9/30/15

* IN PICTURES: Thousands flock to Western Wall for traditional priestly blessing The traditional priestly blessing is said annually in honor of Succot, Passover and Shavuot. 

* Syria crisis: Russian air strikes against Assad enemies Russia has begun carrying out air strikes in Syria against opponents of President Bashar al-Assad. 

* IS wants to kill millions, says 'embedded' German reporter  JÃrgen TodenhÃfer, who spent 10 harrowing days with terror group last year, claims jihadists planning 'biggest religious cleansing in history'. 

* Abbas: Palestine a state under occupation, no longer bound by Oslo accords  "Our patience has come to an end," PA leader declares to UN, calling on international community to recognize Palestinian state; Netanyahu blasts 'deceitful' speech. 

* Russian Orthodox Church, Muslims Back 'Holy Battle' Against ISIS  Powerful Orthodox Church hails government decision to initiate airstrikes against rebels in Syria. 

* Likud MK: Ban Radical Arab MK From Temple Mount  Hazan tells Arutz Sheva the time has come for Zahalka and his inciting friends to be forbidden from holy site - and kicked out of Israel. 

* Outrage as Nazi Flag Unfurled in Center of French City  Residents and visitors describe utter shock after massive Nazi flag hung on gov't building in Nice as rehearsal for movie goes badly wrong. 

* Al-Sisi: Palestinian state would remove pretext for terror  Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Egyptian president claims that establishing a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders would remove a central factor in regional instability. 

* Bethlehem Church Burns; No One Cares Earlier this summer, a fire broke out at the Church of the Multiplication (of the Loaves and Fish) on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The perpetrators are believed to have been Jewish extremists, and the suspected arson made headline news around the world. 

* ISIS militants in Iraq, Syria have WMD components, Lavrov warns UN Security Council Islamic State militants are in possession of components for weapons of mass destruction, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned the UN Security Council meeting, urging that IS be included on an anti-terrorist sanction list as a separate subject. 

9/29/15

* Netanyahu: Palestinians using Temple Mount to incite against Israel - While departing for UN General Assembly, PM says: “Israel wants to be at peace with the Palestinians but to our sorrow they continue to spread crude lies about our policy on the Temple Mount."

* Syria conflict: Russia considers joining anti-IS air strikes - Russia is considering whether to follow the US and its allies in conducting air strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets, President Vladimir Putin says.

* At UN, Jordan's King Abdullah Threatens Israel over Temple Mount - Speaking at UN General Assembly, Jordan's King Abdullah 'rejects any threat to the Arab character' of Jerusalem.

* US and Israel seek 'deconflict mechanisms' with Russia, accepting its new Syria role - Moscow's formal entry into Syria — with the construction of new military bases stocked with heavy weaponry and aircraft — has forced the US and neighboring Israel to readjust.

* Violence over Temple Mount Spills into Ramallah - Arab mob attacks IDF soldiers near Ramallah while protesting against Israeli forces on Temple Mount.

* Poll shows Egyptians view Israel as most hostile state - The report comes in the wake of reports of an increasingly positive relationship between Israel and Egypt due to security coordination.

* Top NATO general: Russia building anti-access bubble over Syria - An Israeli-Russian military working group is designed to coordinate Syria-related activities.

* Hamas: All of Israel is Ours - Ismail Haniyeh threatens entire Jewish state with 'punishment' for 'taking Palestinian land,' hours before Temple Mount riot.

* "Israel concerned with build-up of Iranian forces in Syria near Golan border" - Likud Minister Steinitz says Israel will make it clear to US, Russia and other world powers that Iranian forces must not be allowed to mass on Israel's border.

* Saudi princes said planning regime change - Senior member of Saudi royal family urges coup against King Salman.

9/28/15

* WATCH: Rare 'blood moon' event illuminates night sky  First total eclipse, combined with unusually large moon, since 1982; won't recur for 18 years. 

* The Festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles)  Each of the three major festivals, the sacred seasons sanctified by the G-d of Israel, has a designation by which it is known in the texts of Jewish liturgy and tradition. 

* Police enter Temple Mount after Palestinians in Aksa mosque throw stones, firebombs  Violence is a repeat of clashes that have erupted intermittently at the holy site over the course of the past few weeks. 

* Only Assad truly fighting Islamic State, Putin says  In his first address to the UN General Assembly hall in a decade, Putin chides Western powers for their efforts to undermine Assad. 

* As insults fly, Iran-Saudi haj row aggravates regional rifts  The disaster at the haj is unlikely to be a game changer in the contest between Iran and Saudi Arabia. 

* Iran not backing down: Saudi Arabia should apologize for haj deaths  "The Islamic World has a lot of questions," Khamenei says; Rouhani demands investigation into deadly crush. 

* Jordan's Abdullah: We reject threats to our holy places and the Arab character of Jerusalem  Monarch makes comments to UN General Assembly amid tensions over Temple Mount.. 

* Jewish history's greatest archaeological crime  The Temple Mount Sifting Project, now in its 10th year, has uncovered hundreds of thousands of invaluable antiquities from tons of ancient debris discarded like trash from Judaism's holiest site. 

* Clashes continue at Temple Mount on Sukkot  Rioters barricade themselves inside al-Aqsa Mosque, throw Molotov cocktails on Sukkot; police enter compound following negotiations. 

* Iran official: Saudi royal house to fall within 20 years  Tehran issues blistering criticism of Riyadh over deaths of hundreds of Muslims in stampede during hajj pilgrimage.

9/26/15

* Abbas Warns of New 'Intifada' on Temple Mount After call for violence to stop 'filthy' Jews from visiting, Abbas tells France's Hollande that a terror war may be imminent.

