10/31/18

* Israeli Official: Jewish State Continues to Strike in Syria Ynetnews reports: Israel has carried out attacks in Syria since the accidental shooting down of a Russian surveillance plane last month, a senior Israeli official said on Monday.

* Exclusive: PA signs secret inspections deal with U.N. Nuclear Agency IAEA inspectors have the right to visit every part of the "Palestinian state" and check the safety of radioactive materials, including uranium, which are currently being used for peaceful purposes.

* New Palestinian "Concern" for International Conventions While Hamas has been violating international laws by denying visits or any communication with the Israelis it holds captive, Palestinian terrorists in Israeli prisons continue to enjoy basic rights, including meeting with an attorney, receiving medical treatment, religious rights, basic living conditions (such as hot water, showers and sanitation), proper ventilation and electric infrastructure.

* US Mid East forces brace for trouble from Iran over impending oil sanctions The threat of a forceful Iranian response to the US embargo on its oil sales, which goes into effect on Nov. 5 ,was contained in Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif's remark on Tuesday, Oct. 30.

* Pittsburgh Massacre is Splitting the Jewish World Following the massacre of 11 Jews, and only Jews, at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, the local chapter of Bend the Arc, "the only national Jewish organization focused exclusively on progressive social change in the US," published an open letter telling President Trump that he is not welcome in the city.

* Syria's National Museum reopens as government claims 'Damascus has recovered' Syria's National Museum has reopened in Damascus in the country's latest step towards normality.

* In EU, there's an East-West divide over religious minorities, gay marriage, national identity For most of its first half-century, the European Union consisted almost entirely of countries from Western Europe, such as France, Italy and Belgium.

* End of Oslo? PA passes motion suspending Israel cooperation PA body passes motion suspending all agreements with Israel until it recognizes Palestinian state built on 1967 borders.

* In Europe, synagogues are fortresses. Is this the path for the US? A multilayered defensive doctrine - with armed guards, sterile areas and panic rooms - is the norm in Europe; after Pittsburgh, experts see US congregations heading the same way.

* Herd mentality: Golan Heights cowboys form cooperative for top-quality beef Cattle need a calm life for tender beef. But for the ranchers contending with lack of demand for local product, it's not so easy.

10/30/18

* Israeli Politicians: PLO Torpedoing peace with vote to not recognize Israel Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon slammed the Palestinian Authority on Tuesday, after the PLO Central Council decided to suspend its recognition of the state of Israel.

* Netanyahu's Gaza policy: De-escalation without war Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu chose to elaborate on his security policy in the face of the Gaza Strip conflict for the first time on the day before Israel's municipal elections on Oct, 30.

* Pittsburgh shooting: Anger at Pence rally 'Jesus prayer' US Vice-President Mike Pence faces controversy after a cleric whose views are shunned by mainstream Jews led prayers for victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.

* As World Criticizes, Israel Hails Brazil's New President When Donald J. Trump stunned the world by becoming president of the United States, Israel was one of the few nations to offer genuine congratulations.

* Will Brazil's New President Call to Build Third Temple? Brazil's election of Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing president, highlights a significant shift in thought, moving away from left-wing socialism while unabashedly embracing an approach to Christianity that supports Israel.

* The 12 strongest militaries in the 'Muslim World' The 'Muslim World' stretches from the far reaches of Western Africa to Southeast Asia.

* Will US sanctions sway Iran to enter oil deal with Russia? Recent statements by the Israeli media that Iran might start selling oil to Russian refineries to evade US sanctions should be taken with a grain of salt.

* How the world is grappling with China's rising power Countries around the world are pushing back against China's revival as a major global power.

* Angela Merkel's exit may mean a policy shift for China in Europe Analysts say German chancellor's departure will bring new uncertainties to an already inward-looking European Union.

* Turkey and Qatar: An Alliance Under the Saudi Sword The new U.S. leverage that emerged after the Saudi embarrassment is the same leverage that the U.S. can now use to broker an entente between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

10/29/18

* Watch: Jerusalem and Tel Aviv stand with Pittsburgh The vigils were held in Jerusalem's Zion Square and Tel Aviv's Rabin Square.

* Gunman due in court as harrowing tales emerge from synagogue massacre Authorities use recollections of survivors to piece together the movements of killer Robert Bowers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

* PA: Don't kill American Jews (only kill Israeli Jews) In an unusual move, the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned yesterday's murder of 11 Jews in the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh by the antisemite Robert Bowers.

* World View: Islamic Jihad Agrees to Egypt-Sponsored Ceasefire in Gaza Islamic Jihad agrees to Egypt-sponsored ceasefire in Gaza after night of terror.

* Israel's non-confrontational stance led to Hamas ransom demand Fork out $15m in cash per month to else face more missile and border attacks.

* COMMENTARY: Sign of the Times As rockets and other explosives are rained upon Israel from enemies on their borders, anti-Semitic activity is also on the rise abroad.

* Poll finds most Israelis see EU as a foe rather than a friend Russia considered most important country for Israel after the US, new survey finds; 41% don't want to visit any Arab country.

* The Annihilation of Iraq's Christian Minority "I'm proud to be an Iraqi, I love my country. But my country is not proud that I'm part of it. What is happening to my people [Christians] is nothing other than genocide... Wake up!" - Father Douglas al-Bazi, Iraqi Catholic parish priest, Erbil.

* Will Brazil be latest country to move embassy to Jerusalem? Brazil's president-elect vowed to move embassy to J'lem. Now, confidant says he will consider move - if it will promote Mideast peace.

* Is South America Turning to the Third Temple To Solve Their Problems? Brazil's election of Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing president, highlights a significant shift in thought, moving away from left-wing socialism while unabashedly embracing an approach to Christianity that supports Israel.

10/27/18

* Rocket barrage on southern Israel Gaza terrorists fire at least 14 rockets at Sderot and the area. Some of them intercepted by Iron Dome.

