5/31/18

* Ahead of Lieberman's Moscow talks, Hizballah troops positioned at Israeli border disguised in Syrian uniforms Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman's landing in Moscow on Thursday, May 31, was preceded by stealthy Iranian and Hizballah moves into three strategic locations facing Israel's Golan border.

* Former Mossad Chief: In 2011, Netanyahu ordered 2-week Iran attack plan The former Mossad chief decided to examine whether the prime minister was even authorized to issue a directive that could drag Israel into the war.

* Is Biblical King Og Rematch About to Take Place In Syria? Daraa, a small city in southern Syria noted for being the powderkeg that set off Syria's civil war seven years ago is about to become the scene of what may be the final battle between Syrian government forces and the rebels.

* Haley Slams UN Security Council For Not Condemning Hamas Rocket Attacks U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley slammed the Security Council for its failure to censure Hamas rocket attacks against Israel on Wednesday.

* IDF attacks 65 targets in Gaza Israel Air Force attacks 65 targets belonging to Hamas in Gaza.

* The Threat of Erdogan And what the U.S. must do about it.

* ANALYSIS: What and Who are Behind the Massive Escalation in Southern Israel Islamic Jihad, an Iran-backed Palestinian terror organization, attacked southern Israel Tuesday morning by lobbing between 50 and 60 mortar shells at Israeli towns and communities in what is called the "Gaza belt."

* No sign Hamas, Jihad intend de-escalating their rocket-mortar assault on Israel Israel's policymakers don't seem to have a clear plan for stopping the Palestinian rocket/mortar assault on the communities next door to the Gaza Strip, after nearly 100 rockets and mortar shells were launched against them all day Tuesday, May 29.

* Ministers threaten Gaza retaking should conflict escalate Ministers Shaked and Steinitz say armed conflict and retaking of the Gaza Strip are now on the table after more than 70 rockets, mortar shells were fired into Israel's south in less than a day.

* EU and UN Decry Worst Gazan Mortar Attack on Israel Since 2014 War The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) came out condemning a mortar barrage from Gaza that struck Israel on Tuesday morning, the worst since the 2014 war.

* As Gaza front cools, Iran and Syria move on their next flashpoint -Quneitra Hours after the Palestinians paused on Wednesday, May 30, in their broadest rocket/mortar assault on Israel in four years, their Iranian backers were already moving on the Golan.

* ANALYSIS: Understanding Iran's Plan for Israel and the Middle East US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week announced a new policy that aims to roll back Iran's hegemonistic drive in the Middle East and to prevent the Islamic Republic from attaining a nuclear weapon.

5/30/18

* IDF attacks 65 targets in Gaza Israel Air Force attacks 65 targets belonging to Hamas in Gaza.

* The Threat of Erdogan And what the U.S. must do about it.

* ANALYSIS: What and Who are Behind the Massive Escalation in Southern Israel Islamic Jihad, an Iran-backed Palestinian terror organization, attacked southern Israel Tuesday morning by lobbing between 50 and 60 mortar shells at Israeli towns and communities in what is called the "Gaza belt."

* No sign Hamas, Jihad intend de-escalating their rocket-mortar assault on Israel Israel's policymakers don't seem to have a clear plan for stopping the Palestinian rocket/mortar assault on the communities next door to the Gaza Strip, after nearly 100 rockets and mortar shells were launched against them all day Tuesday, May 29.

* Ministers threaten Gaza retaking should conflict escalate Ministers Shaked and Steinitz say armed conflict and retaking of the Gaza Strip are now on the table after more than 70 rockets, mortar shells were fired into Israel's south in less than a day.

* EU and UN Decry Worst Gazan Mortar Attack on Israel Since 2014 War The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) came out condemning a mortar barrage from Gaza that struck Israel on Tuesday morning, the worst since the 2014 war.

* As Gaza front cools, Iran and Syria move on their next flashpoint -Quneitra Hours after the Palestinians paused on Wednesday, May 30, in their broadest rocket/mortar assault on Israel in four years, their Iranian backers were already moving on the Golan.

* ANALYSIS: Understanding Iran's Plan for Israel and the Middle East US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week announced a new policy that aims to roll back Iran's hegemonistic drive in the Middle East and to prevent the Islamic Republic from attaining a nuclear weapon.

5/29/18

* Israel Air Force strikes Hamas, Islamic Jihad in Gaza after 28-rocket/mortar volley The IDF retaliated on Tuesday, May 29, for a major Palestinian mortar assault on dozens of Israeli communities within range of the Gaza Strip some hours earlier.

* Israeli, Russian defense chiefs to meet Thursday in Moscow. Netanyahu: Iran must leave ALL Syria PM Netanyahu said on May 28 Iran must quit all parts of Syria, qualifying Lavrov's comment that only Syrian forces should stay on Israel's border.

* Report: Israel, Iran engage in indirect negotiations over Syria fighting The report said a Jordanian mediator carried messages between the sides.

* Israel, Russia agree to boot Iran and Hezbollah from Northern border The report says Jerusalem and Moscow agreed to allow Israel to maintain its ability to act against Iran's expansion in Syria.

* Explosive-Laden Gazan Drone Found in Southern Israel The army says the drone was recovered whole after being located in the Shaar HaNegev Regional Council.

* Half of Syria's Air Defenses Destroyed by Israel in Recent Months Some 50 percent of air-defense batteries belonging to the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad have been destroyed after they fired on Israel Air Force jets in recent months during multiple operations, a senior air-force source said on Wednesday.

* Thou Shall Not Kill. Period. The so called "demonstrations" on the Israel-Gaza border are another form of military tactic used in the overall Palestinian war against Israel.

* IDF Strikes Islamic Jihad Targets in Gaza after Multiple Mortar Barrages Israel has been the target of four mortar barrages so far on Tuesday from militants in the Gaza Strip.

