5/31/17

* Pew report: Islam to overtake Christianity as world's No. 1 religion by 2050  Islam will be the world's No. 1 religion, surpassing Christianity by the end of the century, according to a Pew Research Center study. 

* Powerful pro-Iran Badr Brigades to enter Syria  Hadi al-Amiri, commander of the strongest Iraqi Shiite militia, the Badr Brigades, said Wednesday, May 31, that his forces are preparing to enter Syria. 

* NASA spacecraft will aim straight for the sun next year  Scorching flight will send probe into sun's atmosphere, coming closer than any spacecraft in history to its scorching heat and radiation, to reveal how stars are made. 

* Kathy Griffin: CNN drops comic after 'sick' Trump stunt  US broadcaster CNN has ditched a comedienne from its New Year programme after she posed with a fake decapitated head of President Donald Trump.

* Up Against the Wall: Revisiting the 1967 Liberation of Jerusalem The 1967 victory renewed the spirit of the festivals of pilgrimage.

* Ramadan: "A Month of Great Conquests" "Ramadan has been not only a month of worship and of growing close to Allah the Almighty, but also a month of action and jihad aimed at spreading this great religion..."

* REPORT: After Iranian Elections, Tehran-Hamas ties warming up Relations between the two sides have been tense since the beginning of the conflict in Syria in 2011.

* VIDEO: 2000-Year-Old Jerusalem's Main Street Sheds New Light on the City's Last Hours Jerusalem Day has prompted Israel Antiquities Authority to release more information on the excavations of the City of David.

* CNN's W. Kamau Bell: Islam Part of America's Founding Aside from some interesting vignettes, the program is left-wing, anti-Trump propaganda that firmly establishes the network's political bias.

* State Dept: China Has Realized Need to Rein in North Korea On Friday a senior U.S. State Department official said China has realized it has limited time to rein in North Korea's nuclear program through negotiations and is open to further sanctions against Pyongyang.

5/30/17

* Up Against the Wall: Revisiting the 1967 Liberation of Jerusalem The 1967 victory renewed the spirit of the festivals of pilgrimage.

* Ramadan: "A Month of Great Conquests" "Ramadan has been not only a month of worship and of growing close to Allah the Almighty, but also a month of action and jihad aimed at spreading this great religion..."

* REPORT: After Iranian Elections, Tehran-Hamas ties warming up Relations between the two sides have been tense since the beginning of the conflict in Syria in 2011.

* VIDEO: 2000-Year-Old Jerusalem's Main Street Sheds New Light on the City's Last Hours Jerusalem Day has prompted Israel Antiquities Authority to release more information on the excavations of the City of David.

* CNN's W. Kamau Bell: Islam Part of America's Founding Aside from some interesting vignettes, the program is left-wing, anti-Trump propaganda that firmly establishes the network's political bias.

* State Dept: China Has Realized Need to Rein in North Korea On Friday a senior U.S. State Department official said China has realized it has limited time to rein in North Korea's nuclear program through negotiations and is open to further sanctions against Pyongyang.

5/29/17

* 50 years on, just-released photos show horror, then joy, in Battle for Jerusalem  Trove gives rare glimpse of victory against previously unbeatable Jordanian military in 1967 Six Day War.

* Russia-NATO relations at worst point since Cold War - Moscow  Russia and NATO are facing the deepest crisis in relations since the Cold War, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Moscow believes the alliance's ongoing military buildup could fuel a dangerous arms race. 

* Evidence of Last Battle for Jerusalem on Eve of Second Temple Destruction Unearthed [VIDEO]  To mark Jerusalem Day and the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the city, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Nature and Parks Authority unveiled Thursday 2,000-year-old evidence of the battle for Jerusalem on the eve of the destruction of the Second Temple. 

* Iran to Hamas: Let's get closer 'on basis of jihad'  Senior Iranian officials express hope to Hamas leader that mutual hatred of US and Israel will lead to closer ties between them. 

* Shia vs. Sunni: The Schism Western Politicians Don't Understand and Won't Discuss  Western politicians rarely acknowledge the schism between Shia and Sunni Islam. There is nothing remotely comparable to this schism in any other religion in the modern world. 

* White House May Tacitly Recognize Jerusalem As Capital In Knesset-Congress Event  All Members of Knesset, Congress and Senate were invited to the event, which was organized by Israel's Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer.. 

* In Ramadan Massacre, Egyptian Christians Killed for Refusing to Renounce Their Faith in Jesus  As more and more details emerge concerning Friday's Ramadan attack on a busload of Christians on pilgrimage, the more it becomes evident that these 29 martyrs died solely because they were Christians. 

* Islam on Track to Overtake Christianity as World's No. 1 Religion  Pew Research Center study projects Muslim population in America will double by 2050.

* G7 demand action on extremist net content at summit  Leaders of the world's leading industrial nations, the G7, have called on internet giants to crack down on extremist content. 

* I've never seen anything like this on the Temple Mount before'  Record number of Jews ascend Temple Mount on 50th anniversary of reunification of Jerusalem. 

* 78% Of Israelis Say Peace Not Possible, Split If Pm Serious To Make Deal  Even among Israelis who define themselves as left-wing, only 21% said a peace agreement is possible, while 76% said there is no chance, and 3% do not know. 

* Death Toll Rises To 28 After Gunmen Attack Coptic Christians In Egypt  About 70 have been killed in bomb attacks on churches in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Tanta since December. 

* 'Beautiful Military Equipment' Can't Buy Middle East Peace  As President Trump was being feted in the palaces of the Saudi royal family after concluding a historic arms deal, Iranians were celebrating the outcome of a hard-fought election. 

