8/31/18

* Russia and China team up for massive 300,000 troop war games Last year, Russia's held a massive series of war games they refer to as "Zapad," or "West."

* Russia notches up military tensions by pouring out charges of coming US aggression in Syria The latest claim by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday, Aug. 30, was that "it will take the US and its allies just 24 hours to ready its missile-strike group for an attack on Syria."

* As EU divisions deepen, Macron stakes out electoral turf Emmanuel Macron's strategy for next year's European elections is taking shape and the French president sees it in stark terms - an open battle between anti-immigrant nationalists on the one hand and pro-EU 'progressives' on the other.

* Israel sees slowdown in long-term Iranian deployments in Syria Israel's defense minister described Iran on Friday as having slowed down its long-term force deployment in Syria, attributing this to Israeli military intervention as well as an economic crisis gripping Tehran as U.S. sanctions are restored.

* New images show Iranian surface-to-surface missile facility in Syria The facility is reportedly in its final stages of construction and will likely be completed by early 2019.

* Mysterious secret tunnels could be site 'where Jesus turned water into wine' Archaeologists think they have found the site where Christians believe Jesus turned water into wine - thanks to new clues.

* French President Macron claims that President Erdogan's Turkey is 'deplorable' Turkish minister of foreign affairs Hami Aksoy has called French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statements about Turkey's inability to join the European Union "deplorable."

* Jerusalem: Why Palestinian Leaders Say Don't Vote Palestinian leaders do not want to see any improvement in the lives of the Arabs in Jerusalem so that they can continue to incite against Israel and accuse it of discriminating against its Arab population.

* John Bolton warns Russia it will hit Assad if he uses chemical weapons: Report National security adviser John Bolton delivered a message to his Russian counterpart that the U.S. is prepared to hit Syrian President Bashar Assad with stronger military action than it has in the past if the Assad regime uses chemical weapons as it seeks to retake control of one of the country's last rebel-held areas, according to a new report.

* Australian Bishops Reject Reporting Sexual Abuse Revealed in Confession Mandatory reporting risks making children less safe, church argues; some priests say they would rather go to jail than break 'seal of confession'.

8/30/18

* 'A good satellite does what it is told': US warns Turkey & other allies against buying Russian S-400 Once again warning Turkey against buying Russian S-400 air-defense systems, the US State Department has gone a step further, to virtually threaten all its NATO and other allies with sanctions should they consider similar deals.

* French president calls on Europe to bolster defenses without US support, suggests cooperation with Russia French President Emmanuel Macron called on all European nations to invest more heavily in defense and develop financial security within the continent.

* AP Explains: The looming, final battle for Syria's rebels In a corner of northwestern Syria packed with nearly 3 million people, the government and its opponents are preparing for a final, bloody showdown.

* Hamas: Between unity with Fatah and a deal with Israel Hamas seems to be making more progress on a de-escalation deal with Israel than on reconciliation with Fatah.

* Iran and Syria Tout A Defense & Reconstruction Deal The Islamic Republic is determined to stay in Syria and 'participate' in rebuilding the country as well as the Assad regime's armed forces.

* Rabbi: "UN is Replacement Theology on Steroids" The United Nations has played a leading role in rewriting history as part of its anti-Israel agenda.

* PM: Only the strong can make peace PM says Israel can only have peace if it is strong at ceremony marking naming of nuclear research facility after Shimon Peres

* Netanyahu warns Israel's enemies at nuclear center's ceremony Speaking at renaming ceremony of the Negev Nuclear Research Center, PM says: 'anyone who tries to harm us will be harmed'.

* Israeli schools largely avoid teaching evolution - report Charles Darwin's theory of common descent of life is marginalized and instead students are taught about species' adaptation and genetic modification.

* Under Fire For the Faith in Nigeria Jihad's genocide against Christians ensues unabated.

8/29/18

* No Matter Who Wins the Syrian Civil War, Israel Loses Netanyahu's persistent diplomacy with Putin failed to contain more troubling developments across the border that threaten his country's long-term stability.

* Russia sent a massive naval armada to Syria - and looks to be readying to fight the US Russia has positioned a considerable naval armada in the Mediterranean near Syria after accusing the US of plotting a false-flag chemical-weapons attack there.

* With Rouhani embattled, where is Iran going? A majority of experts are worried that Iran will go for confrontation over compromise and that the regime is too well organized to be toppled.

* Netanyahu ignores Putin's alignment with Tehran against a US-Israeli anti-Iran offensive Iran in Syria Jerusalem finally responded on Tuesday, Aug. 28, to the signing of a new Iranian-Syrian military pact two days earlier in Damascus by the visiting Iranian Defense Minsiter Amir Hatami and Bashar Assad.

* Senior political source: 'We'll continue action to remove Iran from border' Source responds to reports of military cooperation agreement between Syria and Iran. 'PM will continue exerting pressure on Iranian regime.'

* The Israel-Hamas Deal: Escape from Oslo Extricating itself from President Clinton's December 2000 "peace" parameters is a supreme Israeli interest. Ironically, this goal is being made feasible by the crystallizing deal with Hamas over the Gaza Strip.

* U.K. and EU Drop October Deadline for Brexit Deal The U.K. and the European Union still say in public they want a Brexit deal wrapped up in the next seven weeks. Behind the scenes, though, senior officials on both sides admit this is unlikely.

* Turkey to prioritize EU reforms, expects to see results: foreign minister Turkey will prioritize reforms linked to its European Union accession process in the coming period and expects to see results from its efforts, including on the issue of visa liberalization, its foreign minister said.

* Right hails outpost legalization ruling, leftist MKs blast it Ministers say decision to green-light Mitzpe Kramim settlement a 'victory for common sense' while opposition lawmakers, PA say it is a 'dangerous precedent'.

* IDF's New Missile Corps: "Revolutionizing Modern Warfare" Israel has announced that within a few years it will have a remote firing missile system that could precisely hit targets anywhere in the entire region.