* Netanyahu: Israel Will Respond 'With Great Force' to Mortar Attacks Netanyahu said that Jerusalem views with gravity the attacks that he attributed to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

* Netanyahu to Meet European Leaders Over Fate of Iran Nuclear Deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris next week.

* Israel's Syria operations against Iran and Hizballah goes into next stage Israel is broadening the scope of its war on Iran and Hizballah in Syria to additional regions and even possibly outside its boundaries.

5/26/18

* Trump: North Korea summit could still happen on 12 June US President Donald Trump has said his summit with North Korea's leader could still happen on 12 June, despite earlier cancelling the meeting.

* US threatens “firm action” for a Russian-led Assad-Hizballah offensive against Daraa The Trump administration delivered an unmistakable military warning to Moscow and the Assad regime on Saturday, May 26, to hold off from their big offensive to capture the southeastern Daraa region.

* Korean leaders meet in surprise summit The leaders of North and South Korea have met in the demilitarised border area between the two countries.

* Russia holds longest ever surface-to-air missile launch Moscow reportedly covertly launches successful test with missile from new S-500 aerial defense system intercepting target 480 kilometers away—improving on previous record by 80 kilometers; system will be capable of intercepting missiles, drones and even stealth fighters such as the F-35, confirmed to have been used by Israel in one of its strikes.

* The China Problem Column: North Korea is just a part of the challenge confronting Trump and the United States.

* Iran Pressures Europe To Speed Up Plans To Save Nuclear Deal U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened Iran on Monday with "the strongest sanctions in history" if it did not change its behavior in the Middle East.

* Ties With Israel Through The Lens Of Ethiopia’s Ambassador Tsegay Berhe takes the connection between the two peoples all the way back to Moses.

* Congressional Measure to Recognize Israeli Sovereignty Over Golan Heights Killed Officials blame House GOP leadership for preventing vote on historic measure.

* Nato Ships Dock In Israel's Haifa Port Ahead Of Joint Exercises Israel’s relationship with NATO is defined as a “partnership.”

* Voices From The Arab Press: What Iraq's Election Outcome Might Mean A selection of media reports from the Arab press relating to Israel and the Middle East.

5/25/18

* Trump: North Korea summit could still happen on 12 June US President Donald Trump has said his summit with North Korea's leader could still happen on 12 June, despite earlier cancelling the meeting.

* Report: Israel Attacked A Hezbollah Base In Syria The White House letter to North Korea’s Kim Jong-un on Thursday, May 24, regretted a “missed opportunity and a truly sad moment in history.”

* Leader Of Hezbollah: 'If There Will Be A War With Israel - We Will Win' In a speech given to mark the 2000 Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon Hezbollah leader Nasrallah boasted that "Israel always threatens."

* European Foreign Minister Says Hamas Solely Responsible for Gaza Deaths The Czech Republic’s Foreign Minister Martin Stropnický issued a statement on his ministry’s website on Thursday saying that Hamas was solely responsible for the deaths of the Palestinians killed in riots that threatened Israel’s southern border.

* If Iran resumes enrichment, the US and Israel poised to attack its facilities Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: If Europe fails to back Iran against the US, Tehran will resume uranium enrichment. He is asking for trouble.

* Trump cancels summit with NKorean leader, places US armed forces on the ready The White House letter to North Korea’s Kim Jong-un on Thursday, May 24, regretted a “missed opportunity and a truly sad moment in history.”

* Iran May Be Conducting Long-Range Missile Test in Remote Desert Facility: Report Iran may be conducting long-range ballistic-missile testing at a secret facility in a remote desert hundreds of miles east of Tehran, The New York Times revealed on Wednesday.

* ANALYSIS: Despite Devastating Israeli Attack, Iran Continues Build-Up in Syria Israel Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin (pictured) on Tuesday revealed Israel is continuing to conduct airstrikes in Syria after the major confrontation with the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps in the war-torn country on the night of May 10.

* A Syrian-Hizballah buildup for a leap on Jordan’s border, cause for US, Israeli concern A large Syrian army/Hizballah force is massing at Izra in the southern Daraa region poised to fight through to the Jordanian border and come within reach of Quneitra. This is reported by DEBKAfile’s military sources.

* Israeli Minister Says U.S. May Soon Recognize Israel's Hold On Golan Any such move would be seen as a follow-up on the US exit from the international nuclear deal with Iran, and President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

* Pentagon Blocks China From Joining Naval Exercise PLA navy disinvited to this year's RIMPAC maneuvers

* The Lying Media Never Stops Lying About Israel All the media does is recycle the same lies about the Jewish State.

* Report: Iran's secret missile facility exposed California researchers discover secret missile facility in Iran which evidence suggests is being used to develop ICBMs.

* Israeli Minister: The Eu Can Go To A Thousand Hells The EU statement only shows “how vile it is,” Yuval Steinitz said adding that “it’s the height of cynicism and chutzpah.”

* IDF Strikes Again at Hamas Tunnel Infrastructure In Gaza IDF fighter jets struck a Hamas tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip in the early hours of Wednesday morning after several terrorists crossed the border the previous day and set fire to an empty military position inside Israel, an army spokesman said.

* Iranian Commander Threatens Trump’s Secretary of State Pompeo A commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo deserves a “strong punch to the mouth” for a call to increase sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

5/24/18

* If Iran resumes enrichment, the US and Israel poised to attack its facilities Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: If Europe fails to back Iran against the US, Tehran will resume uranium enrichment. He is asking for trouble.

* Trump cancels summit with NKorean leader, places US armed forces on the ready The White House letter to North Korea’s Kim Jong-un on Thursday, May 24, regretted a “missed opportunity and a truly sad moment in history.”

* Iran May Be Conducting Long-Range Missile Test in Remote Desert Facility: Report Iran may be conducting long-range ballistic-missile testing at a secret facility in a remote desert hundreds of miles east of Tehran, The New York Times revealed on Wednesday.

