12/30/17

* Expect America's Tensions with China and Russia to Rise in 2018 Yesterday's 2017 review and forecast for 2018 focused on the most urgent challenges the Trump administration faces: the volatile Middle East, international terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. 

* Jpost Exclusive: No Route To Peace Without Trump, Ambassador Friedman Says Trump's ambassador to Israel David Friedman on US recognition of Jerusalem, the Palestinian rhetoric and American Jewry. 

* Hamas member to Trump: Palestine will be your graveyard Watch: Hamas politburo member Fathi Hammad threatens Trump after his recognition of Jerusalem. 

* Jordan's king orders brothers, a cousin arrested over covert ties with Riyadh - report According to Arab sources, the Jordanian King Abdullah has placed under arrest two of his brothers and a cousin, accusing them of secret ties with the Saudi and UAE crown princes. 

* When And Why The West Began To 'Demonize' Muhammad  To understand any phenomenon, its roots must first be understood. 

* Iranian Protests Escalate, Government Cancels Schools And Trains  Social Media in Farsi and Arabic reported that the protesters are shouting the slogan not Gaza, Not Lebanon, my soul for Iran.' 

* Trump Is Right: Terrorism And Iran Are The Region's Major Problems  President Trump's officials are still at work framing the contours of an 'ultimate deal.' 

* Egypt attack: Gunman targets Coptic Christians in church and shop  Nine people have been killed in two attacks on Coptic Christians in Helwan district, south of Cairo, Egypt's interior ministry has said. 

* Israel to reenact declaration of independence for jubilee  In honor of Israel's 70th Independence Day, actors portraying Ben Gurion, other members of People's Council will congregate in Tel Aviv's Independence Hall to reenact declaration of independence; reenactment to be streamed live on Facebook, displayed on huge screens in Rothschild Street. 

* 'The Land of Israel is not occupied' Culture Minister Miri Regev praises NBA for changing reference to 'Occupied Palestinian Territories' on website. 'No such country exists.'

12/29/17

* 2018 to open with 'Wolf Moon' The first supermoon of 2018 is set to light up our skies on the first night of the year, here's all you need to know about the fascinating celestial event.

* Mattis Sees Larger US Civilian Presence in Syria as ISIS Dies Out This is the first time the US defense secretary has said that there would be an increase of diplomats in the parts of the country retaken from Islamic State militants.

* Evolutionary Scientists Retract Groundbreaking Results, Leaving Hole in Theory A Harvard biologist published a paper three weeks ago recanting a previous article and admitting that his preconceived beliefs led him to faulty conclusions, leaving him with a gaping hole in his findings that current evolutionary theories simply cannot explain.

* 2017: A Year of Change and Challenge for Israel's Relations in the Region The past year witnessed significant changes in Israel's relations with the Palestinians and the Arab world.

* Iranian Parliament Recognizes Jerusalem as 'Capital of Palestine' The Iranian Parliament bill is part of a double-urgency plan dealing with Jerusalem.

* Egypt, a powder-keg waiting to explode The Arab's world most populous country is hit with multiple problems - and a solution is nowhere in sight.

* US won't strike ISIS resurgent in Assad-ruled areas, pushes Russia to curb pro-Iranian Hizballah push near Israel While openly blaming Syria (and Russia) for giving ISIS free rein, US quietly rebukes Moscow for not reining in the pro-Iranian push towards Israeli border.

* Likud Central Body to Push for Annexation of Entire West Bank "If the president of the United States believes Jerusalem is ours, there is no reason why a right-wing party and coalition cannot."

* Tenth of Tevet: The Seeds of Messiah Planted in the UN Jerusalem Vote The Tenth of Tevet, a fast day that began Thursday morning, commemorates the beginning of the Greek siege of Jerusalem, an event one rabbi sees mirrored in the hateful United Nations vote last week that attempted to isolate Jerusalem from the world.

* Latest Aliya Wave Leaves Thousands of Ethiopian Jews Behind Families of thousands still waiting to make aliya were left wondering when their family members would also be approved to make the move.

* 'Silent Holocaust' of Assimilation Destroying US Jewry, Haredi MK says "There will be no memory of US Jewry - only those who observe Shabbat," the haredi lawmaker added.

* Watch: Thousands pray for rain at Western Wall Minister Uri Ariel calls for mass prayer held at Western Wall for end to severe multi-year drought.

* A child's guide to rock throwing Fatah publishes children's guide detailing how to effectively stone Jewish passersby.

* IDF's Top Five Military Achievements of 2017 On Land, on Sea and in the air, the IDF continues to dominate the region with it's military advantage.

12/28/17

* Iranian Parliament Recognizes Jerusalem as 'Capital of Palestine' The Iranian Parliament bill is part of a double-urgency plan dealing with Jerusalem.

* Egypt, a powder-keg waiting to explode The Arab's world most populous country is hit with multiple problems - and a solution is nowhere in sight.

* US won't strike ISIS resurgent in Assad-ruled areas, pushes Russia to curb pro-Iranian Hizballah push near Israel While openly blaming Syria (and Russia) for giving ISIS free rein, US quietly rebukes Moscow for not reining in the pro-Iranian push towards Israeli border.

* Likud Central Body to Push for Annexation of Entire West Bank "If the president of the United States believes Jerusalem is ours, there is no reason why a right-wing party and coalition cannot."

* Tenth of Tevet: The Seeds of Messiah Planted in the UN Jerusalem Vote The Tenth of Tevet, a fast day that began Thursday morning, commemorates the beginning of the Greek siege of Jerusalem, an event one rabbi sees mirrored in the hateful United Nations vote last week that attempted to isolate Jerusalem from the world.

* Latest Aliya Wave Leaves Thousands of Ethiopian Jews Behind Families of thousands still waiting to make aliya were left wondering when their family members would also be approved to make the move.