8/28/18

* Watch: Notes to God cleared from Western Wall before High Holy Days Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinovitch led a team from the Western Wall Heritage Foundation to extract all the notes with wooden stick.

* Russia, Iran, and Turkey meet to discuss Syria, excluding the U.S. Leaders from Turkey, Russia, and Iran will meet next week to discuss the ongoing war in Syria and how to respond to radical Islamic groups who continue to hold territory there.

* China targets rumors, religion in updated party rules China's ruling Communist Party has issued a revised set of regulations governing members' behavior, threatening punishment for spreading political rumors and recommending those who cling to religious beliefs be asked to leave the party.

* Syria inks deals to maintain Iranian military presence, disregarding Israeli warnings Syria and Iran have signed a new military cooperation deal which will see the continued presence of Iranian troops within Syria, despite warnings from Israel.

* Trump is busting the myths that prevent Middle East peace Slowly but surely President Trump is slaying the sacred cows of Palestinian-Israeli diplomacy.

* Russia war games: Biggest since Cold War 'justified' Russia plans to hold massive war games involving 300,000 personnel next month - its biggest military manoeuvres since a Cold War drill in 1981.

* ANALYSIS: Trump Causes Revolution in Palestinian-Israeli Conflict A revolution is taking place in the way the United States deals with the Palestinian Israeli conflict and it could have serious ramifications for the security situation in Israel some say while others see God's hand in the stunning developments.

* Kurds who fought ISIS, now hunted by Iran's Regime Kurds who joined PAK are from Iran, but fled the Islamic Republic's repression to find refuge in the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government areas of northern Iraq.

* Canada Conservative Party recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's Capital "We have always maintained that Canada, and all political parties, should formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel."

* US Aid, Palestinian Wakaha It is clear that the Palestinian boycott of the US administration did not include receiving funds from the Americans.

8/27/18

* 'Jews have no right to pray on Temple Mount' PA organizations denounce U.S. decision to stop financial assistance, call it "insolent extortion."

* Why the Muslim world isn't saying anything about China's repression and 'cultural cleansing' of its downtrodden Muslim minority Muslim countries have been silent over China's crackdown on its Uighurs, a Muslim-majority ethnic minority in the country's west.

* When Palestinian Blood Isn't Equal Recently, the human rights organization AGPS published a report documenting 3,840 cases of Palestinians killed since the beginning of the Syrian war in 2011 - nearly four times the number of those killed during the six years of the first intifada (December 1987-September 1993).

* Netanyahu warns Jews still under threat Israel's prime minister said on Sunday that Jews were still at risk even decades after the Holocaust as he wrapped up a groundbreaking visit to Lithuania, a Baltic state once home to his forefathers.

* Report: Iran says it gained control of Gulf, U.S. does not belong there "We can ensure the security of the Persian Gulf and there is no need for the presence of aliens like the US," General Alireza Tangsiri said.

* Former top Vatican official says Pope should resign over abuse crisis "Pope Francis must be the first to set a good example for cardinals and bishops who covered up McCarrick's abuses and resign along with all of them," said Vigano.

* Pro-Iran militias turn on Assad, try to establish land corridor to Mediterranean Israel worriedly follows developments around key border crossing in eastern Syria, where battles between longtime civil war allies have been reported for first time.

* Israel's Natural Water Reserves Lowest in 100 Years Israel's natural water reserves are at a deficit of 2.5 billion cubic meters - the largest in 100 years, Israel's Water Authority said Sunday.

* Iran demands guaranteed Russian/Syrian backing against US-Israeli offensive in Syria Iran's Defense Minister Amir Hatami arrived in Damascus on Sunday, Aug. 26 demanding Russian and Syrian commitments to stand foursquare behind Al Qods under US-Israel assault.

* Russian Warships Heading for Syria It was reported Turkey sighted three Russian warships passing through the Bosporus last Thursday en route to Syria.

8/25/18

* The Final War Against Israel Russia, Iran, Syria. They all threaten Israel today. But their threats are nothing compared to what the Jewish people will face with the Antichrist.

* Trump cuts more than $200 million in aid to PA State Department informs Congress that more than $200 million in bilateral assistance to the PA has been cut.

* Museums, markets, caves and concerts: An ancient plaza is reborn in Jerusalem Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans and Jews left their mark on Palms' Plaza, outside Damascus Gate. Its newest iteration it is a boon for visitors and residents alike

* The High-Tech War With China "Self-determination and innovation is the unavoidable path . . . to climb to the world’s top as a leading player in technology. We [should] hold innovative development tightly in our own hands. . . . The situation is pressing. The challenges are pressing. The mission upon us is pressing.”

* In Ireland, Pope Finds a Country Transformed and a Church in Tatters Pope Francis at Dublin Airport on Saturday. He said that it “touches my heart to return to Ireland.”

* PMO to borrow 2,600-year-old ‘Netanyahu tablet’ PM Netanyahu discovered tablet's existence during government meeting at Bible Lands Museum, which will now go on display at PMO for visiting world leaders.

* New carbon-dating tool could pinpoint ancient eruption, gauge if tied to Exodus Calibration technique aims to show exactly when Thera erupted on Santorini, some 4,000 years ago. 

* Three Russian warships steaming to Syria for Idlib operation. Hizballah opts out Turkey sighted 3 Russian warships passing through the Bosporus on Thursday, Aug. 23, on their way to the Syrian port of Tartus for the start of the offensive to take Idlib, the last Syrian rebel stronghold.

* The Rise of Chinese Eurasianism Chinese Eurasianism, which – if the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is successful – will give Beijing new foreign policy tools to use against Washington, could prove more threatening to the US in the long run than the USSR was during the Cold War.

* Jacob’s Sheep Planning Move to Migdal Eder After a journey from the other side of the world, the flock of 100 Jacob’s Sheep may have found a permanent home; Migdal Eder, a site designated for grazing animals destined for the Temple altar.