* US 'preparing' for hybrid warfare with Russia in Baltics - report US has been getting ready for a possible war involving Russia in Europe's Baltic States, German media reports. 

* Iran Promises to Violate Nuke Deal Never signed official nuke deal.

* 'Death to the Saudi dynasty,' Iranians chant as anger rises over hajj stampede Saudi Arabia suggested pilgrims failing to follow crowd control rules bore some blame for the worst disaster at the event for 25 years.

* Israel's soaring population: Promised Land running out of room? Today's population of 8.4 million is forecast to reach 15.6 million by 2059 and 20.6 million in a high case scenario.

* The Danger of the Blood Moon Phenomenon A good friend called me this week to ask what I thought of the Year of Shemitah and what some are saying is the beginning of the end of the world. 

* Russia announces naval drills in 'east Mediterranean' Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said it will hold naval drills in the "east Mediterranean" in September and October, as the West frets over a military buildup by Moscow in Syria.

* Satellite imagery reveals new Russian bases in Syria Imagery shows another two military facilities under construction in addition to buildup of combat planes and tanks; Kerry: Supporting Assad is attracting foreign fighters who oppose him.

* Report: Muslims Are The Fastest Growing Immigrant Community Muslims are the fastest growing bloc of immigrants, according to new census data published by the Center for Immigration Studies.

* Hajj stampede: Saudi mufti says deaths 'beyond human control' Saudi Arabia's most senior cleric, the grand mufti, has said the stampede at the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca on Thursday was beyond human control.

9-25-15

* 'Death to the Saudi dynasty,' Iranians chant as anger rises over hajj stampede Saudi Arabia, under growing pressure to account for a crush that killed more than 700 people at the haj pilgrimage, on Friday suggested pilgrims failing to follow crowd control rules bore some blame for the worst disaster at the event for 25 years.

* Cyber-suspicion strains US-China relations In Cold War days, nuclear arms control might have topped the agenda of a major summit - but now when leaders meet, they are looking at how to avoid an escalating cyber-arms race.

* Pope Francis Supports Iran Deal as 'Political Goodwill' Pope Francis threw his support behind Iran's accord with major powers as he backed a goal of global abolition of nuclear weapons, AFP reports Friday.

* In NY meeting, Obama to ask Putin for clarity on Russian involvement in Syria US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in New York on Monday at a time of high tension in Europe and the Middle East, but the Kremlin and the White House disagreed on Thursday over the top priority for the talks.

* Netanyahu urges Muslims: 'Don't be led astray by anti-Israel incitement' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recorded a special holiday greeting to Muslims on Friday, insisting that claims Israel was upsetting the delicate interfaith balance on Temple Mount were false.

* Netanyahu says Israel will keep Temple Mount order amid report Abdullah won't talk to him The Prime Minister's Office refused comment Thursday on a spate of reports that Jordan's King Abdullah II is refusing to take phone calls or meet secretly with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu because of the tension around the Temple Mount.

* US Speaker John Boehner to leave Congress Mr Boehner made the decision while praying on Friday morning - a day after hosting Pope Francis at Congress.

* Europeans Rush to Invest in Iran Iranian and European business leaders gathered in Geneva Thursday to explore the massive opportunities expected to open up when years of biting sanctions against Tehran end, although experts warned huge challenges remained.

* The pope, the Israeli prime minister and Moses in Congress The marble visages of 23 historic lawgivers overlook the US House of Representatives chamber: 11 on the east side, 11 on the west and Moses in the center - with all 22 others facing north toward him.

* The Danger of the Blood Moon Phenomenon A good friend called me this week to ask what I thought of the Year of Shemitah and what some are saying is the beginning of the end of the world.

9/24/15

* Hajj stampede: At least 717 killed in Saudi Arabia - At least 717 people taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage have been killed in a stampede near the Islamic holy city of Mecca, officials in Saudi Arabia say.

* Russia announces naval drills in "east Mediterranean" - Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said it will hold naval drills in the "east Mediterranean" in September and October, as the West frets over a military buildup by Moscow in Syria.

* Watch: PA Puts Temple Mount Incitement into Overdrive - Abbas's 'filthy Jews' was only tip of the iceberg - former PA PM, Fatah official and websites churn out calls for violence on holy site.

* Hamas Threatens Egypt Over Gaza "Moat" - Haniyeh lashes out at Egyptian project to create water border barrier, warning "we will do our duty against those besieging Gaza."

* Russia threatens response if US places new nukes in Germany - US says new weapons are upgraded versions of those in arsenal for decades.

* Rare 3,000-year-old King David era seal discovered by Temple Mount Sifting Project - 10-year-old Russian volunteer unearths unprecedented find.

* Repent! Pope Francis lectures America on immigration, abortion, gay marriage and the Syrian refugee crisis in first-ever Capitol Hill address by a sitting pontiff - Pope Francis delivered a stinging blow to nativist conservatives bent on keeping illegal immigrants and Middle Eastern refugees out of the United States, saying Thursday in a landmark address to Congress that Americans should show compassion to immigrants of all stripes.

* Jordan’s king refuses to talk to Netanyahu - US diplomats urge Abdullah to help resolve Temple Mount tensions with the PM, to no avail.

* Satellite imagery reveals new Russian bases in Syria - Imagery shows another two military facilities under construction in addition to buildup of combat planes and tanks; Kerry: Supporting Assad is attracting foreign fighters who oppose him.

* "Netanyahu Government Will Fall in 2016" - It’s been in power a mere six months and already there is talk of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current government collapsing and Israel being subjected to yet another early election.

9/23/15

* Pope Francis urges action on climate change on visit to US Pope Francis has called for further action on climate change saying that it was "a critical moment of history", on the first day of his visit to the US.

