11/30/19

* Iraq’s protests hold threat of Shiite internecine showdown, key to Tehran’s control of Baghdad Adel Abdel-Mahdi’s resignation as Iraq’s prime minister on Saturday, Nov. 30, confirmed that Iraq’s 22 million Shiites (out of a 39 million population) are being torn apart by a potential internal Shiite war.

* Trump and the “Settlements”: A Preliminary Analysis The Trump administration’s decision to repudiate an earlier approach that regarded Israeli communities across the “Green Line” as illegal has been praised and condemned.

* Iran poised to strike US/Israeli targets. US forces gear up for action. USS Lincoln carrier enters the Gulf The US and Iran ramped up their preparations for direct military engagement on Monday, Nov. 25: A top Iranian general’s threatened to destroy the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia, and the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Force moved into position opposite central Iran’s coastline.

* Iran, Russia, China to Hold Joint Wargames in ‘Message to the World’ Iran, China, and Russia will hold in the coming weeks their first-ever joint war drills, which leaders say are meant to send a "message to the world" about increased military cooperation between the rogue countries.

* The Road to an Iranian Attack on Israel Israeli political and military leaders have warned against the possibility of a major military confrontation with Iran, which wants to deter Israel from disrupting its attempts to build military bases in Syria and Iraq and to construct factories in which Hezbollah can convert its huge arsenal of rockets into accurate missiles.

* Report: Germany to outlaw Hezbollah German magazine reports government plans to outlaw Lebanese terror organization. Interior Ministry spokesman denies the report.

* Iraqi forces kill 28 protesters after Iranian consulate torched Increasing violence highlights growing tension between protestors and Iranian-backed authorities throughout the country.

* Caroline Glick: Israeli democracy at stake as corrupt prosecutors target Netanyahu for crimes invented to destroy him Ever since Mandelblit gave his “recommendations,” he and his comrades have been the only political actors in Israel with any power to speak of.

* NATO Is as Good as Dead When the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was founded some 70 years ago, its first secretary-general, Lord Ismay, famously noted that the purpose of the treaty alliance was “to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down.”

* China Bids to Replace US Influence in the Middle East The confusion among Arab leaders over the Trump administration's policy towards its traditional allies in the region has opened the way for China to intensify its efforts to extend its influence in the Middle East.

11/29/19

* Jordan simulates war with Israel in army 'maneuver' The exercise's name is "Swords of Karama," which is reportedly named after Israel's 1968 operation against Fatah.

* Netanyahu pledges $11.5 million for settlements' security 'They won't uproot us from here,' Netanyahu said, announcing the package.

* Defense Minister: Now is the time to drive Iran out of Syria In a closed-door meeting, Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel should take advantage of the opportunity to end the Iranian military presence in Syria, reports Israel Hayom.

* The Jews came as "invaders 70 years ago," no evidence of Jews before then Palestinian Authority policy is to routinely deny the entire Jewish history in the Land of Israel.

* Vatican Gives Christmas Present to Palestinian Authority in Bethlehem: A Piece of the Manger The Vatican is transporting pieces of wood to Bethlehem that are claimed to be from the manger that held Jesus when he was born.

* A tale of two countries. Opinion. Looking at the two political and legal challenges of the two leaders - President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

* Trump could be handing a big win to Iran and Russia by withholding military aid to Lebanon as it spirals into a crisis The Trump administration has frozen over $100 million in military aid to Lebanon as it faces a major political crisis, and it's offered no explanation as to why.

* EU's Tusk, Juncker bow out, new team to move in Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker bow out as European Union leaders on Friday.

* A proposed long-term Gaza truce brings Hamas back to Judea & Samaria. The IDF would go for it Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas are amidst negotiations for a multifaceted deal via Turkey, Qatar and the US for ending rocket fire from Gaza and affirming a Palestinian power-sharing agreement.

* Growing Share of Evangelicals Supports Same-Sex Marriage Fully a third of white evangelical Protestants now support same-sex marriage, a nationwide survey by the Public Religion Research Institute shows.

11/28/19

* Iran, Russia, China to Hold Joint Wargames in ‘Message to the World’ Iran, China, and Russia will hold in the coming weeks their first-ever joint war drills, which leaders say are meant to send a "message to the world" about increased military cooperation between the rogue countries.

* Presidential Proclamation on Thanksgiving Day, 2019 On Thanksgiving Day, we remember with reverence and gratitude the bountiful blessings afforded to us by our Creator, and we recommit to sharing in a spirit of thanksgiving and generosity with our friends, neighbors, and families.

* THAT’S YOUR TOT Not enough babies are being born to replace the US population as birth rate plunges to 30-year low SHOCKING statistics reveal that not enough babies are being born to replace the US population - as birth rates plunge to a 30 year low.

* Iraqi forces kill 28 protesters after Iranian consulate torched Increasing violence highlights growing tension between protestors and Iranian-backed authorities throughout the country.

* Iran poised to strike US/Israeli targets. US forces gear up for action. USS Lincoln carrier enters the Gulf The US and Iran ramped up their preparations for direct military engagement on Monday, Nov. 25.

* Benny Gantz: We are looking for every way to reach a unity government Gantz spoke during a visit to the Western Galilee in northern Israel to review the security situation, during which he met with local municipality leaders.

* Caroline Glick: Israeli democracy at stake as corrupt prosecutors target Netanyahu for crimes invented to destroy him Ever since Mandelblit gave his "recommendations," he and his comrades have been the only political actors in Israel with any power to speak of.

* Turkey's Erdogan Demands U.N. Establish International Day Against Islamophobia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded in a speech Wednesday that the United Nations and international community establish March 15 as "International Solidarity Day Against Islamophobia."

* No, a European Army Wouldn't Hurt America One of the paradoxes of transatlantic relations is that successive US governments have consistently encouraged Europeans to do more in the area of defense and security, for good reasons.

* NATO Is as Good as Dead When the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was founded some 70 years ago, its first secretary-general, Lord Ismay, famously noted that the purpose of the treaty alliance was "to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down."

