "attacks" by "Jewish settlers" on the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

10/27/14

* Palestinians Blame Israel for Jerusalem Violence Arab riots and attacks on Jews and Jewish property have been on the rise in Jerusalem for months.

* Jerusalem eternal capital of Palestinian state, says PA's Hamdallah at Temple Mount Hamdallah accused Israel of working toward "Judaizing" Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.

* At Knesset Opening Session, Netanyahu Draws Israel's Red Lines PM vows that Israel will not yield on 3 issues: Jerusalem, Temple Mount, and a Palestinian state without 'mutual recognition.'

* Netanyahu approves over 1,000 new housing units in east Jerusalem 600 units to be constructed in Ramot Shlomo and another 660 to be built in Har Homa, says PMO official.

* PA on east Jerusalem building: Such unilateral acts will lead to an explosion Senior Fatah official Rajoub suggests that the violence seen in Gaza over the summer could repeat itself in the West Bank if Netanyahu continues with such pronouncements.

* Two decades after making peace with Israel, Jordan finds little to celebrate Even as security and economic cooperation flourish, Hashemite kingdom's media looks back at 20 years of peace with anger and frustration .

* Under siege, Egypt looks for allies Sisi was confident he could depend on America's assistance to fight the threat of terror.

* Jordan: 'Settlement' Construction Endangers Peace Agreement Jordanian ambassador says that continued Israeli construction in Judea and Samaria would jeopardize peace agreement.

* French Jews Turn to Krav Maga in Battle Against Anti-Semitism Martial arts program aimed specifically at French Jews to train them, mentally and physically, to fight frequent attacks.

* Palestinian PM visits Temple Mount amid unrest Rami Hamdallah vows "there will not be a Palestinian state without East Jerusalem as its capital," after he and other PA officials receive permission from Netanyahu to tour holy site.

* Pro-Western bloc wins Ukraine elections Ukraine exit polls show a strong win by pro-Western parties, a snub to the far-right, and a surprisingly good result for elements of the former regime.

10/25/14

* Minister Perry Warns: Jerusalem Situation a 'Ticking Time Bomb' Science and Technology Minister Yaakov Perry (Yesh Atid), formerly the head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), warned on Thursday that the situation in Jerusalem is a "ticking time bomb" which will lead to a full-fledged third intifada.

* Jordan Pressing Israel not to Allow Jewish Temple Mount Prayer Jordan's King Abdullah II is pressing Israel not to pass a bill allowing Jews to exercise their religious rights and pray on the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, a senior official of the Hashemite kingdom revealed on Tuesday.

* 'Terror is a Global Epidemic' Says FM after Wednesday Attacks Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman made a connection Thursday morning between the attacks that occurred in Jerusalem and Ottawa - both state capitals - on Wednesday.

* Twenty years on, Israeli-Jordanian peace is troubled, but perseveres Twenty years after Israel signed a historic peace treaty with Jordan, the pact - deeply unpopular among Jordanians - is a strategic partnership both sides are determined to protect, experts say.

* Foreign Affairs: Turkey's elusive promised land and the war on Islamic State By sheer coincidence, the Syrian town of Kobani - where Kurdish and Islamic State fighters have been squaring off in recent weeks - happens to be tucked just west of Haran, the Turkish spot from which Abraham disembarked on his journey to the Promised Land.

* President Sisi says jihadists threaten Egypt's existence Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi says the country is facing a threat to its existence from jihadists after the military suffered the biggest loss of life in decades in attacks in Sinai.

* India picks Israel's Spike anti-tank missile over U.S. Javelin: source India has opted to buy Israel's Spike anti-tank guided missile, a defense ministry source said on Saturday.

* Putin accuses United States of damaging world order Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States on Friday of endangering global security by imposing a "unilateral diktat" on the rest of the world and shifted blame for the Ukraine crisis onto the West.

* Iran: Prospects for reaching nuke deal by deadline not good Iran's top nuclear negotiator and Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Saturday that prospects for reaching a deal on Tehran's nuclear program by the November 24 deadline were not good.

* One capital, two deeply divided cities The sign hanging outside the Silwan home of Abdelrahman al-Shaludi, the terrorist who carried out Wednesday's attack in Jerusalem, placed there after his first release from an Israeli prison in 2013, says a lot about the reality in the eastern part of the city.

10/24/14

* Minister Perry Warns: Jerusalem Situation a 'Ticking Time Bomb' Science and Technology Minister warns that the escalation in Jerusalem is on the verge of becoming a third intifada.

* US to investigate claims IS used 'chemical weapons' in Iraq The United States is to investigate whether militant group Islamic State (IS) used chemical weapons in Iraq, Secretary of State John Kerry has said.

* 'Every Successful Attack Strengthens Arab Terror' Former senior Shabak officer says 'weak hand' in Jerusalem has failed, outlines what must be done to take back the capital.