8/24/18

* Hands-on Reenactment of Temple Bread Baking in Biblical Israel While many read and study about the breads of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) in the Bible, few have the opportunity to see - and even taste - them come to life.

* In West Bank settlements, the housing market is booming Many settlers are ideologically committed to the principle of Jews living in Judea and Samaria, the biblical name for the area. But some are simply drawn by the quality of life.

* EU blasts Israel over Judea and Samaria construction European Union says recent wave of approvals 'jeopardizes the prospect of a contiguous and viable future Palestinian state'.

* After meeting Netanyahu, Lithuanian leader proposes closer EU ties Saulius Skvernelis calls for cooperation on counter-terrorism, and more direct dialogue to 'better understand' Israeli positions.

* Then: "Islamic Europe? Ridiculous!" Now: "Islamic Europe? Inevitable - And Terrific!" European elite changes its tune - to enable surrender.

* Analysis: What price will Israel have to pay for the U.S. Embassy move? Ironically, if you had asked Israeli officials what diplomatic "gift" they wanted last Christmas, the relocation of America's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would not have been at the top of the list.

* ANALYSIS: As Bolton and Netanyahu Discuss Syria, Iran Prepares for War Against Israel President Donald Trump's national security adviser John Bolton was in Jerusalem for a three-day-visit this week.

* Liberman: 'We have nothing to talk about with Hamas' "It's a fact that the violence has gone down to almost zero in the last few days," Minister Avigdor Liberman said.

* Trump's Fake Allies in the Gulf Ahmed Charai, in an article for The National Interest, has forcefully reminded the world that: "As Qatar faces international pressure to stop harboring senior [Muslim] Brotherhood figures, there are clear indications that it will facilitate their migration to Turkey.

* 'Stop causing people to hate Shabbat' MK Eitan Cabel says bridge crisis example of policies causing secular Israelis to dislike Shabbat.

8/23/18

* Facing the Consequences of Replacement Theology During Season of Repentance Rabbi Tuly Weisz, director of Israel365 and the publisher of The Israel Bible and Breaking Israel News believes that the rejection of replacement theology by contemporary Christians is a "prerequisite for all of the other stages of geula (redemption)."

* U.S. not discussing recognition of Israel's Golan hold: Bolton The Trump administration is not discussing possible U.S. recognition of Israel's claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said.

* Netanyahu says still hopes U.S. will recognize Israel's Golan hold Israel still hopes the U.S. will recognize its claim to sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday, after a top U.S. official said the issue is not currently under consideration by Washington.

* Merkel reportedly wants a German for the EU's top job Chancellor Angela Merkel won't push for a German to be the next president of the European Central Bank (ECB) and will focus on more significant appointments in Brussels instead, newspaper Handelsblatt reported Thursday.

* Mike Huckabee: Israel needs our support and prayers now more than ever Every time I experience Israel, I feel a sense of serenity, holiness and kinship that I find nowhere else.

* Naval Experts Concerned Over China's Increasing Presence in Mediterranean The workshop held at the University of Haifa studied and assessed the issues concerning the future and character of maritime warfare in the region as well as various strategic developments.

* U.K. Foreign Secretary: Brexit Failure Would Destabilize Europe The United Kingdom's foreign secretary warned Tuesday that failure to reach a deal on Brexit would have grave consequences for Europe's stability.

* Netanyahu lands in Lithuania, grandma's birthplace, in search of European allies Ahead of meeting with Baltic leaders, PM says he hopes outreach to Eastern European states will help counter EU's 'not always friendly' ties with Israel.

* ISIS leader calls on Muslims to wage jihad ISIS releases new recording of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi for the first time since last September.

* Russia says 63,000 troops have seen combat in Syria Russia has revealed the extent of its military involvement in Syria's war.

8/22/18

* Jacob's Sheep Planning Move to Migdal Eder After a journey from the other side of the world, the flock of 100 Jacob's Sheep may have found a permanent home; Migdal Eder, a site designated for grazing animals destined for the Temple altar.

* How Worried Should Israel Be About Trump's Latest Remarks? That US President Donald Trump devoted a portion of his Charleston, West Virginia rally on Tuesday to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process suggests that he intends to very soon unveil his Mideast peace plan, dubbed by Trump himself as the "deal of the century."

* On Israel's Nation-State Law Israel is being wrongly condemned for something that not one Muslim state has ever been condemned for: identifying its nationality with its religion -- and in the case of those Muslim states, this is done frequently in a manner that excludes or restricts the rights, or even the very existence, of minorities.

* Abbas aide: As price for embassy move, Trump must make E. Jerusalem our capital After US president says Israel will now pay 'higher price' in talks, Majdi al-Khaldi says Washington needs to recognize State of Palestine, back two-state solution.

* Caroline Glick: Hamas-Israel Ceasefire Talks Show Peace Impossible The ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Hamas terror group's regime in Gaza point to a central truth about the nature of the Palestinian conflict with Israel.

* Netanyahu angers settlers by only advancing 1,400 New West Bank homes "A nationalist government should be expanding construction and not reducing it," the YESHA Council said.

* Ha'aretz Pundit: 'The Settlers Have Won, We Have Lost' On Friday, Ha'aretz writer Uri Mark drew an "inspirational" solution to bring about the demise of the settlement enterprise and the consequent establishment of a contiguous Palestinian State.

* How a no-deal Brexit could cripple Britain LONDON - As the UK edges towards Brexit with little sign of an agreement, the once-unthinkable prospect of a no-deal Brexit has become a realistic one.

* Trump adviser Bolton says Russia 'stuck' in Syria, Iran must leave Russia is "stuck" in Syria and looking for others to fund post-war reconstruction there, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said, describing this as an opportunity for Washington to press for Iranian forces to quit the country.

* Iran masses troops for controlling Iraqi-Syrian routes. Soleimani hits defiant Iraqi Shiite militia While the US and Israel confer on a military offensive against Iran in Syria, Iran's Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani is busy with preemptive steps - in Iraq, DEBKAfile reports.