* Trump is Europe's Biggest Challenge and 'Prays for the Breakup of the Union', EU Council President says European Union Council President Donald Tusk has identified his namesake President Donald Trump as the greatest challenge facing the European Union, as the bloc grapples with Brexit and Eurosceptic populist parties across the continent.

* France and Germany propose EU overhaul after Brexit upheaval France and Germany put aside bilateral tensions on Tuesday to call for an overhaul of the EU, which has been buffeted over the past decade by a euro zone debt crisis, an influx of migrants and refugees, rising eurosceptic populism and Brexit.

* China Bids to Replace US Influence in the Middle East In what could prove to be a serious challenge to the long-standing hegemony Washington has enjoyed in the region, Beijing is seeking to deepen its commercial ties in the Arab world.

* Archaeologists, architects petition High Court to stop Old City cable car plan Group says caretaker government doesn't have right to sign off on controversial proposal, says visual impact was underestimated and consultations were not thorough.

11/27/19

* Iran poised to strike US/Israeli targets. US forces gear up for action. USS Lincoln carrier enters the Gulf The US and Iran ramped up their preparations for direct military engagement on Monday, Nov. 25.

* Benny Gantz: We are looking for every way to reach a unity government Gantz spoke during a visit to the Western Galilee in northern Israel to review the security situation, during which he met with local municipality leaders.

* Caroline Glick: Israeli democracy at stake as corrupt prosecutors target Netanyahu for crimes invented to destroy him Ever since Mandelblit gave his "recommendations," he and his comrades have been the only political actors in Israel with any power to speak of.

* Turkey's Erdogan Demands U.N. Establish International Day Against Islamophobia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded in a speech Wednesday that the United Nations and international community establish March 15 as "International Solidarity Day Against Islamophobia."

* No, a European Army Wouldn't Hurt America One of the paradoxes of transatlantic relations is that successive US governments have consistently encouraged Europeans to do more in the area of defense and security, for good reasons.

* NATO Is as Good as Dead When the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was founded some 70 years ago, its first secretary-general, Lord Ismay, famously noted that the purpose of the treaty alliance was "to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down."

* Trump is Europe's Biggest Challenge and 'Prays for the Breakup of the Union', EU Council President says European Union Council President Donald Tusk has identified his namesake President Donald Trump as the greatest challenge facing the European Union, as the bloc grapples with Brexit and Eurosceptic populist parties across the continent.

* France and Germany propose EU overhaul after Brexit upheaval France and Germany put aside bilateral tensions on Tuesday to call for an overhaul of the EU, which has been buffeted over the past decade by a euro zone debt crisis, an influx of migrants and refugees, rising eurosceptic populism and Brexit.

* China Bids to Replace US Influence in the Middle East In what could prove to be a serious challenge to the long-standing hegemony Washington has enjoyed in the region, Beijing is seeking to deepen its commercial ties in the Arab world.

* Archaeologists, architects petition High Court to stop Old City cable car plan Group says caretaker government doesn't have right to sign off on controversial proposal, says visual impact was underestimated and consultations were not thorough.

11/26/19

* Tens of Thousands of Jews Celebrate Abraham's Purchase of Hebron, Thank Trump Tens of thousands of Jews from around the world made the pilgrimage to the city of Hebron over the Sabbath to pay homage to the Jewish matriarch Sarah, whose death led to the purchase of a burial plot for her in Hebron, a transaction which was recounted in the weekly Torah portion read during the weekend.

* 'Solid Slaps Are Coming': Iran's General Salami Warns U.S., Israel, and U.K. Are 'Doomed' Iran will wipe out the United States, Israel and the U.K if they cross Tehran's red lines, the head of the country's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Monday in an address to a pro-government rally.

* World War 3: Iran shouts 'Death to UK' - vows to annihilate countries crossing 'red lines' Iran will "annihilate" the UK, US, Israel or any other country which crosses its red lines, Major General Hossein Salami, Commander of the country's elite Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), has warned.

* Could new Netanyahu-Gantz deal prevent third elections? Under new proposal for power-sharing deal, Netanyahu would continue to serve as PM for 6 months, before being replaced by Gantz.

* Palestinians clash with IDF during 'day of rage' over US settlement change Thousands attend rallies across West Bank protesting shift in longstanding American policy, death of cancer-stricken Fatah fighter in Israeli jail; 77 said lightly hurt.

* Iran to Have Nuclear Bomb in a Few Months? This marks a dangerous phase in Iran's nuclear defiance. Tehran is now using a kind of prototype centrifuge that enriches uranium almost 50 times faster.

* Russia hopes to agree new S-400 missile deal with Turkey next year Russia hopes to seal a deal to supply Turkey with more S-400 missile systems in the first half of next year, the head of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport was cited on Tuesday as saying.

* Putin threat: Trump defied as Turkey's S-400 missiles divide NATO Vladimir Putin has infuriated the Donald Trump administration as Turkey announced this week it would test the Russian S-400 missiles, signaling growing cracks in NATO as allies round on President Tayyip Erdogan.

* Is Macron Right? Is NATO Brain Dead? Germany isn't happy but he has a point. What good has the alliance done post-Cold War?

* Scientists Admit: Snakes Once had Legs as Described in Book of Genesis Paleontologists in Argentina reached for their Bibles after finding fossils of snakes with hind legs.

11/25/19

* US General Hints at War With Iran As US Troops Mass on Border The U.S. has been beefing up its military presence surrounding Iran while at the same time strengthening channels of communication with Israeli military brass.

* Netanyahu: Israel to Take all Necessary Actions Against Iranian Aggression Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the country will take all necessary actions to fend off Iranian aggression in the region.

* 'Cross our red lines & be destroyed': Iran's elite IRGC chief warns US, Israel and Saudi Arabia at large pro-govt rally All external foes will be defeated if they make moves against Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander warned at a massive pro-government rally amid protests over fuel price hikes.

* Israel taking credit for attacking Iran in Syria provoked retaliation Former IDF Brig.-Gen. Zvika Haimovich said Israel has to prepare for a multi-directional attack from Iran and its proxies.