* Ya'alon snub 'should come as no surprise,' US official says During his visit to Washington, Ya'alon unsuccessfully sought meetings with Vice President Joe Biden, US Secretary of State John Kerry and national security advisor Susan Rice.

* One capital, two deeply divided cities As Hamas tries to spark an intifada in East Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, Israeli police aren't making matters any better.

* NY axe attack: Islamist link probed Police in New York are investigating whether a man who attacked two officers with an axe before being shot dead was linked to Islamist extremism.

* Putin accuses United States of damaging world order Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States on Friday of endangering global security by imposing a "unilateral diktat" on the rest of the world and shifted blame for the Ukraine crisis onto the West.

* Egypt: 29 killed as Sinai attacks target security forces A suspected jihadist car bomb has killed at least 26 Egyptian soldiers at a checkpoint in Sinai, officials say.

* Van Rompuy and Barroso leave EU stage with porcelain plates Herman Van Rompuy and Jose Manuel Barroso said goodbye to EU leaders on Friday (24 October) after attending their final summit as presidents of the EU council and commission.

* Doctor in New York City Is Sick With Ebola A doctor in New York City who recently returned from treating Ebola patients in Guinea became the first person in the city to test positive for the virus Thursday, setting off a search for anyone who might have come into contact with him.

10/23/14

* 'Terror is a Global Epidemic' Says FM after Wednesday Attacks Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman made a connection Thursday morning between the attacks that occurred in Jerusalem and Ottawa - both state capitals - on Wednesday.

* Head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards: All of Israel within missile range Iran has prevented "the Zionist regime's expansion in the region," the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Maj.- Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, said.

* Islamic State crisis: US-led Syria strikes 'kill 553' US-led air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria have killed 553 people since September, UK-based activists say.

* Ottawa shootings: Canada to toughen terror laws Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has vowed to strengthen the nation's terror laws one day after a gunman rampaged through parliament.

* Hamas, Islamic Jihad salute Jerusalem terror attack, threaten new 'Palestinian intifada' in capital Hamas and Islamic Jihad hailed Wednesday's terrorist act by an east Jerusalem resident who rammed his car into a crowd of commuters at a light rail station, killing a three-month old infant and injuring seven others.

* European Rabbis worried over Mideast Christians European Jewry is worried about the security of the Middle East's Christian minority, the leader of a prominent Rabbinical group stated on Thursday.

* Pro-Israel German-language Jewish magazine launches Seated in a cafe in the Hotel Kempinski in the bustling downtown shopping area of Berlin, Dr. Rafael Korenzecher explains why he launched Judische Rundschau, a new German- Jewish monthly magazine.

* Jewish leader compares eastern Ukraine to Gaza The pro-Russian insurgency in Ukraine's Donbass region is "our Gaza," one Ukrainian Jewish leader told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.

* Senior Abbas Aid Lauds Jerusalem Terrorist as a 'Heroic Martyr' A senior aid to Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas applauded the murder of a three-month-old Israeli girl in last night's Jerusalem terrorist attack, and hailed her killer as a "hero."

* Irish Senate Calls for Recognition of 'Palestine' Ireland's upper house of parliament on Wednesday passed a motion calling on the Dublin government to recognize "the state of Palestine", AFP reports.

10/22/14

* Netanyahu blames Abbas incitement for Jerusalem terror attack Prime Minister orders reinforced security forces in capital; politicians on Right action should have been taken earlier to stop violence.

* Ottawa shootings: Soldier killed and city on lockdown A gunman shot and killed a soldier at a war memorial in Ottawa, then ran into the parliament building where he exchanged gunfire with police.

* Turkey's strategic reliability as a NATO ally has become questionable at best Increasing Turkish divergence from U.S., European Union, and Western strategic objectives has given urgency to Western military planning as to how to compensate for the probable lack of access in the near future to Turkish bases, air space, and surface transit options.

* Details Emerge on 'Comprehensive Plan' to Make Jerusalem Safer Police staff, special forces to work together to quell the capital's 'silent intifada,' Jerusalem Police Cmmdr. reveals.

* Syria conflict: '200 air force strikes' in 36 hours The Syrian military has stepped up air strikes on rebel areas dramatically, carrying out more than 200 in recent days, opposition activists say.

* Jordan Pressing Israel not to Allow Jewish Temple Mount Prayer Jordanian ambassador to 'Palestine' reveals diplomatic war against new prayer bill, and vast financial network to Arabize Jerusalem.

* Iran president pledges to back Iraq amid attacks Hosting Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi in his first foreign visit, Hassan Rouhani promises to help defeat Sunni jihadists of Islamic State.

* Should the IDF Go To War For God? God is the source of much tension when it comes to questions of Israel's democratic nature. Yesterday, the Israel Democracy Institute held a public debate on the topic of "the combat ethos of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).".

* IDF patrol comes under fire on Egypt border Two soldiers moderately to seriously injured in attack from Sinai; army returns fire; area residents asked to remain indoors.