* Islam's Holiest Month Ramadan: A Time When Jihadis Encourage Martyrdom  Islamist and jihadi organizations encourage their followers to carry out violent attacks on Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, when terrorist groups especially encourage and value martyrdom. 

5/26/17

* 50 years on, just-released photos show horror, then joy, in Battle for Jerusalem  Trove gives rare glimpse of victory against previously unbeatable Jordanian military in 1967 Six Day War.

* Russia-NATO relations at worst point since Cold War - Moscow  Russia and NATO are facing the deepest crisis in relations since the Cold War, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Moscow believes the alliance's ongoing military buildup could fuel a dangerous arms race. 

* Evidence of Last Battle for Jerusalem on Eve of Second Temple Destruction Unearthed [VIDEO]  To mark Jerusalem Day and the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the city, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Nature and Parks Authority unveiled Thursday 2,000-year-old evidence of the battle for Jerusalem on the eve of the destruction of the Second Temple. 

* Iran to Hamas: Let's get closer 'on basis of jihad'  Senior Iranian officials express hope to Hamas leader that mutual hatred of US and Israel will lead to closer ties between them. 

* G7 demand action on extremist net content at summit  Leaders of the world's leading industrial nations, the G7, have called on internet giants to crack down on extremist content. 

* I've never seen anything like this on the Temple Mount before'  Record number of Jews ascend Temple Mount on 50th anniversary of reunification of Jerusalem. 

* 78% Of Israelis Say Peace Not Possible, Split If Pm Serious To Make Deal  Even among Israelis who define themselves as left-wing, only 21% said a peace agreement is possible, while 76% said there is no chance, and 3% do not know. 

* Death Toll Rises To 28 After Gunmen Attack Coptic Christians In Egypt  About 70 have been killed in bomb attacks on churches in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Tanta since December. 

* 'Beautiful Military Equipment' Can't Buy Middle East Peace  As President Trump was being feted in the palaces of the Saudi royal family after concluding a historic arms deal, Iranians were celebrating the outcome of a hard-fought election. 

* Islam's Holiest Month Ramadan: A Time When Jihadis Encourage Martyrdom  Islamist and jihadi organizations encourage their followers to carry out violent attacks on Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, when terrorist groups especially encourage and value martyrdom. 

5/25/17

* On Jerusalem Day, Netanyahu Vows: Temple Mount Will Stay Under Israeli Sovereignty "Forever"  During a celebration for Jerusalem Day at the Israeli Knesset, marking the 50th anniversary of the capital city's reunification, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the Temple Mount and Western Wall would remain under Israeli sovereignty. 

* Counterterror systems are deficient across Europe  With each passing day since the Manchester suicide bombing, as more details come to light of the terrorist Salman Abedi's links with a broad ISIS network, it is becoming increasingly clear that the government of British Prime Minister Theresa May, as well as the British secret services, face their biggest security and intelligence crisis in the war on terror. 

* CIA insider: US attack on North Korea could be imminent  The US is preparing to attack North Korea, according to Geopolitical Futures founder George Friedman - setting the stage for a difficult, messy war with potentially catastrophic consequences. 

* US Intel Chief: Kurdish Secession From Iraq Imminent Once Mosul is liberated and ISIS is defeated the Kurds in Iraq are likely to seek independence from Baghdad, according to Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, head of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

* Jerusalem Day, 50 Years Since Unification  Hashem says that these enemies will be destroyed. 

* Trump 'determined to pursue peace' after Pope meeting  US President Donald Trump has said he is "more determined than ever" to pursue peace in the world after meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican. 

* 1,000 soldiers on streets as nervous Britain prepares for 'imminent' terror attack  Troops are being deployed to guard Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, and Parliament after Prime Minister Theresa May warned that another terror attack is 'expected imminently.' 

* Top U.S. Intel Official: Retaking Raqqa Will Fail to Hamper ISIS Ambitions Abroad  DNI Dan Coats says intel sharing is imperative amid threat of homegrown attacks. 

* Netanyahu: Temple Mount, Western Wall Will Stay Under Israeli Sovereignty Forever  In Jerusalem Day address, PM indicates that Israel will never allow the capital to return to its pre-1967 status. 

* Aerial photos: Jerusalem Day march underway  Tens of thousands join March of Flags from Jerusalem's Great Synagogue to the Western Wall on 50th anniversary of liberation of city. 

* The Six Day War - a salvation and a miracle  PM Netanyahu says Six Day War was 'a salvation and miracle,' promises Temple Mount will always remain in Jewish hands. 

* WATCH: Thousands pray at the Western Wall on Jerusalem Day  Israelis hold holiday prayers at Western Wall Plaza, celebrate 50th anniversary of Jerusalem's liberation with Chief Rabbis and city rabbi. 

* 'We Will Always Insist on Jerusalem‚' Affirms President Rivlin on 50th Anniversary of Reunification  President Reuven Rivlin opened Israel's official celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem Tuesday, pledging Israel's commitment to the capital and especially to the Old City. 

* Knesset Members Answer: What Did You Think Of Trump's Visit?  Were expectations too high or too low?

5/24/17

* Jerusalem Day, 50 Years Since Unification  Hashem says that these enemies will be destroyed. 

* Trump 'determined to pursue peace' after Pope meeting  US President Donald Trump has said he is "more determined than ever" to pursue peace in the world after meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican. 

* 1,000 soldiers on streets as nervous Britain prepares for 'imminent' terror attack  Troops are being deployed to guard Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, and Parliament after Prime Minister Theresa May warned that another terror attack is 'expected imminently.' 

