3/31/15

* Netanyahu: World Closing its Eyes to Iranian Aggression Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has once again waved the red flag regarding the deal currently in discussion with Iran over its nuclear program.

* 'If We Concede Mount of Olives, We Concede Jerusalem' Menachem Lubinsky, co-chairman for the International Committee of the Preservation of Har HaZeitim, spoke to Arutz Sheva this week -- and explained the true story behind the official policies at the Mount of Olives.

* Anonymous threatens Israel with 'electronic Holocaust' in response 'to crimes in the Palestinian territories' The cyber activist group Anonymous has issued a chilling video statement threatening Israel with an 'electronic Holocaust' in response to what it calls 'crimes in the Palestinian territories'.

* Carter: Pentagon Would Cooperate with Unified Arab Force The United States supports Arab plans to create a unified military force to counter growing security threats in the Middle East, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said on Monday, according to Reuters.

* Tourists stay away from Petra amid Jordan security fears It's high season in Petra, an ancient city hewn from rose-colored rock and Jordan's biggest tourist draw.

* 20th Knesset to be sworn in during celebratory first meeting Some 39 new MKs are to swear allegiance to the Knesset, along with 81 veterans on Tuesday afternoon in the 20th Knesset's celebratory first meeting.

* Turkey power cut hits big cities A massive power cut has hit dozens of provinces across Turkey, with officials saying a break in connections with mainland Europe could be to blame.

* Jerusalem Land Day event low on turnout, high on rage DAMASCUS GATE, East Jerusalem - The Land Day demonstration, an annual protest against state confiscation of privately owned Arab land, all but ended 15 minutes after it began.

* Top Palestinian religious leader urges 'liberation' of land The top religious leader in the Palestinian Authority recently said it was the duty of Muslims to "liberate" Palestine from Israelis.

* Austria: 14-year-old Muslim charged with plotting jihad mass murder attacks He is "deeply radicalized and defended his beliefs." In response, they sent him to psychological counseling.

3/30/15

* Iran nuclear talks intensify as key deadline nears Talks have resumed in Switzerland ahead of Tuesday's deadline for a preliminary nuclear deal with Iran.

* Iran deal worse than Israel feared, Netanyahu says PM warns of 'Iran-Lausanne-Yemen axis'; Defense minister warns of "tragedy for moderate regimes in Middle East and entire Western world".

* Arab League agrees to create joint military force The heads of Arab League countries meeting in Egypt have agreed to create a joint Arab military force.

* Pursuit of Jewish Rights on the Mount is Challenge for Jordan Jordan is used to the status quo in Jerusalem, but it might have to overcome its own pride and soon accept Jewish demands for change.

* Take a Sneak Peak at Israel's Secret Submarine Fleet Israel's nuclear-capable INS Tanin able to operate deep within enemy territory - to lethal effect.

* American-Israeli Rabbi compares Obama to Haman Shlomo Riskin of Efrat says Obama disrespectful to Netanyahu, Israel, 'future of world.'

* Putin: Russia Ready to Help 'Palestine' Become Reality In address to Arab League on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed his country's plan to help Palestinians achieve statehood.

* Israel Sees Another War With Hezbollah Soon Israel's next war is likely to be fought against Lebanon's Hezbollah terrorist militia, according to Israeli military sources who spoke to the Walla news portal.

* White House in a fight for authority over Iran deal Officials in the administration are said to be ramping up their efforts for congressional support before a March 31 deadline.

* Don't leave Serbia to Russia and China For a variety of good reasons, European leaders are focusing their attention on the war in Ukraine. At the same time, the Western Balkans, where Europe's last war was staged, have fallen to the bottom of the European agenda, as have discussions on EU enlargement.

3-28-15

* Yemen is just part of Iran's Mideast master plan Operation Storm of Resolve, designed to rescue Yemen President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's regime from the clutches of the Houthi rebels, began with an exercise in misdirection.

* France to begin push for UN resolution on Israel-Palestine in 'coming weeks' France plans to start discussions with partners in the "coming weeks" on a United Nations Security Council resolution to lay out the parameters for ending the Middle East conflict, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Friday.

* Saudis pounds Yemen rebel camps, Arab allies gather Saudi-led coalition warplanes bombed rebel camps in Yemen for a second day on Friday, as President Barack Obama said the United States shared a "collective goal" with its regional ally to see stability in the war-torn state.

* Watch: Child Reveals PA School Play Teaches 'To Kill Jews' In a broadcast from a school in Hevron holding a theater contest that was meant to use "culture" to teach children to boycott Israeli products, a boy interviewed said "I came to rehearse the play in order to boycott Israeli products and fight the Jews, kill them, and defeat them," as translated by Palestinian Media Watch (PMW).

* Saudi Arabia says it won't rule out building nuclear weapons Saudi Arabia will not rule out building or acquiring nuclear weapons, the country's ambassador to the United States has indicated.

* Hamas Denounces EU Decision to Keep it on Terror Blacklist Hamas on Friday denounced a European Union decision to keep the group and de facto Gaza ruler on its terrorism blacklist, despite a court ordering its removal.

* Israeli official brands emerging Iran deal as 'incomprehensibly' bad As Iran hailed "massive progress" toward a deal on its nuclear program, an Israeli official described the terms of the looming agreement as "incomprehensibly" bad and rejected the Obama administration's contention that it would keep the regime a year away from accumulating enough fissile material for a bomb.

* Obama "blowing up our alliances to secure a deal that paves Iran's way to a bomb" A series of conversations between top American and French officials, including between President Obama and French President Francois Hollande, have seen Americans engage in behavior described as bullying by sources who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon.

* US to Syrians: IS will grind you into meat The Pentagon released on Thursday night copies of graphic of leaflets it dropped on the Syrian city of Raqqa this month, a stronghold of the Islamic State, in an attempt to discourage recruitment by the group.