* 'Silent Holocaust' of Assimilation Destroying US Jewry, Haredi MK says "There will be no memory of US Jewry - only those who observe Shabbat," the haredi lawmaker added.

* Watch: Thousands pray for rain at Western Wall Minister Uri Ariel calls for mass prayer held at Western Wall for end to severe multi-year drought.

* A child's guide to rock throwing Fatah publishes children's guide detailing how to effectively stone Jewish passersby.

* IDF's Top Five Military Achievements of 2017 On Land, on Sea and in the air, the IDF continues to dominate the region with it's military advantage.

12/27/17

* Netanyahu Warns Iran, Hamas of 'Tremendous Firepower' of Israeli Air Force IAF Commander Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin says Israeli jets have been operating on five fronts in recent months.

* Al-Aqsa Mosque rally: Muslims screaming "Allahu akbar" vow to kill Trump, "cut off tongues that support peace" Yet mainstream analysts still insist that Trump disrupted the peace process.

* Iran votes to declare Jerusalem 'everlasting capital of Palestine' Resolution passes unanimously in Tehran parliament, weeks after US president recognizes city as Israel's capital.

* Turkey's Erdogan Calls Syria's Assad a Terrorist, Says Impossible to Continue With Him "Assad is definitely a terrorist who has carried out state terrorism," Erdogan told a televised news conference.

* Rev Guards repair Syria's Deir ez-Zour-Palmyra road - first link in Iran's new transnational land corridor Repairs are underway on the war-ravaged 200km long M20 road linking Deir Ez-Zour in eastern Syrian to Palmyra.

* Fatah Leader Calls for 'Popular Resistance' for Group's 53rd Birthday Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki said that "Trump's decision regarding Jerusalem killed any possibility of celebrating this year."

* Jerusalem: Israel plans 'Trump station' near Western Wall Israel's transport minister wants to dig a railway tunnel under Jerusalem's Old City and name a station next to the Western Wall after Donald Trump.

* Ukraine crisis: Exchange of hundreds of prisoners takes place Ukraine and separatist rebels in the east of the country have exchanged hundreds of prisoners, in one of the biggest swaps since the conflict began in 2014.

* China alarmed over Japan's alleged plan to put F-35B jets on carriers China has warned Japan not to contravene its post-World War II peace commitment and stick to an "exclusive defense" policy.

* ISIS vows New Year's Eve attacks, says "We're going to fight until we rule the whole world by the Sharia" "ISIS Promises to Kill Drunk People Celebrating New Year's Eve Around the World In First Video From Somalia," by Tom O'Connor, Newsweek, December 26, 2017.

12/26/17

* Not just the US and Guatemala: 2 more nations to move embassies to J'lem The Trump Effect: After the US and Guatemala announce plans to move embassies to Jerusalem, two more countries poised to announce moves.

* Trump pulls the plug on "Palestine", defunds and downgrades PLO regime Since the establishment of the CIA-NATO front known as the "Palestinian Authority" in 1993, the U.S. government has looted more than $5 billion from the American tax payers and sent them as "assistance" to the Palestinians.

* Hamas leader: Revolutionary Guards will stand by us Hamas leader says the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force assured him the Revolutionary Guards would stand by the Hamas leadership.

* Report: Syrian Regime Closes in on Village Near Israeli Golan Beit Jinn has been held by Syrian rebels for the last several years, surrounded on three sides by the Syrian regime and its allies.

* Beit Jinn falls to Syrian-Hizballah-Iranian-led force, now 5km from Israeli border The strategic Beit Jinn enclave was allowed to fall and the Syrian rebel defenders to capitulate - without IDF intervention.

* Brexit: German minister sees model for Turkey and Ukraine A "smart" Brexit deal could serve as a model for the EU's future relations with other non-EU states, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel says.

* Ambassador Friedman: Stop using word 'occupation' US ambassador to Israel reportedly calls on State Department to stop calling Judea and Samaria occupied.

* Israel Must Again Remind Palestinian Leaders That Jesus Was Jewish Yesterday was Christmas, which means that local Christians were once again treated to a rant by Palestinian leaders trying to appropriate Jesus as part of their cause against Israel.

* Hezbollah Scandal Perfect Timing for Trump Administration Did an investigative report give US officials the smoking gun after a year of rhetoric?

* Russia begins development of Syrian bases to host nuclear warships & warplanes The Russian Defense Ministry has started work on upgrading the bases in Tartus and Khmeimim in Syria into permanent military centers.

12/24/17

* In Pictures: See How The Middle East Celebrates Christmas There might not be any snow, but that doesn't stop the Christians of the Middle East from celebrating in their own way.

* Hamas leader calls for 'day of blood' Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar urges Palestinian Arabs to clash with Israeli security forces in mass numbers on Friday.

* While the UN voted, Jerusalem's fate was determined in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi At UN Center in New York, a resolution condemning Donald Trump for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital won a 128 majority of 193 member-states at the General Assembly, with 9 votes against.

* Serious setback for Israel on Golan border. Syria and Hizballah bisect Beit Jinn enclave Syrian and Hizballah forces have seized a key village in the strategic Beit Jinn enclave north of Israeli Golan, just 4km from IDF Hermon positions.

* 'US No Longer A Partner': Five Takeaways From The Abbas-Macron Meeting Abbas stressed that after US President Donald Trump's Jerusalem statement, he did not see Trump as a partner in "any kind of political process."

* Double Wonder: Hanukkah Miracle Recreated and Temple Incense Burned for First Time in 2,000 Years [WATCH] A scene straight from the Temple of Solomon was recreated on Tuesday evening when Kohanim lit the menorah, but even more wondrous than this sight was the fragrance that accompanied the event: for the first time in 2,000 years, incense was burned in the Biblically prescribed manner.

* Record Number of Christian Pilgrims to Visit Israel for Christmas The Israeli Tourism Ministry announced on Wednesday that a record number of Christian pilgrims are expected to give a welcome boost to the economy by visiting the Holy Land for Christmas.