* Heatwave, bikes and Jerusalem tensions: A wary Israel marks Yom Kippur Temperatures set to exceed 30ºC, West Bank and Gaza under closure, and rescue services on alert for annual scrapes as cyclists hit the deserted streets.

* Report: Russia Building Two New Military Bases in Syria Satellite images show Russia is building weapons storage and military outpost, while US tries to find ways to work with Moscow.

* Pentagon Drawing War Plans Against Russia The Pentagon is drawing up contingency plans for a war with Russia.

* Ya'alon: Israel retains its freedom to act in Syria Defense minister says Jewish state will not allow advanced Russian weapons to end up in the hands of Hezbollah.

* More than 2 million Muslims in Saudi Arabia start hajj Pilgrimage traces paths of Prophets Abraham, Ishmael and Muhammad; starta in Mecca before heading to nearby tent city of Mina.

* In Hajj message, Iran's leader castigates Israel and the US Khamenei urges Muslims to 'understand your divine responsibility' in the face of American 'evil'.

* Migrant crisis: EU splits exposed as summit begins Splits within the EU on the relocation of 120,000 migrants have been further exposed as leaders begin an emergency meeting in Brussels.

* Report: Muslims Are The Fastest Growing Immigrant Community Muslims are the fastest growing bloc of immigrants, according to new census data published by the Center for Immigration Studies.

* Iran Promises to Violate Nuke Deal Multiple senior Iranian officials have vowed in recent weeks to violate the recently inked nuclear accord that aims to constrain the Islamic Republic's contested nuclear enrichment program, according to multiple comments by top Iranian leaders.

9/22/15

* Muslim Entry to Temple Mount Restricted Ahead of Yom Kippur Muslim Entry to Temple Mount Restricted Ahead of Yom Kippur.

* Security forces on high alert as Jewish Israelis mark Yom Kippur The Jewish Day of Atonement comes amid increased tensions in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

* Abbas Warns of New 'Intifada' on Temple Mount After call for violence to stop 'filthy' Jews from visiting, Abbas tells France's Hollande that a terror war may be imminent.

* The Jewish people in 2050: 2 very different scenarios Hebrew University demographer takes a look into the future of Judaism: Will peace and security lead to a population boom or will uncertainty and conflict depress demographic figures?

* The Jewy side of the pope's trip to the US The pontiff will spend yontif in the States, from Yom Kippur until erev Sukkot. Here's where you can see and be seen together.

* Rouhani suggests Iran's military is best defense against ISIS Iranian president says Tehran prepared to assist other countries in region as it has aided Syria and Iraq against insurgents.

* Presbyterian New Year's wish list: No state for the Jews? Perhaps PCUSA can be excused for overlooking the consequences of the death of a Jewish state, since it has been just as blind to its own imminent demise.

* Migrant crisis: EU ministers approve disputed quota plan EU interior ministers have approved a controversial plan to relocate 120,000 migrants across the continent over the next two years.

* Who is to Blame for Temple Mount Rioting? Firestorm in Knesset over violence in Jerusalem culminates with leftists blaming Israel for Palestinian violence; Minister points to Abbas.

* Vatican to Raise Flag at UN 'Without Fanfare' Vatican says it will raise its flag at the UN, following approval of resolution on the matter, but with no ceremony.

9/21/15

* PM: Israel, Russia establish 'mechanism' to prevent 'misunderstandings' in Syria Netanyahu's meeting with Putin focused mainly on the Israel's northern border, with fears of Hezbollah attaining lethal weapons in Syria with help from Iran.

* Boosted by nuke deal, Iran ups funding to Hezbollah, Hamas Operating on assumption sanctions will be lifted, Tehran increases support to proxies, while freezing out Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal.

* Hungary PM Orban: Europe borders threatened by migrants Hungary's PM has said Europe's borders are threatened by migration, at the start of a week of intense diplomatic activity on the crisis.

* Poll: Majority of Palestinians want Abbas to resign, no longer support two-state solution The survey, taken between Sept 17-19, was conducted at a time of heightened Israeli-Palestinian tension, particularly over a Jerusalem shrine holy to Muslims and Jews.

* Analysis: Israel must prepare for Palestinian Authority's collapse After the Kalashnikov era was put down and defeated during the second intifada and Operation Defensive Shield, the Palestinians are going back to their roots - Molotov cocktails and stones.

* Syrian war spurs first withdrawal from doomsday Arctic seed vault The vault has more than 860,000 samples, from almost all nations. Even if the power were to fail, the vault would stay frozen and sealed for at least 200 years.

* Pope's visit will produce largest security operation in U.S. history Federal authorities are mobilizing one of the largest security operations in U.S. history ahead of Pope Francis's arrival Tuesday, an effort that is straining law enforcement resources in Washington, New York and Philadelphia.

* 'Europe's 1930s Jew Hatred Raised its Ugly Head Again' Minister Akunis responds to EU official announcing 'settlement' labeling soon as next week, warns 'the Europeans haven't learned a thing.'

* Ben Carson: I Wouldn't Support a Muslim President Republican presidential candidate causes uproar over comments on TV that he would not support a Muslim as President.

* ADL 'Appalled' by One-Sided UN Statement on Temple Mount Riots UNSC statement does not mention ignores the violence by Arabs, including stockpiling of pipe bombs in mosque.

9/19/15

* Syrian army reversals spook Russia into hasty military build-up For Putin, Russia's bolstered military assistance in Syria is a potential diplomatic trump card and a handy way of diverting attention from Ukraine's frozen conflict.

* Rouhani: Iranian 'Death to America' chants aimed at US policies, not American people In preview of interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," Iranian president says his nation's people "are not looking for war with any country."

