8-31-15

* On Temple Mount, some see a dome and imagine an altar The night before she visited Temple Mount for the first time last year, Aviya Fraenkel was so excited she couldn't sleep a wink.

* Russian jets in Syrian skies Russian fighter pilots are expected to begin arriving in Syria in the coming days, and will fly their Russian air force fighter jets and attack helicopters against ISIS and rebel-aligned targets within the failing state.

* 'Supergiant' gas field found off Egyptian coast The Italian energy company Eni SpA announced Sunday it has discovered a "supergiant" natural gas field off Egypt, describing it as the "largest-ever" found in the Mediterranean Sea.

* Ukraine crisis: Deadly anti-autonomy protest outside parliament Clashes between nationalists and riot police erupted after MPs gave initial backing to reforms for more autonomy in the rebel-held east.

* Merkel: Unacceptable how Iran continues to talk about Israel German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a news conference in Berlin on Monday that she would welcome Iran's participation in the ongoing fight against ISIS in Syria, however Iran's attitude and slander towards Israel must change.

* Turkish delegation arrives in Israel to discuss investment in Palestinian business project A Turkish delegation met in Tel Aviv on Monday with Likud Deputy Minister Ayoub Kara, the acting minister of the Regional Cooperation Ministry, to promote a proposal to build an industrial zone near Jenin in the West Bank.

* Xi's Military Parade Fans Unease in Region Already Wary of China As Xi Jinping presides over thousands of goose-stepping troops marching down Beijing's Changan Avenue -- or "Eternal Peace Street" -- on Thursday, the Chinese president will also proclaim his commitment to the world's peaceful development.

* Pakistani Muslims to Refugees: Convert, or Become Slaves Heavy flooding in Pakistan has washed away thousands of homes - and the Pakistani government has responded curiously: It has offered aid to homeless Muslim families, but ignores hundreds of Christians facing the same plight.

* Egypt 'Goes Medieval' With Moat Around Gaza After clearing away villages and farms within 3 to 5 kilometers of its border with Gaza, Egypt on Monday embarked on the second stage of its plan to protect itself from Hamas terrorists and tunnel smugglers - the construction of a medieval-style moat around Gaza.

* Report: Abbas searching for candidates to replace him as PA head Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has asked members of his Fatah party to select three candidates to replace him, a daily linked to rival group Hamas reported on Monday.

8/29/15

* Iran official: We will never end fight against Israel In third successive denial of softened stance, Khamenei aide says fighting 'illegal Zionist regime' is 'immutable policy'.

* Turkish jets join US-led coalition in strikes against IS Ankara long hesitated to join fight against jihadist group, spurred on by recent attacks along Syria-Turkey border.

* Israel should be annihilated, Iranian official says The UK's Hammond said Monday that Iran's current gov't had more nuanced approach to Israel relative to its predecessor.

* Putin: Russia Planning to Build Nuclear Plant in Egypt Russian President says his country will build a nuclear power plant in Egypt, announces greater economic cooperation with Cairo.

* Analysis: Is ISIS here to stay in the Middle East? Differences abound on whether the group that has already outlived many expectations will become a permanent fixture.

* Abbas building $13m. presidential palace near Ramallah Compound spread over 27 dunams to include two helipads; Palestinians mired in deep financial turmoil.

* Obama's Politicized Intelligence The anniversary of the U.S. war against the Islamic State passed with little notice. 

* China Intervened Today to Shore Up Stocks Ahead of Military Parade China's government resumed its intervention in the stock market on Thursday and has been cutting holdings of U.S. Treasuries this month to support the yuan, according to people familiar with the matter.

* Far-right extremists backed by 'new Sanhedrin' rabbis Following the administrative detentions of right wing radicals, the new Sanhedrin issued a statement of support of the radical right wing for 'risking their lives for the holiness of the nation and the Land.'

* PA Claims 'Western Wall is Muslim' PA claims Temple Mount and Kotel as 'Muslim holy sites,' as PA mufti calls for 'physical' response to possible ban of Muslim rioting groups.

8/28/15

* Sunni Muslim clerics furious over upcoming Iranian film about Muhammad  A film on the life of the prophet Muhammad is expected to break box office records in Shi'ite Muslim Iran after its release on Thursday, but some Sunni Muslim clerics in the Arab world are already demanding that Tehran ban it. 

* China Intervened Today to Shore Up Stocks Ahead of Military Parade  China's government resumed its intervention in the stock market on Thursday and has been cutting holdings of U.S. Treasuries this month to support the yuan, according to people familiar with the matter. 

* Temple Mount Attackers Bring 'Honor' to Muslims  In response to Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan's (Likud) call Monday to ban the Islamist organizations that routinely riot on the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, the leader of one such radical organization spoke out against the move. 

* ISIS drives toward Turkey in new offensive  Islamic State has seized new territory from Syrian rebels in northern Syria, advancing in an area where Turkey and the United States are planning to open a new front against the group. 

* Iraq 'to open Baghdad Green Zone'  The 10km (four miles) sq area housing government buildings became off-limits to the public as a security measure in the wake of the 2003 US occupation. 

* Abbas building $13m. presidential palace near Ramallah  Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is leading the construction of a luxurious presidential palace near Ramallah at a cost of $13 million, despite the PA being mired in a debilitating financial crisis. 

* Watch: Muslims Terrorize Jewish Children on Temple Mount  Disturbing footage has surfaced Friday, of a band of Muslims terrifying preschool-age Jewish children on the Temple Mount. 

* 'We Won't Be Silent': Protest to Demand Action on Temple Mount  A student movement will protest outside the home of Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud) on Saturday night, over the continued and escalating harassment of Jews on the Temple Mount. 

* Obama's Politicized Intelligence  It was August 7 of last year that President Obama authorized the first airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq, a campaign he expanded a month later to include targets in Syria. 