* Israeli Papers See Victory in Seeming Defeat at UN General Assembly As anyone could have predicted, the UN General Assembly on Thursday voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution effectively condemning the United States for daring to recognize the obvious - that Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel.

* Analysis: Here's what Erdogan is doing in Jerusalem - and why Erdogan's aspirations in Jerusalem are known but few notice that he is working hard to turn the Arab areas of Jerusalem into Islamist hubs

* For many Palestinian Christians, Trump is a Christmas killjoy Despite overall increase in religious tourism to Israel and West Bank, dozens of groups cancel after US president's Jerusalem recognition.

* Changing of Communist guard? 'Lenin' farm director proposed as 2018 presidential candidate The leader of the Russian Communists has proposed the head of a major agricultural enterprise, Pavel Grudinin, as the party's candidate for the 2018 presidential poll, a senior party member has told reporters.

12/22/17

* Hamas leader calls for 'day of blood' Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar urges Palestinian Arabs to clash with Israeli security forces in mass numbers on Friday.

* While the UN voted, Jerusalem's fate was determined in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi At UN Center in New York, a resolution condemning Donald Trump for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital won a 128 majority of 193 member-states at the General Assembly, with 9 votes against.

* Serious setback for Israel on Golan border. Syria and Hizballah bisect Beit Jinn enclave Syrian and Hizballah forces have seized a key village in the strategic Beit Jinn enclave north of Israeli Golan, just 4km from IDF Hermon positions.

* 'US No Longer A Partner': Five Takeaways From The Abbas-Macron Meeting Abbas stressed that after US President Donald Trump's Jerusalem statement, he did not see Trump as a partner in "any kind of political process."

* Double Wonder: Hanukkah Miracle Recreated and Temple Incense Burned for First Time in 2,000 Years [WATCH] A scene straight from the Temple of Solomon was recreated on Tuesday evening when Kohanim lit the menorah, but even more wondrous than this sight was the fragrance that accompanied the event: for the first time in 2,000 years, incense was burned in the Biblically prescribed manner.

* Record Number of Christian Pilgrims to Visit Israel for Christmas The Israeli Tourism Ministry announced on Wednesday that a record number of Christian pilgrims are expected to give a welcome boost to the economy by visiting the Holy Land for Christmas.

* Israeli Papers See Victory in Seeming Defeat at UN General Assembly As anyone could have predicted, the UN General Assembly on Thursday voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution effectively condemning the United States for daring to recognize the obvious - that Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel.

* Analysis: Here's what Erdogan is doing in Jerusalem - and why Erdogan's aspirations in Jerusalem are known but few notice that he is working hard to turn the Arab areas of Jerusalem into Islamist hubs

* For many Palestinian Christians, Trump is a Christmas killjoy Despite overall increase in religious tourism to Israel and West Bank, dozens of groups cancel after US president's Jerusalem recognition.

* Changing of Communist guard? 'Lenin' farm director proposed as 2018 presidential candidate The leader of the Russian Communists has proposed the head of a major agricultural enterprise, Pavel Grudinin, as the party's candidate for the 2018 presidential poll, a senior party member has told reporters.

12/21/17

* Congress Demands DOJ Turn Over All Docs Related to Obama Scheme to Nix Hezbollah Terror Investigation Congress investigating former administration's efforts to appease Iran.

* Egypt's Paper-Peace with Israel "The greatest obstacle to the expansion of peace today is not found in the leaders of the countries around us.

* 'UN declarations encourage terrorism' Naftali Bennett says UN decision rejecting Trump's Jerusalem recognition 'shows terrorists that they can succeed'.

* 'Jerusalem is our capital: Always was and always will be' PM Netanyahu says growing number of nations refuse to participate in UN 'theater of the absurd.'

* Jerusalem: UN resolution rejects Trump's declaration The UN General Assembly has decisively backed a resolution effectively calling on the US to withdraw its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

* The Biblical 'Dark Side' of Star Wars Millions of people are packing theaters to see the most recent installment of the 40-year-old Star Wars saga but many of these people are more than just fans.

* Spate of anti-Semitic cartoons seen in Arab media after Trump's Jerusalem move Anti-Defamation League documents rash of caricatures alleging Jewish and Israeli control over US politics.

* Kim Executes North's Nuke Chief According to reports out of North Korea, dictator Kim Jong-un has executed his nuclear chief over delays in his planned testing schedule and the collapse of a tunnel at Punggye-ri that killed several hundred workers.

* Twilight over the "Palestinian Cause" Reports from the West Bank after the Six Day War show that the Arabs interviewed defined themselves as "Arabs" or "Jordanians".

* Jewish Youths Arrested for Praying on Temple Mount. But Was It Illegal? It's not entirely uncommon for Jewish activists to ascend Jerusalem's Temple Mount, pray there and then be arrested for their troubles.

12/20/17

* Palestinian 'Day of Rage' Riots Break Out Ahead of UN Vote on Jerusalem Violent Palestinian riots broke out across Judea and Samaria and near the Gaza border on Wednesday after Palestinian factions, including Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah party.

* Fossilized Antarctic Forest Stumps Scientists But Fuels Bible Flood Theories The recent discovery of fossilized trees in Antarctica leaves researchers with unanswered questions which some Bible scholars think they can answer: a global flood that occurred precisely as described in Genesis.

* Terrorist charged with plotting to kidnap MK Yehudah Glick Hamas terror leader sought to kidnap and murder Likud Knesset member before plotting to kidnap Israeli over Hanukkah.

* Saudis Intercept Another Houthi Missile With seconds to spare, Saudi Arabia's missile defense system destroyed a missile aimed at a royal palace fired from Yemen by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

* Why aren't Israelis told that Hamas High Command is behind the persistent rocket fire? After 20 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip in the three weeks since Dec. 7, limited punitive IDF air strikes, which never stopped them before, are still not working.