* Jordan said working to prevent Jewish prayer at Temple Mount Officials request worldwide assistance to ensure Knesset not ratify a bill that they say would split access to contested holy site.

* EU parliament approves Juncker commission The European Parliament on Wednesday (22 October) approved the new EU commission led by Jean-Claude Juncker, with 423 votes in favour, 209 against and 67 abstentions. Fifty-two MEPs did not vote.

10/21/14

* Iran offers 'compromises' in nuclear talks; West unmoved Iran is pushing what it portrays as a new compromise proposal in nuclear talks, but Western negotiators say it offers no viable concessions, underscoring how far apart the two sides are as they enter crunch time before a Nov. 24 deadline.

* Jordan's King Abdullah warns against Islamic and Zionist extremism Jordan's King Abdullah equated Islamic extremism with "Zionist extremism" in remarks on Monday regarding the fight against terrorism.

* Nine real technologies that will soon be inside you Given the frenzy of interest following the announcement of the Apple Watch, you might think wearables will be the next really important shift in technology.

* Ya'alon: Palestinians Only Want to Destroy the Jewish State The Palestinians have never been interested in a "Two-State solution," Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon stated Tuesday - but only in hurting Israel.

* Police 'Failing' to Allow Jews to Visit the Temple Mount A new report by the Temple Organizations Headquarters harshly criticizes the police for their inability to secure Jewish access to the Temple Mount - the holiest site in Judaism - during the recent Sukkot holiday.

* Rare Roman monument bearing Hadrian's name found in Jerusalem A monumental Roman inscription bearing the name of Emperor Hadrian, which surfaced in Jerusalem during salvage excavations earlier this year, was displayed to the public by the Israel Antiquities Authority on Tuesday.

* ISIS Video: America's Air Dropped Weapons Now in Our Hands In a new video, ISIS shows American-made weapons it says were intended for the Kurds but actually were air dropped into territory they control.

* Iran: Suspected spies arrested near Bushehr nuclear plant Iranian security services have arrested several suspected spies in the southern province of Bushehr where the country's first nuclear power plant is located.

* EU to uphold Russia sanctions EU states decided to uphold sanctions on Russia and to better co-ordinate their response to the Ebola crisis at a meeting of foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday (20 October).

* Abbas Toughens PA Law Against Selling Property to Israelis Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas has toughened the PA law against selling property to Israeli Jews Tuesday.

10/20/14

* Iran FM meets Palestinian Jihad leader, voices support for Palestinian 'resistance' Zarif congratulated Palestinian Jihad head Ramadan Abdullah Shallah for the 'victory' of the resistance in the Gaza war this past summer in a meeting on Sunday in Tehran.

* Confirmed: Israel to Supply Gas to Egypt in $4 Billion Deal Seven-year gas contract to the tune of four billion dollars marks another sign of renewed cooperation between Cairo and Jerusalem.

* PM says Iran poses greater global threat than IS Netanyahu promises no-tolerance policy toward riots in Jerusalem; Rivlin criticizes Jews who moved secretively into Silwan.

* POLITICO POLL: 64% BELIEVE AMERICA IS 'OUT OF CONTROL' A devastating new Politico poll reveals voters believe America has spun off its axis and is "out of control."

* Does Hamas' Renewed Tunnel Digging Concern No One? An official Hamas newspaper, Al-Risalah, openly and proudly acknowledged this week that the terror group had renewed the digging of attack tunnels connecting the Gaza Strip to targeted Jewish communities in southern Israel.

* Pope Francis calls for solidarity with persecuted Christians in Middle East "We cannot resign ourselves to imagining a Middle East without Christians, who have professed the name of Jesus there for over two thousand years," Pope Francis said.

* Islamic State: Turkey to let Iraq Kurds join Kobane fight Turkey is to allow Iraqi Kurdish fighters to cross the Syrian border to fight Islamic State (IS) militants in Kobane, in what is being seen as a policy reversal.

* Ebola crisis: Nigeria declared free of virus Nigeria has been declared officially free of Ebola after six weeks with no new cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

* UN: Uncertain if all Iranian nuke work is peaceful Atomic energy chief says he can't guarantee that nuclear program is only for civilian use.

* Poll: 75% of Israeli Jews oppose return to '67 borders Poll by rightwing think tanks claims that contrary to popular belief and recent polls, majority of Israelis oppose withdrawal to 1967 borders; note shift among leftists.

10/18/14

* Abbas: 'Settlers' have no right to 'desecrate' Temple Mount Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Friday that Israeli "settlers" had no right to "desecrate" the Temple Mount and should be prevented from accessing the site.

* Hamas protesters in Gaza call to 'defend' Temple Mount Hamas organized a demonstration in Gaza City on Friday to call for the defense of the al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount and the alleged "threats" posed to the site by Israel.

* Russia to bolster military presence in former Soviet states The head of the Russian air force has announced Moscow's plans to establish an airbase for fighter jets in eastern Belarus in 2016, according to state media.