* Iaf Strikes In Gaza Strip, Islamic Jihad Calls For A Ceasefire Islamic Jihad announced it accepted an immediate cease fire brokered by Egypt effective immediately, Channel 10 reported.

* Idf: Islamic Jihad Rockets Were Directed From Iran, Syria “We have delivered clear messages of this fact to the relevant parties,” he said, adding that, in the IDF’s response, “no one is immune, not in the Gaza Strip nor outside of it."

* Police Chief: Turkey Fueling Islamic State Pipeline to Iraq The government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is helping the Islamic State (ISIS) rebuild a clandestine terror network inside Iraq that poses an ongoing security threat, according to Iraqi National Police Brigadier General Aref al-Zebari.

* Five proven Dead Sea Scroll forgeries only the tip of the iceberg, scholars say The Museum of the Bible’s announcement it will pull fragments from display is to be lauded, but is only a first step as accusations fly over dozens of others in global collections

* Eternal Jihad: Islam Will Never, Ever Stop Whereas The West Has Learned To Despise Its Own Heritage And Religion, Causing It To Become An Unwitting Ally Of The Jihad.

* Islamic Jihad calls ceasefire as Israel hits back at 30-plus rockets from Gaza Iran-backed terror group says it will halt fire after talking with Egypt; no acknowledgement of deal by Israel, which strikes IJ targets in 95 raids.

* The Breakneck Islamization of Turkey's Education System Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) is set to receive an additional two billion liras (around $350 million), boosting its budget from last year's 8.3 billion liras ($1.5 billion) to 10.4 billion ($1.8 billion) liras for 2019, according to the newspaper Cumhuriyet.

* The Whitewashing of Jamal Khashoggi, Friend of Osama Bin Laden His Relationship With Osama Bin Laden Predates His Days As An “Embedded Reporter” In Afghanistan And Endured After The Soviet Union Withdrew In 1989.

* How Prophecy Being Fulfilled Is Changing Christianity Although there have always been Christians who rejected replacement theology, the establishment and success of the State of Israel “upends that whole apple cart,” according to Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, Associate Director of the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding & Cooperation.

10/26/18

* In dramatic sign of warming ties, Netanyahu makes secret visit to Oman The first Israeli leader to visit Muscat since 1996, prime minister discusses peace process with Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.

* Liberman: We must turn over every stone before confronting Hamas "Neither fuel nor salaries interest them," Liberman said. "The heads of Hamas themselves claim, 'We want to remove the siege."

* Jordan: Peace Treaty Unaffected by Discarding Land Deals Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the deal, which was signed in November 1994, had been conceived as a temporary arrangement from the start.

* King Abdullah's move to terminate parts of peace treaty seen as snub to Netanyahu Jordan's King Abdullah ended weeks of speculation when he announced Oct. 21 that the kingdom is terminating two annexes in its 1994 peace treaty with Israel regarding the special use of Jordanian territories.

* The elasticizing of semantics "Zionism developed as a colonialist movement" is how Professor Ishay Rosen Zvi, head of the Talmud and Late Antiquity section in the Jewish Philosophy Department at Tel Aviv University, opens a recent op-ed of his published in Haaretz.

* Jordanian Law Permits the Murder of Israelis Jordanian soldier Ahmad Musa Dakasma, the notorious murderer of seven Israeli schoolgirls, was recently released from prison after serving 20 years.

* Police Chief: Turkey Fueling Islamic State Pipeline to Iraq The government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is helping the Islamic State (ISIS) rebuild a clandestine terror network inside Iraq that poses an ongoing security threat, according to Iraqi National Police Brigadier General Aref al-Zebari.

* US war with China is likely in 15 years, retired general says The former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe says it's likely the United States will be at war with China in 15 years.

* Europe's Crisis of Survival In facing this existential challenge, a downward spiral in which Europeans seem to be slowly dying out by failing to reproduce, it seems that Europe has also lost all confidence in its hard-won Enlightenment values, such as personal freedoms, reason and science replacing superstition, and the separation of church and state.

* Travel Jerusalem with no stone left unturned in the City of David Jerusalem is holy to three religions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

10/25/18

* Palestinian property transfers to settlers anger Jerusalemites Jerusalemites were dealt a distressing blow Oct. 4 as settlers took over a three-story house of 500 square meters (5,382 square feet) that the Joudeh al-Husseini family owned in Aqaba Darwish in the Old City of Jerusalem.

* 'Send Waqf back to Jordan' MK Yehuda Glick says Israel should respond to Jordan cancelling part of peace treaty by kicking Wafq out of Temple Mount.

* Tony Blair resists calls to axe multimillion dollar Saudi deal following the murder of Jamal Khashoggi Exclusive: Tony Blair urged to scrap his multimillion-dollar deal with Saudi Arabia following the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

* Russia fears US surveillance flights portend fresh Israeli air strikes over Syria Moscow charged Thursday, Oct. 25, that US surveillance aircraft had piloted a massive UAV attack on Russia's Syrian air base.

* Report: Russia Demands More Israeli Notice Before Strikes in Syria The Times of Israel reports: Russia is demanding Israel give it more advanced notice before carrying out airstrikes on targets in Syria.

* Putin: Russia will target nations hosting US missiles According to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, allies blame Russia for violating a Cold War-era missile treaty; adds he doesn't expect them to deploy more nuclear warheads in Europe in response.

* Netanyahu Believes His Own Party is Plotting to Oust Him From Power Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly planning to hold a snap election as early as March of next year, a full eight months before the next scheduled election in November 2019.

* Will Michele Bachmann Be Picked to Continue Nikki Haley's Legacy of Israel Advocacy at UN? With Nikki Haley's resignation, many voices from the conservative movement and the evangelical community are calling for President Trump to appoint former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann to replace her as UN Ambassador.

* The worst chapter in Palestinian schoolbooks - PMW op-ed in JPost If you want to know why Palestinian children believe that killing Israelis is model behavior, all you have to do is look at a chapter in one of their schoolbooks.