* The secret backstory of how Obama let Hezbollah off the hook This recent Politico investigative report seems to miss the main point underlying the issue.

* Saudis intercept Yemen rebel missile headed for Riyadh palace Iran-backed Houthi rebels say they targeted royal residence of King Salman ahead of budget unveiling.

* Turkey Mania: "Jerusalem is Muslim" By rejecting Jerusalem's Judaic history, Erdogan is ironically denying that his holy book, the Quran, recognizes the Land of Israel.

* 2018 Global Defense Spending to Hit Post-Cold War High of $1.67 Trillion Iran slightly outspends Israel, both dwarfed by Saudi Arabia.

* New Western Wall Tunnels Synagogue Opened The synagogue is deep inside the complex and is adjacent to the area above which the ancient Jewish temples on the Temple Mount stood, and the inner sanctum of the Holy of Holies in particular.

* Canada Synagogues Get Hate Mail Saying 'Jewry Must Perish' B'nai Brith Canada described the threats as being "an eight on the frighten[ing] scale."

* Nazareth Christmas Festival Under Way The festival includes daily entertainment performances on the streets of the Old City, including street theater, circus and magic performers, fire displays, street music and food stands.

* Education Minister Naftali Bennett: Palestine is a 'Fake State' "We've granted them a state in Gaza and they turned it into Afghanistan in the heart of Israel. We aren't about to make that mistake again," Bennett said.

* Kurds Reported Killed as Mass Protests Sweep Kurdistan Region of Iraq As political supporters of different parties trade accusations, many wonder whether protests will deepen political crises and what the protesters hope to achieve.

12/19/17

* Why aren't Israelis told that Hamas High Command is behind the persistent rocket fire? After 20 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip in the three weeks since Dec. 7, limited punitive IDF air strikes, which never stopped them before, are still not working.

* The secret backstory of how Obama let Hezbollah off the hook This recent Politico investigative report seems to miss the main point underlying the issue.

* Saudis intercept Yemen rebel missile headed for Riyadh palace Iran-backed Houthi rebels say they targeted royal residence of King Salman ahead of budget unveiling.

* Turkey Mania: "Jerusalem is Muslim" By rejecting Jerusalem's Judaic history, Erdogan is ironically denying that his holy book, the Quran, recognizes the Land of Israel.

* 2018 Global Defense Spending to Hit Post-Cold War High of $1.67 Trillion Iran slightly outspends Israel, both dwarfed by Saudi Arabia.

* New Western Wall Tunnels Synagogue Opened The synagogue is deep inside the complex and is adjacent to the area above which the ancient Jewish temples on the Temple Mount stood, and the inner sanctum of the Holy of Holies in particular.

* Canada Synagogues Get Hate Mail Saying 'Jewry Must Perish' B'nai Brith Canada described the threats as being "an eight on the frighten[ing] scale."

* Nazareth Christmas Festival Under Way The festival includes daily entertainment performances on the streets of the Old City, including street theater, circus and magic performers, fire displays, street music and food stands.

* Education Minister Naftali Bennett: Palestine is a 'Fake State' "We've granted them a state in Gaza and they turned it into Afghanistan in the heart of Israel. We aren't about to make that mistake again," Bennett said.

* Kurds Reported Killed as Mass Protests Sweep Kurdistan Region of Iraq As political supporters of different parties trade accusations, many wonder whether protests will deepen political crises and what the protesters hope to achieve.

12/18/17

* Jerusalem: An Opportunity for Islamic Reformation? Despite the cries that Islam is a religion of peace, Islamic terror threat is everywhere; Muslims still teach hatred of Jews and Christians and they still preach jihad and killing the enemies of Allah.

* 'Not just ISIS': Assad decries West's support for militants, vows to root out all terrorism in Syria The war in Syria won't be over until every last terrorist is defeated, including those backed by the West, Syrian President Bashar Assad has said, accusing some Western countries of having hands "covered in Syrian blood."

* Fate of Palestine, Muslim nations inseparable, Larijani says TEHRAN - Denouncing Israel as a "bureaucratic evil" in the Middle East, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Monday that the fate of Palestine cannot be separated from the fate of all Muslim countries.

* Trump-Putin understanding on Syria on eve of US national security speech In a new bilateral deal, the US and Russian presidents are teaming up to fight ISIS in E. Syria and aligning on Iranian and Turkish roles.

* Officials: China Must Prepare for War With North Korea During a national security conference last week in Beijing, China's top civilian military analysts warned the country needs to prepare to go to war in the Korean Peninsula-against its key ally North Korea.

* US Vetoes UN Call for Withdrawal of Trump Jerusalem Decision The draft resolution had also called upon all countries to refrain from establishing diplomatic missions in Jerusalem.

* Turkey's Erdogan says he hopes to open embassy in East Jerusalem soon Continuing to rage against Trump recognition of Jerusalem as capital, Turkish leader also warns 'price will be high' if Zionists try to 'appropriate' city.

* Peace Amidst the Chaos Predictable fury has erupted in the wake of President Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

* Is the UK Overthrowing the Christian Basis of the West? As the progressive publication Prospect asked, "if we are no longer a Christian country, what are we?"

* EU silent on Austria's 'pro-Europe' far-right in cabinet The European Commission was muted on Monday (18 December) after the swearing in of the new Austrian coalition government which includes a far-right party - and whose programme collides with existing EU policies on migration.

12/16/17

* Muslims may lose Mecca if they fail to hold on to Jerusalem - Erdogan  Muslims may lose Mecca and other holy sites if the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israeli capital isn't reversed, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned 

* Why U.S. F-22 Stealth Jets and Russian Su-35S Flankers Are Shadow Boxing Over Syria International news media has been crackling with reports of intercept incidents between U.S. and Russian combat aircraft along the Middle Euphrates River Valley (MERV) de-confliction line over Syria since late November. 