8/21/18

* Temple Harp Project: Returning the Music of Messiah to the World The Temple of Solomon was filled with the music of 4,000 harps and a remarkable couple have been on a lifelong journey to return that music in time for the Third Temple.

* Why Israel Needs the Nation-State Law Much has been published against the new Israeli Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People.

* Abbas's Responsibility for Gaza Crisis In a letter to the UN Secretary-General, Mahmoud Abbas's Foreign Ministry accused Israel of committing "crimes" against Palestinians civilians, especially in the Gaza Strip, and renewed the call for providing "international protection" for the Palestinians.

* With Abbas sidelined, Israeli-Palestinian conflict enters new territory Palestinian Authority boss appears increasingly marginalized, portending a possible change in the longstanding dynamics of the peace process.

* Hamas: The goal is to 'liberate' Jerusalem Hamas terror group says main goal of conflict with Israel is to 'liberate Palestine ' - Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque first and foremost.

* After decade building freeze, flagship settlement to grow by 65% Six years after PM vowed to build 300 new homes to replace 30 demolished in Samaria town, Beit El to get 650 new housing units.

* EU diplomats expect delay in Brexit deal beyond October target European Union leaders are likely to have to hold an emergency summit in November to consider any Brexit agreement struck with Britain, missing an informal deadline the previous month, diplomats in Brussels said.

* China's Path to Global Hegemony: Latest Target Is Syria China reportedly intends to build a railway through Iran and Turkey into Syria.

* Netanyahu avoids the tough questions in first-of-a-kind Instagram Q&A PM says no settlements will be evacuated, calls Indian president a 'close friend' and says he sleeps 7 hours a night, but ignores hot potatoes on Gaza, graft probes.

* Muslims at haj blame Arab disunity for Jerusalem embassy move Muslims at the annual haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia criticized what they described as discordant Arab leaders for failing to block President Donald Trump's decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem after he recognized the city as Israel's capital.

8/20/18

* Bolton: blocking nukes from Iran of 'highest importance' In a second meeting in less than 24 hours, US National Security Advisor John Bolton slams 'wretched' Iran nuclear deal, says US working with our 'friends in Europe to convince them to take stronger steps against the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile program.'

* The US and Iran will negotiate again before long - and Putin will play a starring role Even in its afterlife, the Iran nuclear deal continues to polarize.

* Will Supreme Court petition end discrimination on Temple Mount? Civil rights group demands end to restrictions aimed at Jewish visitors to Temple Mount. Court gives state 60 days to respond.

* The Rise of Chinese Eurasianism Chinese Eurasianism, which - if the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is successful - will give Beijing new foreign policy tools to use against Washington, could prove more threatening to the US in the long run than the USSR was during the Cold War.

* Iran: EU must speed up efforts to save nuclear deal Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Kasami says world powers must increase effort if they seek to uphold accords.

* On This Day: 25 years ago today, the Oslo Accords were completed The unprecedented agreement was later signed in an official ceremony by prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO chairman Yasser Arafat on September 13 of that year.

* Scoop: Trump said one-state solution would lead to Israeli PM named Mohammed President Trump told King Abdullah of Jordan that a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict might lead in a few years to someone named Mohammed becoming prime minister of Israel, according to several sources briefed on the meeting.

* 'Restore the Temple Mount to its Biblical Intent and Usher in Redemption' In the Bible, the Temple Mount is considered a place of prayer for all nations and is commonly understood to be a holy place for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike.

* Tourism skyrockets as Turkey's financial crisis worsens The Turkish lira has collapsed - this, in turn, has caused serious problems for Turkish importation capabilities.

* In the Hebrew Year 5778, Israel Celebrated Its 70th Anniversary. What Will 5779 Bring? The first commandment given to the Jewish people was to sanctify time by establishing a calendar.

8-18-18

* Will Israel Hold Its First Elections On Time In Three Decades? It is very rare in Israel for a general election to be held at its set date, because prime ministers tend to either get overthrown or tell the president they can no longer work with the Knesset.

* Israel’s Long Arm Reaches Peddler Of Death A clear and present danger is eliminated.

* France: The Rise and Fall of Emmanuel Macron When Emmanuel Macron was elected president of France in May 2017, he was portrayed as a reformer who was going to change everything in France and beyond.

* Can Britain Deal With ‘No Deal’? The British government says it is prepared to crash out of the European Union—but a warning from its new foreign secretary suggests that isn’t true.

* Hedging Bets: Turkey Courts Europe Amid Row With U.S. Turkish officials say they want to engage the EU and Erdogan held a phone called with German Chancellor Angela Merkel this week and met with French President Emmanuel Macron.

* Hajj 2018: Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca Begins amid Saudi Diplomatic Turmoil The annual pilgrimage to Mecca known as the Hajj, which observant Muslims are supposed to make at least once during their lives, officially begins on August 19.

* 'The choice is yours - terrorism or economic growth' Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories points out to Gazans that terrorism affects their economy.

* Denouncing UN chief, Danon says Gazans need protection from Hamas, not Israel Israel's UN envoy derides 'delusional' proposals by Guterres to protect civilians in Gaza and West Bank; says terror group governing Strip 'uses the people in Gaza as hostages'

* U.S. missionary thrust to the center of Turkey-U.S. crisis When Andrew Brunson saw a police summons on his door in late summer 2016, the U.S. evangelical pastor thought it was a routine appointment to sort out his residency papers in Turkey, his home for nearly a quarter of a century.

* Cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians in North as Tension Continues in South It is an irony of the Middle East. At the same time that Gaza terrorists send burning balloons and kites and have – for now – stopped hurling rockets and missiles at southern Israel, Israeli and Palestinian physicians are collaborating at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center. 

8/17/18

* Thousands of Gazans rally near border amid reports of imminent truce  One killed, around 100 said injured in violent clashes with IDF; incendiary balloon sparks fire near kibbutz; defense officials say events are test of Hamas's intent to ensure calm.