* Top U.S. Intel Official: Retaking Raqqa Will Fail to Hamper ISIS Ambitions Abroad  DNI Dan Coats says intel sharing is imperative amid threat of homegrown attacks. 

* Netanyahu: Temple Mount, Western Wall Will Stay Under Israeli Sovereignty Forever  In Jerusalem Day address, PM indicates that Israel will never allow the capital to return to its pre-1967 status. 

* Aerial photos: Jerusalem Day march underway  Tens of thousands join March of Flags from Jerusalem's Great Synagogue to the Western Wall on 50th anniversary of liberation of city. 

* The Six Day War - a salvation and a miracle  PM Netanyahu says Six Day War was 'a salvation and miracle,' promises Temple Mount will always remain in Jewish hands. 

* WATCH: Thousands pray at the Western Wall on Jerusalem Day  Israelis hold holiday prayers at Western Wall Plaza, celebrate 50th anniversary of Jerusalem's liberation with Chief Rabbis and city rabbi. 

* 'We Will Always Insist on Jerusalem‚' Affirms President Rivlin on 50th Anniversary of Reunification  President Reuven Rivlin opened Israel's official celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem Tuesday, pledging Israel's commitment to the capital and especially to the Old City. 

* Knesset Members Answer: What Did You Think Of Trump's Visit?  Were expectations too high or too low?

5/23/17

* Netanyahu: Temple Mount, Western Wall Will Remain Under Israeli Sovereignty Forever  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin were joined by thousands for the opening ceremony of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem at the Tower of David in the Old City, just a day before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to land in Jerusalem. 

* Gazans Tie Up Trump Effigy In Armed Demonstration  Thousands of PFLP-affiliated demonstrators in the Gaza Strip protested Trump's visit to Bethlehem on Tuesday. 

* Trump 'to do everything' for Middle East peace  US President Donald Trump has said he will "do everything" to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace. 

* Terrorist kills 22 in Manchester, UK  An explosion at a packed pop concert arena in the northern British town of Manchester has left 22 dead and injured another 69 music fans. 

* In Pictures: Trump's Historic Israel Visit  Take a look at some of the iconic images emerging of the US president in the Jewish state. 

* Trump: Iran must disarm militias, never gain nuke  "We can declare with one voice that Iran must not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon ever, ever and must cease training terrorists and militias immediately" said US President Donald Trump. 

* Trump tells Muslim leaders to fight 'Islamic extremism,' drive terror from their lands  US president touts anti-terror partnership, but says Middle East must end "crisis of Islamic extremism," slams Iran, says if religions can coexist, so can Israelis and Palestinians. 

* 'Israel's military edge will not be compromised'  Senior American official seeks to calm Israeli concerns over arms deal signed between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. 

* Netanyahu Ahead Of Trump Visit: Israel Didn’t Occupy Jerusalem, We Liberated It   In Saudi Arabia, Trump spoke with Saudi King Salman about the peace process. 

* Right-Wing Activists Lay ‘Cornerstone’ For Dream Us Embassy In Jerusalem   "We decided to help him build the embassy, because we want to support President Trump, who is a friend of Israel," World Betar chairman Neria Meir said. 

* Tension mounts as Russian paratroops move to Syrian border triangle  Military tensions on Syria's borders with Iraq, Jordan and Syria jumped another notch Monday, May 21, on Day 2 of Donald Trump's foreign trip, with the arrival of the first Russian ground troops in southern Syria for taking up position opposite US and coalition elite units. 

* Netanyahu: Temple Mount, Western Wall Will Remain Under Israeli Sovereignty Forever  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin were joined by thousands for the opening ceremony of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem at the Tower of David in the Old City, just a day before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to land in Jerusalem. 

* Iran's "Moderate" President Rouhani Re-Elected in Landslide Victory Iranian President Hassan Rouhani won Iran's election decisively Friday, with 57 percent of the vote over hardline conservative challenger Ebrahim Raisi's 38.5 percent. 

* Trump lands in Israel, tells Israelis they have "great opportunity" for "peace throughout the Middle East"  "Drive them out from where they drove you out," says the Qur'an (2:191), and that's why Muslims throughout the world believe that Israel has no right to exist, and that they have a responsibility before Allah to do everything they can to destroy it.

5/22/17

* In Pictures: Trump's Historic Israel Visit  Take a look at some of the iconic images emerging of the US president in the Jewish state. 

* Trump: Iran must disarm militias, never gain nuke  "We can declare with one voice that Iran must not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon ever, ever and must cease training terrorists and militias immediately" said US President Donald Trump. 

* Trump tells Muslim leaders to fight 'Islamic extremism,' drive terror from their lands  US president touts anti-terror partnership, but says Middle East must end "crisis of Islamic extremism," slams Iran, says if religions can coexist, so can Israelis and Palestinians. 

* 'Israel's military edge will not be compromised'  Senior American official seeks to calm Israeli concerns over arms deal signed between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. 

* Netanyahu Ahead Of Trump Visit: Israel Didn’t Occupy Jerusalem, We Liberated It   In Saudi Arabia, Trump spoke with Saudi King Salman about the peace process. 

* Right-Wing Activists Lay ‘Cornerstone’ For Dream Us Embassy In Jerusalem   "We decided to help him build the embassy, because we want to support President Trump, who is a friend of Israel," World Betar chairman Neria Meir said. 

* Tension mounts as Russian paratroops move to Syrian border triangle  Military tensions on Syria's borders with Iraq, Jordan and Syria jumped another notch Monday, May 21, on Day 2 of Donald Trump's foreign trip, with the arrival of the first Russian ground troops in southern Syria for taking up position opposite US and coalition elite units. 