* Kahane and Carlebach: Counterculture and its rabbis Though I only came of age towards the end of the 1970s, many of the radical leaders of the '60s and early '70s were still around.

10/24/18

* Intelligence Report, Iran Much Closer to Nuclear Bomb Than Previously Thought As a result of IDF airstrikes against its military bases in Syria, Iran has been forced to transfer its anti-Israel assets to Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon.

* Arab states fear Khashoggi case could trigger regional instability Some brutal humor is circulating in the Arab world.

* Palestinian Authority PM calls for Chinese role in peace process China's VP Wang Qishan travels to West Bank before meeting with Rivlin, praises Israel's 'tremendous human capital'.

* Muslim clerics order freeze on sale of Muslim lands in Jerusalem Muslim clerics instruct community in eastern Jerusalem to refrain from selling property for fear of it being transferred to foreigners.

* Five proven Dead Sea Scroll forgeries only the tip of the iceberg, scholars say The Museum of the Bible's announcement it will pull fragments from display is to be lauded, but is only a first step as accusations fly over dozens of others in global collections.

* "Zionist Christians" do "not belong to Christianity" according to Palestinian Christian leader "The Christian Evangelists are tantamount to pulpits in the service of the Zionist enterprise. They are enemies of the Christian values".

* Human Rights Watch: 'Palestine' is a Police State, West Should Stop Aiding It More often than not, allegations of Israeli abuse take up all the headlines, leaving little room (or desire) to report on the verifiable abuses being perpetrated against the Palestinians by their own governments.

* Jesuit Magazine Defends Ordaining Gay Men to the Priesthood The Jesuit-run America magazine has weighed in on the debate regarding homosexuality and the Catholic priesthood, insisting that ordaining gay men does not increase the risk of clerical sex abuse.

* The 'Saudi Affair' in Istanbul Unveils Sunni vs Sunni Rivalry Turkey, pursuing its own Islamist agenda and trying to rival Saudi influence in the Sunni world, is just too happy to have discredited the Wahhabi royals.

* Shabbat Project 2018: 1 million Jews to celebrate Shabbat together This year's Shabbat Project will include 1 million Jews in more than 1,000 cities in 98 countries worldwide celebrating Shabbat - together.

10/23/18

* 'No choice but war': Israel 'exhausted all options' in dealing with Hamas, says defense chief Israel is left with no choice but to unleash a military action against Hamas militants, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has threatened.

* Khashoggi Rejiggers Middle East at a Horrible Cost The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi on the premises of the Saudi consulate in Istanbul threatens to upend the fundaments of fault lines across the Middle East.

* Erdogan Seizes on Saudi Murder as Chance to Upend Middle East Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to turn a horrific murder in Istanbul into a catalyst for changing the balance of power in Saudi Arabia and regaining influence across the Middle East.

* Iranian official threatens to raze Tel Aviv and Haifa Senior Iranian official threatens to raze Israeli cities if Israel "carries out even the smallest mistake" against Iran.

* Erdogan's "Khashoggi speech" is meant to boost his Muslim credentials (and Turkish lira) Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan withheld the promised "naked truth" about the Saudi role in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi embassy in Istanbul on Oct. 2 in his speech to parliament on Tuesday, Oct.23.

* Trump Prepared to Pressure Netanyahu with Peace Plan "You know, Emmanuel, I can be tough with Bibi," Trump added.

* Palestinian forces routinely arresting and torturing critics - HRW The Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank and Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip routinely arrest and torture peaceful critics and opponents, Human Rights Watch says.

* Iran providing Hezbollah with GPS-equipped weapons American and western intelligence sources say Iran has been increasing its shipments of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah.

* ANALYSIS: Why King Abdullah II Nixed Parts of Jordan-Israel Peace Deal On Sunday, King Abdullah II dropped a bombshell when he announced that Jordan would not renew parts of the 24-year-old peace agreement with Israel.

* Arab Christian Soldier: IDF the Most Moral Army in the World Israel is facing increased efforts to besmirch both its governmental policies and the conduct of its military, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

10/22/18

* Israel said to fear US peace plan includes Jerusalem as Palestinian capital Yedioth Ahronoth reports upcoming announcement from the Trump administration could include a clause that would make the city a capital for both sides.

* Jerusalem the capital of 'Palestine'? Not anytime soon Senior US official makes clear to Arutz Sheva: Possibility of recognizing East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital is not on the agenda.

* Israel Warns It's About to 'Change the Game' in Gaza A tense quiet in the Gaza border region might be the result of serious Israeli threats to "change the game" should terrorists in the coastal enclave continue to threaten the residents of southern Israel.

* Former intelligence chief: Iran is forming missile plants in Lebanon Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Yadlin, says Iran changed its strategy: instead of basing precision missile factories in Syria, they are transferring missile precision equipment to Hezbollah.

* How many Jews and Arabs are there in the Middle East? Peace in the Middle East, solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the creation of a Palestinian state and the status of Judea and Samaria - all of these issues center on the question - is Israel an occupier?

* Abdullah cuts down Jordan's peace treaty with Israel, while reorienting his policy on detente with Turkey, Syria, Qatar Jordan's King Abdullah notified Israel on Sunday, Oct. 21, that he will not renew two annexes of the peace treaty which his father King Hussein signed with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1994.

* King Abdullah Declines to Renew Part of Jordan's Peace Deal With Israel Part of the agreement was that Jordan would lease sovereign Jordanian land to Israel.

* "It Is the Quran That Must Be Read" Extremist Persecution of Christians, May 2018 "Churches and individual Christians have faced increased restrictions in recent months, raising concerns that these pressures signal a coordinated campaign of intensified action against churches by the governing authorities." - Middle East Concern, Algeria.

* Russia Supports Syria, Iran Ramps Up Support to Hezbollah "If Hezbollah succeeds in converting these missiles, the new situation would represent a significant risk to Israeli airports, power stations, the Dimona nuclear reactor, and more."