* 'It's a matter of time until ISIS in Sinai attempts terror attack against Israel' Commander of IDF battalion that operates on Egyptian border says Egypt will succeed in putting down ISIS within two years, but the group will attempt to strike Israel beforehand.

* Challenges and opportunities: Israel in the new year Israel faces growing challenges in the coming year: Mending relations with the US, fighting off Palestinian bids for statehood and the constant threat of Iran and its proxies - but there are also plenty of opportunities.

* Military source: Syrian army starts using new weapons from Russia The source described the weapons as highly accurate and effective.

* Abbas Calls for Violence Against Jewish 'Filth' on Temple Mount PA chairman praises 'martyrs' spilling blood in Jerusalem, calls to stop Jews from 'defiling Al-Aqsa Mosque with their filthy feet.'

* EU urges calm on Temple Mount as Iran demands Muslim summit Tehran says Arab states must 'condemn aggression of Zionist regime,' while European bloc calls for restraint after clashes.

* Christian filmmaker aims to raise awareness about Muslim persecution of Christians "The ethnic and religious purging of Christians today is exactly like Hitler's ethnic cleansing of Jews in WWII," [film director Peter] Spencer said. "True Christians are today obligated to rescue the perishing from the blades of [the Islamic State]."

* Hamas: Israeli actions on Temple Mount are 'declaration of war' As violence spills over into third day, Islamist group calls on world to rein in Israel 'before the situation explodes'.

* Refugee crisis prompts snap EU summit EU leaders will hold an emergency summit on the migrant crisis on Wednesday (23 September), amid crackdowns on EU borders and disagreement on how to share 120,000 refugees.

9-18-15

* Border Police reservists recruited as security measures increase amid escalating violence The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee authorized the IDF to call up extra Border Patrol reservists in response to the escalation in Jerusalem, on Friday.

* Report: Israeli officials accuse Turkey of inciting Jerusalem rioting Israel has reportedly pointed to Turkey as responsible for incitement that led to the recent spate of turmoil at the Temple Mount and in Jerusalem, according to Channel 2 on Thursday.

* Syria crisis: US and Russian defence chiefs discuss conflict Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter discussed with Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu how their two sides can avoid accidentally clashing on the ground, a statement said.

* WATCH: Khamenei threatens 'criminal America' in chilling new video Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei released a video published to YouTube this week in which he warned of an American defeat in any war with Iran.

* Obama and World Mum as Iran Says Israel Will Cease to Exist Over a week has gone by since Iranian leaders' vague threats to destroy Israel have become more specific, yet neither U.S. President Barack Obama nor any other major world leader has condemned it.

* Constant Vigilance: Inside the IDF's 'War Room' The IDF is on constant alert for escalation from Gaza, Maariv revealed Friday, in a special report revealing the inner workings of the IDF's "war room."

* 'Iran is Teaching Gazan Children How to Murder Jews' Journalist David Bedein, head of the Center for Near East Policy Research, spoke to Arutz Sheva on Thursday about how Iran is funding terror camps in Gaza that teach children there how to murder Jews.

* 'The UN Fuels the PA's Fire on Temple Mount' Israeli ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Ron Prosor responded Friday to the UN Security Council, which called for "calm" and "status quo" - namely the banning of Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount - despite days of Muslim rioting.

* Former Nobel official: Obama prize failed to achieve goals In a break with Nobel tradition, the former secretary of the Nobel Peace Prize committee says the 2009 award to President Barack Obama failed to live up to the panel's expectations.

* Saudi King Asks Obama to Stop 'Israeli Attacks' on Temple Mount Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Thursday night phoned President Barack Obama to condemn Israel for what was termed its "grave escalation" on the Temple Mount.

9/17/15

* US Senate Democrats block last bid to kill Iran nuclear deal By vote of 56-42, Republican-majority Senate falls short of 60 votes needed in the 100-member chamber to advance the legislation.

* Israel looks to use snipers, harsher punishments to quell rock throwing Prime minister says families of underage offenders will be held accountable for their children's actions and pay massive fines.

* Likud Youth ascend to Temple Mount despite Netanyahu's opposition The youth leaders 'want to strengthen our sovereignty at our holiest site'.

* Abbas Calls for Violence Against Jewish 'Filth' on Temple Mount PA chairman praises 'martyrs' spilling blood in Jerusalem, calls to stop Jews from 'defiling Al-Aqsa Mosque with their filthy feet.'

* Saudi Arabia denounces Israeli actions at Jerusalem's al-Aksa mosque The state Saudi Press Agency quoted an official source describing the Israeli actions as an "aggression."

* Military source: Syrian army starts using new weapons from Russia The source described the weapons as highly accurate and effective.

* Watch: Children on Hamas TV Say they Want to 'Blow Up the Jews' MEMRI exposes clip from Hamas TV in which young children dressed in military fatigues say they want to wage jihad.

* Eminent Palestinian sheikh asserts right to 'self-defense' on Temple Mount Ekrima Sabri, Yasser Arafat's former top Jerusalem cleric, says violence is justified in the fight against 'Jewish extremists'.

* Abbas' 'bombshell' UN speech In an interview with Arab media, Abbas states that he is planning to shock the system by dropping a 'bombshell' at the end of his UN speech, Israeli officials warn of grave consequences if he 'breaks the rules.'

* Refugee crisis prompts snap EU summit EU leaders will hold an emergency summit on the migrant crisis on Wednesday (23 September), amid crackdowns on EU borders and disagreement on how to share 120,000 refugees.

9/16/15

* Violence Plagues Jerusalem Over Rosh Hashanah "Jerusalem Intifada" was how some in the Israeli media portrayed the violence that engulfed much of the Israeli capital over the two-day Rosh Hashanah holiday at the start of this week.