* Hezbollah energy threat could send Israel back to biblical times For a country blessed with endless sun and great technology - and obsessed with security - we're sure acting like our decision-makers are in the pockets of the fossil fuel industry.

* Iran Threatens 'Crushing Blow' to U.S, Israel for 'Interference' in Uprisings, Threatens 'Crushing Blow' Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri warned regional countries on Saturday that if it could be proved that they had stoked recent protests in the country, then consequences would ensue.

* Iran and Its Proxies Face the Costs of Imperialism In both Iraq and Lebanon, Shiites are participating in protests against Iranian-backed, Shiite-led governments.

* A US-Iran military front is fast shaping up on the Syrian-Iraqi border - with a role for the IDF As the US military takes up new positions against Iran on the Syria-Iraq border, a major Mid East event seems to be brewing, with a key role for Israel.

* The Jews came as "invaders 70 years ago," no evidence of Jews before then Palestinian Authority policy is to routinely deny the entire Jewish history in the Land of Israel.

* Palestinians gear up for 'day of rage' Tuesday against US settlements policy PLO official says demonstrations will include marches through city centers and speeches by leaders of Palestinian factions.

11/23/19

* 154 U.N. nations call Temple Mount solely by Muslim name Haram al-Sharif EU approves text, but warns it may not do so in the future.

* The Road to an Iranian Attack on Israel Israeli political and military leaders have warned against the possibility of a major military confrontation with Iran, which wants to deter Israel from disrupting its attempts to build military bases in Syria and Iraq and to construct factories in which Hezbollah can convert its huge arsenal of rockets into accurate missiles.

* Netanyahu green-lights advance of Jordan Valley annexation bill Bill, proposed by Likud lawmaker Sharren Haskel, receives extra push from US change of settlement policy.

* Iran's Palestinian Proxies: United Against Israel Iran's Palestinian proxies, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), after last week's round of aggression towards Israel, are said to be at odds with each other.

* Flow of Russian Arms into Middle East Unstoppable November 13 was a busy day in defense diplomacy. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote to Egypt’s defense minister, warning America’s closest Arab ally that it could face sanctions if it proceeded with its purchase of Russian warplanes.

* Report: Houthis warn could hit vital targets deep inside Israel Comments were made by Houthi general at Sana'a conference dubbed as 'Israeli ambitions in Yemen'.

* Syria is an increasingly dangerous chessboard for Iran in the Middle East Iran has so many forces in Syria that in 2018 the US included in its official policy the “removal of all Iranian-led forces and proxies from the country.”

* European Court Applies Double Standard against Israeli Products The Court of Justice of the European Union, the EU's highest court, has ruled that food products made in so-called Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Golan Heights must be specifically labelled as such and may not carry the generic label "Made in Israel."

* How Kanye West put Joel Osteen’s prosperity gospel back under the spotlight A performance by artist Kanye West at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston on Sunday has launched a debate among Christians over controversial prosperity gospel teachings and the role of race in conservative evangelical Christianity.

* Pope Francis Again Welcomes Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to Vatican Pope Francis, the Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb of Al-Azhar of Egypt, and his retinue on Friday was the latest in a series of get-togethers between the two leaders.

11/22/19

* Calls for Netanyahu to Resign After Indictment, He Claims it is a "Coup" Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced the decision on Thursday to indict Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on corruption charges including bribery, breach of trust and fraud.

* Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Indicted on Bribery, Fraud, and Breach of Trust Charges Israel's attorney general on Thursday formally charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a series of corruption cases, throwing the country's paralyzed political system into further disarray and threatening the long-time leader's grip on power.

* Foreign Minister Israel Katz: US must upgrade military threat on Iran Prior to speech at The Jerusalem Post conference, FM Katz only called for sanctions.

* When ISIS Rises Again The group has lost its territory and its leader. But it has survived before - and can do it again.

* Matt Gurney: This seems an odd time for Canada to switch from its nuanced policy on Israel If this is what foreign policy under a Trudeau minority government is going to look like, it's going to be a bleak few years.

* Anti-State of Israel rabbi visits Jewish State after hero's farewell in New York A leading rabbi of a hasidic sect, Satmar, which rejects the existence of the current State of Israel arrived in the Jewish State on Tuesday.

* Trump and the "Settlements": A Preliminary Analysis The Trump administration's decision to repudiate an earlier approach that regarded Israeli communities across the "Green Line" as illegal has been praised and condemned.

* Iran: Hard Times for Ayatollahs It is an irony that not even the most devoted supporters of the ayatollahs can ignore that a country such as Iran, that prides itself on being one of the world's largest oil producers, is unable to produce enough fuel to satisfy the needs of its own population.

* China, Greece And Italy Deepen Economic And Political Relations From a strictly financial and political perspective, Greece's departure from its third bailout from the Eurozone in August last year is viewed by many as effective.

* 3-D Scans Confirm Noah's Ark Buried in Turkish Mountains The Turkish Andalou news service reported that a film crew led by Cem Sertesen, who spent the past 22 years in search of the ark. Certessen released a documentary about finding the ark in 2017.

11/21/19

* Breaking News: A-G: It is my duty by law to indict Benjamin Netanyahu Avichai Mandelblit and his team had been working on drafting the indictments to charge Netanyahu before a third election would begin.

* Report: Houthis warn could hit vital targets deep inside Israel Comments were made by Houthi general at Sana'a conference dubbed as 'Israeli ambitions in Yemen.

* Third Round of Elections on Horizon as Netanyahu, Gantz's Last-Minute Meeting Unfruitful A last-minute effort on Tuesday night by Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a unity government agreement ended with no breakthrough.

* Turkey says talking with Russia over Kurdish YPG in northeast Syria Turkey is discussing with Russia how to address the continued presence of Kurdish YPG militants in areas covered by an agreement between the two countries, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday.

* Houthis threaten Israel as Russia unveils intel on Syria attacks Iran's Yemeni proxy threatens: 'If Israel tries us we'll attack deep in 'occupied territories' with missiles and aircraft.'