* Politics: Netanyahu's coalition vision - From slavery to freedom? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu probably thought, back in December, that he was organizing the perfect Passover for himself - in which he could celebrate going from the slavery to freedom, or from running a combative coalition that was no longer able to get anything done to heading a manageable government of his "natural partners," the Right and the haredim.

3/27/15

* FB page hails pilot who deliberately crashed plane as Islamic State hero Muslims and Leftists are furious today that some people have been asking about mass murdering pilot Andreas Lubitz's religion - as if it is offensive on its face even to inquire whether or not Lubitz was killing for Islam and jihad.

* Anti-Israel hackers promise "electronic Holocaust" Hacking group Op-Israel says it will 'erase the Zionist entity from cyberspace'; targets include government and army websites.

* Regional war in Yemen challenges Iran talks US said to be aiming for agreement by March 29.

* U.S. Caves to Key Iranian Demands as Nuke Deal Comes Together Limited options for Congress as Obama seeks to bypass lawmakers.

* Arab nations agree on unified military force amid Yemen fighting, Egyptian TV reports Yemeni president lands in Riyadh; not certain if he will be able to return to Aden.

* Switzerland to Bankroll Hamas, Report Suggests Switzerland has put together a generous financial package to prop up the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip after billions in promised foreign donations following last summer's Gaza war failed to materialize.

* Arabs inch closer to old dream of joint force As Saudi Arabia strikes Yemeni rebels, leaders discuss plans to counter Iran and Islamic State.

* As nuke talks enter critical round, Rouhani calls world leaders urging deal Iran claims "understanding" reached, while US uncertain; Israeli plea for suspension of talks over Tehran support for Yemen rebels ignored.

* SAUDIS COULD BE SHOPPING FOR NUKES IN PAKISTAN Iran will not be the last Middle Eastern nation to get atomic weapons after President Obama formalizes the collapse of Western resistance to nuclear proliferation. Also, they probably won't be the first.

* Turkey's Erdogan says can't tolerate Iran bidding to dominate Middle East Erdogan urges Iran to withdraw forces from Yemen and other Middle Eastern nations.

3-26-15

* Germanwings plane crash: Co-pilot 'wanted to destroy plane' The co-pilot of the Germanwings flight that crashed in the French Alps, named as Andreas Lubitz, appeared to want to "destroy the plane", officials said.

* US Declassifies Document Revealing Israel's Nuclear Program In a development that has largely been missed by mainstream media, the Pentagon early last month quietly declassified a Department of Defense top-secret document detailing Israel's nuclear program.

* EU report blames Israel for Jerusalem violence An internal EU report heaps blame on Israel for last year's violence in Jerusalem, contains dire warnings on the two-state solution, and recommends sanctions.

* Saudi Arabia, allies, launch air campaign in Yemen against Houthi fighters Saudi Arabia launched air strikes in Yemen on Thursday in coalition with Gulf region allies to counter Iran-backed forces besieging the southern city of Aden, where the US-supported Yemeni president had taken refuge.

* Arab leaders confronted with multiple crises at summit Arab leaders meeting at a summit this week face rapidly deteriorating conflicts in Yemen and Libya, but have yet to agree on a concrete plan to counter a growing threat from Islamist militant groups and regional chaos.

* Iran expands regional 'empire' ahead of nuclear deal With Iran moving closer to a deal with world powers to constrain its nuclear program in return for an end to sanctions.

* 'States preparing cyber-attack options to cripple enemies' infrastructure' States are increasingly setting up cyber-attack options targeting their enemies' critical systems, a senior cybersecurity expert warned in recent days.

* 'Furious 7' and How Peter Jackson's Weta Created Digital Paul Walker Re-creating the franchise's late star joins a new front in Hollywood's decades-long effort to create a fully realistic CG actor.

* 'Ritual Talmudic Dance' in Jordan Airport Sparks Furor A group of Israeli Jews sparked rage in Jordan on Tuesday morning in an incident at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Their "controversial act" - dancing in a circle, playing a guitar and singing.

* Poll Shows Palestinians Hope for Intifada, Rocket Attacks A new survey of Palestinian attitudes show that the vast majority harbor exceedingly violent feelings against Israeli Jews.

* Israeli scientists crack the mystery of Saturn's day Israeli scientists have solved the mystery of Saturn's days, determining that one day on the planet lasts 10 hours and a little more than 32 minutes - seven minutes shorter than originally calculated.

3/25/15

* Jerusalem at boiling point of polarisation and violence - EU report Leaked report says city more divided than at any time since 1967 and calls for consideration of tougher sanctions over settlement building.

* Germanwings plane crash: Leaders visit Alps site The German, French and Spanish leaders have arrived together in the French Alps to visit the scene where a Germanwings plane crashed on Tuesday, killing all 150 on board.

* Jordan and Russia Sign Deal on Nuclear Power Plant Russia to build Jordan's first nuclear power plant, with two 1,000-megawatt reactors in the country's north.

* Jewish establishment sounds alarm as White House rhetoric intensifies Leading figures in Washington's pro-Israel community are calling on the Obama administration to turn down the temperature.

* Saudi Arabia Could Buy the Bomb Experts fear the first country to go nuclear after a deal won't be Iran, but Saudi Arabia.

* Congress announces launch of task-force to combat anti-Semitism Force will seek to counter the escalation of anti-Semitic acts internationally.

* Iran isn't providing needed access or information, nuclear watchdog says The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said that Iran has failed to provide the information or access needed to allay the agency's concerns about the weapons potential of the country's nuclear program.

* Ron Lauder: Anti-Semitism in Europe akin to 1930s WJC head tells congressional committee that US cannot sit idly by as attacks targeting Jews on the up.

* Netanyahu will name Kahlon as finance minster, Likud says Prime Minister meets with 'natural partners' to hear their demands, awaiting official request by President Rivlin to form next govenrment.