* Does God Accept the Prayers of Jews? A recent survey of Evangelical Christians revealed that a majority of them acknowledge that God accepts the prayers of Jews.

10/20/18

* Most American Jews say you can support Israel and criticize its government For the first time, a pollster asked respondents not only whether they were pro-Israel, but if they were also critical of Israeli policies; 59% said yes.

* The rope around Hamas's neck is tightening, but for how long will it hold? Analysis: Friday's Gaza border fence demonstrations were the smallest in scope for the past month because the terror group understands Israel will not look the other way any longer.

* Trump plan to unite territories will endanger Israel The plan will demand that Israel give something “very good” to the PA, but will it be good for Israel?

* Putin: Not Russia's job to decide whether Iran leaves Syria Russian president insists Iranian withdrawal should be discussed between Iran, Syria, and the US, but it is not for Moscow to decide; he also notes Syria should be offered security guarantees.

* Both Israel, Hamas tout ‘accomplishments’ in Gaza — but is calm truly possible? Scaled back border protests have each side claiming progress, but the key issues aren’t going away, and the threat of PA sanctions looms large.

* Exclusive: Pa Arrests Palestinian-American For Property Sale To Jews One source told the 'Post' that the man was suspected of receiving $25,000 in commission for his role in the sale of the house.

* Exclusive: Tony Blair under the spotlight on Labour, Brexit and Iraq - with VIDEO We put the former Labour prime minister under the spotlight during a visit to the Black Country.

* Greenblatt In 'Post': Trump Mideast Peace Plan ‘Path To Change’ For Gaza "The United States, as we have said many times, cares for the Palestinian people and wants to help, but we will not empower a regime that launches attacks on Israeli kindergartens."

* World War 3: Iran is 'FANATICALLY OBSESSED' with ruling Middle East at ALL COSTS IRAN’s leadership is ready to “starve its people” to take over the Middle East and “restore the Persian Empire”, a current affair expert claimed as fears of clashes between Washington and Tehran grow.

* Will Brussels EVER learn from 2,000 years of hubris and folly? SIMON JENKINS reveals how megalomaniacs have tried and failed to subjugate Europe's sovereign nations throughout its history On August 6, 1806, a herald in full regalia rode across Vienna to the city’s Jesuit church.

10/19/18

* Israel and US postal services issue joint Hanukkah stamp Communications Minister Kara and US Ambassador Friedman attend commemorative launch, which also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations.

* Terror leader tells Gazans to keep border protests nonviolent after flareup Organizer of 'March of Return' says Friday demonstrations along security fence is about 'masses gathering in a peaceful manner,' not clashes with Israeli troops.

* U.S. Envoy Haley: Palestine is Not Any State At All "The Palestinians are not a UN Member State or any state at all. The United States will continually point that out in our remarks at UN events led by the Palestinians," Haley said.

* Why Palestinians Do Not Have a Parliament In the absence of a parliament, the Palestinians have no address to express their grievances.

* 10,000 Rioters at Gaza Border, in Tense IDF-Hamas Standoff The intensity of protests along the Gaza fence today, might be an indicator of how the recent increase in tension will play out.

* Russians 'will go to heaven' in event of nuclear war: Putin Russians will "go to heaven" as martyrs in the event of nuclear war because Moscow will only ever use nuclear weapons in retaliation, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

* Stephen Hawking: There is no God. Albert Einstein: There is. The incredible Stephen Hawking, who died last March, was outspoken about his own particular lack of faith in God, even as scientists around him began to reach the opposite conclusion, namely that the Big Bang Theory and others like it seemed to prove that someone or something greater must have lit the fuse.

* Even after 46 years, Fatah still lauds its Olympics massacre The world was enraged when 8 Palestinian terrorists from Fatah's Black September took 11 Israeli athletes and coaches hostage at the Olympics in Munich on September 5, 1972, and later murdered them.

* On the verge of a nervous Brexit breakdown? "A Brexit deal may never be reached," according to the EU's chief Brexit negotiator on the morning after the (summit) night before.

* New Jerusalem Museum Looks at the Origins of Christianity After extensive renovations, Terra Sancta Museum showcases archaeological artifacts linked to the life of Jesus.

10/18/18

* IDF tanks, equipment spotted moving towards Gaza Residents of southern Israel post photos of tanks and military equipment moving towards Gaza.

* Palestinian Authority Blames Israel for Entire Gaza Fiasco, Naturally Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas convened his cabinet yesterday to address the situation in the Gaza Strip.

* Palestinian Delegation Granted More Rights at UN G77 Meetings: US, Australia, Israel Vote No Australia Says Reconsidering Policy Strategy in Middle East.

* U.S. Warns of Bigger 'Risk' That Nations Will Attack One Another Over War in Syria The United States has warned of a heightened risk of countries attacking one another over the war in Syria, where recent international incidents have raised new concerns that a wider conflict could be sparked.

* Hamas warns Israel in new video 'We recommended that you read us correctly.' Hamas releases new propaganda clip amid a rise in tensions.

* Jamal Khashoggi case: Fox and Mnuchin quit Saudi summit US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox have pulled out of an investment conference in Saudi Arabia.

* Pat Robertson: C'mon, We're Not Going To Blow Up A Key Middle East Alliance Over One Little Murder Lefties are marveling that a brand-name Christian conservative would be encouraging followers to look the other way at an assassination, but they're forgetting Jesus's parting words at the end of the Sermon on the Mount: "If you want to make an omelette, you've got to break a few eggs."

* Should the State Dept. Verify That Palestinian Authority & UN Textbooks Aren't Teaching Hatred of Israelis & Jews? Palestinian education reform is seen to be a key element in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

* Time To Bet On Putin? How The Iranian Sanctions Will Boost Russian Stocks Love him or hate him, now might be the time to place a bet on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

* Jerusalem Hosts First-Ever International Tourism Security Summit Tourism in Israel is booming. Despite figures from tourism research company IPK International that in 2017, 56% of people viewed Israel as one of the unsafest countries in the world to visit, hopes that the country will hit an all-time record of four million tourists by the end of 2018 are high.