* Former U.S. Ambassadors Warn Iran Has Become Top Threat to Middle East  'With the ISIS threat destroyed, malign Iranian interference is now the primary security challenge' 

* Palestinian claims to Jerusalem lose Saudi as well as US support The Palestinians have three major grievances with the Trump administration on Jerusalem, but are most irked by Saudi backing for the Trump peace plan. 

* Erdogan: Turkey Seeking To Annul Trump Decision On Jerusalem At UN  "We will work for the annulment of this unjust decision firstly at the UN Security Council, and if a veto comes from there, the General Assembly," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said. 

* Will Israel Ever Accept Messianic Jews?  Indeed, Messianic Jews are largely shunned by mainstream Jewish communities around the world, and are commonly seen as proselytizers. 

* Nazareth Mayor Says Christmas Celebrations Will Be Held As Normal  Nazareth, the largest Arab town in Israel with a population of 76,000 Muslims and Christians and is one of the Holy Land's focal points of Christmas festivities. 

* Jerusalem, Israel's Capital: Watch the Masks Fall  Many analysts say that US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital is a campaign promise to evangelical Christian and right-wing Jewish voters, but there is another way of looking at it. 

* California Megachurch Dabbling in Occult  Bethel Church, a California non-denominational charismatic megachurch, has aligned itself with a group that promotes what are essentially satanic tarot cards to perform 'readings' on its members. 

* EU stresses unity as it launches next phase of Brexit talks  The BRICS counties are considering starting an internal gold trading platform, according to Russian officials. 

12/15/17

* Tourism Minister: 'Privilege' to Protect Holy Sites for Nations, Expects 4M Tourists in 2018 Christian visitors to Israel will help boost tourism to record highs in the coming year, with Tourism Minister Yariv Levin expecting nearly 4 million total tourists in 2018.

* Chabad Lights 15,000 Public Menorahs on Hanukkah From the Far East to the Americas, Chabad has erected public menorahs as part of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hanukkah campaign in more than 100 countries and territories, including all 50 US states.

* America-1st is 21st Century Maccabees This article presents the unspoken-depths of the Maccabees-revolt back-then in 167 BCE, which is continued by a similar process at present, which is lead by America-1st [1].

* Nikki Haley Displays Hardware Proving Iranian Violations At a military base in Washington, Nikki Haley, the American ambassador to the United Nations, presented pieces of weapons as proof that Iran is providing the Houthi rebels in Yemen in direct violation of international agreements limiting it arm deals.

* Hamas rockets are onset of anti-Israel war of attrition ordered by Iran's Gen. Soleimani The Palestinian rockets fired from Gaza Wednesday night, Dec. 13, were the 12th and 13th since US President Donald Trump's Jerusalem decision on Dec.6.

* Rouhani: Iran ready to unconditionally cooperate to defend Quds TEHRAN - President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is ready to cooperate unconditionally with all Muslim nations to defend al-Quds (Jerusalem).

* "We swear to break your necks": Islamic State depicts Trump and Netanyahu kneeling before jihadi executionerMeanwhile, the Left decries as "racist" and "Islamophobic" any effort by Trump to take steps to prevent more Islamic State jihadis from entering the country.

* Hamas Will Reverse Trump's Jerusalem Move, Leader Tells Gaza Rally "We will knock down Trump's decision. No superpower is capable of offering Jerusalem to Israel, there is no Israel that it should have a capital named Jerusalem."

* In Pictures: Gazans Celebrate 30 Years of Hamas Thousands of people of all ages attended the celebration in Gaza City.

* Three Years of Relative Quiet Shattered by Trump's Jerusalem Declaration The past week has seen the most serious peak of violence between Israel and Hamas since the end of Operation Protective Edge in 2014.

* JPost Poll: Skyrocketing Support for Trump Among Israelis Split on impact of Jerusalem announcement on peace.

* Nazareth to Observe Most Christmas Festivities Despite Anger Over Trump While canceling performances, most holiday activities will go on as normal.

* Study finds anti-Semitism rampant among Muslim migrants in Germany "The dimensions of the problem are much larger than expected."

12/14/17

* Hamas rockets are onset of anti-Israel war of attrition ordered by Iran's Gen. Soleimani The Palestinian rockets fired from Gaza Wednesday night, Dec. 13, were the 12th and 13th since US President Donald Trump's Jerusalem decision on Dec.6.

* Rouhani: Iran ready to unconditionally cooperate to defend Quds TEHRAN - President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is ready to cooperate unconditionally with all Muslim nations to defend al-Quds (Jerusalem).

* "We swear to break your necks": Islamic State depicts Trump and Netanyahu kneeling before jihadi executionerMeanwhile, the Left decries as "racist" and "Islamophobic" any effort by Trump to take steps to prevent more Islamic State jihadis from entering the country.

* Hamas Will Reverse Trump's Jerusalem Move, Leader Tells Gaza Rally "We will knock down Trump's decision. No superpower is capable of offering Jerusalem to Israel, there is no Israel that it should have a capital named Jerusalem."

* In Pictures: Gazans Celebrate 30 Years of Hamas Thousands of people of all ages attended the celebration in Gaza City.

* Three Years of Relative Quiet Shattered by Trump's Jerusalem Declaration The past week has seen the most serious peak of violence between Israel and Hamas since the end of Operation Protective Edge in 2014.

* JPost Poll: Skyrocketing Support for Trump Among Israelis Split on impact of Jerusalem announcement on peace.

* Nazareth to Observe Most Christmas Festivities Despite Anger Over Trump While canceling performances, most holiday activities will go on as normal.

* Study finds anti-Semitism rampant among Muslim migrants in Germany "The dimensions of the problem are much larger than expected."

12/13/17

* Hanukka Around the Globe: Fighting the Darkness With Jewish Light The first night of Hanukka commenced with festive Menoras being lit around the world by Jewish and non-Jewish people keeping the night illuminated together.