* ISIS 'Flaunts' its Child Soldier Brigades ISIS has already trained over 400 kids to be jihadists in 2015 alone, with all-child battle units to gather intel, go on suicide missions.

3/24/15

* US test-fires intercontinental missile in California An intercontinental ballistic missile was fired early Monday from a facility in California, the US Air Force announced, saying the tests were a message to the world about Washington's nuclear capabilities.

* Tajik Muslims in Islamic State threaten jihad at home and at Kremlin "One masked militant said that the video was the militants' final address from Syria and Iraq and that their next video could be filmed 'from the mountains of Tavildara in central Tajikistan, or the Tajik capital, Dushanbe - or even from the Kremlin.'"

* South Syrian rebels say Assad foes are supplying more arms Mainstream rebels in southern Syria say foreign states have stepped up weapons supplies to them since Damascus launched an offensive early last month to regain the frontier zone near Jordan and Israel.

* Top White House official calls for end to '50-year occupation' White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough called for the end of Israel's "50 year occupation" and doubled down on the Obama administration's critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a warmly received speech to the lobbying group J Street in Washington Monday.

* Military Officials Say Hezbollah on the Brink of War The Lebanon-Israel border has been relatively quiet over the past several months, with no incidents recorded since January.

* 'Cubs of the Caliphate' - ISIS recruits 400 children since January Islamic State has recruited at least 400 children in Syria in the past three months and given these so-called "Cubs of the Caliphate" military training and hardline indoctrination, a monitoring group said on Tuesday.

* Was There a Nazi Hideout in Argentina? An Argentine archaeologist who discovered what he thinks was a hideout built for German Nazis to flee to after World War II said Monday more dark secrets may be buried there, AFP reported.

* West Bank hasbara: Settlers host Israeli diplomats A large group of Israeli ambassadors and diplomats, who will soon leave for missions abroad, met on Monday with leaders of settler groups in the West Bank for an educational tour as part of their preparations for their trip overseas.

* Islamic State Steps Up Recruitment of Women and Girls Around 10 percent of foreigners who have traveled from abroad to join the Islamic State (IS) are women and girls, according to a new report that sheds light on the terror group's increased efforts to recruit women into its ranks.

* IDF places training for war back at top of priorities IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot has issued a directive ordering the military to place training for war at the top of its priority list.

3/23/15

* Netanyahu apologizes to Arab Israelis for Election Day remarks On Election Day PM urged Right-wing to go vote as Arab voters were going "en masse to the polls."

* Islamic Jihad gaining strength in the West Bank According to IDF assessments, new generation of Fatah Tanzim could pose threat to Israel in the future

* Rivlin to task Netanyahu with forming coalition after PM wins 67 recommendations Kulanu and Yisrael Beytenu back Netanyahu as PM on Monday, securing his place atop new government.

* State Dept. Mocked for 'Over the Top' Condolences to Rouhani 'Are you sending flowers as well?' AP's Matt Lee rips into White House for 'laying it on thick' after Iranian president's mother dies.

* McCain: Congress could defund UN if US backs Palestine bid Senior senator says Obama should 'get over his temper tantrum' after Netanyahu's victory.

* Gaza Belt Residents Hear Digging, Say They Don't Trust IDF Multiple residents say they are living on adrenaline after IDF repeatedly denies finding evidence of tunnels despite digging sounds.

* Egypt's Sisi again calls for 'religious revolution' Sisi also called for countering 'extremist' views and erroneous religious beliefs, adding that the Islamic value of tolerance must be promoted.

* Battle for Tikrit key to Iraq's future Last week Iraqi defence officials and Shia military commanders were confidently predicting the fall of Tikrit within a matter of days.

* Germany Anchors Israel's Relationship with Europe Berlin is still inclined to support Israeli positions, but Jerusalem needs to nurture its relationship with younger Germans.

* Steinitz says 'bad deal' with Iran is likely Strategic affairs minister to lobby for tougher accord before world powers resume talks with Tehran over its nuclear program.

3/21/15

* Iran deal or no deal, the global nuclear Pandora's box has reached a far more dangerous stage From Beijing, to Islamabad and Moscow, new technology has made old nuclear standoffs more unpredictable,unstable and pervasive.

* ISIS capitalizes on Libya security vacuum, establishes 'legitimate foothold' - State Dept. Amid a chaotic situation in Libya three years after the US-led NATO operation toppled Colonel Gaddafi, Washington is voicing strong concerns over the growing influence of Islamic State radicals in the country.

* TV report: Obama left PM 'with impression US will abandon Israel at UN' Israeli sources detail president's 'difficult' 30-minute post-election call to Netanyahu, posit grave scenarios for diplomatic rupture.

* 'Breathtaking' solar eclipse witnessed by millions Millions of people in the UK and northern Europe have glimpsed the best solar eclipse in years.

* Iran's Supremo: Introduce youth of US, Europe to 'Islam of jihad' The way things are going, given the denial and self-deception of our leaders and the mainstream media, and the complacency and ignorance they've fostered among the people, the youth of America and Europe will be introduced to the Islam of jihad soon enough. 

* EU Planning Sanctions on Israel for 'Polarizing Jerusalem' Leaked EU report blames Israel's "settlement activity" for the situation in Jerusalem, recommends sanctions.

* Drills for me but not for thee: NATO launches war games near Russian border Despite being quick to condemn Russian military manoeuvers, NATO is conducting wide-scale war games in the Baltic states and creating a 'line of troops' across Eastern Europe. 

* UN's Ban to Netanyahu: Commit to two-state solution with the Palestinians The secretary-general also urged the prime minister to release the PA tax revenue held by Israel.

* Arab League to discuss Israeli elections at Cairo meeting  Nabil Elaraby says Palestinians should consider renewed request to Security Council to recognize Palestine

* France says deal with Iran must be robust, guarantee no atomic bomb French FM says that 'insufficiently solid' accord could lead to 'dangerous nuclear proliferation' as Rouhani determines 'there is nothing that cannot be resolved' in talks.