* ANALYSIS: Long-term Truce Between Hamas and Israel Doomed to Fail After several days of relative quiet in the Gaza belt Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas- via mediation by Egypt, the United Nations, and the United States- are again trying to negotiate a long-term truce which would restore the understandings reached after the 2014 summer-war.

* Hezbollah is a terror group. The West needs to wake up Hezbollah's announcement of its impending "victory" in Syria may be a reaction against US sanctions against Iran, but the threat it poses is no less real.

* Hezbollah's role evolving in Syria as Assad nears victory As President Bashar al-Assad's regime consolidates its control over much of Syria - appearing ready to launch an offensive against Idlib, the last major insurgency stronghold - observers are wondering what the end to the war will mean for Hezbollah's involvement there in the wake of Assad's seemingly impending victory?

* Tel Aviv Diary: Why would Netanyahu increase Israel's defense budget? It has been a beautiful summer in Tel Aviv. As opposed to much of the world, the weather here remained moderate for most of the summer (with typical highs around 85 and lows around 75.)

* Former Mossad Chief reveals Revolutionary plan for defeating Hezbollah In his second solo interview, as part of this extended profile by The Jerusalem Post, Pardo elaborated at length about what was an unheard-of idea until this week.

* 2 million Muslims expected in Mecca this week for increasingly hi-tech hajj Saudi authorities use technology and apps to overcome logistical challenges, helping pilgrims with everything from travel plans to medical care.

* The Machiavellian Opponents of the Nation State Law EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The public debate attending the Nation State Law is a clear indicator of Israel's vibrant democracy and an illustration of the freedom of expression that characterizes the Israeli state of mind.

* Abbas says Palestinian flag should not be raised in Tel Aviv Arab and Druze community leaders who met with PA president say he warned waving banner 'antagonizes Jews, does not advance peace'.

* Thousands Ask for Forgiveness at Western Wall The Hebrew month of Elul, is one in which the entire Jewish people prepare for the coming High Holy Days.

8/16/18

* Holy Prayer is Holier in Israel During Elul, the 12th month of the Jewish calendar that leads to the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, prayer becomes evermore important to the Jewish people.

* Trump Middle East peace plan won't please Israel or Palestinians, U.S. officials warn The team working on President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan has said neither Israelis nor Palestinians would be happy with the proposal.

* Trump: Both Israelis and Palestinians Will Have to Give Something Up for Peace The Trump Administration is still not revealing the details of its long-awaited Middle East peace plan, but did say on Wednesday that neither Israel nor the Palestinians would be "fully pleased" with the proposal.

* US ambassador tells Israeli MK 'no reason to evacuate settlements' in peace deal Yehudah Glick says remark was made by David Friedman during sit-down at Jerusalem embassy, as settler leaders presented him with Israeli-Palestinian economic ventures.

* Hamas: Western Wall belongs to Muslims Hamas newspaper claims Western Wall is Islamic, claims 'war crimes' committed 'against' it.

* In Islam, Jerusalem is not Mecca When the time for the Muslim prayer came, Omar declined the invitation by Sophronius, the patriarch of Jerusalem, to pray inside the Church and instead prayed outside.

* The crumbling skeleton of the Islamic State rattles on for now It has been estimated that there are 20,000 to 30,000 Islamic State militants still in Syria and Iraq, according to the U.N.'s latest report.

* Analysis: The Islamic State's push for a new caliphate New reports suggest the terror group is recovering in Iraq and Syria; Khorasan Province is eyeing a new caliphate in Afghanistan.

* It's all about eliminationism There is two-stage subversion project at work against Israel and its Zionist-base ideology. The first stage seeks to cozy up, in a sense, and to equalize, falsely, two movements: Zionism and Palestinianism.

* Fewest Number of Israelis Emigrating Since 1990 The rate at which Israelis are emigrating has reached an almost three-decade low. According to numbers published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) this week, approximately 15,200 Israelis left the country in 2016 for a year or more, the lowest number since at least 1990.

8/15/18

* Hezbollah Chief Claims Terrorist Group Stronger than IDF, Ready for War In a televised address marking the 12th anniversary of the end of the 34-day Second Lebanon War with Israel in 2006, Hezbollah general secretary Hassan Nasrallah boasted that his forces were stronger than the Israeli army and prepared for a fresh war with Israel.

* Israel's Top Military Strategist Talks War and Peace A retired general and former national security adviser in nearly every Middle Eastern state would live in paranoia and luxury, with servants, bodyguards, hangers-on, and a few odd state or army-owned business interests to keep them busy behind the high walls of their compound.

* Russia exerts growing clout in Middle East as it begins patrols in Golan Heights Russian military police have begun patrolling the demilitarised zone between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights, highlighting Moscow's increasing clout as a Middle Eastern power broker following its intervention in the civil war there.

* The Assad Regime Returns to the Golan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Assad regime's recapture of the Syrian Golan Heights is advantageous to Israel, in light of the Israeli-Russian understanding to predicate the situation there on the May 1974 disengagement.

* Gideon's Shield: This is How Israel Will Defeat Hezbollah Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah boasted on Tuesday that his organization's military is now stronger even than the vaunted Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

* Report: Turkish Court Rejects Appeal to Free Detained U.S. Pastor A fresh appeal to free U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson, whose continued detention has sparked a diplomatic spat between Turkey and the United States, was rejected Wednesday.

* Iran sentences couple for 'orientation toward the land of Christianity' Jeff King, the president of Washington, DC-based International Christian Concern, told 'The Jerusalem Post' on Friday that each member of the congregation was sentenced to a year in prison.

* What next for Sudan after Bashir's nomination for a third term? Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir's insistence on holding on to power will have grave consequences for his country.

* Political source: No deal with Hamas without return of captives Cabinet reportedly refuses ceasefire with Hamas unless bodies of soldiers and civilian captives returned to Israel.

* 'Warriors: Our most important resource' 47 officers from Ground Forces graduate Tactical Command College. 'College develops winning commanders who are exemplary figures.'