* Rouhani: Iran ready to unconditionally cooperate to defend Quds TEHRAN - President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is ready to cooperate unconditionally with all Muslim nations to defend al-Quds (Jerusalem).

* Israeli minister calls on Saudi Arabia to lead regional peace efforts Speaking to Saudi Arabian newspaper, Yisrael Katz says Gulf state understands challenges of region, shares Israel's concerns over Iran.

* Jordan: Judaizing Jerusalem will bring violence and extremism Jordanian, Saudi kings reiterate 'Palestinian right' to establish Jerusalem as capital of future 'Palestinian' state.

* Qassem Soleimani sends minion on odyssey from Iraq to the Lebanese-Israeli border By reaching the Lebanese-Israeli border on Dec. 2, Iraqi Shiite militia chief Qais al-Khazali embodied the consummation of Iran's open land bridge to the Mediterranean.

* Abbas to Muslim Summit: US Jerusalem Decision 'Greatest Crime' Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed an emergency summit in Istanbul in response to Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

* Muslim nations urge recognition of East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital The leaders of 57 Muslim nations have called on the world to recognise "the State of Palestine and East Jerusalem as its occupied capital".

* Ancient Oil Lamp Traced Back to First-Ever Hanukkah in Maccabee Era During a hike in the Beit She'an Valley, 7-year-old Hadas Goldberg-Kedar and her mother, Ayelet, discovered an ancient clay oil lamp that turned out to be a well-preserved pottery vessel dating back to the Hellenistic period at the beginning of the 2nd century BCE.

* Russia Sharply Expanding Nuclear Arsenal, Upgrading Underground Facilities Pentagon to boost U.S. weapons under nuclear posture review.

* Our World: Europe's War Against the Jewish State On Sunday and Monday Israeli PM Netanyahu visited Paris and Brussels to confront Europe's leaders and challenge their hostility toward Israel.

12/11/17

* Hezbollah chief says Trump Jerusalem move 'beginning of end' for Israel Hassan Nasrallah tells tens of thousands of supporters in Beirut terror group almost done fighting in Syria and will now turn attention to Jerusalem and the Palestinians.

* Netanyahu Meets European Leaders, Sets Them Straight on Jerusalem Netanyahu's remarks on Jerusalem start around the 5-minute mark.

* Russia's Putin visits Syria airbase and orders start of pullout President Vladimir Putin has ordered the partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria, during an unannounced visit there on Monday.

* EU's Federica Mogherini rebuffs Netanyahu on Jerusalem The EU's foreign policy chief says there is "full EU unity" in support of Jerusalem becoming the capital of both Israel and a future Palestinian state.

* Iran Defense Minister: Trump's J'lem Move Will Hasten Israel's Destruction "(Trump's) step will hasten the destruction of the Zionist regime and will double the unity of Muslims," Iran's defense minister, Brigadier General Amir Hatami, said, according to state media.

* Theresa May says Brexit deal 'good news' for all voters An agreement to move on to the next phase of Brexit talks is "good news" for both Leave and Remain voters, Theresa May has told MPs.

* Palestinian Official Urges Istanbul Summit: Recognize Jerusalem as Our Capital Organization of Islamic Cooperation meets Wednesday at invitation of Turkish President.

* Has Iran given cruise missiles to Hizballah as well as Yemen's Houthis? The maiden operational launch of Iran's Soumar Kh-55 cruise missile was apparently entrusted to Yemen's Houthis against a UAE target.

* Putin lands in Syria on announced visit to create false impression war is over The Russian President Vladimir Putin's airplane made a surprise landing Monday.

* 100 years later, Allenby returns to Jerusalem The Old City's Tower of David Museum launches an exhibit in honor of the centennial of the capture of the Holy City from the Ottoman Turks by British forces.

12/9/17

* Danny Ayalon presents: The Truth About Jerusalem  Critics of Trump's recent Jerusalem recognition claim Jerusalem ceased to be the Jewish capital 2,000 years ago. Are they right? 

* Israel strikes Gaza Hamas sites after rocket attacks Israel says it has targeted sites in Gaza belonging to militant group Hamas in retaliation for rocket strikes. 

* Commander Of Iranian-Backed Iraqi Militia Seen On Lebanese-Israeli Border  Qais al-Khazaali is filmed overlooking northern Israeli towns of Metualla and Kiryat Shemona. 

* Iraq declares war with Islamic State is over The Palestinian leader Mahmoud Aand Turkey's President e first 24 ecognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.Iraq has announced that its war against so-called Islamic State (IS) is over. 

* Palestinian protests won't swell into mass resistance so long as Arab rulers and Iran see no gain  The Palestinian Hamas finds itself shouting alone for a massive armed uprising, raising only muted echoes in the Arab world and the Palestinian street in protest at the US president's Jerusalem decision. 

* "Trump Guided by God's Hand to Help Build Third Temple"  President Donald Trump's epic proclamation on Wednesday acknowledging Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the Jewish people was a major step towards establishing the Third Temple and bringing the Messianic era, said a number of Jewish activists working to rebuild the Holy Temple. 

* Turkish protesters: 'Jerusalem is ours and will remain so'  Thousands of anti-Israel protesters march in Istanbul against Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. 

* European states: Trump's on al-Quds "unhelpful"  Trump's reversal of decades of U.S. policy on Wednesday sparked a Palestinian 'day of rage' on Friday. 

* City of discord: How Trump's decision on Jerusalem throws 70yrs of caution to the wind  Trump's Jerusalem decision has undone 70 years of wary American policy in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, undermining the status of the US as one of peace brokers in the region. 

* Russia-China real gold standard means end of US dollar dominance  The BRICS counties are considering starting an internal gold trading platform, according to Russian officials. 

12/8/17

* Evangelical Christians Celebrate Trump's Recognition of Jerusalem as Capital, US Embassy Move  Evangelical Christian organizations joyously commended President Donald Trump on fulfilling his campaign promise to recognize Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the State of Israel, a promise which inspired much of his pro-Israel, Evangelical voter base. 