3/20/15

* Obama tells Iran of 'historic' opportunity US President Barack Obama has told the Iranian people that a deal to transform the relationship between the two countries could be within reach.

* UN warns of new conflict on Israel-Lebanon border Security Council urges "maximum calm and restraint" from both sides after January cross-border attack by Hezbollah.

* In call, Obama tells Netanyahu he will reassess US policy on Mideast peace Days after Netanyahu's victory, US President Obama calls him.

* Partial solar eclipse to be visible in Israel on Friday Friday's solar eclipse will be the last one visible in Israel until 2020.

* 'We can't forget' Netanyahu comments on Palestinian statehood, US says After Netanyahu seems to backtrack on his original remarks, White House press secretary says PM's statement during election campaign call into question his commitment to the pursuit of peace.

* Why the Likud Won On the morning of Election Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to be interviewed on Israel's Channel 10, but not before requesting that reporter Ben Caspit leave the studio.

* Iran limited to 6K centrifuges in draft accord Draft of agreement between US and Iran on nuclear program would force Iran to cut hardware by 40% for 10 years in exchange for removal of sanctions.

* 'Breathtaking' solar eclipse witnessed by millions Millions of people in the UK and northern Europe have glimpsed the best solar eclipse in years.

* EU gears up for propaganda war with Russia The European Union is set to launch a first operation in a new propaganda war with Russia within days of EU leaders giving formal approval to the campaign at a summit on Thursday.

* Archaeologists find rare bronze mask near Sea of Galilee Artifact found outside ancient city depicts Greek god Pan, is said to be of extraordinary size.

3/19/15

* UN: ICC should prosecute ISIS for genocide, war crimes in Iraq In a report based on interviews with more than 100 alleged victims and witnesses, UNHRC urges UN Security Council to refer the situation to the ICC for prosecution of perpetrators.

* Abbas: Two-state solution impossible under Netanyahu's rule PA president points to PM's remarks as "proof" that the next Israeli government will not seriously attempt to resolve the Mideast conflict.

* Arab world on Netanyahu win: 'Israel voted for occupation, clung to radicalism' Arab media outlets slam reelection of prime minister, congratulate Arab party and question future of peace process.

* Obama Lays Down Punishment on Netanyahu Obama administration officials announce the US may agree to UN draft resolution ordering two-state solution, after Netanyahu victory.

* From Tel Aviv to Turtle Bay The White House hoped a new Israeli prime minister would resume peace talks with the Palestinians. 

* United States Kills Al-Shabaab Leader in Somalia Defense Department confirms it killed Adan Garar, a leader of the Somali terror group Al-Shabaab.

* 'Get ready for Erdogan's caliphate,' official in Turkey's ruling party says 'Get ready for Erdogan's caliphate,' official in Turkey's ruling party says

* Israeli Christians: We'll No Longer Live a Lie The National Zionist Congress for Youth convened last week to discuss the phenomenon of emigration from the Land of Israel.

* Why Chinese investment is soaring in Europe Today, it is the EU - not the US - that is Beijing's most important technology partner. As the euro weakens, Chinese investments in Europe will increase.

* 'Almost Final' Results Published by Elections Committee Likud takes final victory with 30 mandates against Zionist Union's 24; final results to be published by Elections Committee on March 25.

3-18-15

* Israel election: Netanyahu's Likud storms to victory Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party has won a surprise victory in Israel's election.

* Israel election: Netanyahu 'to form coalition in weeks' Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu has said he hopes to form a new governing coalition within two or three weeks after securing a surprise win in elections.

* White House knocks 'divisive rhetoric' against Israeli Arabs in election Obama will call Netanyahu to congratulate him on election win in coming days, White House says.

* Abbas spokesman: If new Israeli gov't won't recognize 2-state solution, no chance for peace process Nabil Abu Rudeineh says that the PA will continue to work with any Israeli government that recognizes "legitimate international resolutions."

* Saudi grand mufti calls for demolition of churches Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah says Christian religious sites in Arabian Peninsula must be razed in accordance with Muslim law.

* EU congratulates Netanyahu, hopes for relaunch of peace process Mogherini reminds PM that EU "staunchly supports a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

* Solar eclipse, Supermoon, Spring equinox: Friday will see three rare celestial events Eclipses have long been feared as bad omens, but the equinox is celebrated as a time of renewal.

* Hornets' nest: Massive drills across Russia, 20 ships in Baltic Sea Russia is getting ready to counteract and repel land-sea-air military aggression on its western, northern, southern and eastern borders simultaneously, as massive drills of all military branches are underway across Russia.

* Indonesia: Top Muslim clerics issue fatwa calling for death for gays Woe to you - from the gay community - if you dare to point out Sharia persecution of gays. When Pamela Geller and I ran ads highlighting the mistreatment of gays in Islamic law, the San Francisco City Council issued a resolution condemning not that mistreatment, but our ads.

* Presbyterians Approve Gay Marriage in Church Constitution The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved redefining marriage in the church constitution Tuesday to include a "commitment between two people," becoming the largest Protestant group to formally recognize gay marriage as Christian and allow same-sex weddings in every congregation.

3/17/15

* Five things to know about the Israeli elections It won't be over until the ballots have all been counted - and even then anything could happen.

* Islamic State quotes Quran in vow to blow up White House, conquer Rome and Spain "Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. "

* UN expert: Iran human rights worse since Rouhani elected A sharp rise in executions and crackdown on dissent is cause for concern for special investigator.

* U.S. Omits Iran and Hezbollah From Terror Threat List An annual security assessment presented to the U.S. Senate by James Clapper, the director of National Intelligence, has excluded Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah from its list of terror threats to U.S. interests, despite both being consistently included as threats in previous years.

* Israel Walks Russia's Tightrope Israel has tried to convince Russia to draw back some of its military influence in the Middle East, but must be careful.

