1/31/20

* Top PA official says Arab response to Trump peace plan disappointing Hussein Al-Sheikh admits Ramallah had hoped position would be 'much better,' frets Arab nations will be a 'dagger in the side' of Palestinians.

* Trump Middle East Plan: Last Chance for the Palestinians? Israel and the future Palestinian state could sign bilateral agreements and cooperate for their mutual benefit in many areas where Israeli expertise is recognized: agriculture, water, scientific research, technology, medicine.

* Palestinians face uphill battle against Trump's Middle East plan When Palestinian leaders learned that the release of U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East plan was imminent, they swiftly announced a "day of rage" - a gritty, oft-used call for resistance against Israel.

* PA cartoon: Trump is Balfour the 2nd - "the one with no ownership" who gives Jerusalem to "the one with no right"Commenting on US President Trump's Middle East peace plan - "the deal of the century" - the PA has referred to Trump as "Balfour the Second."

* A Realistic Two-State Solution The problem with the "two-state solution" - the creation of a sovereign independent Palestinian state west of the Jordan River - is that a Palestinian state already exists east of the Jordan River.

* Why are Arab states 'divided' in the face of the US-Israeli plan? Several countries facing social and economic upheaval and a perceived threat from Iran fail to challenge Trump's plan.

* Israeli forces ready for possible violence amid Palestinian outrage over peace plan Israeli security services are preparing their forces to confront an outbreak of possible violence Friday as Palestinians continue to express outrage over the release of the Trump administration's Mideast peace plan.

* Report: Netanyahu to hold off on immediate annexation due to pressure from US Netanyahu repotedly will postpone plans to annex parts of Judea and Samaria in response to messages from the White House.

* Top Remainer Tony Blair says the UK must now 'make the best of' Brexit as he blames Britain's departure from the EU on the 'mind-boggling ineptitude' of Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour leadership Tony Blair has been one of the most senior voices campaigning against Brexit.

* 'God puts people in places, including Trump,' says US Ambassador to Israel The Trump administration peace plan preserves Israel sovereignty and offers Palestinians an opportunity to leave in peace and prosperity, David Friedman said.

1/30/20

* Fearing riots, police to beef up presence on Temple Mount during Friday prayers Move comes amid tensions following Trump peace plan, and after officers arrest two armed men on suspicion they were planning a stabbing attack at the holy site.

* Iran's Quds Force vows to oppose Trump's 'Deal of the Century' Tehran monitors Palestinian Islamic Jihad's work with Hamas and the response to Trump in Gaza and the West Bank.

* Iraq, Syria Oppose Trump's Middle East Peace Plan, Creating Further Tensions Where U.S. Troops Deployed Iraq and Syria, two Middle Eastern powers where U.S. troops are deployed in active combat zones, have come out against President Donald Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, further raising questions about Washington's foreign policies at a time of heightened tensions across the region.

* President Rouhani Raps Trump's 'Most Despicable Plan of Century' Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has condemned US President Donald Trump's so-called 'peace plan' for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as 'the most despicable plan of the century.'

* 'Israel's Reaction to Trump Deal Mirrors Book of Ezra Right Before Temple Construction' Yehuda Glick says Rabbi Yehudah Glick, founder of the Shalom Jerusalem Foundation, reacted to U.S President Donald Trump's 'Deal of the Century' comparing the mixed reactions of the nation of Israel to that of the Jewish people during the days of the Prophet Ezra.

* After Trump's plan, what options do Palestinian leaders have? Palestinian Authority says it will go to United Nations, as analysts warn leaders must take action soon.

* Palestinians: Abbas Chooses Hamas Over Peace with Israel Hamas and Iran have no plans to boost the economy in the Gaza Strip.

* A Historic Opportunity That Must Be Seized Regardless of the ambiguities and open questions attending President Trump's "Deal of the Century," Israel clearly stands at a historic juncture and must decide what to make of this one-time opportunity.

* US envoy tells Jewish leaders a Palestinian state won't happen in near future In closed-door briefing, David Friedman says it will take 'considerable amount of time' for the Palestinians to achieve statehood under terms of Trump peace plan.

* Netanyahu in Moscow to Discuss U.S. Mideast Peace Plan The Israeli prime minister came to Moscow on Thursday to discuss the U.S. Mideast peace plan and take an Israeli woman who had been jailed in Russia back home.