* Security Council convenes on J'lem US Envoy to UN Haley says in special UN Security Council session on J'lem, 'US to no longer stand by as Israel attacked in UN, lectured to by countries that lack credibility in treating Israel fairly. 

* Muslims Around The World Rally Against Trump In Solidarity With Palestinians  Trump's announcement on Wednesday has infuriated the Arab world and upset Western allies. 

* Abbas lacks important Arab support against Trump's recognition of Jerusalem  The Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas only found Jordan's King Abdullah and Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan to back him up Thursday, Dec. 7, in the first 24 hours after US President Donald Trump's announced recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

* Trump Peace Team Believes It Can Ride Out Wave of Arab Anger Over Jerusalem "We're going to still keep our heads down and present our plan when the time is right," White House official tells 'The Jerusalem Post.'

* Trump is first US president to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. He ordered State to build new US embassy in Jerusalem On Wednesday, Dec. 6, President Donald Trump made history by announcing that the US recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

* 250 Rabbis Bless Trump With Biblical Joshua's Strength in Letter of Support Over two hundred prominent Israeli rabbis sent a letter of gratitude to President Donald Trump, blessing him in the manner that God blessed Joshua as he led the Jews into Israel and stating that Trump's acknowledgement of Jerusalem as Israel's eternal capital assures him a permanent place in the annals of Jewish history.

* US troops may become targets after US Jerusalem decision - Iraqi paramilitary group The US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital may become a "legitimate reason" to attack American troops in Iraq, Shia paramilitary group Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba said.

* Jerusalem is Israel's capital, says Donald Trump  President Donald Trump has announced that the US now recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital, overturning decades of official US policy.

* Trump may recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, relocate the US embassy - neither or both President Donald Trump spoke to Israeli and Palestinian leaders Tuesday amid high suspense for his announcement Wednesday, Dec.6 on the status of Jerusalem.

* Israeli Right Hails 'Historic' Trump Decision, Left Predicts Regional Chaos Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first reaction to Trump decision may take place at The Jerusalem Post's Diplomatic Conference.

* Jerusalem Trump: US recognition 'kiss of death' for peace process An expected announcement by President Donald Trump that the US will become the first country to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital has been dubbed a "kiss of death" for the Middle East peace process by the Palestinians.

12/7/17

* Trump Peace Team Believes It Can Ride Out Wave of Arab Anger Over Jerusalem "We're going to still keep our heads down and present our plan when the time is right," White House official tells 'The Jerusalem Post.'

* Trump is first US president to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. He ordered State to build new US embassy in Jerusalem On Wednesday, Dec. 6, President Donald Trump made history by announcing that the US recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

* 250 Rabbis Bless Trump With Biblical Joshua's Strength in Letter of Support Over two hundred prominent Israeli rabbis sent a letter of gratitude to President Donald Trump, blessing him in the manner that God blessed Joshua as he led the Jews into Israel and stating that Trump's acknowledgement of Jerusalem as Israel's eternal capital assures him a permanent place in the annals of Jewish history.

* US troops may become targets after US Jerusalem decision - Iraqi paramilitary group The US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital may become a "legitimate reason" to attack American troops in Iraq, Shia paramilitary group Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba said.

* Jerusalem is Israel's capital, says Donald Trump  President Donald Trump has announced that the US now recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital, overturning decades of official US policy.

* Trump may recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, relocate the US embassy - neither or both President Donald Trump spoke to Israeli and Palestinian leaders Tuesday amid high suspense for his announcement Wednesday, Dec.6 on the status of Jerusalem.

* Israeli Right Hails 'Historic' Trump Decision, Left Predicts Regional Chaos Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first reaction to Trump decision may take place at The Jerusalem Post's Diplomatic Conference.

* Jerusalem Trump: US recognition 'kiss of death' for peace process An expected announcement by President Donald Trump that the US will become the first country to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital has been dubbed a "kiss of death" for the Middle East peace process by the Palestinians.

12/6/17

* Jerusalem is Israel's capital, says Donald Trump  President Donald Trump has announced that the US now recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital, overturning decades of official US policy.

* Trump may recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, relocate the US embassy - neither or both President Donald Trump spoke to Israeli and Palestinian leaders Tuesday amid high suspense for his announcement Wednesday, Dec.6 on the status of Jerusalem.

* Israeli Right Hails 'Historic' Trump Decision, Left Predicts Regional Chaos Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first reaction to Trump decision may take place at The Jerusalem Post's Diplomatic Conference.

* Jerusalem Trump: US recognition 'kiss of death' for peace process An expected announcement by President Donald Trump that the US will become the first country to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital has been dubbed a "kiss of death" for the Middle East peace process by the Palestinians.

* Israel just struck strategic target near Damascus for second time in days According to Syrian state news agency SANA, a military scientific research center on the outskirts of Damascus was targeted late Monday night and the Syrian air defense systems intercepted three of the Israeli missiles.

* Jerusalem: Turkey warns Trump against crossing 'red line' Turkey's president has warned it could sever ties with Israel if the US recognizes Jerusalem as its capital.

* Syria: Another Israeli air strike near Damascus Foreign media report that Monday night, Dec. 4, Israeli aircraft attacked a "scientific research center" in Jamraya on the outskirts of Damascus.

* Revealed: US Mid-East moves & Israel's Syria raid were coordinated The US hands-off to Iran's top general in Iraq, Ali Abdullah Saleh's changeover of sides in the Yemen war and Trump's' thinking on Jerusalem - all signal a new, proactive US strategy for the region.

* Hamas Threatens Intifada if Trump Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's Capital The Gaza-ruling Palestinian terror group Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) both made threats ahead of the Trump administration's possible recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital this week.