* Arafat was not poisoned, French prosecutor says The French experts 'maintain that the polonium 210 and lead 210 found in Arafat's grave and in the samples are of an environmental nature.'

* Hamas Says it Rebuilt Border Terror Training Facilities Hamas admits to rebuilding terror sites around Gaza since end of last war, even as Israel lets in dual-use cement, talks 5-year truce.

* Palestinian Views of Israel's Elections Today Israel chooses a new leadership, and the Palestinian street has a deeply vested interest in the outcome of the ballot.

* Four fallacies of EU foreign policy Any reader of EU foreign policy statements will be familiar with four maxims: the EU doesn't recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea; there's no military solution to the Ukraine conflict; Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad must go; and the EU supports a two-state solution on Israel and Palestine.

* ISIS Launches Own Social Network; Site Shutters within 24 Hours Site specifically for the terror group tanks for privacy reasons, claims it is not directly associated with the Islamic State group.

3-16-15

* Temple Mount Preacher Urges ISIS to 'Trample' US, Destroy Israel Temple Mount preacher says Caliphate will 'free Al-Aqsa' from Israeli 'defilers'; predicts fall of America, Iran for collaborating.

* Netanyahu: No Palestinian state on my watch PM pledges thousands of apartments in East Jerusalem, says construction will curb Bethlehem’s encroachment on capital.

* Politicians Rally for Votes With Elections Hours Away One day before elections, Netanyahu warns Right they must choose Likud to ensure victory, while Herzog stresses importance of change.

* In private, Abbas, Palestinian officials reportedly voice hope that Netanyahu will lose Many Palestinians do not believe that Isaac Herzog or Tzipi Livni would be much different once they form a new government.

* Russia starts nationwide show of force More than 45,000 Russian troops as well as war planes and submarines started military exercises across much of the country on Monday.

* Vladimir Putin: Russian leader dismisses 'gossip' over absence Russian President Vladimir Putin has laughed off speculation about his health after making his first appearance in public since 5 March.

* Tony Blair's Middle East role could be 'reconfigured' Tony Blair could get a new role in the Middle East amid reports that he is preparing to step back from his job as a peace envoy in the region.

* ISIS fighters dress as women in desperate attempt to flee battlefield‏ Underneath the robes and veils, the men put on makeup, wore dresses and some even wore women's bras; Others put on makeup but chose not to shave their facial hair.

* EU Names New Middle East Special Envoy Italian Fernando Gentilini named as EU's new special representative to Middle East, charged with getting peace process 'back on track.'

* ISIS defaces churches in Iraq as assaults on Christian communities continue Islamic fundamentalist movement is shown removing crosses, destroying statues and vandalizing icons.

3/14/15

* Iran Deal Secrets Revealed - by Iran Much is being made of the letter signed by 47 U.S. Senators, all of them Republican, aimed at schooling Iranian leaders in the requirements of the U.S. Constitution.

* Iran's sprawling influence drums up sectarian fears in oil-rich Arab neighbors In the wake of Israel's raid on Iraq's Osirak reactor in 1981, president Saddam Hussein gathered together his top scientists and generals.

* America is Losing the War Against Sunni Jihadists and Empowering The Shia Caliphate The American strategy against Global Jihad is having the opposite effect of that intended.

* Likud bigwig rules out Netanyahu-Herzog power-sharing arrangement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not agree to share the premiership with Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog in a "rotation government" following the election.

* Hamas' revamped naval commandos could pose a problem for Israel Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas has completed the reconstruction of its naval commando force, consisting of dozens of trained divers, in order to hit strategic sites, Israeli and others', in the Mediterranean Sea.

* Flagging before election, Netanyahu ramps up rhetoric Flagging in opinion polls before Tuesday's election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to rally Israeli rightists by casting his centre-left challengers as tools of a global campaign to usurp power.

* Envoy: European Jews 'Bankrupted' by Security Costs Many Jewish bodies in Europe are being bankrupted by the growing need for security measures, the State Department's special envoy on anti-Semitism said on Friday, according to AFP.

* US does not want to see Assad regime 'collapse', taken over by 'extremist elements' The United States does not want to see the chaotic collapse of the Syrian regime, CIA Director John Brennan said on Friday, according to AFP.

* 'No, Putin is not dead,' Kremlin says as rumors go viral on social media A wave of savage mockery broke over President Vladimir Putin across the Internet on Friday, sparked by days of absence from public view, despite official insistence it was business as usual in the Kremlin.

* 'Important gaps' remain in nuclear talks, Kerry says US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday that talks on Iran's disputed nuclear program have made progress, but there were still "important gaps" that remain to be sorted.

3/13/15

* Islamic State conflict: Iraqi forces 'push into Tikrit' Iraqi government forces are advancing into Tikrit on several fronts, forcing Islamic State (IS) militants to fall back to the city centre, officials say.

* Iran Deepening Involvement in Iraq's War on ISIS Iraq welcomes Iranian soldiers, advisers on its soil as it fights to liberate Tikrit.

* Israeli Army Braced for Attack by Islamic State On alert for attack in Eilat area by IS affiliate.

* ISIS spokesperson: We want Paris and Jerusalem In new recording, Abu Mohammad al-Adnani rejects claims group suffering setbacks, vows attacks on White House, Big Ben, and Eiffel Tower.

* Major nations hold talks on ending UN sanctions on Iran, officials say US, EU often cite violations of UN sanctions as justification for imposing additional penalties on Iran.

* Rev. Graham: Obama, Holder Pushing a 'New Morality That Does Not Include God' -- 'An Anti-Christ Movement'President Barack Obama and his outgoing attorney general, Eric Holder, are, along with "progressives" in government, forcing "a new morality" on the American people, a "morality that does not include God" and which is "an Anti-Christ movement," said Reverend Franklin Graham.

* Is ISIS Collapsing or Expanding? Iraq backed by Iran is retaking Tikrit stronghold and repulsing ISIS, even as the group gains alliances in Africa and threatens White House.