* Germany warns Facebook: Clamp down on Holocaust denial - or else  Facebook will have to abide by German laws banning racist sentiment even if it might be allowed in the United States under freedom of speech, Justice Minister Heiko Maas said in an interview with Reuters.

8/27/15

* Is ISIS here to stay in the Middle East? - Differences abound on whether the group that has already outlived many expectations will become a permanent fixture.

* First Translation of Khameini’s New Book on the Destruction of America, Israel - The first significant translation of the newly-released book, ‘Palestine’ by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khameini.

* Deal to Sell Russian S-300 Missiles to Iran Off - The sale of Russian S-300 missiles to Iran may not take place, after all.

* 900 US rabbis sign petition opposing Iran deal - Hundreds of US rabbis from the major streams of Judaism signed on to a petition urging Congress to oppose the Iran nuclear deal.

* Putin: Russia Planning to Build Nuclear Plant in Egypt - Russian President says his country will build a nuclear power plant in Egypt, announces greater economic cooperation with Cairo.

* The politics behind China's stock market turbulence - One of the most extraordinary things about the world's number two economy is that when it faces a crisis, the leadership carries on in public as if nothing has happened.

* The rocky road of integration of Ethiopian Jews - The life of the majority of the Ethiopian Jews is characterized by social and economic challenges.

* Europe's NGO Jihad Against Israel - There is a European "jihad" against Israel.

* Hamas reveals 'commando tunnel unit' in new propaganda clip - The video, which was released prior to the latest rocket fire at Israel and the subsequent IDF reprisals, shows Hamas terrorists simulating their activities as if they were fighting Israeli soldiers.

* US Orthodox more similar to evangelicals than to other Jews, study finds - Community tracks with Christians on questions of religiosity, conservative political beliefs, according to Pew analysis of landmark 2013 survey.

8/26/15

* Russia, Egypt set to sign deal for nuclear plant, Jordan as leaders visit Moscow Egypt's Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah, and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan are in Russia for talks.

* Palestinians want to raise flag at UN headquarters As non-member observer states, Palestinians seek to raise their flag, as well as that of the Vatican, at UN ahead of pope's visit; Palestinians betting US, Israel won't block plan in fear of risking offending the Holy See.

* Alleged stove-piping in US-led anti-ISIS campaign investigated The US-led anti- Islamic State campaign in Iraq and Syria has allegedly been skewed, with intelligence assessments presented in an increasingly optimistic manner, while real success in defeating the jihadists is still out-of-sight after one year.

* Where IS attacks on Jordan fail, its ideology seeps through Despite strong border defense, Islamic State's radical ideas pose a threat to the Western-backed Hashemite Kingdom.

* China market slump: Shares end lower despite rate cut Chinese shares have closed lower despite a fresh rate cut by the central bank.

* What's really behind American Airlines' cancellation of the Tel Aviv-Philadelphia route? The airline says the decision is financial, but 'TheMarker,' claimed the decision was political.

* May the force be with you? Turkey fears rise of religion of 'Jediism' According to the Turkish daily 'Hurriyet', a university professor wrote an article in official state-sanctioned media warning of the rise of a Jedi movement among Christians.

* Ten Terror Attacks Per Day in Old Jerusalem Alone The statistic includes only the Old City area - which means the full numbers are much worse.

* Palestinian War: Thousands of 'Refugees' Displaced in Lebanon UNRWA reports up to 3,000 displaced as 'refugee camp' gun battles between Fatah and Jund al-Sham spin out of control.

* Greece offers 'war relief' to Greek-origin Ukrainians Greece has said it would give special treatment to Greek-origin Ukrainians on the front line who want to resettle in the EU.

8/25/15

* Far-right extremists backed by "new Sanhedrin" rabbis - Following the administrative detentions of right wing radicals, the new Sanhedrin issued a statement of support of the radical right wing for "risking their lives for the holiness of the nation and the Land."

* Israel should be annihilated, Iranian official says - The UK's Hammond said Monday that Iran's current gov't had more nuanced approach to Israel relative to its predecessor.

* Middle East leaders flock to Moscow for Syrian talks, arms deals - Iranian delegation expected to seal S-300 delivery date; heads of state from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and UAE also head to Russia.

* President of Refugees or Holy Land Celebrity? - The Palestinian Authority and its collaborators in the mainstream media like to paint the Palestinian-controlled territories as a land oppressed and destitute.

* PA Claims "Western Wall is Muslim" - PA claims Temple Mount and Kotel as "Muslim holy sites," as PA mufti calls for "physical" response to possible ban of Muslim rioting groups.

* Iranian Intel chief: Israel's Mossad plotting to undermine stability in Iran - "Fortunately the Iranian security forces' intelligence superiority and efforts thwarted all their plots," Seyed Mahmoud Alavi says.

* The North Korean threat to Israel - Indeed, North Korea is directly linked to just about every menace facing Israel, and it is time for the Jewish state to do something about this threat.

* Meet the IDF's Elite Tank Unit - 'Pulsar 401' reconnaissance unit provides boots on the ground for Israel's tanks - and play crucial role in urban warfare.

* Jordanian MPs: Send Soldiers to Guard Al Aqsa - Over 1/3 of Jordan's parliamentarians sign militant petition. Jordan will enlarge number of Waqf guards by 200.

* Europe "must open official channels for migrants" - European leaders should do more to open up and help migrants instead of using language that dismisses their rights, a UN expert on migrant rights has said.

8/24/15

* Global shares nosedive on China economic woes The floor was buzzing long before the US market open. 

* WATCH: New equipment to offer IDF major technological edge New technologies will allow the IDF to conduct more challenging missions, while shortening response times in search and rescue operations.

* Western Media Discovers '5-Star Gaza' Truth of pampered Gaza middle class exposed by Washington Post, which details luxury car dealerships, ritzy hotels and stellar gyms.

* Rivlin: Our Right to Judea and Samaria is a Basic Fact Israeli President defends Israel's rights to Biblical heartland as 'fact' - not 'political debate.'