1/29/20

* After Trump deal unveiled, Jordan warns of 'new reality' on Temple Mount Statement from Islamic Affairs Ministry in Amman does not directly mention US plan that calls for allowing members of all faiths to pray at the site.

* Trump's 'deal of the century' is about ignoring Palestinian rights & legitimizing Israel's occupation - Turkish President Erdogan Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blasted a plan for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict presented by Donald Trump, saying the proposal is a blatant attempt to 'legitimize Israel's occupation' of Palestinian territories.

* U.S. sees no imposed change to 'status quo' around Al-Aqsa mosque A U.S. proposal for Israeli-Palestinian peace does not call for imposing any change to prayer arrangements around a key Jerusalem mosque compound which was also the site of ancient Jewish temples, a U.S. official said on Wednesday.

* Iran's Kahmeini vows 'satanic' US peace plan will not be realized Supreme leader calls Trump proposal for solving Israeli-Palestinian conflict 'evil,' says 'Jewishization' of Jerusalem is 'unwise'.

* 'Trump's Peace Deal is Akin to Decree of King Cyrus Paving Path For Third Temple' says Israeli Politician While people on both the Arab and the Israeli side are still considering the possible implications of President Trump' 'Deal of the Century' revealed on Tuesday, one insightful Israeli declared it to be "the declaration of Cyrus in our time."

* Arab Israelis reject Trump's 'transfer' plan Several Arab citizens, community leaders and politicians condemned the talk about placing their cities and villages under Palestinian control as racist and dangerous.

* Fatah threatens anyone supporting the deal of the century - in song on Fatah Facebook Yesterday, when US President Trump revealed his Middle East peace plan - the deal of the century - Abbas' Fatah posted a song that threatens anyone who supports and follows the plan.

* Trump's Realpolitik Approach to Middle East Peace The Trump administration's approach to the issue of peace in the Middle East differs from that of previous US administrations in that it is based on facts on the ground as they have evolved over time.

* White House releases the map of Palestinian state under Trump peace plan High-tech manufacturing site, residential and agricultural area to be added to Gaza under Trump's vision.

* This peace plan comes with a map, why is this significant? - analysis What is significant, is that this is the first time any plan has come with an actual map.

1/28/20

* Palestinians, Jewish settlers up in arms against Trump Middle East peace plan Settler leaders say 'very concerned' with Deal of the Century as Gaza rallies against Trump peace plan.

* Trump peace plan gives Israel chunks of West Bank, creates Palestinian state 50-page political outline calls for four-year settlement freeze, but leaves many settlements intact, US officials say

* Trump to reveal 'Deal of the Century' map US President Donald Trump will release his peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians on Tuesday and for the first time publicize a map outlining the borders of a proposed Palestinian state.

* Rivals Hamas, PA hold 'emergency' meeting to strategize against Trump plan In a call for unity on the eve of President Trump's Mideast peace plan, the leaders of the Palestinian Authority and Hamas will be holding an "emergency" meeting on Tuesday in Ramallah to discuss a unified strategy in response.

* Trump's Middle East peace plan: High stakes and low chances Hopes for peace between Israel and the Palestinians exist in a world that is stuck between the darkest hours of the night and a bright and false dawn.

* IDF sends more troops to Jordan Valley ahead of Trump plan release No other reinforcements posted to West Bank, but military says it is conducting constant assessments amid fears of violence in response to so-called Deal of the Century.

* Messiah's Gate of Mercy Being Used as Sanctuary for Terrorists Palestinian media posted a video of Israeli police entering the underground area adjacent to the Gate of Mercy, clearly showing that the area has been modified and now features a stage constructed on the southern wall for ritual purposes.

* PLO calls for terror against Trump's deal: "Escalate the resistance and the struggle... in all its forms" In anticipation of the revelation of US President Trump's Middle East peace plan - the so-called "deal of the century" - the PLO, the PA, and Fatah are emphasizing their rejection of the still unknown plan.

* Trump Pushes Netanyahu to Expand Biblical Borders of Israel as Commanded in Deuteronomy As Trump's 'Deal of the Century' is about to be revealed, the president's political largesse towards Israel might be the pathway for Prime Minister Netanyahu to fulfill his destined role; to lead Israel in fulfilling God's commandment to conquer the land.