* Flow of Russian arms into Middle East unstoppable November 13 was a busy day in defense diplomacy. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote to Egypt's defense minister, warning America's closest Arab ally that it could face sanctions if it proceeded with its purchase of Russian warplanes.

* Israel on war alert for Iranian reprisal after IDF assaults on Al Qods' Syrian bases Iran's military array in and around Damascus was not eradicated as reported but severely damaged by Israel's extensive air strikes early Wednesday, Nov. 20, DEBKAfile reports.

* Making unhappy history, Knesset enters 21-day grace period for forming coalition After Gantz and Netanyahu fail to build government, never-before-used electoral law opens last window for any MK to win majority backing - or new elections will be triggered.

* Major PMW success in Europe: Following lecture by PMW director, Dutch Government to stop all aid to the PA After a lengthy process that started in November 2018 with a lecture in Dutch Parliament by Palestinian Media Watch's director Itamar Marcus and terror attack survivor Kay Wilson, the Dutch Government has announced that it will no longer provide aid to the Palestinian Authority's budget.

* Nato is the only game in town, and it'll be even more vital after Brexit Nato, one of history's more durable alliances, is - not for the first time - about to celebrate a big birthday amid bust-ups between major partners, and questions about its existence.

* Walmart Now Selling 'A Children's Book of Demons' For parents looking to introduce their kids to devil worship, Walmart and Amazon are now selling a new children's book entitled: 'A Children's Book of Demons'.

11/20/19

* BREAKING NEWS: Gantz gives up on forming government Gantz returned the mandate four hours before the midnight deadline.

* Israeli air strikes knock over dozens of Iranian Guards and Syrian army targets Israel fighter jets early Wednesday, Nov. 20 smashed dozens of Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Syrian military targets in Syria - payback for the four-rocket volley against the Golan.

* Israel carries out 'wide-scale strikes' on Iranian forces in Syria Israel says it has hit dozens of targets in Syria belonging to the government and allied Iranian forces.

* Syria is an increasingly dangerous chessboard for Iran in the Middle East Iran has so many forces in Syria that in 2018 the US included in its official policy the "removal of all Iranian-led forces and proxies from the country."

* Trump's Retreat: Implications for Israel President Trump's ill-advised decision to withdraw from Syria should be viewed in the context of two broader developments.

* Pentagon says Iran's missiles unrivaled in Middle East Despite decades of sanctions, Iran has succeeded in developing its missile arsenal, which is larger than that of any other Middle Eastern country including Israel, a Pentagon study said Tuesday.

* Is the PA considering violence in response to US recognition that Israeli settlements are "not inconsistent with international law"?Mahmoud Abbas' Palestinian Authority has announced that it is considering "recommendations to strengthen... home front and the popular resistance."

* Netanyahu: No community should be disqualified PM at meeting of right-wing camp: 'We have historic opportunity to get things we only dreamed of. We must not lose another day'

* Polish PM: questioning NATO treaty a threat to collective defence Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Tuesday any moves to question the collective defense guarantee included in the NATO treaty were a threat to the future of the European Union and the military alliance.

* Jerusalem to host largest-ever event on anti-Semitism; Putin, Macron to attend President Rivlin says 'one of a kind' gathering January in capital will also be attended by presidents of Germany, Italy and Austria and many other leaders.

* How Kanye West put Joel Osteen's prosperity gospel back under the spotlight A performance by artist Kanye West at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston on Sunday has launched a debate among Christians over controversial prosperity gospel teachings and the role of race in conservative evangelical Christianity.

11/19/19

* Netanyahu approves Jordan Valley annexation bill after U.S. changes policy Approval of bill by Netanyahu comes following change in US stance regarding the legality of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

* Netanyahu green-lights advance of Jordan Valley annexation bill Bill, proposed by Likud lawmaker Sharren Haskel, receives extra push from US change of settlement policy.

* 'This is a big step towards sovereignty in Judea & Samaria' 'Trump administration is Israel's best friend'. Gush Etzion chief celebrates US announcement on Israeli towns in Judea and Samaria.

* Turkey says 'no country is above international law' after US backs Jewish settlements Turkey's foreign minister on Tuesday slammed the U.S. government shifting its policy on Israeli settlements which undermines the decades-long efforts for peace between Israel and Palestine.

* Hinting at Third Round of Elections, Netanyahu says Trump's Settlement Declaration: "Meaningless If I'm Not Prime Minister" The Trump administration once again shocked the world by standing strong with their greatest ally, Israel, by declaring that Jews living in Judea and Samaria are not in contravention of international law.

* Erdogan says he told Trump Turkey will not give up Russian S-400s President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he told U.S. President Donald Trump during talks in Washington last week that Turkey would not give up on the Russian S-400 missile defenses it procured this year, despite protests from its NATO ally.

* Iraqi spy chief warns ISIS is rebuilding Senior members of ISIS are plotting mass prison breaks and a resurgence of terror after taking refuge in Turkey, according to the head of Iraqi Military Intelligence.

* Foreign minister blames Iran for rocket fire from Syria After Iron Dome intercepts projectiles in early morning attack, Israel Katz says Israel's efforts to block Iranian presence in the area are working.

* Iran's Palestinian Proxies: United Against Israel Hamas is hardly on its way to transforming itself into a non-violent movement that would uphold Israel's right to exist.

* 'EU can't defend Europe': Stoltenberg takes aim at Macron's 'brain-dead' NATO NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has taken the time to contest the French president's bombshell diagnosis of the bloc, saying that Europe can't rely on the EU alone, and singing the praises of the US.

11/18/19

* 154 U.N. nations call Temple Mount solely by Muslim name Haram al-Sharif The UN gave its preliminary approval to a resolution that referred to the Temple Mount solely by its Muslim name of Haram al-Sharif.

* The Road to an Iranian Attack on Israel Israeli political and military leaders have warned against the possibility of a major military confrontation with Iran, which wants to deter Israel from disrupting its attempts to build military bases in Syria and Iraq and to construct factories in which Hezbollah can convert its huge arsenal of rockets into accurate missiles.