* Erdan calls to outlaw radical Muslim groups on Temple Mount that harass Jews "Their aim is to limit Jews wishing to visit through violence and intimidation and I will do everything I can to stop these dangerous organizations," says Erdan.

* Dutch man offers money on Facebook to kill 'devilish' Jewish neighbor "I have one desire in my life: To tear out this nest of devils."

* Palmyra's Baalshamin temple 'blown up by IS' Islamic State militants have destroyed Palmyra's ancient Temple of Baalshamin, Syrian officials and activists say.

* Macedonia declares state of emergency over surge in migrants & refugees, ready to deploy army Macedonia has declared a state of emergency on its southern and northern borders over a surge in migrants and refugees, the Interior Ministry announced. 

* Hollande to meet Merkel on migration, Ukraine French president Francois Hollande is travelling to Berlin on Monday (24 August) to discuss the growing migrant crisis with German chancellor Angela Merkel.

* WATCH: Child dressed as jihadi beheads his teddy bear A pre-school aged child is seen beheading a white fluffy stuffed animal with a hunting knife while a man off camera encourages him.

8/22/15

* Iran propaganda clip shows what a Muslim invasion of Israel would look like The chilling video calls on Muslims to unite for the "inevitable" destruction of Israel, which is to be "erased from the annals of history."

* Ap Exclusive: Un To Let Iran Inspect Alleged Nuke Work Site Iran will be allowed to use its own inspectors to investigate a site it has been accused of using to develop nuclear arms, operating under a secret agreement with the U.N. agency that normally carries out such work, according to a document seen by The Associated Press.

* Watch: Abbas's Fatah Asks Iran for Money to Destroy Israel Fatah terrorists show Iranian TV a terror tunnel from Gaza into Israel, demand money to ramp up attacks and 'liberate Palestine.'

* IDF troops prepare for possible incursion into Syria Military assessments foresee possible infiltration of terrorists with heavy weapons, rebel takeover of Druze village; IDF posts video documenting elimination of four Druze who laid explosives on border fence last April.

* FTSE 100 posts biggest weekly loss this year London's FTSE 100 index has recorded its biggest weekly loss this year after poor manufacturing figures in China exacerbated global economic fears.

* Russia & Iran reach agreement on S-300 air defense systems delivery - deputy foreign minister Moscow and Tehran have reached an agreement over delivery of the S-300 long range surface-to-air missile systems. 

* What Would Happen if a Massive Solar Storm Hit the Earth? We all know that major storms can wreak havoc, flooding cities and decimating infrastructure. 

* Macedonia declares state of emergency over surge in migrants & refugees, ready to deploy army Macedonia has declared a state of emergency on its southern and northern borders over a surge in migrants and refugees, the Interior Ministry announced. 

* WATCH: ISIS calls Erdogan infidel, urges followers to conquer Istanbul "He opened Turkey's airbases to crusaders and their jets to kill the Muslims in Islamic State," group charges.

* 'Israel called off 2012 strike on Iran because it coincided with joint US drill' Operation was aborted because Israel did not want to 'force America to be party' to it, says Ehud Barak; also says he and PM were thwarted by colleagues in 2010 and 2011.

8/20/15

* Islamic Jihad shot rockets at Israel’s north on Iran’s behalf, IDF says - No injuries reported as four rockets shot from Syrian Golan, according to army; two projectiles land in Galilee and two in Golan, sparking fires

* The sovereign state of Palestine that never was - "There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood leads on to fortune: Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries."

* The Secretive Beach Retreat Where China Leaders Plot World Domination - Welcome to the beach resort where the Chinese Communist Party’s major players convene each year to set the country’s geopolitical and domestic agendas.

* In Feature-Length Film, Hamas Depicts its 'Victory' over Israel - Slick propaganda movie shows details of Hamas operations against IDF, ends with message for Israelis to leave or be ethnically-cleansed.

* Israel defense chiefs see war with Hezbollah as matter of 'when', not 'if' - Army planners understand that the next military action in the North will be the most difficult we will ever know.

* Spanish public broadcaster accuses Jews of promoting Satanism - The assertion was the focus of a radio program by the state-owned RTVE broadcaster.

* Hamas: We Captured Dolphin Spying for Israel! - Once again, Israel’s Arab enemies have caught the Jewish state red-handed utilizing animals as spies and assassins.

* Sarcastic Israeli Minister Lauds World's 'Brilliance' - Israeli National Infrastructures Minister Yuval Steinitz congratulated the international community on its “innovative and out-of-the-box thinking” in permitting Iran to self-inspect its own nuclear facilities.

* Russia & Iran reach agreement on S-300 air defense systems delivery – deputy foreign minister - Moscow and Tehran have reached an agreement over delivery of the S-300 long range surface-to-air missile systems.

* Macedonia declares state of emergency over surge in migrants & refugees, ready to deploy army - Macedonia has declared a state of emergency on its southern and northern borders over a surge in migrants and refugees, the Interior Ministry announced.

8/19/15

* Iran propaganda clip shows what a Muslim invasion of Israel would look like  A new video disseminated by an Iranian extremist organization depicts masses of jihadist operatives from organizations including Hamas and Hezbollah just as they are about to march on Jerusalem. 

* Abbas not welcome in Tehran, Iranian official says  Denying reports of a rapprochement between Iran and the Palestinian Authority, an assistant to Iran's parliament speaker said on Wednesday that his country had rejected numerous requests by PA President Mahmoud Abbas to visit the Islamic Republic. 

* US may pull out Sinai force that helps keep Israel-Egypt peace  The Obama administration is quietly reviewing the future of America's three-decade deployment to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. 

* PM in North: Khamenei makes it clear Iran will continue to fund terrorism  As Iran made clear it will continue supporting proxies waging war against Israel. 