* Yesha Council chair: 'Shocked that PM agreed to Palestinian state in Judea, Samaria' Yesha leaders, now in Washington, demand PM refuse deal entailing establishment of Palestinian state - even at the expense of sovereignty.

* Missing you already - how Brexit tilts EU political alliances Britain's exit from the EU is reshaping the balance of power in Europe, removing one of the bloc's two big military powers and one of the top contributors to its budget.

1/27/20

* Trump to unveil Israeli borders map for first time in peace-plan rollout US President Donald Trump's plan for Israel and the Palestinians is a chance for peace, he said upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's arrival in the White House on Monday.

* Trump's Mideast peace plan will be 'historic': Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said he expected US President Donald Trump's peace plan for the Middle East to be "historic" ahead of a trip to Washington.

* Long line of Israeli-Palestinian peace bids precede Trump push U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to present to Israeli leaders details of his long-delayed peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians on Monday.

* Palestinians decry Trump peace plan before he meets Israeli leaders U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to disclose details of his Middle East peace plan to Israeli leaders on Monday as Palestinian officials decried it as a bid "to finish off" the Palestinian cause.

* Israeli Security Forces Brace for Violent Riots Ahead of Trump's Peace Plan Reveal The Israeli military has been placed on alert in anticipation of the release of U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan, currently scheduled for Tuesday.

* Islamic State group pledges to attack Israel in new-released audio message 'In the coming days, God willing you will see what harms you,' IS launches warning.

* Washington on tenterhooks for "dramatic event" re Arabs and Israel during Netanyahu visit The "dramatic event" kept under close wraps appears to be some breakthrough in Israel-Arab ties that will be revealed during PM Binyamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House this week.

* The Jordan Valley Is Not Up for Negotiation The Jordan Valley, in its full scope and broadest definition, is essential to Israel's national security.

* Prince Charles Praises Iranians, Says Willing to Visit Iran The heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, has told the Sunday Times newspaper he would like to make an official visit to Iran.

* Official PA TV: 'Israel building "the alleged Temple" under Al-Aqsa Mosque Official PA TV reporter: 'There is construction work taking place under Al-Aqsa Mosque to build alleged Temple of Solomon..."

1/25/20

* Holocaust forum: Netanyahu urges world to unite to confront Iran Israel's prime minister has vowed that "there will not be another Holocaust" in a speech at a forum in Jerusalem marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp.

* World Holocaust Forum events set to start with leaders of 49 countries The official events of the Fifth World Holocaust Forum are set to begin on Wednesday night, with a dinner at the President’s Residence.

* 'Deal of the century?': Donald Trump set to unveil peace plan ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu meeting Next Tuesday - as their respective legislatures debate their alleged crimes or misdemeanours - Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu will be trying to look statesman-like at the White House.

* Putin and Abbas meet in Bethlehem, discuss Deal of the Century Putin praised Palestinian-Russian relations and expressed readiness to cooperate with and support Palestine. He invited Abbas to the Victory March in Moscow in May.

* Al-Aqsa preacher: Jerusalem will soon be capital of global caliphate The crowd cheered as Nidhal “Abu Ibrahim” Siam called upon them to wage Jihad and seek martyrdom.

* Turkey deploys 2,000 troops to Libya to Reestablish Muslim Caliphate with Jerusalem as Capital A new military incursion into Libya is part of a long-awaited dream by Turkish President Erdogan to return the Ottoman Caliphate, a global Islamic rule that subjugated Jews and Christians for six centuries.

* Russia and Turkey have one goal over Libya – undermining Europe’s influence While the US and Arab states might be at the table too, Moscow and Ankara will want the EU to have as little as possible to do with any resolution to the conflict in the country

* Hebzollah Chief: “Kill Every American Soldier in the Middle East” Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah has been broadcasting provocative speeches from his bunker in Beirut for more than 10 years.

* Erdogan's Bold Plan for a New Muslim Brotherhood Regime in Libya Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's decision to intervene militarily in the Libyan conflict not only raises the prospect of the conflict entering a new and more dangerous phase; it also promises to provide a significant boost for the Islamist militias that are vying to take control of the country and establish a Muslim Brotherhood-style government in Tripoli.