12/5/17

* Jerusalem: Turkey warns Trump against crossing 'red line' Turkey's president has warned it could sever ties with Israel if the US recognizes Jerusalem as its capital.

* Syria: Another Israeli air strike near Damascus Foreign media report that Monday night, Dec. 4, Israeli aircraft attacked a "scientific research center" in Jamraya on the outskirts of Damascus.

* Revealed: US Mid-East moves & Israel's Syria raid were coordinated The US hands-off to Iran's top general in Iraq, Ali Abdullah Saleh's changeover of sides in the Yemen war and Trump's' thinking on Jerusalem - all signal a new, proactive US strategy for the region.

* Hamas Threatens Intifada if Trump Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's Capital The Gaza-ruling Palestinian terror group Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) both made threats ahead of the Trump administration's possible recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital this week.

* Jerusalem: Opposition to mooted Trump Israel announcement grows Opposition is growing in the Arab and wider Muslim world as Donald Trump is expected to announce US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

* New US military moves in the Mid-East & Israel's Syria air raid were coordinated The US hands-off to Iran's top general in Iraq, Ali Abdullah Saleh's changeover of sides in the Yemen war and Trump's' thinking on Jerusalem.

* Latest Israeli Airstrike on Iranian base in Syria raises questions Pro-Shiite Militia Chiefs conferring on anti-Israel operations were targets of Israeli air strike in Syria.

* The truth about Trump's hesitation to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem As President Donald Trump faces another deadline in the decision over whether to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

12/4/17

* Jerusalem: Opposition to mooted Trump Israel announcement grows Opposition is growing in the Arab and wider Muslim world as Donald Trump is expected to announce US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

* New US military moves in the Mid-East & Israel's Syria air raid were coordinated The US hands-off to Iran's top general in Iraq, Ali Abdullah Saleh's changeover of sides in the Yemen war and Trump's' thinking on Jerusalem.

* Latest Israeli Airstrike on Iranian base in Syria raises questions Pro-Shiite Militia Chiefs conferring on anti-Israel operations were targets of Israeli air strike in Syria.

* The truth about Trump's hesitation to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem As President Donald Trump faces another deadline in the decision over whether to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

* Pro-Shiite Militia Chiefs conferring on anti-Israel operations were targets of Israeli air strike in Syria  An Israeli air raid early Saturday, Dec. 2 struck a group of pro-Iranian Shiite militia chiefs holding a secret conference at the Syrian Army's 91st Brigade base near Kiswah. 

* Dead Sea Scrolls Do Not Belong To Israel, Germany Says  The Israel Antiquities Authority refuses to allow the scrolls to leave Israel due to Germany's decision, prompting the cancellation of a Bible Museum exhibit. 

* Britain opposes resolution condemning Israel's control in Golan  Britain joins US, Canada in opposing UN resolution on 'Syrian Golan.' 

* Israel targets Syrian military base - Syrian state TV  Israel launched surface-to-surface missiles at a military installation outside the Syrian capital Damascus overnight, Syrian state TV reports. 

* Middle Israel: The Israeli-Palestinian Thirty Years' War  The balance sheet of the showdown the Palestinians launched in December 1987 indicates more failure than success. 

* Inside The Prospective Israel-Saudi Arabia Rapprochement  Recent events suggest the Muslim kingdom and the Jewish State may be headed for normalization. 

* Why Israel Ignores Iraq  Israeli decision-makers' as well as commentators' lack of interest in the political developments in Iraq, leads them to exaggerate in Iranian influence in Iraq and lose track of alternative trends. 

* Rouhani: We do not want distance from Arab world  In an indirect reference to Saudi Arabia, President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said Iran is not in rivalry with its neighbors and does not seek to "distance" itself from countries in the Middle East region. 

* "I am not American," said the Islamist; "I am Muslim"  Several years ago, when first in the United States on a teaching scholarship, one issue leapt out. 

* Kim Jong-Un specified flight angle of latest missile launch, N. Korean state media said  North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un "meticulously guided" the test launch of a new model intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Nov. 29, North Korean state media reported.

12/2/17

* Pro-Shiite Militia Chiefs conferring on anti-Israel operations were targets of Israeli air strike in Syria  An Israeli air raid early Saturday, Dec. 2 struck a group of pro-Iranian Shiite militia chiefs holding a secret conference at the Syrian Army's 91st Brigade base near Kiswah. 

* Dead Sea Scrolls Do Not Belong To Israel, Germany Says  The Israel Antiquities Authority refuses to allow the scrolls to leave Israel due to Germany's decision, prompting the cancellation of a Bible Museum exhibit. 

* Britain opposes resolution condemning Israel's control in Golan  Britain joins US, Canada in opposing UN resolution on 'Syrian Golan.' 

* Israel targets Syrian military base - Syrian state TV  Israel launched surface-to-surface missiles at a military installation outside the Syrian capital Damascus overnight, Syrian state TV reports. 

* Middle Israel: The Israeli-Palestinian Thirty Years' War  The balance sheet of the showdown the Palestinians launched in December 1987 indicates more failure than success. 

* Inside The Prospective Israel-Saudi Arabia Rapprochement  Recent events suggest the Muslim kingdom and the Jewish State may be headed for normalization. 

* Why Israel Ignores Iraq  Israeli decision-makers' as well as commentators' lack of interest in the political developments in Iraq, leads them to exaggerate in Iranian influence in Iraq and lose track of alternative trends. 

* Rouhani: We do not want distance from Arab world  In an indirect reference to Saudi Arabia, President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said Iran is not in rivalry with its neighbors and does not seek to "distance" itself from countries in the Middle East region. 

* "I am not American," said the Islamist; "I am Muslim"  Several years ago, when first in the United States on a teaching scholarship, one issue leapt out. 

* Kim Jong-Un specified flight angle of latest missile launch, N. Korean state media said  North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un "meticulously guided" the test launch of a new model intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Nov. 29, North Korean state media reported.