* A year after Gaza war, Israel tests new anti-tunnel measures  A year after Hamas used cross-border tunnels to launch deadly attacks during the Gaza war, Israel is testing new techniques to detect the hidden passages as a "top priority", sources say, but has yet to announce the system fully operational. 

* The world’s smallest drone gets ready to take flight  Drones have gone from geeky dream to mainstream gadget in a shockingly brief amount of time. 

* AP Exclusive: UN to let Iran inspect alleged nuke work site  Iran, in an unusual arrangement, will be allowed to use its own experts to inspect a site it allegedly used to develop nuclear arms under a secret agreement with the U.N. agency that normally carries out such work, according to a document seen by The Associated Press. 

* Bangkok: Bombs Similar to Those Used by Iranian Terrorists  New details have emerged in Thailand's investigation of twin bombings in Bangkok on Monday and Tuesday which killed 20 people and left 125 more wounded. 

* Erdogan: Turkey rapidly heading to new elections  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signaled that he won't give the opposition party's leader the chance to try his hand at forming a government and said the country was 'rapidly' heading toward new elections. 

* Record 107,500 migrants arrived in EU in July  The number of migrants registered at the EU's borders more than tripled in July to 107,500 compared to the same month last year, figures released by Frontex on Tuesday (18 August) show.

8/18/15

* Islamic call on rich countries to end fossil fuel use - Islamic environmental and religious leaders have called on rich countries and oil producing nations to end fossil fuel use by 2050.

* Abbas's Fatah Asks Iran for Money to Destroy Israel - Fatah terrorists show Iranian TV a terror tunnel from Gaza into Israel, demand money to ramp up attacks and 'liberate Palestine.'

* Iranian official: Tehran to sign deal with Russia for advanced S-300 missile system next week - Russia had previously agreed to ban the sale under pressure from the US; Israel has pushed Moscow not to send the advanced weapons system to Iran.

* ISIS calls Erdogan infidel, urges followers to conquer Istanbul - "He opened Turkey's airbases to crusaders and their jets to kill the Muslims in Islamic State," group charges.

* Space age Tower of Babel: Canadian company patents 20km lift to heavens - A towering structure rising 20 kilometers into the air with its top in the sky may sound like something out of an Old Testament passage or science fiction novel, but a Canadian space company has proposed just that to cut the costs of space exploration.

* PLO official: Iran considering appointing ambassador to State of Palestine - Ahmed Majdalani discussed possibility of Iran's ambassador to Amman serving as a non-resident ambassador to Palestine with Iranian FM Zarif.

* Huckabee: Shoah Survivors Hugged Me for 'Oven' Statement - On visit to Shiloh, in Samaria, Republican presidential hopeful says the US is 'raising the white flag' in its deal with Iran.

* Obama's An Anti-Semite, Charges US Presidential Candidate - As was to be expected, the fate and future of tiny Israel has become a central issue in the upcoming presidential election in the world’s leading superpower, America.

* EU urges both sides to stop shelling in Ukraine - The EU foreign service has urged both sides to stop ceasefire violations in Ukraine, in a situation described as “explosive” by Germany.

* Netanyahu to immigrants: This land is your land - The group of Olim, who departed from John F. Kennedy airport in New York, include 59 lone soldiers, 29 families, and 86 singles.

8/17/15

* Bangkok bomb: Deadly blast rocks Thailand capital A bomb has exploded close to a shrine in the centre of Thailand's capital, Bangkok, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 80.

* Nuke deal, Syria on agenda as Iranian and Russian FMs meet Lavrov, Zarif say deal provides new opportunities for both countries; Lavrov: Nuclear agreement to go into effect in weeks.

* Fatah: Hamas-Israel agreement would lead to separate Palestinian state in Gaza "Hamas wants to win Israeli recognition at the cost of the Palestinian national project," says Fatah spokesman.

* Khamenei: Deal or No Deal, Iran Will 'Shut' US Out In hostile speech, Iranian Supreme Leader dismisses talk of normalizing relations with US after nuclear deal implemented.

* IDF troops prepare for possible incursion into Syria Military assessments foresee possible infiltration of terrorists with heavy weapons, rebel takeover of Druze village; IDF posts video documenting elimination of four Druze who laid explosives on border fence last April.

* Egypt's al-Sisi imposes strict anti-terrorism laws Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has approved stringent new counter-terrorism laws to fight a growing jihadist insurgency.

* Watch: Thousands at the Kotel for First Night of Selichot Sights and sounds: Worshipers flock to Western Wall for first night of penitential prayers leading up to High Holy Days.

* Ben Carson: Yes, Obama Is Anti-Semitic "Anything is anti-Semitic that is against the survival of a state that is surrounded by enemies," says Republican candidate.

* Self-defense, King David-style? In a classroom at Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium, Yehoshua Sofer, an intense bearded man in his 50s who used to be a rapper, trains a group of adherents in what he says is a biblical martial art.

* US to pull Patriot anti-air missiles from Turkey The US has followed in Germany's footsteps, announcing that it will not be renewing its Patriot defense system in Turkey once it expires in October. 

8/15/15

* The quest for the red heifer: An ancient commandment meets modern technology  The Temple Institute launched a crowdfunding campaign last month to help raise the first authentic, kosher red heifer in 2,000 years in the land of Israel. 

* IDF chief details army's national security strategy  In an unprecedented move, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot released a document to the public on Thursday defining and detailing the army's national security strategy. 

* NATO And Russia Preparing For War  Ian Kearns, director of the London-based European Leadership Network (ELN), told the Associated Press that the war games 'are contributing to a climate of mistrust'. 

* Iranian Video Games Teach Military Strikes on Israel  An entity controlled by the Iranian government has released an 'anti-Zionist' video game entitled 'Missile Strike,' in which players are taught how to launch Iranian missile strikes on Israeli cities. 

* White House concerned Iran deal could boost terror - top official  The Obama administration is concerned that Iran will increase backing for terrorism and other disruptive activities in the wake of the nuclear deal. 