* Netanyahu: Temple Mount, Western Wall Will Remain Under Israeli Sovereignty Forever  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin were joined by thousands for the opening ceremony of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem at the Tower of David in the Old City, just a day before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to land in Jerusalem. 

* Iran's "Moderate" President Rouhani Re-Elected in Landslide Victory Iranian President Hassan Rouhani won Iran's election decisively Friday, with 57 percent of the vote over hardline conservative challenger Ebrahim Raisi's 38.5 percent. 

* Trump lands in Israel, tells Israelis they have "great opportunity" for "peace throughout the Middle East"  "Drive them out from where they drove you out," says the Qur'an (2:191), and that's why Muslims throughout the world believe that Israel has no right to exist, and that they have a responsibility before Allah to do everything they can to destroy it.

5/20/17

* Trumps on tour: Donald and Melania (plus Ivanka) are greeted by the Saudi king as they land in Riyadh for his crucial first test abroad President Donald Trump has landed in Saudi Arabia as he begins his first foreign tour since taking office. 

* Rouhani Re-Elected In Iranian Presidential Elections  "Democracy in Iran is allowed to bloom only a few days every four years, while autocracy is evergreen."

* US-led coalition strike against Syrian pro-govt forces 'unlawful' - Russia The US-led coalition strike on a pro-government convoy in Syria is illegitimate and represents yet another violation of Syria's sovereignty, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

* Hundreds of Palestinians riot in West Bank, Gaza Two Israelis wounded, dozens of demonstrators said hurt as clashes erupt after Hamas calls for a "day of rage".

* White House Map of Israel Nixes Post- 67 Lines Map excludes east Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, which are part of sovereign Israel.

* Trump heads for Saudi Arabia on first foreign tour US President Donald Trump leaves for Saudi Arabia shortly on his first foreign trip since becoming president.

* Settler Leaders to Greet Trump at Airport, Say Settlements Don't Block Peace Settler leaders have an important message that they want to convey to US President Donald Trump when he lands in Israel next week.

* Un Counterterror Chief: Europe Faces Return of 'Dangerous' IS Fighters Will defeated ISIS fighters return to their home countries in order to carry out terror attacks?

* Netanyahu Seeks 'Dirty Harry' Moment With Iran as Trump Arrives Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to persuade President Donald Trump to impose tough new sanctions on Iran for threatening Israel with ballistic missiles and bankrolling terrorism, a close adviser said.

* Saudi Arabia looks to assert regional role with Trump summit Analysts say Riyadh seeks to showcase its leadership of the Muslim world in the face of regional rival Iran.

* New HQ to take charge of EU military missions EU states have cleared the way for a new HQ to take charge of three military missions in a "couple of days", as well as broader plans for joint defence.

5/19/17

* US-led coalition strike against Syrian pro-govt forces 'unlawful' - Russia The US-led coalition strike on a pro-government convoy in Syria is illegitimate and represents yet another violation of Syria's sovereignty, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

* Hundreds of Palestinians riot in West Bank, Gaza Two Israelis wounded, dozens of demonstrators said hurt as clashes erupt after Hamas calls for a "day of rage".

* Iran election: Polls extended by hours in key vote Iran's presidential election has been extended by four hours, due to long queues at polling stations.

* White House Map of Israel Nixes Post- 67 Lines Map excludes east Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, which are part of sovereign Israel.

* Trump heads for Saudi Arabia on first foreign tour US President Donald Trump leaves for Saudi Arabia shortly on his first foreign trip since becoming president.

* Settler Leaders to Greet Trump at Airport, Say Settlements Don't Block Peace Settler leaders have an important message that they want to convey to US President Donald Trump when he lands in Israel next week.

* Un Counterterror Chief: Europe Faces Return of 'Dangerous' IS Fighters Will defeated ISIS fighters return to their home countries in order to carry out terror attacks?

* Netanyahu Seeks 'Dirty Harry' Moment With Iran as Trump Arrives Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to persuade President Donald Trump to impose tough new sanctions on Iran for threatening Israel with ballistic missiles and bankrolling terrorism, a close adviser said.

* Saudi Arabia looks to assert regional role with Trump summit Analysts say Riyadh seeks to showcase its leadership of the Muslim world in the face of regional rival Iran.

* New HQ to take charge of EU military missions EU states have cleared the way for a new HQ to take charge of three military missions in a "couple of days", as well as broader plans for joint defence.

5/18/17

* How Do We Know God Truly Loves Israel? To most readers of Israel Today, it's a given that God never stopped loving Israel - even after the nation rejected their Messiah.

* Trump's visit: The messiah isn't coming to Israel WASHINGTON-US President Donald Trump has a clear advantage over his predecessors in his upcoming visit to the Middle East.

* The Iran Election Farce Iranian voters go to the polls on Friday to select a new president from a list of the regime faithful chosen for them by the Supreme Leader and his aptly-named Guardians Council.

* UNESCO disputes Jewish connection with Israel? Following infamous UN vote, next damage could be against Jews making Aliyah.

* There is no such thing as Peace in Islam On today's Israel Uncensored Josh conducts a fascinating interview with Dr. Harold Rhode, one of the world's preeminent scholars on Islam.

* Egypt's SISI: Trump Vital to Resolving Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Egyptian president to Israel: "The Arabs and Palestinians are ready for peace."

* Trump refuses to visit Ramallah Staff planning Trump's visit to Israel agree with the PA that he will meet Abbas in Bethlehem instead.

* Our World: American Greatness and the PLO The notion that a PLO state will make the region more stable as far more coherent Arab states collapse is absurd.