* ANALYSIS: Despite Devastating Israeli Attack, Iran Continues Build-Up in Syria Israel Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin (pictured) on Tuesday revealed Israel is continuing to conduct airstrikes in Syria after the major confrontation with the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps in the war-torn country on the night of May 10.

* A Syrian-Hizballah buildup for a leap on Jordan’s border, cause for US, Israeli concern A large Syrian army/Hizballah force is massing at Izra in the southern Daraa region poised to fight through to the Jordanian border and come within reach of Quneitra. This is reported by DEBKAfile’s military sources.

* Israeli Minister Says U.S. May Soon Recognize Israel's Hold On Golan Any such move would be seen as a follow-up on the US exit from the international nuclear deal with Iran, and President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

* Pentagon Blocks China From Joining Naval Exercise PLA navy disinvited to this year's RIMPAC maneuvers

* The Lying Media Never Stops Lying About Israel All the media does is recycle the same lies about the Jewish State.

* Report: Iran's secret missile facility exposed California researchers discover secret missile facility in Iran which evidence suggests is being used to develop ICBMs.

* Israeli Minister: The Eu Can Go To A Thousand Hells The EU statement only shows “how vile it is,” Yuval Steinitz said adding that “it’s the height of cynicism and chutzpah.”

* IDF Strikes Again at Hamas Tunnel Infrastructure In Gaza IDF fighter jets struck a Hamas tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip in the early hours of Wednesday morning after several terrorists crossed the border the previous day and set fire to an empty military position inside Israel, an army spokesman said.

* Iranian Commander Threatens Trump’s Secretary of State Pompeo A commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo deserves a “strong punch to the mouth” for a call to increase sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

5/23/18

* A Syrian-Hizballah buildup for a leap on Jordan’s border, cause for US, Israeli concern A large Syrian army/Hizballah force is massing at Izra in the southern Daraa region poised to fight through to the Jordanian border and come within reach of Quneitra. This is reported by DEBKAfile’s military sources.

* Israeli Minister Says U.S. May Soon Recognize Israel's Hold On Golan Any such move would be seen as a follow-up on the US exit from the international nuclear deal with Iran, and President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

* Pentagon Blocks China From Joining Naval Exercise PLA navy disinvited to this year's RIMPAC maneuvers

* The Lying Media Never Stops Lying About Israel All the media does is recycle the same lies about the Jewish State.

* Report: Iran's secret missile facility exposed California researchers discover secret missile facility in Iran which evidence suggests is being used to develop ICBMs.

* Israeli Minister: The Eu Can Go To A Thousand Hells The EU statement only shows “how vile it is,” Yuval Steinitz said adding that “it’s the height of cynicism and chutzpah.”

* IDF Strikes Again at Hamas Tunnel Infrastructure In Gaza IDF fighter jets struck a Hamas tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip in the early hours of Wednesday morning after several terrorists crossed the border the previous day and set fire to an empty military position inside Israel, an army spokesman said.

* Iranian Commander Threatens Trump’s Secretary of State Pompeo A commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo deserves a “strong punch to the mouth” for a call to increase sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

5/22/18

* F-35 stealth fighter sees first combat, in Israeli operation The US-made F-35 stealth fighter has seen its first ever combat action, flying in an operation for the Israeli air force.

* Trump says summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un may be delayed US President Donald Trump has said there is a "very substantial chance" a historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un next month may not happen.

* Expert: China’s Navy Will Be Double the Size of U.S. Navy by 2030 China’s navy is on track to be double the size of the United States’ by 2030, which puts U.S. interests at risk in the Asia Pacific and around the world, a U.S. military expert testified at a recent congressional hearing.

* Palestinians ask ICC for ‘immediate’ probe against Israel Israel denounces 'cynical' and 'absurd' step as PA Foreign Minister Riad Malki arrives in The Hague to submit a 'referral' seeking an investigation into Israeli policies in West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza.

* ANALYSIS: Muslim Leaders Seek 'Islamic Army' to Protect 'Palestine' Turkish dictator Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other Muslim leaders want to create an Islamic army to ‘protect’ the Palestinian Arabs after 62 of them died last Monday during attempts to invade Israel from Gaza.

* Iaf Commander: Iran Launched 32 Missiles Toward Israel In Early May The IDF had said earlier that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp’s Quds Force had launched 20 Fajr-5 and Grad missiles towards Israel’s front defensive line in the Golan Heights.

* WATCH: Jews from all over the world sing 'Hatikvah' As part of celebration for Israel's 70th year, Jews from 50 nations sing Israel's national anthem for a moving video put together by the World Jewish Congress; 'Israel is an integral part of the Jewish identity and will always be our home,' says WJC President Lauder.

* The U.S. Wants To Crush Hamas, Hezbollah And Iran. But How? Secretary of State Mike Pompeo went after Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad Monday.

* US imposes new sanctions on Iran US sanctions 5 Iranians with links to Revolutionary Guards after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatens 'strongest sanctions in history.'

* Ramadan Rage: Jihadists Kill 41, Injure 102 in First 4 Days Islamic terrorists have massacred at least 41 people and injured 102 in the first four days of the holiest month for Muslims, Ramadan, a time when some adherents of Islam believe jihad and martyrdom to be especially heroic and rewarded in paradise.

5/21/18

* Pompeo: Iran is a world threat, is in for the strongest US sanctions in history US Secretary Mike Pompeo on May 21 threatened Iran that unless it meets 12 US conditions, the Islamic Republic faces “unprecedented financial pressure.”

* Trump ME peace plan: Half West Bank for Palestinians, Abu Dis as capital President Donald Trump sees his peace plan as a springboard for shaping an Israel-Arab track – even if spurned by the Palestinians at first.