* Russia Celebrates Election of Pro-Kremlin Party Leader in Britain, "Admirer of Karl Marx' Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn latest extremist figure in European politics to align with Vladimir Putin.

* Challenges and opportunities: Israel in the new year Israel is faced with growing challenges in the new year: Mending relations with the US, fighting off Palestinian statehood bids, and the constant threat of Iran and its proxies; but their are plenty of opportunities too.

* On the Temple Mount, a morass a month in the making The fuse for the clashes sparked by Minister Uri Ariel's visit stretches back weeks, as Palestinian anger mounted over changes in access to the sensitive holy site.

* Netanyahu to Visit Putin, Warn Against Syria Deployment Netanyahu to visit Russia next week and warn that influx of advanced weaponry to Syria - and specifically to Hezbollah - threatens Israel.

* 'It's a matter of time until ISIS in Sinai attempts terror attack against Israel' Commander of IDF battalion that operates on Egyptian border says Egypt will succeed in putting down ISIS within two years, but the group will attempt to strike Israel beforehand.

* Could Israeli Police Use Snipers against Rock-Throwers? Netanyahu seeks Attorney General's approval to change police open-fire orders, allow use of snipers to pick off violent rioters.

* Syria conflict: Assad 'won't quit under pressure' Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said in an interview for Russian TV he will not quit under foreign pressure, saying the Syrian people must decide.

* Abdullah Warns Israel over Temple Mount 'Any more provocations in Jerusalem will affect the relationship between Jordan and Israel,' says king, 'Jordan will have to take action.'

* UN, US More Worried about Jerusalem Police than N. Korea Missile As Pyongyang prepares to launch a ballistic missile, the world's 'policemen' are focused on Jerusalem police's behavior.

9/15/15

* EU urges calm on Temple Mount as Iran demands Muslim summit - Tehran says Arab states must ‘condemn aggression of Zionist regime,’ while European bloc calls for restraint after clashes.

* Hamas: Israeli actions on Temple Mount are "declaration of war" - As violence spills over into third day, Islamist group calls on world to rein in Israel "before the situation explodes".

* Cheney alert: Nuclear war likely, Obama ended 75-year bipartisan consensus of U.S. as "freedom’s defender" - U.S. President Barack Obama’s capitulation to Iran in recent nuclear negotiations will likely result in the first use of a nuclear weapon since Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

* Senior Iranian general said to make second Moscow trip - Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani reportedly visits Russia amid push by Moscow, Tehran to aid Assad in Syria.

* Syria conflict: Russia "to continue Assad military aid" - Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged continued military support for Syria's Bashar al-Assad despite growing concerns over Moscow's role in the war.

* Iranian elections to feature Rouhani-Khamenei power play over nuclear deal - Officials and analysts say Iran's nuclear deal may be eroding its isolation overseas, but at home it is deepening political infighting within the country's complex power structure before votes.

* North Korea Yongbyon nuclear site "in operation" - North Korea says its main nuclear facility, the Yongbyon complex, has resumed normal operations.

* Solving the European Migrant Problem - The problem facing Europe is not only the vast number of migrants flooding the continent.

* Putin: ISIS has designs on Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, endangers Europe & Russia - Moscow is concerned about IS-trained jihadists returning to EU countries, the CIS and Russia.

* Several Palestinian groups call for 'day of rage' Friday in light of Temple Mount clashes - Palestinian Authority accuses Israel of allowing Jewish 'extremists' to "storm" contested Jerusalem holy site.

9/14/15

* Police: Arab MKs Tried to Rush Us on Temple Mount Arab MKs joined a mob that tried to rush Israeli police officers on the Temple Mount, police said Sunday.

* Netanyahu: Shana Tova from Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem In his video address, Netanyahu calls to repel those who slander the State of Israel.

* Temple Mount opens to Jewish visitors for Rosh Hashana after police quell riot Netanyahu to convene emergency meeting after holiday to discuss stone-throwing phenomenon in Jerusalem.

* BIN EXCLUSIVE: Sanhedrin Passes Judgement Against Pope Francis, Obama on Mt. Zion 71 elders of Israel who identify themselves as the Sanhedrin gathered Wednesday on Mount Zion in a historic trial bringing to judgement Pope Francis and US President Barack Obama in absentia. 

* Erdan: Riots Won't Prevent Jews from Visiting Temple Mount Internal Security Minister vows to change status quo after Muslim mob hurls firebombs at police officers.

* Jordan Blasts Israel for 'Attack' on Temple Mount Jordan and Egypt condemn Jewish state for 'provocations' and 'escalation' in their defense against Arab rioters on Temple Mount.

* Pope says risk that terrorists could sneak into Europe with Mideast refugees Pontiff refers to risk that ISIS could infiltrate, launch attacks in Europe.

* Saudis should no longer handle Mecca Haj, Iranian MP says after crane disaster Sunni lawmaker calls Saudi regime careless after accident that killed scores.

* Migrant crisis: More EU states impose border checks More EU countries have said they are imposing border checks to deal with an influx of migrants.

9/12/15

* Breaking Israel News Exclusive: Sanhedrin Passes Judgement Against Pope Francis, Obama on Mt. Zion 71 elders of Israel who identify themselves as the Sanhedrin gathered Wednesday on Mount Zion in a historic trial bringing to judgement Pope Francis and US President Barack Obama in absentia. The rabbis called the two leaders to trial for crimes leading to the mortal endangerment of Israel and the Jewish nation.

* Iran says finds unexpectedly high uranium reserve Uranium can be used for civilian power production and scientific purposes, but is also a key ingredient in nuclear weapons.