* American Islam's Most Extreme Conference Islamists, forming inherently political movements, insist to policy-makers and the media that Islam is homogenous and that their Islamist organizations speak on behalf of all Muslims, despite their clear lack of any mandate.

* Palestinians: The Threats Trump Needs to Hear The warning by Hamas and Islamic Jihad is directed not only against Trump and his new administration, but also against Abbas and any Arab leader who dares to "collude" with the U.S.

5/17/17

* Jubilee Call To Temple Mount Echoes Six-Day War Victory Cry A call by Knesset members and major rabbis is expected to bring record crowds to the Temple Mount on Jerusalem's Jubilee next week.

* Unfazed by Western Wall row, Jerusalem mayor still expects Trump to move US embassy Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat insisted Wednesday he is unfazed by US officials disputing or refusing to affirm Israeli sovereignty over the Western Wall.

* Iran's leader urges high turnout in vote to send message to US, Israel Khamenei says Friday's presidential election must show up US and 'pathetic prime minister of the Zionist regime'.

* Trump to unveil plans for an 'Arab NATO' in Saudi Arabia When President Trump arrives in Riyadh this week, he will lay out his vision for a new regional security architecture White House officials call an "Arab NATO," to guide the fight against terrorism and push back against Iran.

* Jerusalem is Israel's largest city Jerusalem's population grows by 16,000 residents, 8,200 of whom are Jewish.

* Trump-Russia row: Putin offers to release meeting record Vladimir Putin has waded into the growing row surrounding US President Donald Trump and his links to Russia.

* France's new president will NOT recognize 'Palestine' Palestinian Arabs probably celebrated the victory of Emmanuel Macron in France's presidential election last week.

* At UN Headquarters, Unlikely Prayer Group Beseeches Heavens to Protect Israel Despite the United Nations bias, or perhaps because of it, a Christian prayer group has been meeting for twenty years in the UN headquarters in New York City to pray for the State of Israel.

* North Korea's Missile Test Puts Region on Edge North Korea test fired yet another missile on Sunday.

* War between 2 Koreas is highly possible, new S. Korean president warns Recently-elected South Korean President Moon Jae-in has stated that there is a "high possibility" of military conflict with North Korea.

5/16/17

* Hizballah rush 1,000 troops to S. Syrian borders The pro-Iranian Hizballah Tuesday, May 16, rushed 12 companies of 1,000 fighters to the Homs, Daraa and Quneitra (Golan) regions of southern Syria to block off the entry of "US-backed militants" from Jordan through the Al-Tanf border crossing.

* Trump, Erdogan seek to mend strained ties at White House meeting US support for Kurdish fighters in Syria, extradition of cleric Fethullah Gulen are sticking points in relations between the two countries.

* Trump Signals Shift in Middle East Strategy With Symbolic First Stop in Saudi Arabia WHITE HOUSE - U.S. President Donald Trump is about to embark on his first foreign trip, a nine day journey that takes him to the seats of the world's three great Abrahamic (monotheistic) religions and signals a 180-degree shift from his predecessor's approach toward the Middle East.

* Trump defends 'absolute right' to share 'facts' with Russia US President Donald Trump has defended his "absolute right" to share information with Russia, following a row over classified material.

* International Bigotry Over Jerusalem The world powers, EU and the UN are consistent over one thing. Their bigotry regarding Jerusalem.

* REPORT: Arab States offer Israel improved ties in exchange for peace concessions Israel would be expected to freeze settlement construction as part of steps toward normalizing ties.

* Iranian-Backed Militia Offensive Raises Tensions Near Turkish Border of Iraq The developments have made local Iraqis wary of creeping Iranian influence and Turkish intervention in an area already plagued by infighting and a combustible mix of ethnic and religious groups.

* US accuses Syria of mass executions and burning bodies in crematorium State Department says 50 people a day are hanged at Saydnaya military prison, then cremated to hide evidence of killings.

* Ambassador Friedman Presents Credentials to Rivlin: "Trump's Love for Israel Rock-Solid" At a ceremony at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, President Reuven Rivlin on Tuesday morning received the diplomatic credentials of the new United States Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman.

* US Navy chief wants larger fleet to counter global powers like Russia & China The US Navy needs to increase its fleet in order to match near-peer opponents such as Russia and China, its commander said, adding that the world is entering an era of maritime competition between global powers.

5/15/17

* US, UK, Jordanian forces enter S. Syria US special forces, together with British and Jordanian elite troops, moved into southern Syria late Sunday, May 14.

* Ahead of Trump visit, Jordan and Egypt declare east Jerusalem 'capital of Palestine' In anticipation of US President Donald Trump's visit to Israel and Saudi Arabia, pressure is mounting on him to start a diplomatic process and leave the American Embassy in Tel Aviv.

* Xi's 'New Imagination' for World Economy: Eye on Chinese Media President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Forum speech on Sunday appeared on the front page of just about every newspaper and website in China.

* Wanna Cry ransomware cyber-attacks slow but fears remain A computer malware that has spread across 150 countries appears to be slowing down, with few reports of fresh attacks in Asia and Europe on Monday.

* Can Vatican display shed light on the fate of the Menorah? Starting Monday, a co-hosted exhibit about sacred Temple relic sets a new precedent for cooperation between the Holy See and Rome's Jewish community.

* North Korea missile test was 'new type of ballistic rocket' North Korea has claimed that the missile it tested on Sunday was a new type of rocket capable of carrying a large nuclear warhead.

* 10,000 Israeli policemen to secure Trump's visit Israel Police, Shabak work together with US Secret Service in operation 'Blue Shield.'