* Iranian Kurdish Party says killed 12 Revolutionary Guards in attack  Kurdish fighters affiliated with the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJA K), an Iranian offshoot of the PKK in western Iran, announced on Thursday that it killed 12 Iranian Revolutionary Guards. 

* Russian Warships Dock In Iran for War Training  Two Russian warships have docked in northern Iran for a series of naval training exercises with the Islamic Republic, according to Persian-language reports translated by the CIA's Open Source Center. 

* 'US believes ISIS likely used chemical weapons in Iraq attack'  The United States believes Islamic State militants likely used mustard agent in an attack on Kurdish forces in Iraq earlier this week. 

* COMMENTARY: Is Christian Love for Israel a Passing Fad?  Many Christian Zionists, when pressed, can't really explain how they fell in love with Israel. 

* Bayit Yehudi MK: Gays control the media  Bayit Yehudi MK Bezalel Smotrich, who just recently angered many by referring to the gay pride parade as the "abomination parade," has once again made a controversial comment about the LGBT community.

8/14/15

* The quest for the red heifer: An ancient commandment meets modern technology  The Temple Institute launched a crowdfunding campaign last month to help raise the first authentic, kosher red heifer in 2,000 years in the land of Israel. 

* 'US believes ISIS likely used chemical weapons in Iraq attack'  The United States believes Islamic State militants likely used mustard agent in an attack on Kurdish forces in Iraq earlier this week. 

* Intelligence sources assess: Mashaal asks Erdogan to let key terrorist operate from Turkey  Western intelligence sources asses to a very high degree of likelihood that Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal has officially requested from Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to allow top Hamas operative Salah Aruri to return to Turkey. 

* How China has cyber-stumped the US and why Israel could be next  This week a US intelligence official leaked to NBC News that China has been successfully hacking top US government officials' email accounts since 2010 in a cyber campaign known as "Dancing Panda."

* Al Qaida pledges support for new Taliban leader in Afghanistan  Al Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, in an online audio message, pledged allegiance to the new head of the Afghan Taliban in a move that could bolster his accession after the death of Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar. 

* Iranian Kurdish Party says killed 12 Revolutionary Guards in attack  Kurdish fighters affiliated with the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJA K), an Iranian offshoot of the PKK in western Iran, announced on Thursday that it killed 12 Iranian Revolutionary Guards. 

* Western Wall homecoming  One of the iconic photographs of the Six Day War depicts IDF chief rabbi Brig.-Gen. Shlomo Goren holding a Torah scroll at the Western Wall for the first Jewish prayer there in 19 years, while a paratrooper blows a shofar in thanksgiving. 

* Libya chaos: Islamic State battles militias in Sirte  At least 25 people have been killed in clashes between Islamic State (IS) and a rival Islamist group backed by armed civilians in the Libyan city of Sirte. 

* IDF chief details army's national security strategy  In an unprecedented move, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot released a document to the public on Thursday defining and detailing the army's national security strategy. 

* White House concerned Iran deal could boost terror - top official  The Obama administration is concerned that Iran will increase backing for terrorism and other disruptive activities in the wake of the nuclear deal, Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz said in an address to American Jews.

8/13/15

* Nuke Deal Provides "Historic Opportunity" to Confront Israel, Iran FM Tells Hezbollah Terror Chief - The two discussed how the recent nuke deal creates an opportunity for Tehran’s regional allies to “face threats posed by the Zionist entity”.

* NATO and Russia Preparing for War - What happens if the decades-long standoff between Russia and NATO military forces GOES from a pseudo Cold War to a hot one?

* Iraq truck bomb kills dozens at Baghdad market - At least 59 people have been killed after a truck bomb exploded in north-eastern Baghdad, Iraqi officials say.

* Iranian military official: 'We laugh' when US threatens to attack - Military officials in the past have also mocked the West's willingness to attack the Islamic Republic.

* Russian Warships Dock In Iran for War Training - Iranian military leader: ‘Only the dead body of the American troops realizes the power of’ Iran.

* Iran to Fire Missiles in War Drills - Firing of missiles follows war games with Russia.

* IDF Laser Beams to Intercept Mortar Shells? - Following success of Iron Dome against rockets, system in the works to neutralize mortar fire cheaply and effectively.

* Arch-Terrorist Marwan Barghouti Suggested as New PA Chief - Head of the Palestinian Prisoner's Club says he hopes Marwan Barghouti will 'lead Palestinian people to freedom.'

* When the Prime Ministers Took Down the Hijackers - Netanyahu, former premiers Barak and Peres gather to see a new docudrama on the 1972 hostage rescue, ‘Operation Isotope’.

* China allows yuan currency to drop for third day - China has set the guiding rate for its yuan currency lower for a third consecutive day.

8/12/15

* Russia and Nato 'actively preparing for war' Rival war games by Russian armed forces and Nato represent greatest build up of military tension in Europe since Cold War, warns think tank.

* Hamas has dug 'several tunnels' into Israel, in new Iran-funded war drive Hamas has dug 'several tunnels' into Israel, in new Iran-funded war drive.

* IDF Says it is Aware of New Hamas Terror Tunnels Military sources confirm for the first time there is information that Hamas has been digging new terrorist tunnels.

* Syria's Aleppo marked as international city under Iran peace plan Iranian foreign minister cancels trip to Turkey to discuss peace initiative to keep Assad in power; Saudi peace plan demands Iranian withdrawal.

* Analysis: Shin Bet interrogation sheds light on Hamas-Iran ties According to Ibrahim Shahade Sha'ar ' accused of terrorist activity ' told interrogators that Iran has been transferring money, supplying military equipment and training members of Hamas.

* Iranian, Russian Warships Hold Joint 'War Games' Iranian destroyer and missile ships join visiting Russian warships for drills in Iranian waters, highlighting key military partnership.