* Muslim Brotherhood and IRGC's dirty dealings revealed in intel leak Documents leaked from the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence show that the IRGC was to be the muscle, while the Brotherhood provided the cover.

* Should America Care That Russia Is Involved In Libya's War? The U.S. has abandoned its partners in the fight against ISIS, and the Russians are capitalizing on the void.

* IDF launches surprise military drill in northern Israel Planes, vehicles and troops set to maneuver in Upper Galilee, Jezreel Valley in general preparedness exercise.

* On Russia and EU enlargement, Macron pushes a radical agenda French President Emmanuel Macron's stark description of the "brain death" of transatlantic military alliance NATO grabbed headlines last week, but his views on Russia and European Union enlargement may well have greater long-term impact.

* European Court Applies Double Standard against Israeli Products The Court of Justice ruling, which effectively encourages the strict French labelling requirements to be applied across the European Union, has been roundly condemned as reflecting the EU's anti-Israel bias.

* Brexit may bring 'real end of the British Empire,' top EU official warns The United Kingdom's looming departure from the European Union may spell the "real end of the British Empire," the head of its governing body warned.

* Russia sets up air base in Qamishli, challenges US/Israeli air force control of northeast Syria The arrival this week in Qamishli of 50 Russian military trucks, 300 troops and hardware confirmed the revised US intelligence regarding Moscow's military intentions in Syria, as DEBKA Weekly 869 first revealed on Nov. 8.

* Pope Francis Again Welcomes Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to Vatican Pope Francis, the Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb of Al-Azhar of Egypt, and his retinue on Friday was the latest in a series of get-togethers between the two leaders.

11/16/19

* Sanhedrin in Final Warning to Iran: Choose Path of King Cyrus Or Die Like Haman After much deliberation, the Sanhedrin has issued a declaration calling on Iran to cast off the false-mantle of ‘Iran’ and return to their Biblically-correct identity as the Persian Empire.

* Palestinians applaud renewal of UNRWA mandate "A big achievement for Palestinian diplomacy and severe blow to US and Israel."

* Saudi Arabia classifies feminism, homosexuality, as a form of extremism Saudi Arabia’s decision to classify feminism, homosexuality and Westernization as a form of extremism comes amid alleged liberalization of the status of women in the Kingdom.

* Iran-Backed Islamic Jihad Declares War on Israel The Times of Israel reports: Palestinian Islamic Jihad declared Tuesday that it was preparing for war with Israel after the IDF carried out a dawn assassination of one of the terror group’s senior leaders in the northern Gaza Strip.

* Giant Statue Of Molech Now Sits At Entrance To The Colosseum In Rome Tourists that visit the Colosseum in Rome these days are getting quite a shock. A gigantic statue of a pagan Canaanite deity known as "Molech" has been erected right at the entrance.

* Hamas: ‘We won’t allow Israel to pick the time and place of each clash’ Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhum further stated that a joint command of all Gaza-based factions was established to jointly decide how to respond in the future to Israeli actions.

* ‘Not anti-Semitic’: Khamenei defines Iran’s goal of ‘wiping out Israel’ Belying Tehran’s relentless threats to ensure ‘nothing left’ of Jewish state, ‘raze’ Tel Aviv and Haifa, leader says aim is to abolish ‘regime,’ get rid of ‘thugs’ like Netanyahu.

* Pope compares politicians who rage against gays to Hitler Pope Francis said on Friday politicians who rage against homosexuals, gypsies and Jews remind him of Hitler.

* Iran Strongly Condemns Israeli Assassination of Palestinian Commander Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman has strongly condemned the Israeli regime’s terrorist attack on Gaza Strip and the assassination of an Islamic Jihad commander.

* Pope Francis urged to REPENT by clergy after participating in ‘idolatrous worship’ of pagan goddess An international group of Catholic priests and scholars have called on Pope Francis to issue a public apology for holding a ritual on Vatican grounds which included the worship of a pagan fertility goddess.

11/15/19

* Senior official: 'Israel didn't agree to halt targeted killings for ceasefire' Official says Islamic Jihad made demand but Jerusalem never accepted; rift reported between terror group's military, political wings over decision to halt combat.

* IDF remains on high alert as rockets threaten cease fire Senior PIJ official claims this was just one round, not the end. PM: 'We can reach everyone, even in their bed'.

* 'Not anti-Semitic': Khamenei defines Iran's goal of 'wiping out Israel' Belying Tehran's relentless threats to ensure 'nothing left' of Jewish state, 'raze' Tel Aviv and Haifa, leader says aim is to abolish 'regime,' get rid of 'thugs' like Netanyahu.

* Pompeo: We'll keep fighting ISIS United States will continue to lead the coalition against ISIS, Secretary of State assures allies.

* Chief Rabbis call for 'defense' of Western Wall Leading Israeli rabbis speak in video calling for public to protect sanctity of Western Wall from 'Women of the Wall organization.'

* Shame on Europe There is no denying that the European Union is engaging in a double standard toward Israel.

* Islamic Jihad's scam: Keep up rocket attacks to attrition Israel. Blame "rogue groups" The Israeli air force struck Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza early Friday, Nov. 15, after several rounds of Palestinian rocket fire blew away the "ceasefire" shortly after it went into effect early Thursday.

* Gaza ceasefire faces real test on Friday at weekly Palestinian border disturbance UN Middle East peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov knew from bitter experience what he was talking about when he said on Thursday, Nov. 14 that the UN and Egypt had "worked hard to prevent the most dangerous escalation in and around Gaza from leading to war" and "the coming hours and days were critical."

* Followers of Rabbi Meir Kahane mark 29 years since assassination Supporters mark 29th anniversary of the assassination of Rabbi Kahane, founder of the Jewish Defense League and Kach party.

* Pope compares politicians who rage against gays to Hitler Pope Francis said on Friday politicians who rage against homosexuals, gypsies and Jews remind him of Hitler.