* The Christian militia taking on Islamic State in Iraq Across the sun-scorched landscape of the Nineveh Plain in Iraq, north of Mosul, a small contingent of fighters in sand-coloured uniforms is on patrol, 7.5 miles (12km) from the frontline with the self-styled Islamic State.

* Defense Minister bans Islamist Temple Mount activists Ya'alon's office: Murabitun and Murabatat create tension and violence, are directed by hostile Islamist organizations.

* 'Russia, Iran sending military forces to save Assad's regime' Security source: Moscow setting up air strike capabilities; Iran sent IRGC ground force; ISIS is threatening to take Damascus.

* US official: 'IS making and using chemical weapons in Iraq and Syria' There is a growing belief within the US government that the Islamic State militant group is making and using crude chemical weapons in Iraq and Syria, a US official has told the BBC.

* Powerful militant group in Gaza allegedly pledges allegiance to ISIS A communique in the name of Jaish al-Islam circulating on social media claims the group is an integral part of Islamic State in the Sinai.

* Wilders tells Dutch parliament refugee crisis is 'Islamic invasion' "Masses of young men in their twenties with beards singing Allahu Akbar across Europe. 

* 'Zionist regime will cease to exist in 25 years,' Khamenei vows Iran's supreme leader says his government won't negotiate with the US on any other issue.

* 'Its shameful that even Israel debated taking refugees' Faced with mounting criticism over their refusal to accept refugees, the Gulf monarchies have launched a campaign to combat that the claims, saying that they have donated millions and accepted vast numbers of Syrians as migrants.

* 'We're fighting for our existence there' Outgoing Israeli Ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor tells Ynet about the challenging four years in which he defended Israel's interests as the UN appeared to unfairly single out the Jewish state.

9/11/15

* US official: 'IS making and using chemical weapons in Iraq and Syria' There is a growing belief within the US government that the Islamic State militant group is making and using crude chemical weapons in Iraq and Syria, a US official has told the BBC.

* Watch: Iran - Billions for Terror? Iran: Billions for Terror? is based on interviews and videos of children educated through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the UN's "Palestinian refugee" aid organization which has been closely linked with Hamas terror.

* Analysis: Syrian conflict worsens as outside states raise involvement A perfect storm appears to be brewing in Syria, in which Russia and Iran are reportedly increasing their support for Bashar Assad's regime, just as Western countries contemplate increasing their involvement in the war-torn country.

* Powerful militant group in Gaza allegedly pledges allegiance to ISIS The Gaza-based militant group Jaish al-Islam [Army of Islam] has pledged formal allegiance to ISIS, according to a communique attributed to the group that was circulated on the Internet on Wednesday.

* Prosor: Instead of flying Palestinian flag, UN can wave white flag in surrender of principles The UN - with some EU countries in tow - would pass a resolution stating that the world is flat were such a resolution brought by the Palestinians, Israel's UN ambassador Ron Prosor said Thursday night.

* New York remembers 9/11 victims Two moments of silence have been held in New York at the exact time 14 years ago that the two planes struck the towers of the World Trade Center.

* Israel to Boost F-35 Capabilities After Iran Deal Israel is actively working to double the range of its F-35 defense fighters, officials said Thursday, in an announcement made just before the Senate Congress vote on the Iran deal.

* Original Balfour Declaration Presented to Netanyahus Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara visited the British Library in London on Thursday night, as part of his official visit to the UK.

* In symbolic vote, US House goes on record against Iran nuclear deal The Republican-led US House went on record Friday against the Iran nuclear deal, but the symbolic vote will not stop President Barack Obama from implementing the agreement.

* 'We're fighting for our existence there' The hardest moment in Ron Prosor's already-difficult four-year run as Israel's ambassador to the UN happened in another country, far away from that imposing building on the bank of Manhattan's East River.

09/10/15

* "Russia, Iran sending military forces to save Assad's regime" - Security source: Moscow setting up air strike capabilities; Iran sent IRGC ground force; ISIS is threatening to take Damascus.

* Wilders tells Dutch parliament refugee crisis is "Islamic invasion" - "Masses of young men in their twenties with beards singing Allahu Akbar across Europe."

* Iran sent hundreds of fighters to Syria to back Assad, Israel says - "Unprecedented" deployment of Revolutionary Guards forces said to be carried out in coordination with Russia, which is also sending in troops.

* Russian Military Buildup in Syria Concerns Israel - Israeli officials have expressed concern over reports of a major Russian military buildup in neighboring Syria, a move that could have far-reaching ramifications for the Jewish state.

* Netanyahu urges action to stop Middle East "disintegrating" - Action is needed to stop the Middle East "disintegrating" under the threat of militant Islamists, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of talks in London with David Cameron.

* ISIS blasts Muslims fleeing to Europe as "sinners" - Islamic State's magazine says going to Europe is a "gate towards one's children and grandchildren abandoning Islam for Christianity, atheism, or liberalism."

* Amazon agrees to remove products with image of blood splattered Israeli flag - Products being sold with the image of a bloody Israeli flag will be removed from the site said Amazon.

* Netanyahu: Khamenei’s anti-Israel, anti-US tirade should burst any illusions about nuclear deal - PM, who is scheduled to meet British counterpart Thursday, says Iranian ayatollah made clear that the US remains the Great Satan, and that Tehran intends to destroy Israel.

* Cleric Demands PA Stop Security Coordination over Temple Mount - Ban on band of violent Muslim 'guardians' of the Mount has terror cleric seething, calls on PA to stop cooperation with Israeli security.

* EU parliament backs plan to accept 160,000 migrants - Scheme calls for relocating influx from Greece, Hungary and Italy and portioning out future waves of refugee.