* China's yuan currency falls for a second day China's Central Bank has again cut the guiding rate for the national currency, the yuan, a day after Tuesday's record 1.9% devaluation.

* Rise of the brain-controlled robot ARMIES: Chinese military trains students to control machines with their minds Forget joysticks and exoskeletons, the future of warfare could see robot armies controlled using just a commander's mind.

* Video of Jerusalem gay couple makes headlines worldwide A Ynet video of two gay men walking the streets of Jerusalem and absorbing abuse from passers by has generated attention around the world, raising questions about Israel's acceptance of LGBT people.

* Israel is back on the map as Air France bows to pressure over in-flight screen The controversy began last week, when a passenger on an Air France jet sent a photo to the Facebook page of the pro-Israel group Stand With Us showing how the in-flight map omits Israel.

8/11/15

* Watch: What Makes Iran Unique? - Iran's approach to Islamism makes it more dangerous than other Islamic countries, expert reveals to Arutz Sheva.

* Poll: Most Israelis Feel Their Nation is in Danger - The monthly Peace Index survey conducted in late July found that a firm majority of Israeli Jews believe their nation is in serious danger from various security and military threats.

* Minor clash as Muslim youths kept off Temple Mount over riot fears - Group of adolescents armed with bottles, eggs denied entry to Jerusalem holy site; several detained for questioning

* Jordan to erect barrier on Iraq-Syria border to stop IS - Military official says trenches and embankments are intended to prevent jihadists crossing

* Muslims harass congressmen visiting Temple Mount - “When there is a lack of resolve in protecting religious freedoms, it emboldens those who have no compunction about suppressing it,” Rep. Franks says.

* Arabs Busted over 'Protection' Scheme for Kotel Visitors - Just like in old Chicago, Israelis visiting the Kotel have been forced in recent months to pay up, or risk damage to their cars, or persons.

* Obama administration warns US court: High cost of appealing terror verdict could topple PA - 10 American families in February won a $655 million verdict against the PLO and PA for supporting terror; PA wishes to appeal ruling, but may need to post sizable bond.

* Greek bailout deal agreed 'in principle' - Greece has agreed a bailout deal "in principle" with its creditors, the European Commission has said.

* Abbas to Visit Iran Within Two Months, Says PLO Official - PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to pay a visit to Iran within the coming two months, according to PLO official Ahmed Majdalani.

* 360° interactive footage from fighter cockpit - move it just like Google panoramic view - A spectacular predawn dual flight of fighters from two epochs, the mid-20th century P-51 Mustang and the early 21st century F-22 has been captured on video, with awesome technology enabling the viewer to look 360 degrees in any direction.

8/10/15

* Poll: Most Israelis Own a Bible, Revere the Word of God A survey conducted late last month revealed that nearly all Israeli Jews own a Bible, that most revere it as the holy Word of God, and that nearly half the Jewish population still reads from the Scriptures at least on occasion.

* Russia and US woo Saudis to help save Assad - albeit putting Israel and Jordan in danger from S. Syria Building on the nuclear accord signed in Vienna last month, the Obama administration has been in close communion with Moscow and Tehran on regional moves to save the Assad regime, as the key to their next regional policies, including a united front against the Islamic State.. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partners are being assiduously wooed to join the new alignment being set up for this purpose. 

* Vatican: Anti-Christian violence crosses 'red line' in Israel Senior adviser to the Catholic church in the Holy Land calls on the government to crack down on Jewish extremists.

* Israel 'forgotten' by Egypt yet again Analysis: While the diplomatic relationship between the two countries is thriving under the table, Israel wasn't invited to the inauguration of the new Suez Canal - along with Egypt's three main enemies.

* To ready for the final redemption, Israelis take red heifers by the horns The Temple Institute wants to raise $125,000 to breed the holy cows used in an ancient - and future, it hopes - purification rite.

* Hamas Tests Missile Upgrades, Vows 'Difficult Days' After week with 3 missile attacks, Hamas presses domestic rocketry as it welcomes stabbing, threatening 'difficult days' for Israel.

* Gunmen Fire on US Consulate in Istanbul Gunfire reported after bomb attack at a police station in Istanbul that injured at least five officers.

* ISIS Plan to Assassinate Queen Elizabeth Exposed Intelligence reports indicate ISIS in Syria arranging bombing at next Saturday's VJ Day to kill the Queen of England - no arrests made yet.

* Obama: Netanyahu's 'Interference' in US Affairs 'Unprecedented' In interview to be aired Sunday night, Obama suggests no other foreign leader has 'injected himself' into a US affair like Netanyahu has.

* Greece hopes for bailout deal this week The Greek government hopes negotiations for a new bailout will be concluded this week, with eurozone finance ministers possibly endorsing the plan as soon as Friday (14 August).

8/8/15

* Activist sues PA, Jordan over Jewish access to Temple Mount Baruch Ben Yosef files NIS 1 billion lawsuit; claims keeping Jews from holy site amounts to discrimination.

* Palestinian religious leaders challenge Jewish presence atop Temple Mount Palestinian religious leaders 'both Muslims and Christians ' signed a declaration stating that Jews have no right to enter the Temple Mount at a press conference in east Jerusalem on Wednesday.

* Syria, Russia and Iran Huddle Up in Tehran Day after Turkey claims Russia is going to drop Syria, key meeting of foreign ministers taking place - will it mark a shift in region?

* 80% of Jewish Israelis say state is in danger The poll found that among Jews, 26.5 percent of Israelis define the level of security-military danger to Israel as very high and 54.1% as moderately high.

* West Bank inches closer to boiling point The rising tensions are evident everywhere. 

* Survey suggests strong popular support for 'Jew-free' Romania Over half of respondents view Nazi-era leader, who supported murder of Romanian Jews, as a "patriot."

* Netanyahu: Iran deal will bring war, 'nightmare' atomic arms race In video talk to American Jews, PM accuses accord's supporters of trying to 'stifle debate,' says alternative is to 'increase sanctions'.