8/14/18

* Israel tops list of most powerful countries The Jewish state beats European nations in new report.

* Senior Israeli Minister: Israel Closer Than Ever to Ousting Hamas TEL AVIV - Israel could oust the Gaza-ruling Hamas, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said on Sunday as a report emerged that the terror group's leaders were in the IDF's crosshairs.

* IS conflict: Up to 30,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq - UN Between 20,000 and 30,000 Islamic State (IS) militants remain in Syria and Iraq despite the group's recent losses, according to a United Nations report.

* Palestinians (Again) Try to Get Israel Kicked Out of the UN The Gaza border region is finally quiet, but the diplomatic war between Israel and the Palestinians is still raging.

* Israeli official: Agreement with Hamas is almost ready Israeli official says five-year peace agreement giving Hamas airport, seaport, is 'virtually' ready.

* Why is Nobody Talking about the Union for the Mediterranean? The EU countries involved in the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) appear unbothered by promoting "integration" -- or even claiming "a common heritage" -- with countries such as Mauritania, where, according to recent reports, up to 20% of the population (Haratines and other Afro-Mauritanian groups) is enslaved, and anti-slavery activists are regularly tortured and detained.

* Support for two-state solution at lowest in nearly 20 years - poll 43% of Palestinians and Israeli Jews back the two-state solution; last year, the Palestinian figure was 52% and the Jewish figure was 47%.

* Islamist organization: Join forces against Israel Senior member of extremist Islamist organization calls on Arab armies to unite their forces against Israel.

* Russia to help restore UN patrols near Syria-Israel frontier The Russian military said Tuesday that its forces in Syria will help U.N. peacekeepers fully restore patrols along the frontier with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, reflecting Moscow's deepening role in mediating between the decades-old foes.

* How Can Amalek be Identified Today? Rabbi Nir Ben Artzi, a prominent Israeli mystic, gave a sermon that was published on Sunday. In it, he referred to Hamas as "he seed of Amalek."

8/13/18

* Iran unveils new short-range fateh ballistic missile The latest Fateh missile called the Al-Mobeen or "The Divine Conquest."

* 'The Palestinians' goal is to wipe Israel off the map' Deputy Minister Michael Oren blasts PA's demand to expel Israel from the UN over the Nationality Law.

* PM threatens snap elections if no solution found to IDF Draft Law During coalition leaders meeting, Netanyahu gives ultimatum to call elections within two weeks in event that government fails to swiftly resolve coalition dispute over conscripting Haredim into the IDF, which for months has divided the government.

* Israeli-Palestinian support for 2 states at 20 years low, poll says The data is "the lowest in more than a decade, when a steady decline in support began, and the lowest in almost two decades of joint Palestinian-Israeli survey research."

* Israel's Great Weakness: An Attack on Its Nuclear Reactors? Israel's nuclear establishment has been conducting drills simulating attacks against the country's two nuclear reactors.

* Have The Temple Vessels Been Located? After nearly a decade of writing, the remarkable story of one man's quest to decipher the ancient map leading to the gold and silver Temple vessels is being published.

* Controversial Nation-State Law Echoes The Bible Despite the fact that it created a swirl of political controversy, the recent passage of the nation-state law in the Israeli Knesset is seen by many Bible-based Jews and Christians as affirming the Biblical connection between the Land of Israel and the Jewish people.

* Israel seeks early re-tender of mining rights to shore up Dead Sea While government has rarely intervened in operations of biggest extractor, matters are about to change as Israel seeks to re-tender mining concessions as much as eight years ahead of schedule.

* UN Enabling Hamas's War Machine This ceasefire initiative is rather disturbing: it requires no meaningful concessions on the part of Hamas.

* The reason Turkey's economic collapse is so scary is that Iran, Russia, and Syria are waiting in the wings Lots of things are going wrong in Turkey at once, driven by the collapse of its currency, the lira.

8/11/18

* Hamas Arrested Salafi Cell Suspected Of Grad Missile Launch There are Salafi people in all of the Palestinian factions that are recognized as "light."

* Residents Of Gaza Border Communities Fatigued By Endless Cycle Of Violence Sderot’s 24,000 people were victim to rocket strikes Wednesday.

* 'There is no deterrence. Go to war now' Former IDF chief says terror organizations like Hamas will only be deterred by threats to their existence after 180 rockets fired at Israel.

* The Next Syria Showdown The Syrian civil war is over, and the next phase begins now.

* Battle Against Christians On Temple Mount It is well-known that Jews are restricted from praying on the Temple Mount but a recent encounter illustrated how Christians who revere the site are treated in the same roughshod manner by the Waqf (Islamic Religious Authority).

* Thousands in Hevron for Forefathers' celebration The entire Tomb of Forefathers and Mothers is open to Jews for the Celebration of the Forefathers and Mothers and Erev Rosh Hodesh.

* China: We Might Help Assad with the War in Syria Direct military assistance from China would mark a dramatic shift in Middle East geopolitics.

* Europe: Prayer in Public Spaces A few months ago, a global media tempest erupted after Polish Catholics held a mass public prayer event across the country.

* COMMENTARY: The Welsh Revival and Love for Israel, Part I Amid great expectancy of a renewed outpouring of the Spirit in the land of revivals, my wife and I were profoundly blessed and stirred by a recent visit to Wales.

* Will Europe end like the Roman republic? Invaded by barbarian tribes, culturally impotent and with a collapsed family structure, Europe was ready for defeat when Rome fell - as it is now.

8/10/18

* "Hamas must understand - Israel is not weak" Yossi Kuperwasser claims that Israel needs to send the message that there’s a “price to pay."

* Israel’s Southern Mayors Decry Hamas Ceasefire Hamas sources claimed an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect at 10:45 p.m. Thursday, but Israeli sources have yet to confirm this.