10/17/18

* Israel surprised by Palestinian upgraded missile attack on two major cities. Iron Dome didn't react How did Hamas get hold of the advanced Tornado-G Grad missiles aimed at Beersheba and Greater Tel Aviv early Wednesday, Oct. 17?

* Netanyahu: Israel will Act with 'Great Strength' Against Hamas "If these attacks do not stop, we will stop them," Netanyahu said.

* EU: Rocket fire towards Israel must stop immediately EU calls for 'de-escalation.' 'The cycle of violence and despair must be broken. Only a political solution can put an end to the violence.'

* Russian and Egyptian presidents sign partnership treaty Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi signed a strategic cooperation treaty Wednesday that is intended to bolster trade and other ties between the two nations.

* What Do We Really Know about Saudi Arabia? For years, Pakistan was a vexing ally of the United States.

* Why the Iranian Threat Goes Far Beyond Nuclear Weapons Prior to the Islamic Revolution that swept Iran in 1979, the status of Shiite Muslims in the Arab world (about 20 percent of all Muslims) was that of inferiors.

* Is Erdogan aiming to end Turkey's dream of EU membership? President Erdogan has renewed his call for a referendum to determine if Turkey will continue with its European Union (EU) membership talks or end them once and for all.

* Eisenhower, The Rebbe and the Bombs That Weren't Dropped A hassidic rebbe lecturing the supreme commander of the Allied forces about the failure to bomb Auschwitz was not exactly an everyday occurrence.

* EU Internet Censorship Will Censor the Whole World's Internet As the EU advances the new Copyright Directive towards becoming law in its 28 member-states, it's important to realise that the EU's plan will end up censoring the Internet for everyone, not just Europeans.

* The Passion of the Olive Trees: Settlers pelt U.S. diplomatic personnel in the West Bank Some of the basic things America is losing with the onset of the Obama administration are sanity and common sense in our diplomatic representation abroad.

10/16/18

* Signaling war, Liberman urges cabinet to okay 'serious blow' to Hamas in Gaza Defense minister says daily riots along security fence cannot continue, believes large military campaign could bring 4-5 years of calm.

* Liberman: Israeli Operation Against Hamas Needed to Halt Gaza Violence "The only formula in my opinion is rebuilding in exchange for disarmament. At the moment, we need to make decisions, and I hope the cabinet will make decisions."

* Netanyahu: Israel Continues to Act Against Iran in Syria Ynetnews reports: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel continues to act against the establishment of Iranian military in Syria, and emphasized that he stays in constant contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

* 'Friends of Zion' Building $100 Million Campus to Defend Israel's Brand Earlier this month, the Friends of Zion Museum surpassed 50 million members on social media, making it one of the largest Pro-Israel platforms in the world.

* Australia considers following US on Jerusalem embassy Australia will consider recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moving its embassy there from Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

* REPORT: Hungary Calls on EU to Cease Funding NGOs Hostile to Israel Hungary's foreign minister is believed to have called on the European Union to cease financially supporting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that oppose Israel or that facilitate illegal migration.

* Christians Sentenced to Death Under Sharia Law In response to the latest abuses against Christians, Amnesty International has initiated an "urgent action" appeal.

* Putin-Rouhani cut deal to ensure Iran evades US sanctions, Israel said to warn Agreement sealed in Tehran last month provides for Iran to export crude oil to Russia, where it will be refined and sold worldwide, Foreign Ministry document reportedly specifies.

* ISIS's New Plans to Get Rich and Wreak Havoc The terrorist organization has lost almost all its territory but has found new ways to make vast sums of money.

* Did the Khashoggi affair spring from a coup attempt against the Saudi crown prince? A peek into the mystery may have been offered by US President Donald Trump's suggestion on Monday, Oct. 15 that "rogue elements" may have engineered the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

10/15/18

* IDF bombs Hamas post after explosive damages Gaza fence No Palestinians said injured in Israeli airstrike in southern Strip, which comes amid uptick in violence along border and threats of war.

* Education Minister: 'Time to move to iron fist' Jewish Home Chairman: 'We must prevent terrorists from infiltrating into Israel and set clear rule: Infiltrating terrorist doesn't return.'

* The Palestinian Battle against a Plan that Does Not Exist While Palestinian hatred for President Trump and his administration does not come as a surprise, what is strange is that the two Palestinians factions -- Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip -- are now using the US president's awaited plan to throw mud at one another.

* World War 3 Fears as Russia Accuses US of trying to Divide Syria as a challenge to Assad A Russian diplomat has accused the US of trying to divide Syria by supporting the Kurdish troops in the north and east of the country as a challenge to the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

* 5 Big Reasons No Nation Wants to Wage a War Against Israel Since 1948, the state of Israel has fielded a frighteningly effective military machine.

* No Israeli air strikes during past month. Iran replenishes destroyed arms stocks. It will be 30 days on Wednesday, Oct. 17 since the last Israeli air strike was conducted against Iranian targets in Syria, and the shooting down by Syria of the Russian IL 20 spy plane.

* What Middle Eastern Media Is Saying About Khashoggi's Fate According to the invaluable BBC Monitoring press surveys of Middle Eastern newspapers, the coverage of the alleged murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has differed enormously from country to country.

* Brexit: If nobody's talking, how can a deal be reached? Dominic Raab didn't go to Brussels on Sunday sure of wrapping up every loose end of the Brexit process, tying a ribbon on it and carrying it home to give Theresa May the best ever present at work first thing Monday morning.

* Rabbi Yehudah Glick Channels King David in Celebration of Life and God's Temple A very special gathering took place on Sunday night, commemorating a personal miracle that will go down in history as a powerful part of the prophetic return of the Jewish Temple.