* PA Incites Religious War Over Temple Mount Fatah rhetoric increasingly paints visits of Jews to Judaism's holiest site as 'invasions' as tensions rise over the Mount.

* Iran endorses nuclear EMP attack on United States Suspected for years of plotting to dismantle the U.S. electric grid, American officials have confirmed that 

Iranian military brass have endorsed a nuclear electromagnetic pulse explosion that would attack the country's power system.

* Giant gates to Goliath's home discovered: Monumental fortification belonging to the Biblical city of Philistine Gath unearthed It was the Biblical city where the giant Goliath lived and one of the most powerful in the Philistine empire before it was destroyed in the ninth century BC.

8/7/15

* Activist sues PA, Jordan over Jewish access to Temple Mount Baruch Ben Yosef files NIS 1 billion lawsuit; claims keeping Jews from holy site amounts to discrimination.

* President Obama's Attitude Toward Radical Islam Opinion: Is Obama's appeasement of radical Islam the result of political naivete - or something else entirely?

* Hamas Threatens to 'Burn' Israel Senior Hamas politburo official vows 'awful punishment' for Duma arson while hinting at new intifada, demands Israel rebuild Gaza.

* The X-37b's big brother revealed: Boeing bags $6.6m contract to design reusable XS-1 robot spaceplane that will launch secret spy satellites and space weapons Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians respond to car attack, praising IDF soldiers for shooting terrorist and calling for a crackdown.

* UN to examine Syria chemical weapons attacks The UN has adopted a resolution aimed at identifying those behind chemical weapons attacks in Syria.

* Islamic State abducts dozens of Christians from Syrian town At least 230 people were kidnapped including dozens of Christians, some of whom were taken from a church in Qartatain.

* Donald Trump criticises Fox debate moderator Megyn Kelly Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has criticised the three moderators of Thursday night's debate, particularly Fox News host Megyn Kelly.

* Turkish 'UFO' Turns Out to be Israeli 'Spy Balloon' Locals excited at finding UFO in air quickly change tack to accuse Israel of nefarious tourist balloon, joining pantheon of 'spy' charges.

* Christians at UN: We Didn't Replace the Jewish Covenant Pro-Israel Christian groups to plan the fight against Christian anti-Semitism at special UN forum; 'our Biblical duty to defend the Jews.'

* Breaking ban, Iran Quds Force leader reported to visit Russia General Qassem Soleimani, who is blacklisted by UN, said to have met with Putin to discuss supply of air-defense missiles to Tehran.

8/6/15

* Palestinian religious leaders challenge Jewish presence atop Temple Mount Palestinian religious leaders - both Muslims and Christians - signed a declaration stating that Jews have no right to enter the Temple Mount at a press conference in east Jerusalem on Wednesday.

* Ex-National Security Advisor: Iran nuclear deal likely will lead to use of force Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror says when Iranian nuclear program rears its head again, it will be a problem several times more serious; Hezbollah will receive thousands of precise missiles.

* Syria, Russia and Iran Huddle Up in Tehran Day after Turkey claims Russia is going to drop Syria, key meeting of foreign ministers taking place - will it mark a shift in region?

* 'Where is the Outcry about Terror Against Jews?' Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians respond to car attack, praising IDF soldiers for shooting terrorist and calling for a crackdown.

* WATCH: Hamas celebrates terror camp graduation Hamas boasts 25,000 participants at graduation ceremonies of summer camp which trained civilians in warfare techniques.

* 80% of Jewish Israelis say state is in danger The poll found that among Jews, 26.5 percent of Israelis define the level of security-military danger to Israel as very high and 54.1% as moderately high.

* Egypt launches Suez Canal expansion Egypt is opening a major expansion of the Suez Canal, which deepens the main waterway and provides ships with a 35km (22 mile) channel parallel to it.

* NASA signing $490M contract with Russia NASA informed lawmakers on Wednesday that because Congress has failed to fully fund its Commercial Crew Program for the last five years, it is signing a $490 million contract extension with Russia to send Americans to space.

* Why is Sisi Expanding the Suez Canal? Grand plans by modern-day Egyptian ruler motivated in great part by the same reasons as his predecessor 150 years ago.

* Survey suggests strong popular support for 'Jew-free' Romania Over half of respondents view Nazi-era leader, who supported murder of Romanian Jews, as a "patriot."

8/5/15

* In new project, pro-Israel voices opt for satire over polemic Frustrated with classic 'hasbara' or public advocacy, Israeli cartoonists volunteer their talents for the cause.

* Obama Says Israel Stands Alone against Iran Deal In speech laced with jabs at Netanyahu, Obama says opponents of Iran deal the same people who supported Iraq War.

* Iran orders from China 150 J-10 fighter jets that incorporate Israeli technology Iran is about to conclude a transaction with China for the purchase of the Chengdu J-10 multirole jet fighter, known in the West as the Vigorous Dragon, according to an exclusive report from DEBKAfile's military and intelligence sources. Beijing has agreed to sell Tehran 150 of these sophisticated jets.

* Netanyahu: Iran deal will bring war, 'nightmare' atomic arms race In video talk to American Jews, PM accuses accord's supporters of trying to 'stifle debate,' says alternative is to 'increase sanctions'.

* PA Incites Religious War Over Temple Mount Fatah rhetoric increasingly paints visits of Jews to Judaism's holiest site as 'invasions' as tensions rise over the Mount.

* Deceptive Missionary Campaign Exposed in Jordan Valley Missionary Christians subtly try to bring Jews in Jordan Valley kibbutzim away from their faith by handing out anti-Jewish books.

* Bedouins on Jordan Border Swear Loyalty to ISIS Israeli security system on high alert after tribes join ISIS in exchange for money, with fears terror group may start Jordan conquest soon.