* Lebanon dragged into war with Islamic State With all eyes on the Islamic State group's onslaught in Iraq and Syria, a less conspicuous but potentially just as explosive front line with the extremists is emerging in Lebanon.

* Islamic State 'training pilots to fly fighter jets' Iraqi pilots who have joined Islamic State are training its members in Syria to fly three captured fighter jets, according to a UK-based activist group that monitors the conflict.

* Beyond the lines: New opponents, new challenges in the Middle East Hezbollah is under pressure as the consequences of its ongoing intervention in Syria have come back to bite the terrorist organization.

* Iraq crisis: MPs complete unity government Iraqi MPs have approved new defence and interior ministers, completing a unity government that is battling the spread of Islamic State militants.

* Ukraine crisis: 'No breakthrough' in Putin-EU talks The presidents of Russia and Ukraine have held talks with the EU, but there has been no apparent breakthrough on how to end the crisis in Ukraine.

* Ebola Cover-up? African Dies Vomiting on Plane to New York Congressman Peter King (R-NY) is outraged after Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials dismissed Ebola after a "cursory" exam of an African man, who died on a plane to JFK Airport Thursday in a fit of vomiting.

* Religious Venues to be Used for Converting Civil Partnerships to Gay Marriages The government has altered plans to allow gay couples to convert their civil partnerships to marriages, by allowing the conversion ceremony to take place at a range of venues including churches, synagogues, meeting houses, hotels and other registered venues.

10/17/14

* Russia to bolster military presence in former Soviet states Air force chief announces plans for new air base in Belarus, as well as expansion of existing facilities in Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

* "Saddam plotted to kidnap Israeli PM Begin as revenge for Osirak" Former confidant of Iraqi dictator tells London paper about plan to get back at Israel for destroying nuclear facility.

* Watch: Israel Holds Ebola Outbreak Drill at Ben Gurion Airport Ben Gurion simulates arrival of passenger with lethal virus as fears of global outbreak spreading continue to rise.

* ISIS in Jets for First Time, US Reportedly Trains Rebel Pilots Iraqi pilots teaching ISIS to fly MiG's captured in Syria; reports indicate US training 'Middle Eastern' pilots in Arizona to bomb Syria.

* Police Limit Temple Mount Entry Anticipating Friday Riots It's the Muslim day of rest - that means violent riots on Judaism's holiest site. But will police restrictions fail again?

* Ukraine crisis: 'No breakthrough' in Putin-EU talks The presidents of Russia and Ukraine have held talks with the EU, but there has been no apparent breakthrough on how to end the crisis in Ukraine.

* Rev. Billy Graham: "America is Just as Wicked as Sodom and Gomorrah Ever Were" Reverend Billy Graham, arguably the most well-known and respected evangelical preacher of the last 50 years, said in a recently published commentary that America was "founded by men who believed in prayer" and that prayer can turn "the tide of history," adding that while "America is just as wicked as Sodom and Gomorrah and deserves "the judgment of God," this judgment can be lessened through prayer.

* IRAN, RUSSIA HOLD JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE Iran's state television says two Russian warships have left a northern Iranian port after the two countries held a joint, three-day naval exercise in the Caspian Sea.

* Iran's Red Line: Centrifuges for 38 A-Bombs Per Year Arutz Sheva analyzes Ayatollah Khamenei's alarming demands in the talks with the P5+1, as outlined in a graphic he tweeted.

* Hamas protesters in Gaza call to "defend" Temple Mount Islamist group says "dangerous level of Judaization" taking place in Jerusalem .

10/16/14

* UN rights chief: Ebola, Islamic State 'twin plagues' 'Both fomented quietly, neglected by world that knew they existed but misread their potential,' says new top human rights official.

* Report: Islamic State group may have chemical weapons New Israeli research supported by testimonies, photos and experts' analysis suggests that the organization use chemical weapon against the Kurds in Kobani, Syria.

* Islamic Jihad Head Praises Iran Role in Gaza War Against Israel Ramadan Shallah says 'victory' against Israel during summer's Operation Protective Edge due to Iranian support.

* Putin guest of honour at Serbia military parade Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed Russia's support for Serbia on a visit to Belgrade for its first military parade in decades.

* Islamic State 'being driven out of Syria's Kobane' The Islamic State (IS) militant group has been driven out of most of the northern Syrian town of Kobane, a Kurdish commander has told the BBC.

* French MP: Recognizing Palestinian statehood would be 'grave mistake' for Europe "Europe and France specifically refuse to recognize the reality and think that if they recognize a Palestinian state, the conflict will end. When will they wake up?" exclaims Meir Habib.

* Our World: Benny Gantz's troubling assessments Israel is actually facilitating the opening of Gaza's borders and the chief proponent of this policy is IDF chief of staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz.