* Ambassador Friedman: Evangelicals ‘Support Israel With Greater Devotion’ Than Many Jews The historic opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem was a religious as well as a political event with several prominent Christian leaders present.

* COMMENTARY: Why Evangelical Christians Support Israel As whipped-up Palestinian rioters cry out for Jewish blood in their days of rage against ‘occupation’ of their land, we should be praying that these dear people, for whom Christ died, would instead call on the blood of Jesus for their redemption.

* Why is everyone talking about the US embassy moving to Jerusalem? The US government has embassies all over the world, where people who represent America in foreign countries work.

* North Korea summit: Trump says deal with US will save Kim Jong-un President Donald Trump has said the US is not pursuing the "Libya model" for the denuclearisation of North Korea.

* Exclusive: A ground force caused big explosion at Hama air base with 8 missiles Fuel, arms and ammunition depots at a Syrian air base near Hama were blown up Friday, May 18, causing massive explosions at one of Iran’s most important bases in Syria.

* The War Of Words Turns To Action In The Golan Heights The security situation in the north heats up.

* Tens of thousands from West Bank attend Ramadan prayers in Jerusalem 1,500 police deployed in capital, but no limits on access to Temple Mount; officials brace for protests in West Bank and East Jerusalem as well as Gaza

* Michele Bachmann Apologizes For Calling On Jews To Convert To Christianity Bachmann made the comments during a radio interview in Israel while on a tour organized by the Family Research Council, a conservative Christian group.

* Erdogan Calls for Emergency Pan-Islamic Meeting Against Israel and US ‘Terror States’ Tensions between Israel and Turkey are flaring as for the second time in less than six months, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a pan-Islamic meeting to discuss a coalition against Israel.

* Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr's bloc wins Iraq elections An alliance headed by a former Shia militia chief who led two uprisings against the US-led invasion of Iraq has won the parliamentary elections.

* Iran: EU promises to salvage nuclear deal despite Trump move EU Commissioner for Energy and Climate visits Tehran to reassure Islamic Republic that Europe is committed to nuclear deal; but Iran's nuclear chief says Tehran has several options if efforts fail, including resuming 20% uranium enrichment.

* What is Ramadan? This week, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins.

5/19/18

* Why is everyone talking about the US embassy moving to Jerusalem? The US government has embassies all over the world, where people who represent America in foreign countries work.

* North Korea summit: Trump says deal with US will save Kim Jong-un President Donald Trump has said the US is not pursuing the "Libya model" for the denuclearisation of North Korea.

* Exclusive: A ground force caused big explosion at Hama air base with 8 missiles Fuel, arms and ammunition depots at a Syrian air base near Hama were blown up Friday, May 18, causing massive explosions at one of Iran’s most important bases in Syria.

* The War Of Words Turns To Action In The Golan Heights The security situation in the north heats up.

* Tens of thousands from West Bank attend Ramadan prayers in Jerusalem 1,500 police deployed in capital, but no limits on access to Temple Mount; officials brace for protests in West Bank and East Jerusalem as well as Gaza

* Michele Bachmann Apologizes For Calling On Jews To Convert To Christianity Bachmann made the comments during a radio interview in Israel while on a tour organized by the Family Research Council, a conservative Christian group.

* Erdogan Calls for Emergency Pan-Islamic Meeting Against Israel and US ‘Terror States’ Tensions between Israel and Turkey are flaring as for the second time in less than six months, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a pan-Islamic meeting to discuss a coalition against Israel.

* Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr's bloc wins Iraq elections An alliance headed by a former Shia militia chief who led two uprisings against the US-led invasion of Iraq has won the parliamentary elections.

* Iran: EU promises to salvage nuclear deal despite Trump move EU Commissioner for Energy and Climate visits Tehran to reassure Islamic Republic that Europe is committed to nuclear deal; but Iran's nuclear chief says Tehran has several options if efforts fail, including resuming 20% uranium enrichment.

* What is Ramadan? This week, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins.

5/18/18

* Iraq: Between an American rock and an Iranian hard place What does al-Sadr's victory mean for Iraq amid growing U.S.-Iranian tensions?

* German Daily Drops Cartoonist After 'Antisemitic' Netanyahu Drawing Holding a rocket with the Star of David on it in one hand and a microphone in the other, Netanyahu is shown in the cartoon saying: "Next year in Jerusalem."

* Out of the North Evil Will Break Forth One must wonder why Turkish President Erdogan's anti-Semitic rhetoric is brushed aside so lightly.

* Muslims must unite to stop countries from moving embassies to Jerusalem - Turkish FM Muslim nations must get together and prevent other countries from following the US in moving their embassies to Jerusalem, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkish Foreign Minister, said at a summit centered on the Israeli killings in Gaza.

* What is Ramadan? This week, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins.

* Mass riots planned for Judea and Samaria Friday Following seven weeks of riots and infiltration attempts on Gaza border, Islamists plan major escalations in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza.

* North Korea turns on 'incompetent' South North Korea says it will not resume talks with the South until issues between the two countries are resolved.

* Comment: Hamas planned and predetermined the tragedy in Gaza In the vastly overpopulated Gaza Strip, a high number of casualties is almost always guaranteed in any small or large military conflict involving civilians.

* Ramadan not as festive this year in wake of Gaza deaths The holy month of Ramadan begins Thursday, with hundreds of millions of Muslims all around the world fasting from sunrise to sunset.

* DR Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to Mbandaka city The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has spread from the countryside into a city, prompting fears that the disease will be increasingly hard to control.

* ANALYSIS: Israel and Turkey in All-Out Diplomatic War, and It Could Get Worse Turkish-Israeli relations hit a new low this week after Turkey's hot-headed dictator Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Israel "a terror and an apartheid state" that was committing "genocide" in Gaza.

* Turkey sold Israeli technology to Iran in violation of UN sanctions: UN The UN has launched an investigation against Turkey for allegedly selling electronic equipment to Iran which is listed as banned, nuclear-related products and technologies.