* New butterfly species discovered on Mount Hermon For the first time in 109 years, researcher discover a new species of butterfly in Israel.

* Losing my religion? Secular Brits now outnumber Christians, but Islam & Hinduism growing Britain has reached new heights of secularization, with almost half of Britons now identifying as non-religious, a new study reveals.

* Will President Trump's Visit to Saudi Arabia Tackle Terrorism and Promote Religious Freedom? A number of recently published books on the history, culture and internal workings of Saudi Arabia cast doubt on the ability of the kingdom to undergo the kind of change required to tackle extremism when its chief aim is to preserve and enhance the power of the royal family.

5/13/17

* Iraqi army pushing into last ISIS-held areas of Mosul  After recent gains in Mosul's north, Iraqi government forces are squeezing Islamic State (ISIS) into an ever smaller area and hope to liberate the city 'within days' reports said. 

* Who is Emmanuel Macron? France's new leader called 'useful idiot' on militant Islam  French President-elect Emmanuel Macron is a 'globalist' and an 'open promoter of multiculturalism' who does not consider Islamism a national threat, a French journalist and author said. 

* Cyber-attack: Europol says it was unprecedented in scale  A cyber-attack that hit organisations worldwide including the UK's National Health Service was "unprecedented", Europe's police agency says. 

* The Turkey Trap  Erdogan thinks he can blackmail Trump. 

* American Fighter Pilots In Israel For Joint Drill  Exercises will take place near the southern city of Eilat at the Air Force's Uvda airbase. 

* In Anti-Israel Tirade, Erdogan Calls for Thousands of Muslims to Ascend Temple Mount  In an anti-Israel tirade Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for thousands of Muslims to ascend the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. 

* U.S. Military to Move 'Very Quickly' in Arming Syrian Kurds Despite Turkish Opposition  DOD spokesman says strategy will 'accelerate' offensive to retake Raqqa from ISIS. 

* Iran-We Will Destroy All Saudi Arabia but Not Mecca & Medina Tehran, in response to Saudi Arabia's most recent threats, said it would destroy all of the Saudi kingdom besides Mecca and Medina. 

* 2,000 Years Ago, Prophet Nehemiah Performed This Temple Rite to Revive Sacrifices. Now, Sanhedrin Is Reviving It  On the day after the Feast of Shavuot (Weeks), the Sanhedrin will reenact a ceremony officially establishing the borders of Jerusalem for purposes of reinstating the Temple service. 

* Arab Media: Abbas, Netanyahu, Trump Plan Three-Way Peace Summit  Arab media are quoting sources within the PA saying that preparations are being made for a 'trilateral summit meeting between [President Donald] Trump, [PA President Mahmoud] Abbas and [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu.'

5/12/17

* Turkey's Erdogan Slams "Racist" Israel, Calls for More Muslims on Temple Mount In an anti-Israel tirade Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for thousands of Muslims to ascend the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

* ISIS'S Dirty Secret How Islamic State managed to get supplies, electricity and food, despite being under a 'state of siege.'

* Russian Plan for Syria Places Iranian Military In the Golan Russian President Vladmir Putin's plan to set up Iranian Army officers as observers on the Israel-Syria border is even more audacious than first reported.

* U.S. Military to Move 'Very Quickly' in Arming Syrian Kurds Despite Turkish Opposition The U.S. military will move forward "very quickly" with plans to distribute weapons and ammunition to Kurdish YPG fighters battling the Islamic State in Syria despite opposition from NATO ally Turkey.

* Palestinians Use Deception for Greater Acceptance The two main political groups that claim to represent Palestinians - the Islamist terror group Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) - have embarked on new campaigns of deception in order to gain greater international acceptance.

* Erdogan Sees 'New Beginning' in Turkish-US ties despite Kurdish arms move "The United States is still going through a transition period. And we have to be more careful and sensitive," Erdogan said.

* Netanyahu: All Embassies should be in Jerusalem, not Tel Aviv Netanyahu spoke in advance of US President Donald Trumps expected visit to Jerusalem on May 22-23.

* 50 year anniversary: Six Day War in pictures Prime Minister Levi Eshkol's journal of the Six-Day War, the speech of Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin on Mount Scopus, the wings emblem of Motti Hod, commander of the air force.

* Iran-We Will Destroy All Saudi Arabia but Not Mecca & Medina Tehran, in response to Saudi Arabia's most recent threats, said it would destroy all of the Saudi kingdom besides Mecca and Medina.

5/11/17

* 2,000 Years Ago, Prophet Nehemiah Performed This Temple Rite to Revive Sacrifices. Now, Sanhedrin Is Reviving It  On the day after the Feast of Shavuot (Weeks), the Sanhedrin will reenact a ceremony officially establishing the borders of Jerusalem for purposes of reinstating the Temple service. 

* Ayatollah Khamenei vows crushing response to enemy  In comments on Wednesday, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei read the riot act for enemies of the Islamic establishment, vowing to harshly retaliate any possible invasion. 

* EU backs full implementation of nuclear deal: Mogherini  EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has said that the EU will stand by the Iran nuclear agreement, describing the deal as a 'milestone' belonging to the entire international community. 

* Mosul battle will be finished within days - Iraqi army chief  Iraqi security forces are only days away from completing the operation to recapture Mosul from so-called Islamic State, the army's chief of staff says. 

* Hezbollah Says Future War With Israel Could Take Place In Israeli Territory  Two Israeli air strikes against Hezbollah targets inside Syria in recent weeks have raised tension between the two. 