* ANALYSIS: What's Behind the Latest Escalation in Israel's South? The situation in southern Israel deteriorated significantly Wednesday night after Hamas started to pound the Israeli towns and communities in the Gaza belt with 180 rockets and mortar shells.

* Sweden's Government Funds Anti-Semitism As major Swedish cities such as Malmö have become known as places where Jews are threatened, anti-Semitism in Sweden has attracted international attention.

* 2.4 Million Tourists Came To Israel So Far In 2018, Ministry Says The ministry of tourism said in a statement that the number of tourists is 46 percent more than in 2016, almost double the number of tourists that entered during the same period that year.

* Celebrating 40 years of the rebirth of Shilo 2,000 attend celebrations marking 40th anniversary of establishment of Shiloh in Binyamin, where the Tabernacle and the Holy Ark once stood.

* Is Russia Ready For Another War? Libya And Yemen Leaders Ask For Vladimir Putin's Help Leaders of influential armed movements in Libya and Yemen have appealed for Russian intervention to solve the crises that have ravaged their respective countries in the wake of a regional uprising years ago.

* Goldman Sachs sees orderly Brexit with PM May getting deal through parliament Goldman Sachs sees Prime Minister Theresa May clinching a Brexit deal on access to European Union markets for goods and getting it approved by the British parliament, though it cautioned that a disorderly exit and national election remained possible.

* What Does Traditional Judaism Teach About Non-Jews? As we debate the pros and cons of the Nation-State Law and analyze whether changes should be made to it, we should take these traditional Jewish values to heart.

* Why Your Jordan Bucket List Shouldn’t End at Petra A bedrock in a famous region, Jordan contains ancient ruins and cultural treasures that go far beyond its most famous attraction.

* Trump's 'Arab NATO' faces skepticism, commitment issues President Trump’s plan to bring America’s top Arab Middle East allies to the White House this fall in a bid to forge a military alliance against Iran and radical terrorism groups has the potential to transform the military balance in one of the world’s most unstable regions — if the putative allies can find a way to get along.

8/9/18

* Israel Pounds Hamas After 19 Injured In Rocket Barrage, One Critical The Israel Air Force retaliated by striking targets in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday evening after 19 people were treated for injuries resulting form rocket attacks from Gaza against southern Israel.

* Gaza official says this round of escalation is 'over' Half an hour after air raid sirens sound in Israel, Gaza official says escalation is 'over.'

* After 150 Hamas rockets, IDF high command weighs full-scale operation against Hamas The IDF General Command conferred Wednesday night, Aug. 8, on a full-scale military operation against Hamas after it launched a non-stop barrage of 150 rockets against Israel.

* IDF says war in Gaza approaching, communities near Strip could be evacuated Senior military officials say many troops will be sent to southern front after Palestinian terrorists launch more than 150 rockets, mortar shells overnight.

* IDF Officer: War With Gaza is Close A senior IDF officer told Army Radio on Thursday morning that he saw a new full-scale war with the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip as inevitable.

* To The Brink Of War: How Hamas And Israel Got Here Hamas says it wants Israel to end the 10-year blockade of Gaza and to ease up restrictions on goods flowing to the strip.

* Hamas Blackmail, Media Silence Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip, says it wants Israel and Egypt to keep the border crossings with its coastal territory open on a permanent basis.

* How Assad, ISIS, and the Russians Cooperated to Carry Out a Massacre The slaughter in the Druze region of Syria cost hundreds of lives last month. 

* Senior US Navy officials say Russian and Chinese subs are now operating near America’s east coast In March, Russian state-owned media outlets made a surprising announcement: a new documentary series had entered into production that promised to tell the story of Russian nuclear attack submarine commanders sneaking their vessels into American harbors.

* Let My People Pray At The Temple Mount — It Will Teach Palestinians A Lesson This past Wednesday, I ascended to the Temple Mount, as I have done many scores of times, and, following the police security check, was permitted to enter the compound Muslims call the Haram A-Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary.

8/8/18

* Hamas-Israel truce would be like a 'painkiller, not an antibiotic,' say observers All of the economic benefits being offered to Gaza as part of a package deal-an improvement in the water and electricity supplies, the construction of a seaport, the cancellation of debts owed by the Hamas government, a relaxation of the Israeli security blockade-hinge on an agreement.

* Russia and Israel reach understanding on Golan border line Israel's ambassador to Russia said Israel insisted on the full withdrawal of Iranian troops from Syria.

* Brace yourselves: The next Israeli election is on the way Tuesday night's Supreme Court ruling requiring the Knesset to pass a new law to draft yeshiva students made it very likely that Israel's next election will take place in early 2019.

* EU skips over Israel EU plans connecting Judea and Samaria to Gaza airports, sea, and railways without informing Israel; Minister Katz rejects plan out of hand.

* Liberman warns Assad planning to rebuild large Syrian army after civil war Defense minister also praises Trump's reimposition of Iran sanctions, saying Tehran was using relief provided by nuke deal not to support its economy but rather to fund terror.

* Fractured union: Israel has all but given up on the EU Netanyahu increasingly considers ties with Brussels a 'lost cause,' believing he can reap same benefits by improving relations with individual member states. Many Israelis agree.

* Christian heartland opens window into fight for China's soul The 62-year-old Chinese shopkeeper had waited nearly his entire adult life to see his dream of building a church come true - a brick house with a sunny courtyard and spacious hall with room for 200 believers.

* This is the impact of the EU on trade We live in an era of increasing doubts about the benefits of trade openness among the general public and policymakers, as evidenced by the spread of anti-globalisation political platforms in Western countries.

* Local Christians Spar Over Israel Declaring Itself the 'Jewish State' Israel's new Nation-State Law has been the source of both local and global condemnation.

* Rare 2,200-year-old earring a goldmine for scholars of Hellenistic-era Jerusalem Gold filigree animal-headed jewelry item illuminates an opaque era of Jerusalem's history -- and may reset ancient city borders.