* Iran Could Pursue a Nuclear Weapon to Restore Deterrence Lost in Suleimani Strike Iran may want to create the idea that there’s a risk—however minimal—it could use a nuclear weapon. 

* Netanyahu & Gantz invited to White House for Trump unveiling of Mid-East peace plan After numerous delays, President Donald Trump is to unveil the “Deal of the Century” – his Middle East Peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians – next week.

1/24/20

* 'Deal of the century?': Donald Trump set to unveil peace plan ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu meeting Next Tuesday - as their respective legislatures debate their alleged crimes or misdemeanours - Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu will be trying to look statesman-like at the White House.

* Trump's peace plan may polarize the Middle East it seeks to calm As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to host Israeli leaders in Washington to reveal details of his long-delayed Middle East peace plan, Palestinians warned on Friday that no deal could work without them on board.

* Putin and Abbas meet in Bethlehem, discuss Deal of the Century Putin praised Palestinian-Russian relations and expressed readiness to cooperate with and support Palestine. He invited Abbas to the Victory March in Moscow in May.

* With Putin's Proposed Changes, Russia Begins Its Transition to One-Party Rule Vladimir Putin's proposed changes to the Russian constitution portend a shift toward one-party rule and lay out a framework by which he can continue to be a major power broker well beyond the end of his presidential tenure in 2024.

* Israeli forces brace for potential Temple Mount riots ahead of peace plan rollout The Hamas group, which controls the Gaza Strip, slammed leaked details Donald Trump's peace plan.

* Gaza developments portend military escalation with Israel It took only two weeks for the first exchange of fire of 2020 between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

* Would Israel Use Nuclear Weapons To Finish Iran, Once And For All? The most obvious scenario for Israel to use nuclear weapons would be in response to a foreign nuclear attack.

* Johnson And Putin: Brexit Britain Meets Resurgent Russia, And They Don't Get On The 2018 poisoning of a former Russian double-agent and his daughter continues to overshadow U.K.-Russia relations.

* Netanyahu & Gantz invited to White House for Trump unveiling of Mid-East peace plan After numerous delays, President Donald Trump is to unveil the "Deal of the Century" - his Middle East Peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians - next week.

* Breaking precedent, Trump to attend Washington anti-abortion march Donald Trump will become the first U.S. president to attend the annual "March for Life" to be held in Washington on Friday, organizers said, underscoring his outspoken support for the anti-abortion movement as it celebrates key legislative gains.

1/23/20

* Speeches -yes, but no collective declaration on antisemitism from 50 world leaders at the Auschwitz liberation anniversary in Jerusalem For Israel, the gathering of dozens of world leaders, kings, presidents and prime ministers in Jerusalem on Jan. 23, for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau was a larger-than-expected diplomatic event.

* Kantor: Holocaust Forum gives the Jewish People around the world hope World Holocaust Forum President Dr. Moshe Kantor: With current levels of emigration there could be no Jewish communities in Europe by 2050.

* Most Americans know what Holocaust was; don't know 6 million Jews were killed Major Pew survey finds fewer than half of US adults know how Hitler came to power, other Shoah-related specifics; situation is even worse among teens (but not young adults).

* Putin to receive 'Friends of Zion Award' in Jerusalem The award, commissioned by Israel's ninth president Shimon Peres, will be presented to Putin on behalf of the Russian republic, which saved scores of Jewish people during World War II.

* Holocaust forum: Netanyahu urges world to unite to confront Iran Israel's prime minister has vowed that "there will not be another Holocaust" in a speech at a forum in Jerusalem marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp.

* Hebzollah Chief: "Kill Every American Soldier in the Middle East" Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, chief of Tehran's Lebanese proxy terror group Hezbollah, made a speech earlier this month encouraging the killing of every American soldier and officer in the Middle East.

* The EU Needs to Take Tougher Stance Towards Iran's Mullahs It is worth noting that, the EU did announce a positive step.

* EU to add vetting of climate results to fiscal monitoring The European Commission will this year begin to assess the green transition of EU states as part of its monitoring of national budgets, a top official said, in a new sign of the bloc's commitment to meet ambitious climate goals.

* Erdogan's Bold Plan for a New Muslim Brotherhood Regime in Libya The concern now is that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will use the failure of international mediators to end the fighting to intensify his support for the GNA, thereby strengthening the position of the numerous Islamist militias that are backing the UN-backed body.