* In 1973, the Yom Kippur War Gave the World a Horrifying Glimpse of What a Modern Mechanized Warfare Would Look LikeThe Yom Kippur war resulted in the death of 2,500 to 2,700 Israelis and an estimated ten to 16,000 Arab soldiers - and wounded over twice that number.

10/13/18

* Andrew Brunson: Pastor in Turkey row arrives home in US A US pastor has arrived home after more than two years detention in Turkey, in a case that has strained relations between the two countries.

* Iran’s Syria Presence None of Israel’s Business: Russia A senior Russian official has dismissed the Israeli regime’s demand that Iran be forced out of Syria, saying that the issue is none of Tel Aviv’s business as it is Syria’s sovereign right to authorize Iranian forces on its soil.

* Syria War: U.S., Russia Deals With Turkey, Key To Preventing Conflict, Could Now Be In Major Trouble Turkey's deals with Russia and the U.S. in Syria may be in jeopardy after local challenges emerged to two precarious international arrangements designed to avoid new violence in a seven-year war.

* Jamal Khashoggi: Trump to 'punish' Saudis over journalist President Donald Trump has said the US will inflict "severe punishment" on Saudi Arabia if the kingdom is found to be responsible for the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

* Turkish newspaper says Jamal Khashoggi’s slaying recorded on his Apple Watch Account alleges Saudi operatives tried to delete the audio recordings by using the journalist’s finger; however the devices do not have a fingerprint ID unlock function.

* Brexit will weaken Europe, isolate Britain and fuel global tensions Leave aside the particulars of this month's Brexit drama — Theresa May's dance moves, Boris Johnson's attacks on May's plan, and the latest warnings from European capitals — it's time to brace for Brexit.

* Rebuilding Syria: The Responsibility Principle Twice during 2018, the presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey met to discuss their various interests in Syria.

* Normalizing Anti-Semitism in the US Anti-Semitism is growing increasingly normalized in American society, particularly in progressive circles.

* Global Warming in Perspective The study of earth’s history is not a subject of idle curiosity.

* Despite surge from Russia, aliyah falls in 2018 Immigration to Israel declines in 2018, despite 35% increase in immigration from Russia, as French aliyah declines.

10/12/18

* UNESCO's War On Israel's Matriarchs UNESCO has passed several resolutions attacking the connection between Israel and the Jewish holy sites, but this week, the Executive Board passed two new resolutions aimed specifically at the Biblical matriarchs.

* Andrew Brunson, American pastor detained in Turkey, is freed, sentenced to time served Andrew Brunson, the American pastor who was imprisoned and then placed under house arrest in Turkey due to his alleged ties to an outlawed group, was ordered freed on Friday and sentenced to time served, a Turkish judge ruled.

* Syria Receives Anti-Aircraft System from Russia But Israel is prepared.

* Pompeo Ramps Up Pressure On Iran, Aiming To Oust It From Syria U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo continued the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign against the Iranian regime on Wednesday, promising to oust its presence in Syria.

* UNESCO to Danon: Israel Approved Compromise on Jerusalem On Wednesday UNESCO's 58-member executive board approved by consensus, two resolutions with regard to the status of Jerusalem and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in general.

* IDF releases footage of Gaza tunnel discovery, destruction Israeli military liaison to Palestinians accuses Hamas of diverting funds from Strip's residents for use in its terrorist activities.

* PA Edict: Selling Property to Israelis an Act of 'High Treason' "The council stressed that selling [property] to the occupation or facilitating the transfer of its ownership, through mercenaries, is a great betrayal of religion, the homeland, and morals."

* Cabinet to vote on first new homes in Hevron in 16 years Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman submits plan for 31 new Jewish homes in Hevron to cabinet to overcome issues with military outpost.

* Ronald Reagan comes back to life at presidential library - via virtual reality Every four years, Republican presidential hopefuls invoke the spirit of President Ronald Reagan.

* Winter is Coming: Embracing the Jewish 'Off Season' Just as the winter nourishes the land, priming it for a spring awakening, it is our challenge to embrace the Jewish "off season," a period almost entirely devoid of holidays, to cultivate our spirits.

10/11/18

* Again, Is "Palestine" Really Part of Syria? "Considered Palestine a constitutive part of Syria."

* Trump's peace plan for two Palestinian states kicked off by fuel trucks for Gaza Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu won praise from US special ME negotiator Jason Greenblatt for letting the Qatar-funded fuel trucks go through to the Gaza Strip on Oct 9.

* How Palestinians Lie to Europeans In the eyes of Hamas and its supporters, it is fine for Palestinians to throw explosive devices and firebombs at soldiers, but it is completely unacceptable for the soldiers to defend themselves.

* Meet the Assads: Jeremy Bowen reveals how Syria's 'dangerous dynasty' swept to power The BBC's Middle East editor traces the origins of President Bashar al-Assad's brutal ruling family ahead of a new series, A Dangerous Dynasty: House of Assad.

* IDF Presents: What it takes to be a great leader What does it take to become a great leader? Current and past chiefs of the IDF General Staff give their answers.

* How trouble in Europe might trigger a global debt crisis Richard Harris says the EU has more to lose than the UK in the Brexit battle, for Britain's departure might mean the beginning of the end of European federalism.

* Italy Puts Itself on a Collision Course With E.U. Leadership Populist political parties have made big gains in a number of European countries in recent years, but Italy is the first large euro-zone economy where a government openly hostile to the E.U. has taken charge.

* Brexit aside, British troops test ability to reinforce Europe British troops disembarked in the Netherlands on Wednesday en route to Norway to test NATO's ability to move personnel and armor quickly across Europe, an exercise officers said showed London's commitment to European security after Brexit.

* The Stakes Are High for a Museum in the Holy Land A museum in Jerusalem addresses skeptics who doubt the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth.