* PA to ask Security Council for resolution on 67 lines in coming weeks, official says Proposed resolution will call for Israel to withdraw to the pre-1967 lines.

* Iranian intelligence helping Iraq and Syria tackle Islamic State Minister slams Mossad, CIA for spying on Iran's nuclear, military facilities.

* Putin says Western sanctions threaten nuclear 'stability' Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said the Ukraine crisis threatens nuclear 'strategic stability' and global 'economic health'.

10/15/14

* The joy of unease Like a moral barometer or a canary uniquely sensitive to the proverbial coal mine's ethical atmosphere, the status of Jews serves as a critical register of the general health of society.

* Police to Restrict Muslim Entry to Temple Mount Israel Police to restrict the entry of Muslim worshipers to the Temple Mount following intelligence information about planned riots.

* Ya'alon: Palestinians will have autonomy, not statehood Defense minister says he is "managing the conflict," rather than resolving it; stresses there are "no shortcuts" to peace.

* Chag Sameach! Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Starts Tonight Arutz Sheva wishes you a festive end of holiday season, with Shmini Atzeret prayers and lots of Simchat Torah dancing.

* Obama to discuss Islamic State with European leaders US President Barack Obama is to hold a video conference with European leaders to discuss combating Islamic State.

* Arabic prayer inscribed on Turkish jet sparks ISIS panic Incident raisea security fears at Istanbul's Ataturk airport as no security camera footage captured those responsible for mysterious blessings.

* US 'hid Iraq chemical weapons incidents' US troops and Iraqi police were wounded by exposure to abandoned chemical weapons in 2004-11 in a series of incidents largely kept quiet by the Pentagon, a US newspaper has reported.

* French MP: Palestinian Recognition a Slippery Slope French MP Meir Habib blasts 'weakness' of EU against Islamism, warns unilateral recognition of 'Palestine' gives victory to Islamism.

* New Charges Filed Against Benghazi Suspect New charges against Abu Khattala, believed to be behind the Benghazi attack in 2012, include crimes punishable by death.

* Iran opens up about structure of secret services Top nuclear security official thanks secret services for protecting atomic program from sabotage attempting, giving glimpse into secret workings.

10/14/14

* ISIL gets set: 'Up to 10,000 terrorists are ready to attack Baghdad' Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is believed to be preparing a massive assault on Baghdad.

* Iraq: Shia militias 'killing Sunnis in reprisal attacks' Shia militias in Iraq have kidnapped and killed scores of Sunni civilians in recent months, a report by campaign group Amnesty International has said.

* Dozens hurt and arrested after Ukrainian nationalists attack parliament (VIDEO) A mass nationalist protest near the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev has turned violent, with 15 policemen wounded and at least 50 rioters arrested.

* China Military Buildup Shifts Balance of Power in Asia in Beijing's Favor China's decades-long buildup of strategic and conventional military forces is shifting the balance of power in Asia in Beijing's favor and increasing the risk of a conflict, according to a forthcoming report by a congressional China commission.

* Catholic synod: Vatican family review signals shift on homosexuality Senior clerics taking part in a review of Catholic teachings on the family have called on the Church to adopt a more positive stance on homosexuality.

* ISIS threatens to conquer the Vatican, 'break the crosses of the infidels' Online propaganda magazine calls on aspiring jihadists to target the Catholic Church and followers of the Christian faith.

* Islamic State crisis: Kurds 'recapture key Kobane hill' Kurdish fighters battling Islamic State (IS) say they have recaptured a strategically important hilltop west of Kobane on Syria's border with Turkey.

* Turkish jets bomb Kurdish PKK rebels near Iraq Turkish F-16 and F-4 warplanes have bombed Kurdish PKK rebel targets near the Iraqi border, as their ceasefire comes under increasing strain.

* MPs' Palestinian vote sends troubling message, says Israel Israel has warned against sending a "troubling message", after UK MPs voted to recognise Palestinian statehood.

* WHO: 10,000 NEW EBOLA CASES PER WEEK COULD BE SEEN West Africa could face up to 10,000 new Ebola cases a week within two months, the World Health Organization warned Tuesday, adding that the death rate in the current outbreak has risen to 70 percent.

QFTC

10/13/14

* Priestly Blessings Brings Thousands to Temple Mount Tens of thousands of Jewish people from Israel and around the world gathered at the Western Wall of Jerusalem's Temple Mount on Sunday for the biblical priestly blessing that takes place during the festival of Sukkot, otherwise known as the Feast of Tabernacles.

* DEMPSEY: ISIS ALMOST TOOK BAGHDAD AIRPORT Sunday on ABC's "This Week" Sunday, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey said ISIS almost took the Baghdad airport recently.

* PA: We have 7 of 9 Security Council votes needed to force ballot on resolution to end 'occupation' The proposal calls for the full withdrawal of Israel to the pre-1967 lines by November 2016.