* 'Christian Birthright' Accused of Snubbing Prophetic Return Of Jews To Judea-Samaria Both Jewish and Christian critics of a popular program that brings Christian college students to Israel accuse the program of presenting their participants with an unbalanced view of the region, focusing on the Palestinian narrative at the expense of the prophetic return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel.

1/22/20

* World Holocaust Forum events set to start with leaders of 49 countries "I welcome the leaders from around the world who are coming here, to Jerusalem, to mark with us 75 years to the liberation of Auschwitz," he said.

* Macron, meeting Netanyahu, says Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons President Emmanuel Macron said France was determined Iran would never gain a nuclear weapon but it wanted to avoid any military escalation in the Middle East, after he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.

* Iran tells Europe not to follow U.S. by undermining nuclear pact Iran's president told European powers on Wednesday not to copy the United States by undermining Tehran's strained nuclear pact with world powers, and said Tehran would not seek nuclear weapons whether or not the deal survived.

* Iran Could Pursue a Nuclear Weapon to Restore Deterrence Lost in Suleimani Strike Iran may want to create the idea that there's a risk-however minimal-it could use a nuclear weapon. But it would be just enough of a risk to restrain its adversaries.

* PA: Kill Jews to save the world; Jpost op-ed by Itamar Marcus This week's marking of International Holocaust Remembrance Day must be both a commemoration of the past as well as a beacon for the future.

* Netanyahu: Together with Trump Administration, We'll Extend Sovereignty over All Settlements Prime Minister Netanyahu on Tuesday said with the help of the Trump administration, he would extend Israeli sovereignty over all settlements in the West Bank settlements.

* US said to oppose Israeli annexation of Jordan Valley before peace plan rollout Hinting at potential future support for such a step, US officials tell Israeli TV that Jerusalem is aware of Trump's opposition to any unilateral moves ahead of release of proposal.

* The Rift Between Turkey and America Has Paved the Way for Russia's Rebound Once bitter rivals, Russia and Turkey have seen their relationship rebound over the past few years.

* Beware the Fool's Gold of Diplomacy The killing of Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike, and Iran's accidental downing of a Ukrainian commercial airliner, have both humiliated the mullahs and exposed their lethal incompetence.

* Turkey deploys 2,000 troops to Libya to Reestablish Muslim Caliphate with Jerusalem as Capital A new military incursion into Libya is part of a long-awaited dream by Turkish President Erdogan to return the Ottoman Caliphate, a global Islamic rule that subjugated Jews and Christians for six centuries.

1/21/20

* Netanyahu Ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day: 'Jews Will Never, Ever Again Be Defenseless' Ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew a comparison between the Holocaust and Iran's nuclear program.

* Don't rehabilitate anti-Semitism, Rivlin warns as European, world leaders fly in In interview with Times of Israel ahead of major Auschwitz commemoration, president says world must guarantee Jews can live full, free Jewish lives: 'We will never settle for less'.

* Defense Minister Naftali Bennett: 'We're fighting for the Land of Israel' Bennett responds to comments by PA premier: 'We will settle this land and apply sovereignty to it.'

* "The Muslims have the absolute right" to the Western Wall - PA denial of Jewish history persists A filler between programs on official PA TV taught Palestinian viewers that the most holy site for Jews - the Western Wall - belongs only to Muslims.

* The Killing of Soleimani Will Not Stop Iranian Aggression The killing by the US of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani will not temper Tehran's intention to continue its aggressive regional policy, either directly or through its proxy organizations.

* Iran warns that 'freedom fighters' worldwide will avenge Soleimani's killing 'Our enemy understands no language but force & therefore, we should stand against them strongly,' Ghaani said.

* Israel, United Kingdom building 'new strategic relationship' The Brexit referendum and ensuing uncertainty has seemingly not dampened the trading spirit, with Israel becoming the first country to sign a post-Brexit continuity trade agreement with the UK.

* Top Italian Politician: If I Win Elections, I will Recognize Jerusalem. Is He Opening to Messiah at the Gate of Rome? Italian politician Matteo Salvini said in an interview that if his party wins in the next elections, he intends to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

* Russia and Turkey have one goal over Libya - undermining Europe's influence While the US and Arab states might be at the table too, Moscow and Ankara will want the EU to have as little as possible to do with any resolution to the conflict in the country.