* US Military Concerned ISIS Fighters Returning to Caribbean Could Reach Border A top US commander warns Caribbean and South American countries are unable to track 100 foreign fighters that could return from Syria.

* Islamic State hails Boko Haram allegiance, threatens Jews and Christians In new tape, IS spokesman Adnani announces "good news" of caliphate expansion to West Africa, urges Muslims to join.

* Netanyahu warns of "real danger: he won't be re-elected Likud leader claims "foreign governments" seeking to oust him; Herzog says he's ready to be PM; Lapid: March 17 must be Netanyahu's last day in power.

3/12/15

* Iranian President: Diplomacy With U.S. is an Active 'Jihad' Iranian President Hassan Rouhani described his country's diplomacy with the United States as an active "jihad" that is just as significant to Tehran's advancement as the slew of new weapons and missiles showcased by the Islamic Republic's military.

* Iran test-flies 1st US drone replica An Iranian copy of a US reconnaissance drone captured in 2011 has carried out its first flight, and the Revolutionary Guards have declared the test a success.

* How Iran and the US intersect in "Syraq" A cliffhanger debate will take place this Wednesday at the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

* 'Koran invites people to violence' - Queen's chaplain The Koran contains passages which incite violence and people can decide for themselves whether it is good or evil, according to the Queen's own chaplain.

* Russia says it has the right to deploy nuclear weapons in Crimea: reports Moscow: Russia has the right to deploy nuclear arms in the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine last year, a Foreign Ministry official said on Wednesday.

* Incitement to Murder Yehuda Glick at Shechem University Five months after a Muslim terrorist critically wounded Temple Mount activist Yehuda Glick in an assassination attempt, Islamist incitement against Glick is continuing apace.

* Kuwaiti Muslim preacher, Islamic State call for demolition of Sphinx, pyramids "Attacks on the Sphinx date back centuries. Despite many legends surrounding the monument's missing nose - with harm from Napoleon's cannon being among the most popular myths - historians believe it was actually destroyed by Sufi Muslim Muhammad Sa'im al-Dahr in the 14th century, after he learned that some peasants worshipped the Sphinx."

* Angry Egypt feels the squeeze from jihadis, US and Hamas There is one thing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can take comfort in regarding his relations with the US administration - he is not the only Middle Eastern leader struggling to understand American President Barack Obama.

* Iraqi forces enter IS-held Tikrit after 10-day push Iraqi forces entered Tikrit Wednesday, dodging bombs and sniper fire in search of their biggest victory yet against embattled jihadists who tried to light new fires elsewhere in Iraq and Syria.

* For Palestinians, Israel's election offers bleak horizon As Israelis prepare to elect a new government next week, the view from the Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza is not one of hope.

3/11/15

* 'The Eyes of the World Are on Jerusalem' Netanyahu warns during visit to Border Police headquarters: Islamists are trying to ignite a religious war in the capital.

* Islamic State kidnaps Catholics, threatens to decapitate adults, burn children alive "The Assyrian Human Rights Network, meanwhile, said the captives had been ordered released by a Shariah court after paying an unspecified amount of money levied as a tax on non-Muslims."

* Iran Declares Pre-emptive Victory in Nuke Talks Top Iranian negotiator: We are the winner"

* Jordan king: Palestinian peace deal needed to defeat IS Abdullah II tells EU parliament conflict gives jihadists 'powerful rallying cry'; says Muslim nations must lead fight against extremism.

* Iraq troops 'retake parts of Tikrit' from Islamic State Iraqi forces have retaken some areas of the city of Tikrit from Islamic State (IS) militants, Iraqi officials say.

* 'Israeli construction in West Bank settlements dropped by 52% in 2014' When it comes to actual building within West Bank settlements, Netanyahu's track record as prime minister in the past six years has been worse than that of the previous six years.

* Sweden cancels arms deal with Saudi Arabia over human rights Swedish criticism of Riyadh's human rights record sparked a diplomatic row.

* Pope Francis says he accepts he may be assassinated - but asks God to make sure it doesn't hurt because he is 'a real wimp' He said: 'Life is in God's hands. I have said to the Lord, "You take care of me. But if it is your will that I die or something happens to me, I ask you only one favour: that it doesn't hurt. Because I am a real wimp when it comes to physical pain."'.

* Euro heading for dollar parity The euro is set to hit parity with the US dollar in the coming weeks as a combination of quantitative easing and fears over a Greek exit from the eurozone continues to fuel a plunge in its value.

* Mary Magdalene combating sexism Christian women gather in the Galilee to commemorate International Women's Day by discussing feminist issues.

3/10/15

* Netanyahu: Israeli presence in West Bank essential to secure country's future Israel's continued presence in Judea and Samaria is essential to its existence, given the existential threats from Islamic Jihadist groups, which could take over the area, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

* Hamas offers long-term calm in exchange for end of blockade Hamas recently sent a series of messages to Israel indicating interest in a long-term ceasefire lasting for several years, in exchange for an end to the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, sources told The Times of Israel.

* Al-Aqsa Mosque Address: May the Muslims Wage War on America In a recent address at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a Palestinian Arab political researcher launched a verbal tirade against the United States.

* Jordan's Abdullah likens ISIS to Nazis in speech to European Parliament King Abdullah of Jordan urged Europeans on Tuesday to fight hostility toward Islam that he said was fuelling extremism among Muslims, including those drawn from Europe to fight in the Middle East.

* Israel, Hamas deny reports of truce proposal in exchange for lifting Gaza blockade Israeli and Hamas officials denied on Monday a report that Hamas had offered Israel a protracted truce in return for ending the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

* Historical Passover Haggadot You Can Buy Today One of the all time classic Jewish texts, the Haggadah is the guide to the Passover Seder. At the same time, the Haggadah is also often utilized as a fascinating educational resource for a wide variety of Jewish and contemporary themes.