11/14/19

* Gaza militants fire 5 rockets at Israel hours after cease-fire declared Five rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel just hours after a cease-fire was declared between Israel and Gaza's militant Islamic Jihad group early Thursday morning, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson confirmed.

* IDF Releases Video Warning of Islamic Jihad's Terror Ambitions The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tweeted out a video on Nov. 13 detailing Islamic Jihad's terror ambitions as a background for the recent rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip.

* Iran Strongly Condemns Israeli Assassination of Palestinian Commander Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman has strongly condemned the Israeli regime's terrorist attack on Gaza Strip and the assassination of an Islamic Jihad commander.

* US, Israel Seeking to Consign Palestine Issue to Oblivion: Iran The Iranian president has warned against the US and Israeli policies to relegate the issue of Palestine to oblivion.

* Gaza ceasefire faces real test on Friday at weekly Palestinian border disturbance UN Middle East peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov knew from bitter experience what he was talking about when he said on Thursday, Nov. 14 that the UN and Egypt had "worked hard to prevent the most dangerous escalation in and around Gaza from leading to war" and "the coming hours and days were critical."

* Sovereignty Movement: 2 State Solution would turn country into Judea/Samaria Envelope 'Missile launches toward cities of coastal lowland were never considered in various scenarios until Israel withdrew.'

* Turkey Is In NATO, But It Is No U.S. Ally America and Turkey point fingers at one another as the source of the problem.

* BRICS brings the chance of world change, as the US and EU obsess over internal battles The big outsider nations of the world meet at the BRICS summit as the US and EU face their own struggles, with a chance to reset the global agenda to improve their own economies and standing on the international stage.

* Europe Backs Iranian Nuclear Breakout Tehran shelters members of the terrorist group Al Qaeda, and it is reportedly continuing to facilitate the group's operations.

* Pope Francis urged to REPENT by clergy after participating in 'idolatrous worship' of pagan goddess An international group of Catholic priests and scholars have called on Pope Francis to issue a public apology for holding a ritual on Vatican grounds which included the worship of a pagan fertility goddess.

11/13/19

* Islamic Jihad says not ready for ceasefire; PM: Israel will do what's needed "We will not tolerate attacks on our citizens," Netanyahu said. "In the last year, we accumulated a mass of these attacks."

* IDF: Israeli forces are 'walking a tightrope' to prevent Hamas joining fray Army spokesman says Islamic Jihad is continuing its attacks but 'in a measured way' so as to allow option of restoring calm; rocket count at Israel hits 250 by midday.

* Netanyahu Warns Islamic Jihad Terrorists: 'Stop Attacks or Absorb More Blows' Islamic Jihad terrorists in Gaza must stop rocket attacks or "absorb more and more blows" as an escalation of violence raged for a second day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday.

* IDF warns Islamic Jihad expected to continue fighting 'for several days' Military says 250 projectiles fired since Tuesday, Islamic Jihad 'very confused'.

* Gaza: IDF Continues Assassinations, 3 Top Terrorists Killed, Reserve Units Activated After a barrage of rockets hit Israel on Tuesday following the IDF's assasination of Islamic Jihad terrorist leader Abu Ala-Ata, Palestinian Islamic Jihad has also confirmed the death of a central brigade commander Khaled Farraj by an Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning.

* Jihad turns to using short-range rockets against Israeli locations close to Gaza During Wednesday, Nov. 13, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad withheld use of its long-range rockets against central Israel and instead hammered Israeli locations near the Gaza Strip, causing damage but no casualties.

* "Death to Israel" song on Hamas TV as terrorists' rockets strike Israel Since the early morning, Islamic Jihad terrorists have been firing rockets from the Gaza Strip at Israeli civilian targets following Israel's assassination of senior commander of the Islamic Jihad terror organization in Gaza, Baha Abu Al-Ata.

* EU shops must label products made in Israeli settlements, judges rule, in decision set to anger Israel The European Union's top court ruled Tuesday that shops in EU countries must identify products made in Israeli settlements on their labels, in a decision likely to spark anger in Israel.

* Turkey's Syria operation reveals cracks among Erdogan's political foes Turkey's military incursion in Syria has given President Tayyip Erdogan a bump in opinion polls and exposed potential cracks in an informal political alliance that claimed surprise victories over his ruling party in local elections this year.

* After Bombarding Tel Aviv, Islamic Jihad Now Threatens to Attack Jerusalem A massive barrage of rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel on Tuesday following Israel's overnight assassination of Islamic Jihad leader Abu Al-Ata.

11/12/19

* Palestinian Islamic Jihad: This means war Hamas and the Palestinian Authority also condemned the assassination of their rivals' top terror leader.

* Iran-Backed Islamic Jihad Declares War on Israel The Times of Israel reports: Palestinian Islamic Jihad declared Tuesday that it was preparing for war with Israel after the IDF carried out a dawn assassination of one of the terror group's senior leaders in the northern Gaza Strip.

* Gaza militants fire rockets into Israel after Islamic jihad leader killed Militants in Gaza sent a barrage of at least 50 rockets over the border into Tel Aviv early Tuesday, vowing further revenge after the Israeli military carried out a pair of targeted airstrikes on senior Islamic jihad commanders in Gaza and in Syria.

* Israel is at war with Islamic Jihad. Tehran weighs opening northern fronts as punishment for Al-Atta killing By two targeted assassinations in Gaza and Damascus, Israel on Tuesday, Nov. 12, went to war against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

* Sanhedrin in Final Warning to Iran: Choose Path of King Cyrus Or Die Like Haman After much deliberation, the Sanhedrin has issued a declaration calling on Iran to cast off the false-mantle of 'Iran' and return to their Biblically-correct identity as the Persian Empire.

* The Palestinian Christmas Show In a few weeks' time, the Palestinian Authority (PA) will perform its annual Christmas deception show.

* Exorcisms make a 21st century comeback in Minnesota, U.S. No official data are available, but church leaders say there are more Catholic exorcists in the U.S. today than at any time in recent memory.