8/7/18

* Seeking 'WORLD PEACE,' Trump says US won't trade with those who trade with Iran Saying he's reimposed 'most biting sanctions ever' on Islamic Republic, US president tweets: 'I am asking for WORLD PEACE, nothing less!'

* Israeli minister says 'good chance' Iran will renegotiate nuclear deal Gilad Erdan slams 'morally bankrupt' EU for trying to salvage accord; Israeli intelligence community said optimistic that new sanctions will force major change in Tehran.

* Bolton: Blocking Strait of Hormuz will be Iran's 'worst mistake' -instead it must 'come to table' Closing the Strait of Hormuz would be the biggest mistake Iran has ever made, the US president's national security advisor John Bolton said.

* Ehud Barak attacks:'Bennett and Shaked threaten future of Zionism' Former DM: 'Vision of Jewish Home with man and woman heading it is racist and messianic, with their rabbis Lior and Ginsburgh.'

* Despite US sanctions, Tehran steps up quest for dialogue with Trump administration A key sentence signaled Tehran's quest for diplomacy in Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's bitter diatribe over re-imposed sanctions on Monday, Aug. 6.

* Israel and Gaza may be on the verge of war. It could be worse than in the past. "I'm honestly surprised we haven't seen a full-blown war yet," one expert said.

* Hamas: Israel won't be able to sleep in peace Terror group says peace agreement may fail if Israel eliminates terrorists who fire at IDF soldiers.

* Turkey intends to reopen consulates in Iraqi-Kurdistan On Friday last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that his nation planned to reopen their consulates located in two of Iraq's largest cities.

* Britain Is Preparing For a 'No Deal' Brexit Before Britain's 2016 referendum on membership of the European Union, Britain's then-prime minister David Cameron adamantly refused to make plans for what his government would do if the country voted to leave.

* Christian Millennials Visit Israel, Realize Media's Been Lying to Them An international group of millennials have seen the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a new light after engaging with both sides - and being shocked by what they discovered.

8/6/18

* Jerusalem Mayor issues wake-up call to Europe Nir Barkat addresses heads of European countries calling on them to join Israel and fight terrorism before it reaches their countries.

* Majority of Palestinians oppose Trump's Peace Plan, Oslo Accords The survey found that if presidential elections were held in which only Abbas and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh ran, 35.3% said they would vote for Abbas, while 19.3% said they would vote for Haniyeh.

* Uproar Over Israel's Definition of Itself Crosses Ethnic Lines It's taken a backlash by Israel's staunchest Arab supporters to spark one of the biggest outpourings of discontent with the Netanyahu government in years.

* European Union 'deeply' regrets return of US sanctions on Iran Diplomatic chief Mogherini, along with foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany, says multi-nation alliance will work to keep 'financial channels' with Tehran open.

* Hamas discusses battle-readiness in response to Israeli pessimism Amid talks on a proposed ceasefire deal mediated by the UN and Egypt, Hamas leaders hold a meeting to discuss a possible military conflict with Israel, following the Israeli Security Cabinet statement Sunday that 'the IDF is prepared for any scenario.'

* "Be Cursed Forever": Extremist Persecution of Christians, January 2018 "Nigeria security has declared war against Christians in this country." - Pastor Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, executive director of Voice of Northern Christian Movement, Nigeria.

* What would happen if Britain left the EU with no deal? BREXIT is due to happen on March 29th 2019, two years after Theresa May invoked Article 50, the withdrawal provision of the EU treaty.

* Do latest Corbyn disclosures show the rift in Labour now too wide to bridge? As opposition leader's unapologetic supporters entrench themselves despite yet more anti-Semitism allegations, it's hard to see how his hard left and Labour's centrists can coexist.

* Matteo Salvini: Can Italy trust this man? Standing smoking in his green puffer jacket, Matteo Salvini blended in with his bodyguards and aides.

* Return of the Biblical Harp After more than 2,000 years, the prophetic sound David's harp is heard once again in Jerusalem. When the Third Temple is rebuilt, these biblical harps will return, to be used in Jewish worship.

8/4/18

* Fatah Warns Hamas Against Reaching Truce Accord With Israel The warning came amid unconfirmed reports that Israel and Hamas were close to reaching a long-term truce agreement.

* ANALYSIS: Have Iranian forces withdrawn from the Israeli border in Syria? On Monday, the pro-Assad coalition in Syria finally finished off the last pockets of Islamist resistance along the Israeli border on the Golan Heights after a six-week-long campaign which included the ‘liberation’ of the Daraa and Kuneitra provinces in southwest Syria.

* Iranian protesters blame their government, not US, for failing economy Religious school attacked near Tehran as opponents slam regime; rial has slipped to record lows ahead of sanctions restarting Monday after Washington pulled out of nuke deal.

* Corbyn under fire again for ‘vague, meaningless’ article against anti-Semitism Observant Jews unable to respond to opinion piece published by UK Labour leader just before start of Sabbath; critics note he appears to have copied section from earlier article.

* Trump Readies Mideast Team for Peace Plan Rollout U.S. officials say the Trump administration is staffing up a Middle East policy team at the White House in anticipation of unveiling its long awaited but largely mysterious Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

* Israel entrusts its North Front security to Russia, Gaza – to indirect US intervention Hamas has burned to a cinder more than 35,000 dunams of flourishing Israeli land – half the area of Tel Aviv, the whole of Beersheba – since launching its “March of Return” on March 31.

* Will Imran Khan Change Pakistan's Relations With Israel? Khan married the British socialite Jemima Goldsmith in 1995. Goldsmith is not Jewish, but has ethnic Jewish roots and recounts being “made familiar with Jewish tradition."

* UN report: North Korea cooperates militarily with Syria, tries to sell weapons to Middle East groups A confidential UN report reveals that North Korea has not stopped its nuclear, missile program in violations of UN sanctions.

* Who are those so-called 'Palestinians' who claim our land? Everybody claims special rights.

* IDF strikes second Gaza cell launching incendiary balloons The military says it targeted two separate groups in the northern and southern parts of the Palestinian enclave.