* Who will monitor a Libya cease-fire? The EU's top diplomat has hailed the Berlin talks on Libya as a major success for German foreign policy.

1/20/20

* Vladimir Putin's chilling Soviet Union revival plan in Middle East revealed Vladimir Putin has become the power broker in the Middle East following months of chaotic clashes between US President Donald Trump and the region's leaders.

* Russian sources: Moscow gave Iran the high precision tech for missiles that struck US bases in Iraq The high precision technology accounting for the astonishing accuracy of Iran's missile strike on the US Ain Al Asad air base in Iraq on Jan. 8 came from Moscow, say Russian media quoting local military sources.

* The "Democratic Bloc" of the Eastern Med Cements Its Friendship 2020 is expected to be another year of fruitful cooperation for Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, which are working together to counter rising instability caused by Turkey.

* Boris Johnson tells Putin there will be no normalisation of UK-Russia relationship until 'destabilising activity' ends Boris Johnson has told Vladimir Putin there will be no normalisation of the relationship between the UK and Russia until the latter country brings an end to its "destabilising activity".

* Al-Aqsa preacher: Jerusalem will soon be capital of global caliphate The crowd cheered as Nidhal "Abu Ibrahim" Siam called upon them to wage Jihad and seek martyrdom.

* Turkey Alone Cannot Save Its Allies in Libya's Civil War Squeezed by an army on the advance, Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) has reached for a lifeline across the Mediterranean in Ankara, which is planning to send special forces, drones and other assistance to Tripoli.

* 'Secret' River Discovered Connecting Jerusalem to Dead Sea A previously unknown river in the Israeli wilderness was revealed to the world on Sunday night.

* Turkey's Erdogan: Europe must back Libyan govt in Tripoli Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says European Union must support the internationally recognized Libyan government in Tripoli.

* New China virus: Cases triple as infection spreads to Beijing and Shanghai The number of people infected with a new virus in China tripled over the weekend, with the outbreak spreading from Wuhan to other major cities.

* Pope Francis Ties Rise in Antisemitism to Growth of Populism Addressing a delegation from the Simon Wiesenthal Center in the Vatican, the pontiff offered a systematic, "connect-the-dots" thought experiment tying selfishness to anger, anger to populism, populism to hatred, and hatred to antisemitism.

1/18/20

* Supreme Court Allows Muslims to Build Mosque on Temple Mount As if the massive Al-Aksa Mosque wasn’t enough, Israel’s Supreme Court has rejected a petition by the Regavim movement to prevent the construction of a mosque at the Gate of Mercy on the Temple Mount reports 0404.

* Palestinian “Prayer Rally” at Temple Mount Turns Into Violent Riot When North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s special armored railcar pulled into Russia’s Vladivostok Station on April 24 after a nine-Hamas called for mass “prayer rallies” on Friday at the Al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem but the Islamic prayers quickly deteriorated into violent riots.

* Fatah threatens burning of Jewish towns The repeating theme of Fatah’s numerous public events this year commemorating its first terror attack against Israel on January 1, 1965, and marking Fatah’s anniversary, was that Fatah was the first to use terror and that Fatah has not stopped and will not stop using terror.

* Palestinians hope Putin’s visit means bigger Russian role in peace process The Palestinian Authority is getting ready to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bethlehem Jan. 23. Putin is scheduled to meet with President Mahmoud Abbas and visit the Church of the Nativity and the President Putin Palestinian Organization for Culture and Economy, Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal told Al-Monitor.

* Israel: Iran to Go Full Nuclear by December IDF intelligence reported that Iran will have enough uranium for a nuclear warhead by the end of year but President Trump is leading a multinational effort to prevent this from happening.

* King of Jordan says ISIS on the rise, warns thousands of fighters moved to Libya from Syria’s Idlib, spelling more trouble for EU Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) is once again on the rise in the Middle East, King Abdullah of Jordan has warned, adding that “thousands” of fighters moved from Syria to Libya – bringing the whole problem even closer to Europe.

* King Abdullah: Annexation talk absence of gov’t harms Israel-Jordan ties Jordan's King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein spoke with France24 this week about the West Bank annexation and US President Donald Trump's "Deal of the Century."