* War against Isis: US air strategy in tatters as militants march on World View: American-led air attacks are failing. Jihadis are close to taking Kobani, in Syria - and in Iraq western Baghdad is now under serious threat.

* Arab MK: Temple Mount not holy to Jews As tensions escalate over holy site, Jewish MK calls for exclusive Israeli sovereignty over mountain .

* Turkey 'allows Syria rebel training' Turkey has agreed to allow moderate Syrian rebels to be trained on its soil, the US says, in its bid to combat Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

* ISIS Magazine: Islam Calls for Sexual Slavery English-language digital publication of jihadist group says raping and sexual enslaving non-Muslim women is simply part of Islam.

* Police Storm Temple Mount, Lock Rioters in Mosque Large police force surprises Muslim rioters who tried unsuccessfully to prevent them from locking them in Al Aqsa.

* Iran's Ayatollah: Zionism, US and 'wicked' Britain created ISIS "America, Zionism, and the veteran expert of spreading divisions - the wicked government of Britain - have sharply increased their efforts of creating divisions between the Sunnis and Shi'ites."

* Netanyahu Slams Ban Ki-Moon's 'Occupation' Remarks PM fires at UN's muddling of basic facts regarding Gaza. 'There is no occupation of Gaza, because we withdrew,' he explains.

10/11/14

* Kotel Rabbi: 'Temple Mount has Turned into a Terror Base' Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rabbi of the Kotel (Western Wall) and Holy Sites, decried the Arab attempts to wreck the week-long Sukkot holiday by launching violent riots against police and Jewish visitors on the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism.

* Kobane: Islamic State battles to encircle Syrian Kurds Gunfire and explosions can be heard from the Syrian border town of Kobane where Islamic State fighters are trying to encircle its Kurdish defenders.

* Hamas and Fatah Meet in Gaza: 'The Division is Over' The Palestinian Authority (PA) unity government held its first full cabinet meeting on Thursday in Gaza, and despite the recent massive tensions between "unity partners" Fatah and Hamas, both groups claimed the years of division are now over.

* Kobani's fall would be symbolic setback for Obama Syria strategy A US-led coalition has launched 50 strikes against militant positions around the city, most of those in the last four days.

* Could ISIS Target the West with Ebola? Islamic State (ISIS) could be planning to use biological warfare against the West, a military expert stated earlier this week - by introducing the Ebola virus into the camps of its enemies.

* Russia Deploying Tactical Nuclear Arms in Crimea Russia is moving tactical nuclear weapons systems into recently-annexed Crimea while the Obama administration is backing informal talks aimed at cutting U.S. tactical nuclear deployments in Europe.

* Report: 'Foreign country' behind Iran military center blast Diplomats claim that the mysterious blast which rocked a top secret Iranian military base at the beginning of the week was the work of a foreign nation and could have prevented attempts by the Islamic Republic to test unconventional warheads.

* Christian Clerics to Europe: Recognize 'Palestine' Three leading Christian clerics in Israel on Friday called on more European governments to recognize "Palestine" as a state with eastern Jerusalem as its capital.

* Christian MPs from 16 countries to show support for Israel in Jerusalem conference Christian parliamentarians from around the world will show their support for Israel this week in a Christian Allies Caucus conference in Jerusalem.

* Kobani's Kurds dig in, while Lebanon fears invasion Iraq, Syria and Lebanon the Middle East war against the Islamic State is being waged on several fronts.

10/10/14

* Kotel Rabbi: 'Temple Mount has Turned into a Terror Base' Temple Mount merely 'a platform for political struggle' for Arabs says rabbi of the Kotel, calling on world to condemn violence.

* Police Prepare for Friday, Holiday Rioting on Temple Mount Arab men over the age of fifty banned entry from Judaism's holiest site, after Wednesday clashes left four wounded.

* Report: 'Foreign country' behind Iran military center blast Kuwaiti report says that blast at Iran's Parchin military complex - rumored to be connected to Iran's alleged nuclear program - was perpetrated by a foreign country.

* Europe at risk of 'huge number' of returning jihadist fighters The EU is planning to step up border checks and passport controls to counter the threat of returning jihadist fighters.

* Up to 700 trapped in Syrian Kurdish town of Kobane, UN says The UN special envoy to Syria has warned that up to 700 people, mainly elderly, are still trapped in the Syrian border town of Kobane.

* Christian Clerics to Europe: Recognize 'Palestine' Arab Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Lutheran prelates in Israel tell Europe to force through Arab state with Jerusalem as capital.

* Could ISIS Target the West with Ebola? Military expert says infecting carriers with the virus is remarkably easy - and could be easy to weaponize.

* Palestinian PM "weeps" in Gaza, vows to help rebuild it In unity government's first meeting in war-torn territory, Hamdallah reaches out to Gazans, says cooperation more important than disagreements.

* US military planes arrive in Ebola hot zone British authorities to introduce "enhanced" screening of travelers at London airports and Eurostar train stations.