* Ap Review Denies Charges Agency Helped The Nazis During World War II  The yearlong review was written by Larry Heinzerling, an adjunct assistant professor at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and retired AP deputy international editor. 

* Abbas, in meeting with Putin, says Moscow must be part of peace process  Two leaders participate via video link in inauguration of $40 million Russian-sponsored Putin cultural center in Bethlehem. 

* Russian monitors for Syrian Golan - not Iranians  Moscow this week responded to Israel's concerns about posting Iranian and Turkish officers on its borders to monitor the potential 'de-escalation' zones Russia is proposing for Syria. 

* Arab Media: Abbas, Netanyahu, Trump Plan Three-Way Peace Summit  Arab media are quoting sources within the PA saying that preparations are being made for a 'trilateral summit meeting between [President Donald] Trump, [PA President Mahmoud] Abbas and [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu.' 

* Russia 'full-scope cyber actor' which will remain 'major threat' to US - intel director  Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats has accused Russia of being a "full-scope cyber actor" which will remain a 'major threat' to the US government. 

5/10/17

* In Anti-Israel Tirade, Erdogan Calls for Thousands of Muslims to Ascend Temple Mount In an anti-Israel tirade Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for thousands of Muslims to ascend the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

* Tower of Babel Discovered? Ancient Tablet Describes Mesopotamian Structure Built By 'Multitudes' An ancient tablet believed to depict the Biblical Tower of Babel has been deciphered 100 years after its discovery and may represent the first-ever image of the real Tower when it stood in Babylon during Biblical times.

* Russian Plan For Syrian Cease-Fire May Put Hezbollah In the Golan Russian President Vladmir Putin's plan to set up Iranian Army officers as observers on the Israel-Syria border is even more audacious than first reported.

* Here's everything we know about the mysterious Air Force plane that just landed after 2 years in space The US military's X-37B space plane landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Sunday, ending its record-breaking 718-day orbit with a sonic boom during its first landing in Florida.

* Iran-We Will Destroy All Saudi Arabia but Not Mecca & Medina Tehran, in response to Saudi Arabia's most recent threats, said it would destroy all of the Saudi kingdom besides Mecca and Medina.

* New ISIS mobile tactics against US in Syria, Iraq It is important to get the spate of reported successes by US-backed forces fighting the Islamic State in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan in proper proportion - in particular, the impression that ISIS is falling back from its strongholds in Mosul and Raqqa and that its certain defeat is just around the corner.

* Iran minister warns Saudi Arabia after 'battle' comments: Tasnim Iran will hit back at most of Saudi Arabia with the exception of Islam's holiest places if the kingdom does anything "ignorant", Tehran's defense minister was quoted as saying on Sunday after a Saudi prince threatened to move the "battle" to Iran.

* The Turkey Trap Erdogan thinks he can blackmail Trump.

* Liberals Leap at New Opportunity to Whitewash Hamas News agencies enamored with the Palestinian fight against "colonial Zionists" have taken to referring to the new Hamas "document of general principles & politics," released on May 1, as a "charter."

* US Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Lands in Israel on Official Visit Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.Joseph Dunford said to be in country to discuss Russia's presence in Syria and ISIS activities in Egypt.

* American Fighter Pilots in Israel for Joint Drill Exercises will take place near the southern city of Eilat at the Air Force's Uvda airbase.

* Emmanuel Macron: French president-elect to fight 'forces of division' Emmanuel Macron has vowed to fight "the forces of division that undermine France" after easily winning the run-off election for the French presidency.

* Iran's Rouhani says election rivals are 'violent extremists' Incumbent president faces uphill battle against hardliners in campaign to improve civil liberties.

* South Sudan crisis: One million child refugees More than one million children have fled South Sudan because of escalating conflict, the United Nations says.

5/8/17

* Iran-We Will Destroy All Saudi Arabia but Not Mecca & Medina Tehran, in response to Saudi Arabia's most recent threats, said it would destroy all of the Saudi kingdom besides Mecca and Medina.

* New ISIS mobile tactics against US in Syria, Iraq It is important to get the spate of reported successes by US-backed forces fighting the Islamic State in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan in proper proportion - in particular, the impression that ISIS is falling back from its strongholds in Mosul and Raqqa and that its certain defeat is just around the corner.

* Iran minister warns Saudi Arabia after 'battle' comments: Tasnim Iran will hit back at most of Saudi Arabia with the exception of Islam's holiest places if the kingdom does anything "ignorant", Tehran's defense minister was quoted as saying on Sunday after a Saudi prince threatened to move the "battle" to Iran.

* The Turkey Trap Erdogan thinks he can blackmail Trump.

* Liberals Leap at New Opportunity to Whitewash Hamas News agencies enamored with the Palestinian fight against "colonial Zionists" have taken to referring to the new Hamas "document of general principles & politics," released on May 1, as a "charter."

* US Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Lands in Israel on Official Visit Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.Joseph Dunford said to be in country to discuss Russia's presence in Syria and ISIS activities in Egypt.

* American Fighter Pilots in Israel for Joint Drill Exercises will take place near the southern city of Eilat at the Air Force's Uvda airbase.

* Emmanuel Macron: French president-elect to fight 'forces of division' Emmanuel Macron has vowed to fight "the forces of division that undermine France" after easily winning the run-off election for the French presidency.

* Iran's Rouhani says election rivals are 'violent extremists' Incumbent president faces uphill battle against hardliners in campaign to improve civil liberties.

* South Sudan crisis: One million child refugees More than one million children have fled South Sudan because of escalating conflict, the United Nations says.