* PA up in arms after EU conditions aid on severing ties with terror groups The Palestinian Authority has launched a campaign to annul a new E.U. funding stipulation, claiming that the “struggle” against Israel is not terrorism, and that Palestinian institutions and organizations on the E.U. terror list are “political parties.”

* Trump warns Khamenei to be ‘careful with his words’ following Tehran sermon Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that a full-scale war in the broader Middle East would be a global “catastrophe” and said he hopes it won’t happen.

* Get ready for the end of the EU as we know it, says Ivan Krastev US president mocks Iranian supreme leader, writes in support of the ‘noble people of Iran,’ after Khamenei attacks America and Europe in speech.

1/17/20

* Palestinian "Prayer Rally" at Temple Mount Turns Into Violent Riot Hamas called for mass "prayer rallies" on Friday at the Al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem but the Islamic prayers quickly deteriorated into violent riots.

* Disturbances on Temple Mount during Friday prayers at al-Aqsa On Thursday, Hamas called for Palestinians to protest against Israeli "violations" at religious sites in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

* America Avoided War With Iran, But World War III Could Still Happen In These 5 Places As the United States enters an election year, prospects for global stability remain uncertain.

* Iran can take fight beyond its borders, Khamenei says in rare sermon In his first Friday prayers sermon in eight years, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also told thousands of Iranians who chanted "Death to America!" that European powers could not be trusted.

* World War 3 threat: How Israel came within minutes of attacking Iran WORLD WAR 3 fears begun when the US ordered a deadly drone strike upon the top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani a few weeks ago, a move since backed primarily by Israel - but Israel was actually on the cusp of officially declaring war against the Iran itself back in 2010, according to unearthed reports.

* 5 reasons why US-Europe tensions will grow in the 2020s - and how to stop it The United States's strike on an Iranian commander opened another rift with its European allies.

* Is the Sahel Region Becoming a New "Islamic State"? Even if violent attacks are now mostly concentrated around the border of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, the unstable area subject to terrorism covers a huge area -- equivalent to half of Europe or the United States -- and is spread over five countries....

* France Sending Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier to Middle East France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is being tasked with a support role in the Middle East to back the country's military operations in the region, President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday.

* Enemy of my enemy is my friend? Greek 'forces' ready to deploy to Libya after Turkish troops set out to reinforce Haftar rivals Just days after Turkey vowed "to teach a lesson" to Libya's strongman General Haftar, Greece - still at odds with Ankara - told him that it could send in some "forces," tasked with observing a truce and "removal of mercenaries."

* 'Days of God': A look at Iran's mounting crises Islamic Republic reeling from US killing Soleimani to shooting down a Ukrainian airliner, while dealing with sanctions, protests and an economic meltdown.

1/16/20

* Hamas calls for mass attendance at Al-Aqsa, Cave of the Patriarchs prayers The Fajr prayers, the first ones of the day before sunrise, are being held to protest 'Israeli judaization schemes' at religious sites in the West Bank, including the Temple Mount.

* Lethal PA libel alive and kicking One of the most lethal recurring Palestinian Authority libels accuses Israel of planning to destroy and defile the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

* Hamas Calls for Mass Prayer Rallies at Temple Mount, Cave of the Patriarchs Hamas is calling for mass prayer rallies on Friday at the Al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the Ibrahimi Mosque in the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron and other mosques in Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip in protest against "Israeli Judaization schemes" at the two sites.

* President Rouhani:'Iran enriching even more uranium now than it was before nuclear deal' President Rouhani boasts that Iranian nuclear program has expanded, is now enriching more uranium than it was before 2015 nuclear deal.

* Iranian Government is Heading for 'Final Implosion' and Americans Must Help Overthrow the Regime, Shah's Son Says Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah of Iran, has called on Americans and their representatives to help the Iranian people overthrow the regime in Tehran as its leaders grapple with anti-government protests.

* Mastermind is dead, but Iran's use of proxies far from over The US government says it killed Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani to prevent an "imminent threat" of Iran-orchestrated attacks.

* The Palestinians and Europe's Secret Agenda The foreign media and human rights organizations seem quite uninterested in Palestinians who are arrested or tortured to death by PA security forces.