* EU leaders agree to unite to keep Iran deal alive European Union leaders meet in Bulgaria, say they will continue to support Iran nuclear deal as long as Iran respects it.

* State Department says it didn't invite contentious pastor to US embassy opening Spokesperson says Ambassador Friedman invited Robert Jeffress, who has said Jews will go to hell, to give blessing at Monday ceremony in Jerusalem.

5/17/18

* What is Ramadan? This week, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins.

* Mass riots planned for Judea and Samaria Friday Following seven weeks of riots and infiltration attempts on Gaza border, Islamists plan major escalations in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza.

* North Korea turns on 'incompetent' South North Korea says it will not resume talks with the South until issues between the two countries are resolved.

* Comment: Hamas planned and predetermined the tragedy in Gaza In the vastly overpopulated Gaza Strip, a high number of casualties is almost always guaranteed in any small or large military conflict involving civilians.

* Ramadan not as festive this year in wake of Gaza deaths The holy month of Ramadan begins Thursday, with hundreds of millions of Muslims all around the world fasting from sunrise to sunset.

* DR Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to Mbandaka city The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has spread from the countryside into a city, prompting fears that the disease will be increasingly hard to control.

* ANALYSIS: Israel and Turkey in All-Out Diplomatic War, and It Could Get Worse Turkish-Israeli relations hit a new low this week after Turkey's hot-headed dictator Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Israel "a terror and an apartheid state" that was committing "genocide" in Gaza.

* Turkey sold Israeli technology to Iran in violation of UN sanctions: UN The UN has launched an investigation against Turkey for allegedly selling electronic equipment to Iran which is listed as banned, nuclear-related products and technologies.

* EU leaders agree to unite to keep Iran deal alive European Union leaders meet in Bulgaria, say they will continue to support Iran nuclear deal as long as Iran respects it.

* State Department says it didn't invite contentious pastor to US embassy opening Spokesperson says Ambassador Friedman invited Robert Jeffress, who has said Jews will go to hell, to give blessing at Monday ceremony in Jerusalem.

5/16/18

* Russian heavy Golan-1000 rocket launchers for Assad, Kalibr cruise missiles off shore Light was shed on Wednesday, May 16, on Russia's mysterious intentions after its puzzling non-interference in the Israeli-Iranian clashes in Syria.

* Turkey urges Islamic world to unite against Israel, calls summit Turkey has urged Islamic countries to review their ties with Israel after dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on the Gaza border.

* North Korea summit: US hopeful Trump-Kim meet will go ahead The Trump administration is hopeful its summit with North Korea will go ahead, despite threats of cancellation.

* VIDEO: Hamas Leader Admits Gaza Protests are Not Peaceful For those seeking the truth of the situation along the Gaza border, the leaders of Hamas, which rules the coastal enclave, are only too happy to oblige.

* IAF Bombing Iranian Missile Launchers: 'Like Finding a Needle in Haystack' [WATCH] In response to an Iranian missile barrage launched on Wednesday night from Syria, the Israeli Air Force responded with an airstrike that one official described as "Finding a needle in a haystack".

* Guatemala Follows US Lead, Plants Embassy in Jerusalem Just two days after the US Embassy officially opened in Jerusalem, Guatemala followed suit and opened the doors to its new mission in the Holy City.

* 'With friends like that who needs enemies': Tusk lashes out at Trump European Council President Donald Tusk derided US President Donald Trump over his administration's "capricious assertiveness" and called on the EU to unite on the Iran nuclear agreement and tariffs.

* Beirut Pride cancelled after organiser detained The organiser of a gay pride week in Lebanon says authorities have forced him to cancel the remaining events.

5/15/18

* Turkey's Erdogan slams Netanyahu, calls Israel an 'apartheid state' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the leader of "an apartheid state" and advised him to take a "lesson in humanity" by reading the ten commandments.

* Gaza violence: Israelis and Palestinians in fierce exchanges at UN There have been angry exchanges between Israeli and Palestinian envoys at the UN, as the diplomatic fallout over deadly violence in Gaza gathered pace.

* N Korea cancels talks with South Korea and warns US North Korea has cancelled Wednesday's high-level talks with South Korea because of anger over its joint military exercises with the US.

* Europe's longest: Putin leads column of trucks at Crimean bridge opening ceremony (VIDEO) A new 19km bridge connecting the mainland with the Crimean Peninsula has been officially opened, making Russia the host of Europe's longest bridge.

* The Nakba: Joy for Israel, Grief for the Palestinians "We hereby proclaim the establishment of the Jewish state in Palestine, to be called Israel" - these were the words uttered by Jewish Agency chairman David Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv on May 14th, 1948.

* Hamas schedules Palestinian riots in Jerusalem, West Bank Tuesday, mulls rocket fire from Gaza Hamas is satisfied with having orchestrated the deadliest day of Palestinian violence in Gaza since 2014 - although it cost more than 50 Palestinian lives and 1,000 injured.

* How Can the UN Investigate Gaza Deaths When It Refuses to Acknowledge the Obvious? Like a broken record, the United Nations Security Council has called for an independent investigation into the dozens of Palestinian deaths that occurred along the Gaza border fence on Monday.

* Israel's UN Ambassador: 'Every casualty of recent violence a victim of Hamas war crimes' Danon ahead of Security Council meeting: 'Embassy just latest in series of Palestinian excuses for violence against Israel.'

5/14/18

* Netanyahu Thanks Trump for Keeping Promises, Moving Embassy to Jerusalem Watch this historic moment as the United States delivers on its promise to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

* Gaza clashes: 52 Palestinians killed on deadliest day since 2014 At least 52 Palestinians have been killed and 2,400 wounded by Israeli troops, Palestinian officials say, on the deadliest day of violence since the 2014 Gaza war.