9/9/15

* Defense Minister bans Islamist Temple Mount activists Ya'alon's office: Murabitun and Murabatat create tension and violence, are directed by hostile Islamist organizations.

* Israel wary of Russian military build-up in Syria Syria's aging air force is largely Soviet-supplied, posing a possible scenario where similar models of jets and choppers could be flown by local and Russian pilots.

* Migrant crisis: EU's Juncker announces refugee quota plan European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has announced plans that he says will offer a "swift, determined and comprehensive" response to Europe's migrant crisis.

* Syria conflict: Rebels seize key Idlib airbase Syrian rebels have seized control of a key airbase in the north-western province of Idlib after a two-year siege.

* Turkey's Demirtas warns leaders heading towards civil war The head of the pro-Kurdish opposition HDP has accused the ruling AKP of orchestrating nationalist attacks and pushing Turkey towards civil war.

* 'Zionist regime will cease to exist in 25 years,' Khamenei vows Iran's supreme leader says his government won't negotiate with the US on any other issue.

* Queen Elizabeth II becomes longest-reigning UK monarch The Queen has thanked well-wishers at home and overseas for their "touching messages of kindness" as she becomes Britain's longest-reigning monarch.

* Palestinian TV Claims Jewish Temples a 'Myth' Official PA TV claims Jews 'invented' the Jewish temples for 'political purposes' in latest propaganda piece.

* Netanyahu to Meet Kerry in New York Prime Minister would like to meet Obama as well but an invitation has not been issued yet.

* 4 years to the day since attack, Israel reopens Cairo embassy Foreign Ministry chief attends rededication ceremony; deputy foreign minister hails move, urges warmer ties

9/8/15

* Conservative dissent is brewing inside the Vatican On a sunny morning earlier this year, a camera crew entered a well-appointed apartment just outside the 9th-century gates of Vatican City.

* Jew Arrested for Making Blessing over Water on Temple Mount Young Jewish visitor to Temple Mount detained by police moments after making the ritual blessing before drinking water.

* The Christian militia taking on Islamic State in Iraq Across the sun-scorched landscape of the Nineveh Plain in Iraq, north of Mosul, a small contingent of fighters in sand-coloured uniforms is on patrol, 7.5 miles (12km) from the frontline with the self-styled Islamic State.

* Turkey sends ground forces into Iraq after militant attacks Turkish ground forces have crossed into Iraq in pursuit of Kurdish militants for the first time since a ceasefire two years ago.

* Migrant crisis: Why the Gulf states are not letting Syrians in Images of Syrian refugees stuck at borders and at train stations, not to mention the harrowing picture of three-year-old Alan Kurdi lying dead on a Turkish beach, have spurred on an outcry for more to be done to help those fleeing the war.

* Report: Russia purchased ten Israeli drones 'Vedomosti' newspaper says Russian Ministry of Defense bought 10 IAI-made Searcher drones.

* Migrant crisis: Germany 'can take 500,000 asylum seekers a year' Germany can cope with at least 500,000 asylum seekers a year for several years, Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has said.

* Pope Francis makes it easier for Catholics to remarry Pope Francis has unveiled reforms intended to make it easier for Roman Catholics to get annulments and remarry within the Church.

* Iran ready to hold talks on Syria with US, Saudi Arabia Rouhani urges international community to prioritize halting bloodshed over ousting Assad

* Growing number of EU states say they prefer non-Muslim refugees Cyprus joins Bulgaria, Czech Republic and others who claim cultural incompatibility, not discrimination, is behind such statements.

9/7/15

* 'Hamas's long-term goal is to replace us; Ours is to replace it' Hamas in Gaza has not swerved from its long-term goal of destroying and replacing Israel, and Israel's long-term goal is to replace Hamas with another entity, IDF Southern Command chief, Maj.-Gen. Sami Turgerman, said on Monday.

* Analysis: Russia taking advantage of West's inaction to keep Assad in power Russia's recent military buildup in Syria has sparked concern in Western capitals as Vladimir Putin again appears to be shrewdly calculating that the West will not significantly counter his moves.

* Netanyahu at Jordan fence launch: Israel must have control over all its borders A day after opposition leader Isaac Herzog called on the government to take in Syrian refugees, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went South to launch construction of the next section of a multibillion shekel security fence along the border with Jordan aimed at preventing infiltration from the east.

* Syrian Druse stand between ISIS and Israeli border, Druse sheikh warns Israeli Druse leaders told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday that the southern Syrian Druse city of Sweida serves as the last barrier separating Islamic State from Israeli territory on the Golan Heights.

* UNRWA Teacher Glorified Har Nof Massacre in Sick Facebook Post Pressure is building on UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), the UN agency responsible for Palestinian Arab "refugees," as evidence mounts of a rampant culture of anti-Semitism among its employees.

* Iraq Starts Using F-16s Against ISIS Iraq has put F-16 warplanes acquired from the United States into action against the Islamic State (ISIS) group for the first time, the commander of the air force said Sunday, according to AFP.

* Migrant crisis: Influx will change Germany, says Merkel Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the "breathtaking" flow of migrants into Germany will "occupy and change" the country in the coming years.

* Israel unfazed by PA threat to end Oslo accords, declare Palestine occupied state Israel is unimpressed by reports about the Palestinians reportedly threatening radical unilateral moves at the United Nations, a senior Israeli official said Monday, accusing the Palestinian Authority of "brinkmanship" while reiterating Jerusalem's willingness to immediately resume bilateral peace negotiations.

* The Mideast Migrant Crisis Requires Mideast Solutions Political responses to crises are often tardy and embarrassingly fad-driven, as with the current global outcry over the image of a three-year-old Syrian boy washed up on the Turkish shore.