* Tony Blair sees 50-50 chance of another Brexit referendum Former British leader Tony Blair said there was a 50-50 chance of another Brexit referendum as Prime Minister Theresa May will be unlikely to secure a parliamentary majority for any divorce deal.

10/10/18

* UNESCO: Rachel's Tomb and Cave of Patriarchs Part of 'Occupied Palestine' Both resolutions were sponsored by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan, and approved within minutes at the Commission's meeting.

* ANALYSIS: A New Palestinian-Israeli War on the Horizon On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu told his cabinet the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were preparing for war against Hamas and other Iranian-backed terror organisations in the Gaza Strip.

* Moscow rejects notion of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Two days after Netanyahu said Putin understands the territory's importance for Israel, Russian FM says any change of status would violate UN resolution.

* Abbas' advisor: Islam's religious war to destroy Israel has started The most important religious figure in the Palestinian Authority and the closest to PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, continues to tell Palestinians that the conflict with Israel is an uncompromising religious war for Islam against Israel and Jews.

* Ginosar: Thousands of Christians March in Jesus' Footsteps with Four Species More than 25,000 Evangelical Christians came to "The Galilee Boat" exhibit at Kibbutz Ginosar during the intermediary days of the recent Sukkot holiday.

* Russian influence rising in Balkans, Baltics, Central Europe A week before a crucial election, Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik traveled to Russia for a Formula One race - not because he's a big fan but for yet another meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

* Bolton: "Palestine is a 'So-Called' State" Reporter: You just addressed Palestine and said it is a "so-called state." Is that language productive...

* Turkey's Syrian Quagmire Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan does not understand that his biggest divergence with Russia is over the future of all of Syria, not just a Syrian province.

* Pakistan: Death or Life for Christian "Blasphemer"? In her memoirs, Asia Bibi wonders "whether being a Christian in Pakistan today is not just a failing, or a mark against you, but actually a crime."

* Days after Netanyahu vow, Russia rejects Israeli Sovereignty over Golan Lavrov statement comes after Netanyahu said Putin understands importance of Israeli control of heights; Deputy Russian PM says of Russian plane downing that 'incidents happen'.

10/9/18

* Earliest known stone carving of Hebrew word 'Jerusalem' found near city entrance Unearthed in what was an artisan's village 2.5 km from ancient Temple, inscribed column from 100 BCE features Aramaic, Hebrew, two of the languages used by Jerusalemites of the era.

* Barkan attack terrorist to be paid monthly salary - for life Foreign ministry launches Twitter campaign to encourage international pressure on PA to stop paying terrorist salaries.

* A powder keg in the West Bank Analysis: The IDF must reexamine the security arrangements at the industrial zones and find out how the Barkan terrorist got a rifle in despite metal detectors.

* PA curriculum inciting terrorism David Bedein, Director Of Israel Resource News Agency, speaks about the search for any education aimed at peacefully solving the conflict.

* Nikki Haley resigns as UN ambassador, stays mum on next move Nikki Haley abruptly announced her resignation Tuesday as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, catching staff and lawmakers by surprise and leaving Washington guessing about the next move for one of the administration's most prominent figures.

* Christopher Columbus - the hidden Jew? With a murky past, theories abound for the origin story of the intrepid explorer - from pirate to crypto-Jew.

* Goodbye to a friend: Israel thanks Nikki Haley PM Netanyahu, Israeli leaders thank outgoing US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley for her support. 'We will never forget you.'

* This is how Europe's national borders could be redrawn after Brexit These three regions of Western Europe could look very different within 10 years if the secessionists find new support in the wake of economic crisis and a rising tide of nationalism.

* How Iran Plans to Take Gaza The situation in the Gaza Strip is unlikely to witness any positive changes.

* Jihadism, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the "Frontier States" The continuing radicalization of Islam, which presents a fundamental security challenge for the western world, gives new dimension to the term "frontier state."

10/8/18

* Russia imports Iranian teams for S-300s in Syria. Shocked alarm in US, Israel DEBKA Exclusive: The US and Israel were alarmed to learn that Moscow had decided to man the S-300 anti-air missiles sent to Syria with Iranian teams, DEBKAfile's exclusive sources report.

* IDF Increases Presence Alongside Gaza Border, After Uptick in Hamas Violence Additional troops and Iron Dome missile-defense systems have been deployed to the Israeli border with Gaza following an uptick in riots along the security fence.

* Netanyahu Says Israel Preparing for War With Gaza Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to the Palestinian Authority and to the international community during Sunday's cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.

* Fatah blames Israel for yesterday's murder of 2 Israelis Fatah claims Israel commits "terror and murder," but yesterday's killing of Israelis was merely an "operation".

* University of Michigan Lecture Compares Netanyahu to Hitler A mandatory lecture for University of Michigan art students reportedly featured a former Black Panther leader who compared Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.

* Two years after pastor Andrew Brunson was jailed in Turkey, Sen. Lankford demands his release Republican Oklahoma Senator James Lankford once again called for the release of "unjustly" jailed U.S. Pastor Andrew Brunson on Sunday, exactly two years after Turkey imprisoned the American in the months following the failed July 2016 coup attempt.

* Iran's Idea of "Human Rights": Persecute Christians "The government often uses it [the charge of 'acting against national security'] against converts instead of the charge of apostasy... in an attempt to avoid international scrutiny." - Morning Star News, July 13, 2017.

* Europe paves the way for its decline Europe is declining. It's getting richer too slowly - so slowly that it's being left behind by the rest of the world.

* If Trump Wants the Ultimate Deal, He Must Not Repeat These Mistakes Israeli-Palestinian peace is elusive because both sides' and the United States' have made a series of damaging but preventable errors.

* World War 3 FEARS: Iranian General vows to DESTROY Israel in FURIOUS attack A TOP Iranian General has vowed to destroy Israel, warning "there will soon be no way to escape but the sea", raising fears of a major outbreak of conflict in the volatile Middle East.