* Israel threatens to kill Hamas leaders if riots continue - report Terror group vows revenge after deadly day of clashes, as Netanyahu defends army's handling of violent protests.

* Abbas pans new US Embassy as a 'settlement outpost' in Jerusalem PA chief says he won't enter American-led negotiations, calls for 3 days of mourning over Gaza deaths; Erekat says peace process buried.

* Israeli special forces flown south by helicopter as Gaza riots escalate Israeli special forces were flown by helicopter on Monday afternoon, May 14, to the Israeli-Egyptian border region to thwart Palestinian plans to kidnap soldiers and civilians.

* Palestinians promise spectacular violence for US embassy dedication Israel was on maximum security alert Monday, May 14, for the historic dedication of the first US embassy in Jerusalem.

* Jerusalem marks 51th anniversary as Israel's united capital. Large US delegation here for embassy dedication The formal dedication of the US embassy in Jerusalem Monday, May 13, is the centerpiece of Jerusalem's 51st anniversary celebrations.

* Hezbollah chief says Iran rocket fire on Golan marks start of 'new phase' Nasrallah claims Israel lied about magnitude of Iranian salvo from Syria, warns of 'response' to further Israeli raids.

* Erdogan: In Mideast, US has chosen to be part of the problem, not solution Turkish president says East Jerusalem is capital of Palestine, most of the world does not support Trump's recognition of Jerusalem.

* Iraq election: Prime minister trails rivals The bloc led by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is trailing in third place in Iraq's parliamentary elections, according to partial results.

5/12/18

* By winning Baghdad vote Iran could recoup losses from US-Israeli beatings But an election loss by its Iraqi pawn on Saturday, May 12, would land more misfortune on Tehran after US/Israeli serial blows.

* After Israel’s 70Th, Police Anticipate Massive J'lem Day Celebrations More police than usual have been deployed for annual event.

* North Korea to dismantle nuclear site in May ceremony North Korea says it will begin dismantling its nuclear test site in less than two weeks in a ceremony attended by foreign journalists.

* Iraq votes in first elections since IS defeat Iraqis are voting in the first parliamentary elections since the government declared victory over so-called Islamic State (IS) last year.

* Red, White And Blue: America's Big Move In Jerusalem With the transfer of the US Embassy to Jerusalem next week, America paves the diplomatic path to Israel’s capital.

* Jerusalem Embassy Move Does Not Settle 'Contested Borders,' U.S. Says The embassy move comes during tense times, when the prospects for peace - and especially final status negotiations - are nowhere in site.

* Russian Nuclear Bombers Intercepted Near Alaska Russian nuclear forces dispatch two strategic bombers into the air defense zone near Alaska on Friday and the aircraft were intercepted by American F-22 jets, the U.S. Northern Command said.

* China Rapidly Building Advanced Arms for Use Against U.S. Space weapons, drones using artificial intelligence priority in Beijing military buildup

* Haniyeh: All Palestinian people will flock to Palestine on Nakba Day Some 15,000 Palestinians gather at five hot spots along the border to burn tires and throw grenades, pipe bombs and stones at IDF troops in 7th week of violent rioting on Gaza border; 1 Palestinian killed, 176 wounded by live fire.

* Iranian cleric threatens to destroy Tel Aviv and Haifa Hardline Iranian cleric Ahmad Khatami threatens to destroy Israeli cities if Israel acts "foolishly".

5/11/18

* Iran will quit nuclear deal, restart enrichment, ramp up military tension Exclusive: Tehran will challenge the US by restarting nuclear fuel enrichment and ramp up its military confrontation with Israel.

* Putin Stops Neither Iran, Nor Israel, in Syria So far the Russians have stayed out of the way and enabled Israel to act as it sees fit - and that is neither a given or something to be taken lightly.

* Top Iranian generals welcome U.S. exit from JCPOA Addressing a conference, Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said the JCPOA was not desirable for the Iranian nation from the very beginning but the nation "accepted it with magnanimity".

* Israel strikes back at Iranian aggression, while Iran lies and pretends it won a victory Israel responded forcefully early Thursday to about 20 Iranian missiles launched from Syria just after midnight local time against the Jewish state - and handed Iran a painful lesson in strategic deterrence.

* IDF Reveals Pictures of Iranian Targets Struck in Syria Aerial photos of the targets Israel struck in Syria.

* POLL: 97% of East J'lem Residents Oppose Israeli Control Over Entire City An expert says the findings reflect both nationalistic and practical feelings.

* 29% of Israelis identify with Religious Zionism, poll shows New poll says influence of Religious Zionism growing across Israel, almost a third of Israelis identify with Religious Zionism's values.

* EU: Israel has the right to defend itself European Union says Israel has the right to defend itself after attack on Iranian targets in Syria, but calls for restraint.

* Zionism before Herzl and the Jewish Connection to the Capital Rivlin, even before he became the country's number one citizen, was a walking symbol of Jerusalem, always responding to greetings by interviewers: "Shalom from Jerusalem, the capital of Israel."

* Liberman to Assad: Boot the Iranians out, for your own good Defense Minister Liberman warned against being too exuberant over Thursday morning's successful mission.

5/10/18

* Israel strikes Iranian targets in Syria in response to rocket fire Israel says it has struck almost all of Iran's military infrastructure inside Syria in its biggest assault since the start of the civil war there.

* Constant flow of Iranian missiles replenishes arms destroyed by Israel, including new Fateh 313 Tehran is keeping new missile supplies coming to Syria, undeterred by the Israeli air strikes which destroy incoming consignments, including the large-scale IDF bombing raids early Thursday, May 10 in the Damascus region.

* Israel attacks 50 targets in opening strike of war with Iran in Syria Iranian forces in Syria launched a rocket attack on Israeli army bases in the Golan Heights early on Thursday, Israel said, prompting one of the heaviest Israeli barrages in Syria since the conflict there began in 2011

* Israel v Iran: Are they heading for a war? These are the first skirmishes in a potential war between Israel and Iran that promises a fearful level of destruction - even by the standards of the modern Middle East.