* North Macedonia president meets Macron after French veto on EU accession talks The French and North Macedonian presidents are due to meet in Paris on Tuesday, weeks after France blocked the start of EU accession talks for the Western Balkan country.

* Kochavi: IDF is Ready on the Ground, in the Air and at Sea Netanyahu: Gaza Operation will take time; We will hit anyone who hits us.

11/11/19

* Hangars go up in Israel for hundreds of US F-35s, says another unfriendly Russian Defense Dept "leak" Unfriendly leaks relating to Israel, the IDF, its weapons and interaction with the US come from Russian defense department "sources" every few days, causing unease in Jerusalem and the IDF high command.

* Third Israeli elections growing more likely as time running out Gantz has only nine days to put together a coalition before he must return the mandate.

* Poll: Netanyahu Would Beat Gantz in Direct PM Election Latest poll indicates little change in Israeli voting preferences

* 15 settlers, 3 officers injured in West Bank clashes during police raid Israeli security personnel apprehend settler, 21, who defied bar order issued by the IDF.

* New Campaign Demands: Jordan Disconnect from Temple Mount in Exchange for River Island An Israeli student organization called "Students for the Mount" wrote an appeal in Arabic to the Chairman of the Jordanian Parliament, Atef al-Tarawa, demanding that Amman adhere to the peace agreements with Israel signed in 1994, and abandon all of their demands relating to the Temple Mount.

* China in the Middle East: From Observer to Security Player There is much debate both within and without China over whether or not its economic interests in the region will force it to play a more active security/military role in the Middle East.

* Is a Zionist biological bomb poisoning the Middle East? Referring to Israel as "the Zionist enemy," a member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council has claimed that Israel seeks to "incite the world against the Muslims" in order to trigger a war between Jews and Arabs.

* Talks underway on prospective Palestinian Authority elections Talks between the PA leadership and Hamas on the subject of elections have not been held since 2005.

* Assad: 'Israel has conquered our land' Bashar al-Assad says more than 100,000 Syrian troops killed in civil war, blasts Israel for 'conquering' Syrian land.

* Turkey: Hate Speech against Christians and Jews Member of Parliament Garo Paylan hinted that the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not only failed to do enough to prevent hate speech, but actually has been instrumental in spreading it.

11/9/19

* Berlin Wall anniversary: Merkel warns democracy is not 'self-evident' German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned against taking democracy for granted, at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall.

* Neither the US nor Israel knows for sure when Iran will have a nuclear weapon The predictions of US Secretary of State and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday, Nov. 7 that Iran may have a nuclear weapon within a year were more an expression of concern over the reactivation of the under Fordow enrichment site than a forecast based on solid data.

* US races Russia for military positions in NE Syria, including new air bases Exclusive: A large influx of US troops is entering northeastern Syria this month to counter new Russian plans.

* Jerusalem: Israel approves controversial Old City cable car plan A controversial plan to build a cable car network in Jerusalem's Old City to transport visitors to one of Judaism's holiest sites has been approved by Israel's housing cabinet.

* Palestinian Islamic Jihad Agitates for Violence in the Gaza Strip Israel seeks to prevent a powder keg from detonating on the southern border as it prioritizes the more threatening front up north.

* Leading Democrats Call for Conditioning Military Aid to Israel Three leading Democratic presidential candidates recently endorsed a new policy regarding U.S. military aid to Israel: It should be conditioned on Israel embracing policies toward the Palestinians favored by American progressives.

* Germany: Statue of Ronald Reagan Unveiled to Mark Fall of Berlin Wall The U.S. Embassy in Berlin unveiled a statue of Ronald Reagan on Friday at a site overlooking the location of the former president’s iconic speech imploring the Soviet Union to remove the Berlin Wall.

* 'Iran is a threat to the whole world - time to wake up' 'Europe, quit stalling and take action!' says Netanyahu, vowing that Israel will never let Iran acquire nuclear weapons.

* China – not Iran – is the real reason US troops will never leave Iraq Recent developments suggest that the US and its allies have become increasingly wary of China’s expanding influence inside Iraq, even while Washington continuously points out the threat supposedly posed by Iran instead.

* The forgotten mass destruction of Jewish homes during ‘Kristallnacht’ While accounts of the 1938 pogrom have focused largely on the ravaging of synagogues and stores, the attacks on houses destroyed the last refuge for Jews amid rising discrimination.

11/8/19

* Neither the US nor Israel knows for sure when Iran will have a nuclear weapon The predictions of US Secretary of State and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday, Nov. 7 that Iran may have a nuclear weapon within a year were more an expression of concern over the reactivation of the under Fordow enrichment site than a forecast based on solid data.

* The US Disconnect in Syria As outlined at the UN General Assembly, Turkish President Recep Erdogan's plan is to resettle two million Syrian refugees in this "safe zone" at a cost of $53 billion.

* A Strategic View of the Turkish Campaign Against the Kurds In light of recent regional events in general and the Turkish invasion of Syria in particular, Israel needs to reconsider the underlying strategic rationale not only of its covert activities in neighboring countries but also its more overt conduct.

* Naftali Bennett to be Defense Minister, Join Lists with Likud The offer was brought by Netanyahu to Bennett when the two met in Netanyahu's office on Friday morning.

* Germany: Statue of Ronald Reagan Unveiled to Mark Fall of Berlin Wall The U.S. Embassy in Berlin unveiled a statue of Ronald Reagan on Friday at a site overlooking the location of the former president's iconic speech imploring the Soviet Union to remove the Berlin Wall.

* Young Muslim Women Surge to Success in American Elections Politics expert: Women of color are "next generation of leaders".

* Middle East: The Anti-Iran Revolution is Well Underway The nationwide protests taking place in both Arab states [Lebanon and Iraq] are also driven by a burning desire to end Iran's blatant attempts to turn them into de facto fiefdoms of Tehran.

* Watch Russian & Egyptian soldiers take turns downing US & British drones (VIDEO) The Egyptian hosts and their Russian guests took turns manning Egypt's Russian-made air defense systems during a joint military exercise near Cairo.