* POLL: 58% WANT FLIGHTS FROM EBOLA COUNTRIES BANNED An NBC News poll released Thursday reveals an American public unhappy with the Obama Administration's response to the terrible Ebola outbreak in West Africa, and the potential for the same to occur here.

10/9/14

* First Day of Sukkot Celebrated Millions of Jews began on Wednesday to celebrate the seven-day holiday of Sukkot in which they construct booths called sukkot (singular: sukkah) near their homes.

* UK Set to Recognize 'Palestine' on Monday? British lawmakers on Monday will take part in a non-binding vote to recognize "Palestine," after Sweden made a storm by likewise pledging its commitment to recognize a Palestinian state late last Friday on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

* Temple Mount Melee Leaves 4 Police Wounded Arab Muslims set an ambush for Jewish and other non-Muslim visitors as they attempted to ascend Jerusalem's Temple Mount on Wednesday to mark the start of the biblical holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles.

* Kobane: Air strikes 'stall IS advance' on Syrian border town US-led forces have continued air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants near the besieged Syrian Kurdish border town of Kobane.

* Iran still seeking nuclear arms, opposition group says Iranian dissidents said that Tehran is still researching nuclear arms at facilities it relocated to escape detection.

* PLO: Global public opinion backs recognizing 'Palestine' A senior Palestinian official said on Thursday that European moves toward recognizing an independent "Palestine" would bring them in line with global public opinion.

* US frustrated by Turkish inaction against Islamic State, but seeks support over time The United States is frustrated by Turkey's failure to stop the Islamic State onslaught on the Syrian town of Kobani but hopes to win its support against the group over time, a US official said on Wednesday.

* Hamas and Fatah Meet in Gaza: 'The Division is Over' The Palestinian Authority (PA) unity government held its first full cabinet meeting on Thursday in Gaza, and despite the recent massive tensions between "unity partners" Fatah and Hamas, both groups claimed the years of division are now over.

* Internet giants discuss jihad with EU ministers High ranking officials from Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Microsoft met with EU interior ministers and the European Commission at a private dinner in Luxembourg to discuss ways to counter online jihadist propaganda.

* CDC Chief: Intensity of Ebola Spread Unseen Since AIDS (AFP) The deadly spread of Ebola in West Africa is something unseen since the outbreak of AIDS, Thomas Frieden, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday.

10/8/14

* Kobane: IS and Syria Kurds in fierce gun battles Kurdish fighters are engaged in fierce gun battles with Islamic State (IS) in the Syrian border town of Kobane, as US-led coalition air strikes continue.

* China Just Overtook The US As The World's Largest Economy Sorry, America. China just overtook the US to become the world's largest economy, according to the International Monetary Fund.

* In Jerusalem, a glimpse of Newton's apocalypse, smuggled Syrian bibles, Kafka's Hebrew As it pioneers a worldwide initiative to digitize every Hebrew manuscript in existence, Israel's National Library offers a rare and tantalizing sight of its most prized treasures.

* POPE FRANCIS: THE DEVIL WORKS TO DIVIDE CHRISTIANS Divisions among Christians "hurt the Church and they wound Christ," Pope Francis said to tens of thousands of visitors gathered in Saint Peter's Square Wednesday morning.

* 'Blood Moon' lunar eclipse seen in Americas and E Asia A total lunar eclipse has been visible across much of the Americas and Asia, resulting in a dramatic "Blood Moon".

* EU set to reassess ties if Israel doesn't move on peace Fed up with settlement expansion, officials in Brussels are working on punitive measures to be implemented as soon as the political leadership wants to do so.

* Rioters hole up in mosque amid fierce Temple Mount melee. Flammable liquid sprayed at police; four officers lightly hurt as masked youths throw Molotov cocktails, stones; 15 protesters arrested.

* US Ebola patient Thomas Duncan dies in hospital The first person to be diagnosed with Ebola within the US has died, Texas hospital officials have said.

* GOP Rep: "At Least Ten ISIS Fighters Have Been Caught Coming Across The Mexican Border" Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., says that at least ten fighters for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria have been apprehended while attempting to enter the southern U.S. border.

* Kobane: IS and Syria Kurds in fierce gun battles Kurdish fighters are engaged in fierce gun battles with Islamic State (IS) in the Syrian border town of Kobane, as US-led coalition air strikes continue.

10/07/14

* Palestinian official laments Israeli 'violation' of Temple Mount Hanan Ashrawi says plans to open a second gate to compound for non-Muslims could spark 'disastrous' regional clashes.

* Feiglin invites public to join him on Temple Mount Likud MK Moshe Feiglin will celebrate Succot on the Temple Mount and other legislators will host parties in their Succa in political events that take advantage of the holiday.

* Hezbollah Claims Bomb Attack on Israel-Lebanon Border Shia terrorist group claims responsibility for explosion which injured two soldiers; no injuries reported in second explosion.