* US-Israeli siege on Iranian forces in Syria begin. No Iranian-Hizballah shots fired so far. President Donald Trump's statement pulling the US out of the Iran nuclear pact on Tuesday, May 8, fitted into a sequence of planned events and restored the US to Middle East center stage.

* Reports: Israeli Preemptive Strike Thwarts Iranian Attack The Israel Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday evening preempted an Iranian drone or missile strike on the Golan Heights.

* Iran Supreme Leader: Don't Trust America, Trump Speech Silly & Superficial Trump "will turn to dust and his body will become food for snakes and ants," said Iran's Khamenei.

* Iran Demands Guarantees from Europe to Stay in Deal French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he believed that there was a real risk of war unless the deal was salvaged.

* Netanyahu Surrounded by Thousands of Russian Soldiers [WATCH] On Wednesday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took an unscheduled trip to Russia that coincided with the Moscow Victory Day Parade celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the Soviet Union Army's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, one of the most important days in the Russian calendar.

* Palestinians Announce Embassy Move Date to be 'Day of Rage' Palestinians plan mass protests against the opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem.

* Syria blames Israel for missile strike near Damascus Israel is reported to have carried out a missile strike on a military outpost south of the Syrian capital, Damascus.

* Netanyahu tells Putin: Iran wants to carry out another Holocaust In Moscow to meet Russian leader, prime minister says regional crisis must be solved 'in a prudent and responsible manner'.

* Watch: Iranian Lawmakers Burn U.S. Flag After Nuclear Deal Withdrawal Lawmakers chanted "Death to America" in a public display of anger.

* In 1990s redux, EU to consider blocking US sanctions over Iran EU may turn to obscure statute banning EU companies from adhering to US imposed sanctions to force US to back down from enforcing compliance on European companies dealing with Iran.

5/9/18

* US-Israeli siege on Iranian forces in Syria begin. No Iranian-Hizballah shots fired so far. President Donald Trump's statement pulling the US out of the Iran nuclear pact on Tuesday, May 8, fitted into a sequence of planned events and restored the US to Middle East center stage.

* Reports: Israeli Preemptive Strike Thwarts Iranian Attack The Israel Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday evening preempted an Iranian drone or missile strike on the Golan Heights.

* Iran Supreme Leader: Don't Trust America, Trump Speech Silly & Superficial Trump "will turn to dust and his body will become food for snakes and ants," said Iran's Khamenei.

* Iran Demands Guarantees from Europe to Stay in Deal French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he believed that there was a real risk of war unless the deal was salvaged.

* Netanyahu Surrounded by Thousands of Russian Soldiers [WATCH] On Wednesday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took an unscheduled trip to Russia that coincided with the Moscow Victory Day Parade celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the Soviet Union Army's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, one of the most important days in the Russian calendar.

* Palestinians Announce Embassy Move Date to be 'Day of Rage' Palestinians plan mass protests against the opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem.

* Syria blames Israel for missile strike near Damascus Israel is reported to have carried out a missile strike on a military outpost south of the Syrian capital, Damascus.

* Netanyahu tells Putin: Iran wants to carry out another Holocaust In Moscow to meet Russian leader, prime minister says regional crisis must be solved 'in a prudent and responsible manner'.

* Watch: Iranian Lawmakers Burn U.S. Flag After Nuclear Deal Withdrawal Lawmakers chanted "Death to America" in a public display of anger.

* In 1990s redux, EU to consider blocking US sanctions over Iran EU may turn to obscure statute banning EU companies from adhering to US imposed sanctions to force US to back down from enforcing compliance on European companies dealing with Iran.

5/8/18

* Iran nuclear deal: Trump pulls US out US President Donald Trump says he will withdraw the US from an Obama-era nuclear agreement with Iran.

* Netanyahu Warns Israel's Enemies of 'Steel Fist' on IDF's 70th Anniversary The Israel Defense Forces marked its 70th anniversary on Monday amid heightened tensions in northern Israel and along the Gaza border.

* After U.S. and Guatemala, Paraguay to move its embassy to Jerusalem The US is scheduled to move its embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, followed two days later by Guatemala.

* Six things you need to know about Lebanon's electoral outcome The election results appear to show that Lebanon is more divided than ever before.

* Trump withdraws U.S. from nuclear deal "I am announcing today that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal," Trump said from the White House

* Jerusalem Mayor Names Square in Honor of Trump Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat announced that he has decided to dedicate the square adjacent to the new embassy in the capital as the "United States Square in honor of President Donald Trump".

* Attempted assassination of Iranian dissident in New York If confirmed, this is the first time since 1981 that the Iranian regime has targeted a defector on U.S. soil.

* Jerusalem Day: Six Day War: The Battle for Jerusalem Israel's 1967 battles to rescue Jerusalem from Jordanian assault, and ensuing reunification of Jerusalem.

* Israel goes on high alert over Syria as Trump quits Iran deal JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel has instructed local authorities in the Israeli-held Golan Heights to "unlock and ready (bomb) shelters" after identifying what the military described on Tuesday as "irregular activity of Iranian forces in Syria".

* Iran Threatens Harsh Reprisals After U.S. Exits Nuclear Deal Trump slaps Iran with tough sanctions, forcing global business exit.

5/7/18

* Putin to parade Russian military might before Netanyahu ahead of potential Israeli-Iranian clash President Vladimir Putin's invitation to Prime Minister Binyamin to sit with him on the saluting stand of the Victory March in Moscow was a signal honor for Netanyahu and Israel.

* Israel on peak alert for Iranian missile strike as Lebanese vote ends Israel's three-week long high military alert along its northern borders with Syria and Lebanon peaked Sunday night, May 6, as polling stations closed in Lebanon's first election in nine years.

