9/2/15

* Khamenei calls to Increase Air Defense "We will continue defending not just our own country, but also all the oppressed people of the world, especially those countries standing on the forefront of confrontation with the Zionists."

* Obama secures enough support from senators for Iran deal US President Barack Obama has secured enough support in the US Senate to ensure that the Iran nuclear deal will go into effect.

* Abbas and Fatah Encourage 'Religious War' over Temple Mount Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is continuing to openly encourage a religious war to gain exclusive Muslim control over Jerusalem's Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism.

* UN: Gaza Strip could become uninhabitable by 2020 The Gaza Strip may be uninhabitable in five year's time if the Israeli blockade of the coastal enclave continues and vital infrastructure is further damaged in military conflicts, a United Nations report released Tuesday claims.

* 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.

* Navy readies defenses around strategically vital gas drilling rigs off Israel's coastline Some 25 kilometers off the Israeli coastline, under a searing late summer sun, the INS Lahav Sa'ar-5 class missile ship slowed down, coming to a stop near a drilling rig in the Yam Tethys gas field.

* Migrant crisis: Hundreds protest at Hungary station ban Hundreds of migrants have protested for a second day at Hungary's decision to stop them travelling on to Germany and other EU countries.

* Turkish construction workers seized in Iraq Eighteen Turkish construction workers have been kidnapped by gunmen in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, Iraqi and Turkish officials say.

* Amid Strained Ties, Rivlin Leaves on First Trip to Vatican Israeli President Reuven Rivlin departed Wednesday on his first official visit to Rome and the Vatican at the invitation Pope Francis.

* In first, Israel pitches Bible study sessions to foreign envoys The diplomatic toolbox is filled with devices running the gamut from gentle cajoling to a full court press, but Israel is probably the first country to try to get foreign envoys to throw the prophet Jonah - yes, the one who got swallowed by a whale - into the mix.