* EU commission chief makes case for European army European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has said the EU should establish its own army to show Russia it is serious about defending European values.

* Iran hardliner Yazdi picked to head Assembly of Experts A hardliner has been elected chairman of Iran's Assembly of Experts, a clerical body which chooses and monitors the country's supreme leader.

* 'We need to recognize that Islamic State is positioned to make inroads elsewhere in Mideast' General David Petraeus, former CIA chief, does not see much cause for optimism regarding a deal with Iran.

* Iran brings Europe within range with new cruise missile In a development significant both for its timing and its content, Iran unveiled on Sunday a new cruise missile that it claimed would extend the Islamic Republic's range by 25 percent, placing locales as distant as Budapest, Warsaw, and Athens within striking distance.

3/9/15

* PA Security Forces Arrest More Than 100 Hamas Members Hamas says PA security services have launched another crackdown on its members in Judea and Samaria, arresting 100.

* Netanyahu said to call creation of Palestinian state "irrelevant" PMO later denies quote from his own Likud party, but warns against relinquishing territrory amid current regional dangers.

* WATCH: Iran unveils new long-range cruise missile in Tehran Soumar, as the program is called, was manufactured domestically.

* Nigeria: Boko Haram Pledges Allegiance to ISIS Leader of Nigerian terrorist group, Abubakak Shekau, pledges allegiance to 'Islamic State' in new recording.

* Are booming German-Iran business relations hurting Israel? The boost in German-Iran trade comes as Israel and Germany prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

* IDF says 75% of recruits requesting to serve in combat units The month of March typically sees large drafts to combat units; data shows increase in females volunteering for combat units.

* Iran rebukes 'Israeli driven rumors' that Khamenei hospitalized in critical condition "He carries about his work very normally. His business is as usual, work as usual."

* Saudi Arabia becomes world's biggest defense importer Iran's nuclear drive seen to propel arms race; Israel drops from sixth- to seventh-largest weapons exporter.

* UN seeks action to protect antiquities from jihadi "war criminals" Secretary general, Iraqi minister call for international effort to safeguard ancient sites as Islamic State group wreaks destruction.

* Iran brings Europe within range with new cruise missile Move comes at pivotal time in nuclear talks; Israel has urged world powers to include missile program in negotiations.

3-7-15

* US general: Iran's role worries anti-IS coalition The US military's top officer said Friday Iran is bolstering the firepower of Shiite militias in Iraq but it remains unclear if Tehran is a help or a hindrance to the fight against Islamic State group jihadists.

* Syrian envoy to UN says Assad is here to stay The Syrian ambassador to the United Nations said it was time for the US and world powers to accept that President Bashar al-Assad was here to stay and to stop strategizing to get him removed from power.

* Israel uses military expertise to join commercial space race Using the expertise of a defence industry that created technology such as the "Iron Dome" missile interceptor, Israel plans to move beyond its current focus on spy and military communications satellites into producing civilian devices, some small enough to fit in your hand.

* Jews Dress Up as Arabs to Enter Temple Mount A group of Temple Mount activists were spotted dressed up as Arabs on Friday in order to be able to enter the compound.

* Russian combat jets conduct 'mock' attack runs on NATO warships RUSSIA says it has been conducting mock "attack runs" on NATO warships in the Black Sea as reports emerge of commercial airliners having to "dodge" prowling Russian bombers.

* Islamic state 'demolish' ancient Hatra site in Iraq Islamic State militants have destroyed ruins at the ancient city of Hatra, Iraqi officials say.

* Ukraine crisis: Rebels 'pull heavy weapons' from front line Pro-Russia rebels in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, says they have "fully removed" heavy weapons from the front line, as agreed in a ceasefire deal.

* 'Jew, Jew, Jew... Run': Social experiment suggests rising UK anti-Semitism A social experiment designed to gauge levels of anti-Semitism in Britain turned up some shocking results.

* Rebbe: Gays deserve no rights, just like murderers A prominent American Hasidic rabbi says the LGBT community is not entitled to equal rights, just like it would be unthinkable for murderers to unite and demand rights regarding their violent tendencies.

* Hillary's War Just three weeks ago, gloating ISIS terrorists beheaded 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians on a Libyan beach. The Catholic Church proclaimed them "martyrs."

3/6/15

* Zarif: The Netanyahu regime "should be annihilated" Dodging some questions, finessing others in extensive TV interview, Iranian foreign minister says Iran has saved Jews three times in its history and threatens nobody.

* Sources: Iran in Charge of Major Iraq Battle The US and Iran have been cooperating in fighting ISIS forces in Iraq, sources in the country said.

* Russia Orders Surprise Test of Central Nuclear Base The Russian armed forces - strategic missile command (RVSN) have ordered a snap inspection of the state of the nuclear arsenal in one of the country's central military bases near the city of Yoshkar-Ola.

* PM on Purim to BBC's Persian service: Iranian regime carrying on in Haman's tradition PM says his speech to Congress "hit home" and that it succeeded in getting people to understand there "is a problem" with the emerging deal.

* Israeli General: Iranian Officers Have Taken Over Battle Against Syrian Rebels Ten thousand volunteers flown in.

* Nimrud: Outcry as IS bulldozers attack ancient Iraq site Archaeologists and officials have expressed outrage about the bulldozing of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud by Islamic State militants in Iraq.

* I Was There, the [Israeli] Media is Lying Arutz Sheva's Editor-in-Chief reveals disparity between what the Israeli media calls 'reality' and facts on the ground in the US.

* Good deal is at hand in Iran nuclear talks - EU's Mogherini A good deal is at hand in negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Friday.

* Watch: Israel celebrates Purim Celebrations commence throughout country for Jewish holiday.

* Obama may seek new peace push after Israeli election White House officials say deteriorating state of affairs in the region necessitates positive action, Haaretz reports.