* US senator: A military strike could send Iran 'back to day zero' Republican Tom Cotton, a prominent opponent of the nuclear deal, tells Israeli reporters US must maintain 'credible threat of force'.

* Russia re-submits Arctic claims to UN Russia Tuesday (4 August) announced it had submitted a revised application to the UN seeking the expansion of its Arctic shelf border, rich in oil and other natural resources.

* Turkey says 'comprehensive battle' against IS to come soon Turkey has said it plans to escalate its attacks on Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria.

8/4/15

* Iran endorses nuclear EMP attack on United States Suspected for years of plotting to dismantle the U.S. electric grid, American officials have confirmed that Iranian military brass have endorsed a nuclear electromagnetic pulse explosion that would attack the country's power system.

* US Syria Policy Mocked as Al Qaeda Hunts Down US-Backed Rebels US Syria Policy Mocked as Al Qaeda Hunts Down US-Backed Rebels.

* 'Beat up an Arab' game appears on Iranian website The game, linked to the country's Ministry of Culture and Guidance, has faced criticism from Iranian-Arabs who say it's racist.

* US Urges Turkey to Tone Down War Against Kurds US and Europe warn Turkey after reports its Kurdish crackdown is killing civilians, as Ankara continues to largely ignore ISIS.

* Yemen crisis: Houthi rebels 'driven from key al-Anad airbase' Pro-government forces in Yemen have retaken the country's largest airbase in a battle with Houthi rebels, government officials say.

* Sources: Hamas focusing on terror attacks from West Bank after high casualties in Gaza war Hamas has changed its strategy as a result of heavy losses during Operation Protective Edge, 'Al-Hayat' quotes sources in Gaza as saying.

* LGBT rights: Anti-terror orders should be used against Christian teachers who say same-sex marriage is wrong, says Tory MP Christian teachers who tell pupils that gay marriages is 'wrong' should have anti-terror banning orders used against them, a Tory MP has argued.

* He's Back: Ahmadinejad Launches Political Campaign Iran's former president launches a political campaign in hopes of returning to power in February's parliamentary elections.

* Russian President Turns 'Temple Mount' into Relative Term Russian President Vladimir Putin raised eyebrows when he dubbed a Crimean archaeological site the 'Temple Mount of Orthodox Christians'. 

* Study names three 'most Jewish' cities in America Ranked by region, the Northeast is 4 percent Jewish; the Midwest, South and West each are 1 percent Jewish.

8/3/15

* Armageddon 'Painting a Picture of Hope for the Future' Armageddon, biblical scene of the world's last great battle that will usher in the return of Jesus Christ, is no fictional location. 

* Iran rejects cooperation with US in fight against ISIS Iranian officials rejected claims that Iran was working with US in airstrikes against ISIS, and calls US policy of military action in the Middle East a "double standard."

* Kurds Vow to Avenge Yazidis Massacred by ISIS President of Iraq's Kurdistan region vows to hunt ISIS 'to the last one' for Yazidis; thousands murdered, forced into sex slavery.

* Russia Promises Hamas to 'Solve Palestinian Problem' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meets with Khaled Meshaal in Doha - and promises Hamas to 'return Palestinians home.'

* 79 years after Nazi Olympics, Jewish athletes find Berlin welcoming, not entirely safe Maccabi participants encounter the new, accepting face of Germany; beefed-up security underlines persistence of anti-Semitism.

* PA Sheikh on Temple Mount: Jews Created Diseases Watch: Anti-Semite sheikh is back with claims that Jews create diseases to get rich, Rothschilds will 'fight God alongside Antichrist.'

* End of Assad? Erdogan Claims Putin Pulling Support Putin 'may give up on Assad' according to Turkish president, in a sign that some of the last backers of Assad may leave him out to dry.

* UK Schools 'Indoctrinating Palestinian Terrorism' British National Union of Teachers gives 'distorted' political message in new project teaching 'Palestinian resistance.'

* State orders criminal probe of suspects who posted video of Netanyahu, Rivlin in Nazi garb Man banned by judge from FB for incitement, switches to WhatsApp and is rearrested

* Air France wipes Israel off of the map...literally Passengers on an Air France flight to Paris noticed something missing from their in-flight map.

8/1/15

* Strategic Command Focused on Hypersonic Missile Threat Chinese, Russian high-speed weapons a new concern.

* Mosques and massacres: Western leaders need to start paying attention 'In many Muslim countries'¦ the mosques are monitored by the police on Friday. 

* Dying for Christianity: millions at risk amid rise in persecution across the globe Increase in murder, as well as rape, torture and discrimination, has led the pope to warn of a 'form of genocide'.

* Islamic State recruitment document seeks to provoke 'end of the world' An apparent Islamic State recruitment document found in Pakistan's lawless tribal lands reveals that the extremist group has grand ambitions of building a new terrorist army in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and triggering a war in India to provoke an Armageddon-like 'end of the world.'

* Iranian Official Accuses Americans of Violating the Nuclear Deal Senior Iranian official says Washington violating nuclear deal by stating that military option is still on the table.

* Iraqi Kurds warn PKK amid Turkey air strikes Iraq's Kurdistan region has urged Turkish Kurd separatist forces of the PKK to leave civilian areas amid continuing Turkish air strikes.

* Putin's Aide: Upgrading S-300 Missile System for Iran Delivery Top Russian official quoted by Iranian official press says advanced missile defense system being tweaked - against potential Israeli strike?

* Hamas: 'Every Israeli is now a legitimate target' following Duma terror attack Israeli and Palestinian Authority security forces are on high alert in Jerusalem and the West Bank as Hamas calls for "day of rage."

* Why is Muslim harassment of Jews on the Temple Mount increasing? The most practical solution is for police to enforce a policy that restricts Muslim mobs from coming within 20 meters of Jewish visitors to the Mount, one activist claims.

* The Ayatollah's Plan for Israel and Palestine "The flagbearer of Jihad to liberate Jerusalem."