10/6/18

* For First Time Since Second Temple: Golden Vessel Used In Libation Ceremony On Thursday, a bit of the former glory of the Temple was witnessed by three hundred people who took part in the full-dress reenactment of the Sukkot water-libation ceremony.

* Iranian official warns Netanyahu: Practice swimming in the sea Deputy commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatens that Israel could be destroyed by Hezbollah.

* Analysis: Netanyahu Heard Loud And Clear In The United Nations Drowned out by the Kavanaugh controversy in the US, Netanyahu’s UN speech still made waves where it counts most.

* Brexit: Jean-Claude Juncker says chance of deal has increased Top EU officials have expressed optimism that a Brexit deal can be struck by the end of the year.

* US to send Israel more F-35s after Moscow supplies S-300s to Syria – reports The US will reportedly provide Israel with more F-35s after Russia supplied Syria with S-300 missile systems. 

* Russia Says Its Syrian Air Defenses Can Track Aircraft In Europe, Israel Or is that just fake news?

* Watch – Merkel in Jerusalem: Palestinians Must Accept Israel as Jewish State The Times of Israel reports: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday underlined her recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, indicating that she supports Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s view that the Palestinians, too, should accept this definition in an eventual peace agreement.

* When Will the Next War Erupt in the Middle East? The Middle East is sitting on a powder keg. No one knows when it will blow up. 

* Overblown war rhetoric surrounds IDF’s boosted effort to quell rising Gaza violence Hamas’ threats of a full-scale Gaza war and the scope of Israeli military reinforcements around the enclave are highly exaggerated, DEBKAfile’s military sources report. 

* Russia seeking communications channel between Israel, Iran in Syria — report Government source tells Arabic daily Moscow could serve as mediator to alleviate regional tensions.

10/5/18

* Overblown war rhetoric surrounds IDF's boosted effort to quell rising Gaza violence Hamas' threats of a full-scale Gaza war and the scope of Israeli military reinforcements around the enclave are highly exaggerated, DEBKAfile's military sources report.

* Hamas Responds to Liberman: Empty threats won't affect our resilience Defense Minister Liberman warned Hamas in a Tweet on Friday morning not to escalate riots along the Gaza border.

* IDF, Hamas one miscalculation away from another Gaza War Over the past few weeks, the protests along the border fence have increased in intensity and Gazans have been hurling improvised explosive devices such as firecrackers and grenades at IDF forces.

* Is Genocide Threatening Nigeria's Christians? Is the world turning a blind eye to another imminent genocide?

* Lieberman to Hamas: Holidays are over, beware 'We got through the High Holy Days just as we had planned, without a war erupting and while exacting a heavy price from the rioters on the Gaza border,' says defense minister, hinting at Israeli response now that holidays are over.

* Top Iran Revolutionary guard warns Netanyahu will have to 'flee into the sea' 'I tell the prime minister of the Zionist regime to practice swimming in the Mediterranean because soon you will have no choice, but flee into the sea,' says deputy commander.

* Angela Merkel's Problematic Policy Toward Israel There are two disturbing aspects of Germany's policy vis-a-vis the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

* Salaries rewarding terrorists won't be stopped, says Director of PLO Commission of Prisoners Ignoring the international criticism and condemnation of the Palestinian Authority's rewarding terrorist murderers with generous salaries, Director of the PLO Commission of Prisoners' Affairs, Qadri Abu Bakr, has emphasized that these salaries will continue

* In Jerusalem, Merkel says Palestinians must accept Israel as Jewish state German chancellor says Berlin endorses two-state solution, but acknowledges there are 'many' other possible ways to solve conflict; says Iran's troops must leave Syria.

* Russia to supply India with 5 S-400 systems, defying Washington sanctions A contract for the delivery of five S-400 systems, one of Russia's most advanced anti-aircraft weapons, has been signed between Moscow and New Delhi, the Kremlin has confirmed.

* When Will the Next War Erupt in the Middle East?  The Middle East is sitting on a  powder keg.

10/4/18

* Once Cursed in the Bible, The Dead Sea is Now a Blessing for Life - But it is Endangered For those who have visited the lowest point on the face of the earth, Ezekiel's end-of-days prophecy of the Dead Sea coming to life seems impossible, yet recently, scientists have been shocked to discover that the sinkholes appearing around the sea are quickly filling up with fish and other forms of life previously unseen in the inhospitable region.

* Israel Must Rethink Its Syria Strategy After Downing of Russian Plane The downing of the Russian plane requires Israel to reevaluate the continued relevance of its years-long air campaign in Syria.

* Assad Survives Syria Civil War, Says Arab Nations Prepping to Reopen Diplomatic Missions Syria's bloody civil war is almost over, with Arab and Western delegations readying to resume diplomatic ties, a confident President Bashar al-Assad told a Kuwaiti newspaper Wednesday.

* Germany, Israel agree Iran must never have nuclear weapons: Merkel Germany and Israel agree that Iran should never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons but they differ on how to achieve this goal, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday at a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

* Syrian Foreign Minister to UN: We Will Liberate Golan From 'Terrorist' Israel Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem recently addressed the UN General Assembly, accusing Israel of supporting terrorism while warning that his country intends to "liberate" the Golan Heights from Israel.

* Will There Be a Second Arab Spring? The Middle East's youthquake could still have its revolution.

* Jeremy Corbyn calls for an arms embargo on Israel A disturbing glimpse at the U.K. Labor Party's leader -- and his dark Jew-hating world.

* Donald Tusk launches scathing attack on 'insulting' Jeremy Hunt for comparing EU to Soviet Russia European Commission president Donald Tusk lashes out at the UK foreign secretary after he compares the EU to Soviet Russia.

* Brexit Bulletin: Done by December? Today in Brexit: May is plotting on two fronts to get Brexit over the line.

* Washington Watch: China Syndrome President Donald Trump is taking no chances. He already has an excuse in case Republicans take a drubbing in next month's congressional elections: it was a Chinese plot.