3-5-15

* Speculation over successor after Iran's Khamenei reportedly hospitalized in serious condition Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is currently hospitalized in serious condition at a hospital in Tehran, according to unofficial reports.

* UK bans ad for implying Jerusalem's Old City part of Israel Britain's advertising watchdog banned an Israeli government tourism advertisement for suggesting that the Old City of Jerusalem is part of Israel on Wednesday.

* Benghazi panel to demand access to Clinton emails The special House committee investigating the 2012 attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya, will issue subpoenas for former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s personal emails, congressional aides said Wednesday.

* Senior General: US considering possible Middle East missile defense The US military is considering sending its THAAD missile defense system to the Middle East, a senior US Army general said on Wednesday, citing what he called an urgent need to respond to foes with missile systems and the will to use them.

* Purim Begins in Israel Thousands of people in Israel and around the world have begun their Purim celebrations Wednesday night, gathering in synagogues to hear the Purim story.

* Report: Iran's Supreme Leader Hospitalized in Critical Condition Just in time for Purim, the Jewish holiday celebrating the redemption of the Jewish people from plots of genocide in ancient Persia, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly hospitalized in critical condition on Wednesday.

* Netanyahu: My Words Resonated with Congress Members Shortly after returning to Israel from Washington, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday evening spoke about his speech to Congress, saying that he believed it had resonated among American lawmakers.

* Experts Agree, Iran Deal Won't Stop Its Regional Power Grab Iran will not abandon or modify its regional policies of expansion in exchange for Western concessions to seal a deal on its nuclear program, analysts say.

* Galilee structure may be Jesus's boyhood home A hillside house dating back to the early first century CE in northern Israel may have been the Nazareth home where Jesus was raised, according to researchers.

* Nemtsov murder: Putin urges end to political killings Russia's President Vladimir Putin has called for an end to "shameful" political killings in Russia, after the shooting of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov just outside the Kremlin walls.

3-4-15

* Netanyahu responds to Obama: We did indeed present practical alternative to Iran deal As he arrives back in Israel, the prime minister pushes back against those saying there was no tactical alternative in his speech to Congress.

* Obama says Netanyahu's Iran speech contains 'nothing new' US President Barack Obama has reacted scathingly to a speech by the Israeli prime minister that castigated his policy towards Iran.

* Experts: U.S. Concessions Handing Iran a Clear Path to Nuclear Bomb Deal would leave Iran just a year away from functional nuclear weapon.

* Top US general says Iranian hand in Iraq could turn out well Joint Chiefs chairman Martin Dempsey argues that Tehran's involvement is only a problem "if it results in sectarianism".

* Purim 2015 reflects political struggles in Israel Temple Mount activists to mark holiday by attempting to pray at hotly contested holy site.

* Did court ruling change status of Jewish prayer atop Temple Mount? The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court made a major ruling this week.

* Temple Mount Police Openly Defy Court Ruling on Jewish Prayer 'Astonishing' statement by senior officer reveals police have permission 'from way up' to ignore the courts, veteran campaigner says.

* Saudi pundit supports Netanyahu's Congress address Ahmad Al-Faraj calls Obama "one of the worst presidents in US history," accuses him of pursuing Iran deal for his own glory.

* Senate to Debate Iran Legislation Despite Veto Threat Senate to begin debate next week on bill that would require Obama to submit any final nuclear deal with Iran for Congress' approval.

* Iran denounces Netanyahu's "lie-spreading" Congress speech Khamenei tweets that "US officials are obliged to show consideration for Israel, cover up its crimes".

3/3/15

* Jerusalem court upholds Jewish prayer on Temple Mount Security services prohibit non-Muslims from praying or engaging in other forms of worship on the site, claiming such activity triggers Palestinian violence.

* Iran's Khemenei: 'Increasing global hatred of Israel is a sign of divine help' Islamic Republic's chief cleric calls for AIPAC shutdown after Netanyahu speech; blames Israel for problems suffered by the West.

* Obama seeks Iran nuclear freeze as Netanyahu speech nears Iran should agree to freeze sensitive nuclear activity for at least a decade if it wants to strike a deal with the US, President Barack Obama has said.

* ISIS leaders pull back from Tikrit amid massive Iraqi assault on stronghold -reports The Islamic State is reportedly pulling back from Tikrit as Iraqi troops, backed by a Shiite and Sunni alliance and led by a top Iranian general, allegedly managed to retake parts of the strategic city in a major counter-offensive against the militants.

* 'Gaza Man' app trains youth to fight 'Israeli aggression' with rifles & RPGs A spokesperson said the game is meant to "concretize" the idea of defending the land as a natural right and not as terrorism and to leave in the minds of the players the idea of the Palestinian hero.

* Analysis: Netanyahu's speech to Congress is Purim on the Potomac Netanyahu views that his destiny is to protect the Jewish state, and -- by extension -- the future of the Jews. In his mind, this is why he was fated to come to power. Nothing less.

* Even Saudis Want Netanyahu to Address Congress As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared on Tuesday to address the US Congress regarding the Iran threat, in direct defiance of the Obama White House, at least one nation outside of Israel was supportive of the move: Saudi Arabia.

* The King of Israel Goes to Washington on Purim With Purim just days away, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu preparing to address the US Congress tomorrow, we present this analogy of Israel's past and present dealing with the Persian threat and associated world leaders.

* Chief of Vatican Police: ISIS threats against Pope Francis are real In a rare interview, the head of the Vatican police force, or 'Gendarmerie,' Commander Domenico Giani, said this weekend that the Islamic State (ISIS) threats against Pope Francis are 'real' and not just media propaganda. "This is what emerges from the talks I have had with Italian and foreign colleagues," he said.

* Jihadi John: A profile of the world's most wanted Islamist Revelations about 'Jihadi John,' who was last week identified as Mohamed Emwazi, continue to surface, offering new insight into how the West Londoner became the infamous Islamic State executioner.