* Hamas could be removed in next conflict with Israel, general says Hamas could be toppled in a future confrontation with Israel, a senior Israeli officer said on Monday, attempting to counter the impression that Israel would maintain Hamas in power at all costs.

9/5/15

* Top Iranian Cleric: US Still Iran's 'Number One Enemy' Iran's top religious body rules that despite nuclear deal reached with world powers, America is still Islamic Republic's sworn enemy.

* Putin says dump the dollar Russian President Vladimir Putin has drafted a bill that aims to eliminate the US dollar and the euro from trade between CIS countries.

* Rivlin: West Bank settlements are as Israeli as Tel Aviv "Those who live here know that there is no such thing as the state of Tel Aviv or the state of Jerusalem. There is just one country, the state of Israel."

* Migrants arrive in Austria after Hungary provides buses Thousands of migrants have crossed into Austria, after Hungary's surprise move to take them by bus to the border.

* Abbas and Fatah Encourage 'Religious War' over Temple Mount Palestinian Authority, Fatah and Mahmoud Abbas himself actively calling on Palestinians to engaged in religious war, watchdog reveals.

* Saudi king meets Obama amid concerns over Iran deal Saudi Arabia has said it is happy with President Obama's assurances that the recent nuclear deal with Iran will not imperil the Gulf states.

* Russia Reportedly Delaying Syrian Chemical Weapons Probe Diplomats say Russia is delaying the launch of UN investigation aimed at assigning blame for chemical weapon attacks in Syria.

* Khamenei calls to increase air defense Iran enhancing its preparedness until it overthrows Israel and liberates Palestine, says commander.

* Muslim Clerics Incite Against Jewish Holidays Israeli media is warning of increased Palestinian violence during the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days in September and October.

* In first, Israel pitches Bible study sessions to foreign envoys Ahead of High Holidays, Foreign Ministry organizes seminar linking ancient Jewish texts to today's challenges.

9/4/15

* The future American Jew: Orthodox, fruitful and Republican The rise of Orthodoxy within the American Jewish community is to change the profile of US Jews in several ways, an analysis of a groundbreaking 2013 Pew survey revealed last week.

* Report: Female Islamist Extremists Banned from Temple Mount Israeli authorities on Thursday distributed a list of 40 Arab women who are banned from entering the Temple Mount, local sources told the Bethlehem-based Arab news agency Ma'an.

* ISIS to Temple Mount - 'Barbaric' Islamist War on Antiquities Thursday saw the 16th annual conference of archaeological experts convene in Jerusalem's City of David.

* WATCH: New video shows ISIS in Sinai likely has advanced Russian weapons A new video produced by ISIS's Wilayat Sinai branch in the Sinai Peninsula released on Wednesday reveals that the group has new sophisticated weaponry, which it hopes to use to launch a war against Israel.

* Armed terror drones to be part of future wars, defense analyst tells 'Post' The prospect of Israel having to deal with armed, hostile, attack drones capable of firing rockets or small missiles at Israeli targets while flying over Lebanon or even Gaza is growing.

* New EU proposal to relocate 160,000 asylum seekers The European Commission plans to redistribute 160,000 asylum seekers arriving in Greece, Italy, and Hungary among other member states.

* Saudi king to meet Obama amid concerns over Iran deal King Salman of Saudi Arabia is to meet President Barack Obama in Washington, on his first trip to the United States since assuming the throne in January.

* Migrant crisis: Hungary migrants start walk to border A group of about 1,000 migrants stuck at a Budapest railway station for days have set off on foot, saying they intend to walk to the Austrian border.

* IS forces Syrian Christians to pledge to abide by Islamic rules, pay special tax The Islamic State group is forcing Christians in the Syrian territory it controls to sign a contract for dhimma (non-Muslims), restricting external expressions of their faith and agreeing to pay a jizya tax levied on those who do not follow Islam.

* UN expected to easily pass resolution allowing Palestinian flag to fly at New York HQ The UN General assembly is likely to adopt a resolution next week that would allow the Palestinian flag to be raised at the United Nations in time for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' visit to New York.

9/3/15

* Gazans Risking It All To Reach Israel - Apparently, many aren’t buying the lies, as the number of Gazans risking it all to seek asylum in the Jewish state is growing.

* PA officials reject Netanyahu’s call for renewal of peace talks - Saeb Erekat says prime minister actively works against a two-state solution, and his recent remarks are PR stunt.

* Russia Reportedly Delaying Syrian Chemical Weapons Probe - Diplomats say Russia is delaying the launch of UN investigation aimed at assigning blame for chemical weapon attacks in Syria.

* Danny Ayalon: Refugees Threaten to "Swallow" Europe - Europe may have no choice but to accept the refugees inundating its borders, says former Deputy Defense Minister Danny Ayalon.

* Five Chinese ships seen off Alaska coast, Pentagon says - Five Chinese naval ships are currently positioned in the Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska, US officials confirm.

* IAF strikes Hamas training site from which bullets struck Israeli homes - Military sources believe bullets were fired in stray cross-border fire.

* France drops investigation into Arafat's death - A lawyer for his widow Suha Arafat, who has argued that his death in 2004 was a political assassination, told Reuters that they would challenge the decision in an appeals court.

* What is the pope’s agenda? -Is the Vatican planning to establish a United Nations of Religion with Francis as its head?

* In Vatican, Rivlin Hails 'Shared Roots' of Judaism, Christianity - Israel President presents Pope Francis with copy of ancient stone tablet bearing earliest-known inscription of 'House of David.'

* Navy exercises asymmetric underwater warfare - In a recent exercise, the Navy drilled its troops' response to the developing and very real underwater incursion threat posed by Hezbollah and Hamas.