* Israel Braces for Iranian Missile Attack Israel was on edge Monday after every evening news program cited defense officials warning of a impending Iranian missile strike on the Jewish state.

* Spoiling the high moments of two mavericks in pursuit of their ouster John Kerry is engaged in stealth diplomacy to scuttle Trump's anti-Iran policy.

* Exposure of Iranian retaliation plan may lead to its postponement Analysis: Even if the Iranians decide to go ahead with their plan and order Syria-based militias to fire a barrage of missiles at a military base in northern Israel, the IDF's missile interception and air defense systems will have no trouble dealing with the threat.

* Why doesn't the IDF stop Hamas' sinister kite terror? A favorite children's toy is degraded in Hamas hands to become a tool of terror and espionage.

* Steinitz: 'If Assad continues allowing Iran to operate out of Syria, it will be his end' As tensions mount regarding expected Iranian retaliatory attack, Energy Minister, Cabinet member Steinitz issues direct threat against Syrian ruler, says his regime will be toppled if he continues on his current path.

* ANALYSIS: Turkey Working to Islamicize Jerusalem Ahead of US Embassy Move In the run-up to the US Embassy move to Jerusalem, Turkey, together with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, is pumping a quarter of a billion dollars into the Islamification of the city, according to Israel's Hadashot News (formerly Channel 2 News).

* No Need to Ask Directions: Road Signs to US Embassy in Jerusalem Point the Way On Monday, at least three road signs to the US Embassy went up directing travellers to 14 David Flusser Street in the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood of Jerusalem.

* Putin is inaugurated for fourth term as Russian president Vladimir Putin has been sworn in for a fourth term as Russian president and pledged to harness the country's talents to "achieve breakthroughs".

5/4/18

* End of Days Expert on Iran: ‘Things Are About to Get Biblical!’ As Iran and Israel come into direct conflict in Syria and world leaders wonder what to do about Iran’s nuclear program, Rabbinic authorities look to prophecy to find clear answers for a developing situation that one end-of-days expert says is “about to get Biblical.”

* The Iran deal is dead -- Iran killed it The Iran nuclear deal is dead – and the mullahs who rule the Islamic Republic have only themselves to blame.

* US Navy resurrects Second Fleet in Atlantic to counter Russia The US Navy has said it will re-establish its Second Fleet, as Russia becomes more assertive.

* The Political Battle Over Netanyahu's Epic Iran Intel Broadcast Why Netanyahu’s Iran archive presentation ended up dividing, rather than uniting.

* Sources: Trump To Ask Israel To Withdraw From 4 East J'lem Neighborhoods Move is part of administration’s peace plan expected to be unveiled after embassy relocation.

* New Archaeological Find is Helping Settle Academic Dispute Over Historical King David Archaeologists, aided by burrowing mole rats, discovered a large building in the valley below the hills of Hebron attributed to the kingdom of Biblical King David.

* Nasa's InSight mission will target 'Marsquakes' The American space agency Nasa has launched its latest mission to Mars.

* European intelligence officials briefed in Israel on Iran’s nuclear archive Israeli official says reveal of trove was timed to follow Macron, Merkel meetings with Trump ahead of decision on nuke deal. 'Last week belonged to Europeans, this week was ours'

* Emmanuel Macron’s coalition of the willing Impatient with German foot-dragging on defense, French President Emmanuel Macron will bring together a 10-nation coalition of the willing next month designed to prepare European armed forces to take action together in emergencies, and to bind Britain into military cooperation as it leaves the EU.

* Kerry said to meet with Iran’s Zarif in bid to salvage nuclear deal Former secretary of state reportedly meets world leaders to discuss ways to save accord; Trump mocks Kerry for cycling accident during deal's negotiations

5/3/18

* End of Days Expert on Iran: 'Things Are About to Get Biblical!' As Iran and Israel come into direct conflict in Syria and world leaders wonder what to do about Iran's nuclear program, Rabbinic authorities look to prophecy to find clear answers for a developing situation that one end-of-days expert says is "about to get Biblical."

* By striking Iran in Tehran as well as Syria, Israel opened another war arena outside Syria Israel has been braced for Tehran' revenge - and on high war alert - for three weeks, after opening two war fronts against the Islamic Republic.

* Russian News Site Accuses Israel of Using Tactical Nukes In Airstrike Against Syria In what amounts to a modern blood libel, a baseless claim that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) used tactical nuclear weapons in a reported airstrike against an Iranian base in Syria has gone viral.

* U.N. Secretary General: Withdrawal from nuclear deal will likely mean war "We should not scrap the deal unless we have a good alternative, we face dangerous times."

* Shin bet arrests reveal Gaza-Turkey-West Bank money chain Israel arrested two Hamas agents for smuggling cash into the West Bank for terror activity at Birzeit University.

* Defense Minister Liberman seeks assurances from Russia on Syria and Iran Praising the "special relations" between the two countries, Liberman called on Moscow to condemn Iran.

* The Great Deception March on Gaza's Border What would the US do if 30,000 Mexicans, organized by a known terrorist group, marched towards the Texas border, demanding to return to their ancestors' homes, with many of the protesters throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails, carrying fence cutters, launching burning kites that set ablaze US territory near the border, igniting tires, and even shooting guns at US agents across the border?

* ANALYSIS: The World Has It All Wrong on Iran and Netanyahu Much has already been said and written about Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu's dramatic revelations regarding Iran's nuclear weapons program on Monday evening.

* Satellite images show unusual activity at Iran nuclear site Photos taken by ImageSat International show unusual activity at the Fordow underground nuclear facility, including the entrance gate being left open and cars and buses parked outside.

* Brexit: EU's Juncker urges Belgian citizenship for UK staff The EU Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, has urged Belgium to grant citizenship to British EU staff worried about their post-Brexit status.