* Analysis: The secret campaign Now we wait for satellite images to clarify what happened in Iran; Naturally the attention is turned again to Israel and the State of Israel stays silent.

* Boy at Fatah Ceremony: 'Destroy, Shock, Burn and Set Fire' Palestinian Authority incitement continues at Fatah ceremony marking the anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacre.

* Iranian activist: Blast at Parchin is a failure for Iran's Revolutionary Guard Exiled Iranian opposition figure says regime trying to cover up facts of blast at suspected nuclear facility, but sources tell him it was sabotage.

* British parliament to hold symbolic vote on Palestine status Britain does not class it as a state, but says it could do so at any time if it believed it would help the peace process between the Palestinians and Israel.

* Kurds protest against Turkey as IS advances on Kobane Kurds across Turkey have vented their anger at the government's lack of military support for the defenders of the Syrian border town of Kobane being attacked by Islamic State militants.

* Secret stash of Islamic State flags unearthed in Israel Bag containing 50 flags seemingly belonging to Islamic State group found in Galilee industrial area; mayor: When something like this is discovered in heart of a Jewish city it should raise serious concerns.

* Swedish Recognition of 'Palestine' - A Sign of Things to Come? European policy expert says Swedish recognition of 'Palestinian statehood' offers a glimpse into the PA's 'political war' against Israel.

10/6/14

* Jatt Imam: Islam Will Take Over World in a Decade A senior Israeli Muslim religious leader called terrorists of the Islamic State (IS) "brothers" of Muslims in Israel.

* Hamas: Give Us the West Bank and We'll Destroy Israel For any who are still curious why Israel doesn't simply acquiesce to Palestinian demands for an independent state and end the conflict, Hamas once again happily provided the answer in a revealing interview with Arab media last week.

* Massive blast reported at suspected Iranian nuke facility Two reportedly killed in explosion at secretive Parchin site that shatters windows 12 kilometers away.

* Kobane: IS 'may soon take Syria-Turkey border town' The key Syria-Turkey border town of Kobane might fall to Islamic State (IS) fighters soon, an official there has told the BBC.

* Source: Hezbollah loses 10 fighters in Sunday clashes with Nusra Front The death toll was one of the highest the group has suffered in a single action since it said it would fight alongside the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

* Pope Francis' Family Synod Forgoes Flash for Spiritual Depth It can be easy to fixate on the idea that the Extraordinary Synod on the Family beginning in Rome this week is purely about Catholic Church politics.

* U.S. Supreme Court declines to intervene in gay marriage cases The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up the hotly contested issue of gay marriage, a surprise move that will allow gay men and women to marry in five states where same-sex weddings were previously banned.

* PM's Bible study group touches on God's promise of Israel to the Jews When Education Minister Shai Piron alluded to the commentary in passing, Netanyahu urged - jokingly - for him to continue.

* Birthrates among Christians, Muslims, Jews show new trends in Israel The average Muslim bride is only 21.9 years old, whereas the average Christian bride is 25.4 years old.

* Latest Tom Cruise movie has Shi'a Islamic values, says Iranian news outlet Cruise's character William Cage shares characteristics with the Imam Mahdi, Mashregh writes.

10/3/14

* Israel shuts down, police on alert ahead of Yom Kippur Commissioner Yohanan Danino calls on members of all faiths to respect both High Holiday and Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha.

* JPost Special: Yom Kippur War through the archives See historical articles from "The Jerusalem Post" before, during and after the memorable 1973 conflict.

* Netanyahu: War on terror won't be over unless Iran is contained along with IS PM says West must not allow Tehran to use anti-IS fight as leverage in nuclear talks, warns radical Islam will be even bigger threat with nukes in tow.

* Arab MK Calls for Establishment of 'United Islamic States' Sarsour says Israel and US are 'crueler than ISIS' while Hamas is 'moderate,' calls for global Islamic caliphate system.

* Israel Observes Yom Kippur Israelis and Jews around the world are observing Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, which began at sundown Friday.

* Sweden to be first EU country to recognize Palestine PA urges others in Europe to follow suit; US calls such a step 'premature'.

* US appeals court backs Texas abortion restrictions A US appeals court has ruled Texas can enforce restrictions on abortion clinics under a contested state law.

* US maintains criticism of Jerusalem housing units State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki says that despite Netanyahu's rejection of criticism, US 'has its information clear' regarding housing units in southern Jerusalem.

* Ya'alon: We'll Build in Jerusalem And Won't Apologize for It Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon clarifies that Israel will continue to build in Jerusalem despite international criticism over the move.

* EXCLUSIVE: THOUSANDS FROM EBOLA NATIONS ALLOWED TO ENTER US WITHOUT ADDITIONAL SCREENING Over 3,500 passengers from Ebola affected nations have been allowed to enter the U.S. without any special screening since January 1, 2014, according to a leaked internal intelligence report from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Intelligence and Liaison exclusively obtained by Breitbart Texas.