* Vive la France! Macron trip to China will disappoint EU When French President Emmanuel Macron returns home from his state visit to China today, he may just wonder, as he looks out of his plane's window, "Have I just been played?"

* Pentagon: Revenue from Syria Oil Fields to go to SDF, Not United States Hoffman added that the United States expects Turkey to hold to account any Ankara-backed forces who allegedly commit war crimes in northeast Syria.

11/7/19

* US races Russia for military positions in NE Syria, including new air bases Exclusive: A large influx of US troops is entering northeastern Syria this month to counter new Russian plans.

* Netanyahu:'Iran is a threat to the whole world - time to wake up' 'Europe, quit stalling and take action!' says Netanyahu, vowing that Israel will never let Iran acquire nuclear weapons.

* Fatah: 'We'll defend our holy sites with our blood and souls' Abbas: 'Crucial moment demands every Palestinian present themselves immediately to quickly discuss fate of eternal capital Jerusalem.'

* Hamas Bans Rally to Commemorate Yasser Arafat Fatah and Hamas have been holding indirect negotiations on PA President Mahmoud Abbas's initiative to hold new Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections.

* China Holds Contest to Build Flying 'Iron Man' Military Suit China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) could one day get an "iron man" suit that will provide soldiers with "heavy firepower, special armor, and flying capability," according to a report by the state propaganda outlet Global Times on Wednesday.

* New, venomous fish penetrates Med, threatening local species With no natural predators in the Mediterranean, the beautiful but voracious lionfish - one of 100 alien fish species off Israel's western coast - are reproducing like wildfire.

* Joint medical drill boosts Israel's ties with NATO NATO forces, Israeli Navy, and trauma center from Israel's Rambam Hospital hold joint medical drill in port city of Haifa.

* Mike Pompeo: Iran Positioning Itself for Rapid Nuclear Break-Out "Iran's expansion of proliferation-sensitive activities raises concerns that Iran is positioning itself to have the option of a rapid nuclear breakout," Pompeo said in a statement.

* Historian: New evidence shows FDR's bigotry derailed many Holocaust rescue plans In his book about Franklin Roosevelt and the Holocaust, Rafael Medoff finds links between the US president's anti-Japanese stances and his policies against Jews fleeing Hitler.

* U.S. Zionist Congress 2020 Elections: What are they and why are they so important? Many consider the World Zionist Congress the "parliament of the Jewish people."

11/6/19

* Iran 'closer to making nuclear weapon' in latest breach of landmark deal 'Iran's decision to restart enrichment at Fordow is a very significant and worrying step.'

* Turkey Captures Al-Baghdadi's Wife in Syria - Report "The United States said Baghdadi killed himself in a tunnel. They started a communication campaign about this," Erdogan said.

* Jerusalem: Israel approves controversial Old City cable car plan A controversial plan to build a cable car network in Jerusalem's Old City to transport visitors to one of Judaism's holiest sites has been approved by Israel's housing cabinet.

* Major Rabbis Unite in Decisive Call For All Jews To Return From Exile: "It's Time" In a rare consensus, an impressive array of some of the most prominent rabbis of this generation came together in a declaration saying that there are no longer any valid excuses: Jews must act on the Torah commandment to move to Israel.

* IDF Operations Head: Threat Posed by Iran is Not 'Fear Mongering' Speaking to Finance Ministry's Budget Department Maj.-Gen. Aharon Haliva says next year won't be favorable to Israel.

* Ukraine joining NATO would take world dangerously close to nuclear war Ukrainian membership of NATO would be a brazen provocation that could finally break the back of Moscow's patience.

* US races Russia for military positions in NE Syria, including new air bases Exclusive: A large influx of US troops is entering northeastern Syria this month to counter new Russian plans.

* How Putin Outfoxed Trump, Pence and Erdogan President Donald Trump claimed the entire credit for this outcome. But in reality it was the culmination of a scheme that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been planning since at least January 2019.

* A New Middle East Is Coming The fallout from the September attack on Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil facilities is continuing to reverberate throughout the Middle East, sidelining old enmities - sometimes for new ones - and re-drawing traditional alliances.

11/5/19

* Palestinian Settler-Colonialism The concept of "settler colonialism" has been applied with almost unique vehemence against Israel. But the fact that Jews are the indigenous population of the Southern Levant can be proved with ease.

* Hamas Joins Iranian Plan to Foil Arabs' Anti-Corruption Protests What Iran evidently wants is to see Arabs protesting against the US and Israel -- and against nothing else.

* Weaponizing Impeachment against Political Opponents To be impeached, a president must commit a crime (misdemeanor is a species of crime) and the commission of that crime must also constitute an abuse of office.

* Erdogan Lauds Koranic Harshness Toward Non-Muslims Notwithstanding any limited "support" Turkey may (or may not) have provided the successful U.S. raid which liquidated ISIS's al-Baghdadi, Turkish President Erdogan made some revealing, indeed pathognomonic remarks, during last Friday's (10/25/19) prayers in Istanbul's Great Camlica Mosque.

* Christian Hymn Society Releases 'Queer Hymns' for LGBTQIA2S+ A group known as the Hymn Society has released a collection titled Songs for the Holy Other: Hymns Affirming the LGBTQIA2S+ Community for liturgical use in the United States and Canada.

* Why Kinneret's new record low is good for Israel Israel's largest freshwater reservoir falls by just 23.5 inches during summer - the lowest summer decline on record.

* Timmerman vs. Puder: The U.S. Presence in Syria The physical elimination of the arch-terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS who sought to be the "Emir of the Believers," has made the world a safer place.

* China - not Iran - is the real reason US troops will never leave Iraq Recent developments suggest that the US and its allies have become increasingly wary of China's expanding influence inside Iraq, even while Washington continuously points out the threat supposedly posed by Iran instead.

* Fatah Official: Abbas Won't Seek Reelection In September, Abbas announced in a speech before the United Nations General Assembly that he intends to call for "general elections" in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.

* Colorado Man Accused of Planning to Blow Up Synagogue He is charged with attempting to obstruct a religious exercise by force using explosives and fire.