5/6/17

* UNESCO ratifies contentious resolution denying Israeli links to Jerusalem  The executive board of the UN's cultural agency ratified on Friday a resolution that calls Israel 'the occupying power' in Jerusalem and disputes its ties to the capital. 

* Trump's Tolerance Tour: First Trip To Riyadh, Jerusalem And Rome  Aside from visiting Israel, Trump will convene Arab world leaders in Saudi Arabia and hold his first papal visit. 

* Us Sources: Saudi Arabia, Us In Talks On Billions In Arms Sales  Washington and Riyadh are eager to improve relations strained under President Barack Obama in part because of his championing of a nuclear deal with Saudi foe Iran. 

* Comment: Trump's Tragic Mistake  Israel is the most immediate casualty of Trump‚'s decision to embrace Abbas and the PLO, because the PLO is Israel's enemy. 

* Erdogan And His Vision  Erdogan views ISIS as the executor of his vision and as the army of the largest Sunni Islamic caliphate in the future Middle East. 

* Ismail Haniyeh Elected As New Hamas Leader, Replacing Meshaal  Ismail Haniyeh, who hails from the Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza, was widely expected to be the next top Hamas leader. 

* French election: Hollande vows 'response' to Macron hack attack  French President Francois Hollande has promised to "respond" after a hacking attack targeted presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron. 

* Netanyahu slams Abbas for lying to Trump's face  Few were surprised that the first words out of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' mouth in his meeting with US President Donald Trump were bald-faced lies. 

* In Pictures: Israel Kicks Off Independence Day Celebrations  Following a national day of grief in which the country paid its tributes to the men and women who fell while defending the land, Israel has kicked off celebrations marking its 69th Independence Day. 

* 69 Years of Independence: Israel By The Numbers  In accordance with its annual practice prior to Israeli Independence Day, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) has published data this week that offer insight into the evolution of the Israeli population and economy. 

5/4/17

* China 'will use hard-kill weapons to Destroy THAAD missiles in war with US' Beijing has issued a chilling warning to Donald Trump demanding the "immediate" withdrawal of THAAD from South Korea.

* US Air Force jets intercept Russian bombers near Alaska airspace Russian fighter jets escort Bear aircraft in Alaska Defense Zone in what officials say is an unprecedented incident.

* Iran's Forward Operating Base against the U.S. Iran's aim is to use American's northern neighbor, Canada, as a "forward operating base" for influence operations against the American government.

* Trump's Tolerance Tour: First trip to Riyadh, Jerusalem and Rome Aside from visiting Israel, Trump will convene Arab world leaders in Saudi Arabia and hold his first papal visit.

* Mr. Abbas goes to Washington... And gets a boost Abbas seemed to act like Trump was his personal savior, but will the unpredictable US president deliver for the embattled Palestinian leader?

* Palestinian Authority rejects 'mad' request to end prisoners' payment PA official also said that "the prisoners are victims of Israel and the result of the occupation," and drew an equivalence with the "IDF paying the salaries of Israeli soldiers."

* Syria: Rebels storm out as 'safe zones' plan signed Major powers backing opposing sides in the war in Syria have signed a pact on creating "safe zones", despite rebel delegates storming out of the ceremony at talks in Kazakhstan in protest.

* Netanyahu: Abbas lied to Trump Prime Minister Netanyahu attacked PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas this afternoon (Thursday) following his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.

* New Israeli stealth fighters operating over Syria? Israel's F-35s may have already flown combat mission against Russian air defenses.

* Syria government 'producing chemical weapons at research facilities' Syria's government is continuing to make chemical weapons in violation of a 2013 deal to eliminate them, a Western intelligence agency has told the BBC.

5/3/17

* Putin & Trump discuss Iranians on Israel's border Israel was seriously dismayed Wednesday, May 3, when first reports reached Jerusalem about the telephone conversation between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin Tuesday.

* Iran's Shadow Wars Eclipse it's nuclear threat, says expert Afshon Ostavar says Tehran's highly influential Revolutionary Guard Corps has combined ideology and practicality in an effective way, producing results in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza.

* UNESCO Makes Outrageous Move Denying Israel's Sovereignty in Jerusalem - on Independence Day As millions of Israeli and diaspora Jews marked Israel's 69th Independence Day, the United Nations cultural body UNESCO voted Tuesday to adopt a resolution denying Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem.

* Israelis expect big things from Trump's upcoming visit US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Israel later this month, and many believe he's going to use the occasion to drop a couple of diplomatic bombshells.

* ANALYSIS: Alleged Israel strikes raise stakes in face-off with Hezbollah In March, minister Naftali Bennett threatened to send Lebanon back to the Middle Ages if Hezbollah provoked another war.

* Trump says he will launch new Middle East peace process Though expectations are low, plans are being firmed up for Trump to visit the Israeli leader in Jerusalem and possibly Abbas in the West Bank, possibly on May 22-23.

* ANALYSIS: The new Hamas charter- No moderation here Hamas hopes that by showing the world a more moderate face - and having the world accept that fiction - it will be able to maneuver out of its current bind.

* Trump tells Abbas 'very good chance' of Mid-East peace deal US President Donald Trump has said there is "a very good chance" of a Middle East peace deal, during talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

* US Commandos Set to Counter North Korean Nuclear Sites U.S. special operations forces are set to conduct operations against North Korean nuclear, missile, and other weapons of mass destruction sites in any future conflict, the commander of Special Operations Command told Congress Tuesday.

* Battle with Brussels: Theresa May accuses EU of trying to influence general election (VIDEO) In her toughest words yet, Prime Minister Theresa May has accused European officials of trying to influence the result of Britain's general election with threats of harsh Brexit terms.