* Brexit is a 'wake-up call' for Europe, says Angela Merkel German chancellor makes veiled comment that leaving the EU could lead to the UK losing international influence.

* Putin fast-tracks effort to extend his rule in Russia President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fast-tracked work on constitutional changes that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024 while lawmakers quickly sealed his choice for new prime minister.

* Almost 40% of the world's countries will witness civil unrest in 2020, research claims Almost a quarter of the world's countries witnessed a surge in protest and unrest last year and that figure is set to rise further in 2020, according to a new study.

1/15/20

* Iran warning puts thousands of European troops in spotlight European countries have thousands of troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, where they mainly operate alongside much larger U.S. deployments.

* Jordan's King warns of Israeli annexation, 'untold chaos' of possible US-Iran war Abdullah made the remarks to European lawmakers on the tensions boiling across the Middle East.

* Russian PM, government resign after Putin announces changes to keep him in power Medvedev says he'll provide the president with all the support he needs to enact constitutional reforms to cement his hold for years.

* Iran warns of 'strong response' if EU imposes sanctions Iran's foreign ministry fires back after EU signatories to nuclear deal launch dispute mechanism which could lead to sanctions.

* World War 3 predictions: Where would WW3 be fought? Is there going to be a WW3? WORLD WAR 3 fears have been triggered once again in 2020 after European nations triggered a formal dispute process over Iran's breaches of the 2015 nuclear deal.

* Israel: Iran to Go Full Nuclear by December IDF intelligence reported that Iran will have enough uranium for a nuclear warhead by the end of year but President Trump is leading a multinational effort to prevent this from happening.

* How Putin was thrown off course by a furious Libyan general Khalifa Haftar was expecting the Kremlin red carpet. Instead he was cooped up in a Russian Foreign Ministry reception building hoping for an audience with Vladimir Putin.

* Yes, Even With the Purges, Turkey's Military Is a Beast to Be Feared Ankara weakened its military through repeated purges after a failed coup in 2016, but its forces remain formidable.

* Erdogan's 'Make-Turkey-More-Islamic' Campaign Is a Failure Half the population of Turkey is under the age of 32 -- a young population. Many of these young Turks are, it seems, pushing back against Erdogan's state-imposed Islamization.

* Disney Introduces: 'Demon' who Trains Children to be Witches A new Disney animated television series released by Disney Television Animation on Friday has many parents concerned that the House that Mickey Mouse Built has transitioned into giving children a bizarre pro-demon and witchcraft message.

1/14/20

* Boris Johnson suggests 'Trump deal' to replace Iran nuclear deal Under the deal brokered in 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed with China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the US, to restrict its nuclear program.

* King of Jordan says ISIS on the rise, warns thousands of fighters moved to Libya from Syria's Idlib, spelling more trouble for EU Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) is once again on the rise in the Middle East, King Abdullah of Jordan has warned, adding that "thousands" of fighters moved from Syria to Libya - bringing the whole problem even closer to Europe.

* Iran, Hizballah gird up for guerilla, rocket attacks on US forces in Iraq, rockets against Israel After recovering from the fallout of the Ukrainian jet disaster, Tehran will revert to its plan of assault on US bases across the Middle East, starting in Iraq.

* Jordan Makes Thinly Veiled Threat Against Israel Jordanian King Abdullah II said he believes that after years of speculation, U.S. President Donald Trump will present a peace plan regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East, and hopes that his country and the rest of the world will view the glass as "half-full."

* EU states trigger dispute process with Iran for breaches of nuclear deal 'Dispute mechanism' over Tehran's walking back of commitments to 2015 pact allows 2 weeks for resolution of problems ahead of possible sanctions, although period can be extended.

* PA up in arms after EU conditions aid on severing ties with terror groups The Palestinian Authority has launched a campaign to annul a new E.U. funding stipulation, claiming that the "struggle" against Israel is not terrorism, and that Palestinian institutions and organizations on the E.U. terror list are "political parties."

* China Is Destroying Multilateralism; Trump Is Creating a New Order If Wang Binyang is selected in March, she will be able to bend international rules to favor her country's assault on others' technology.

* Iran warns against 'destructive measures,' promises firm response as EU trio starts nuclear deal 'non-compliance' investigation Iran will firmly respond to anyone acting to damage the 2015 nuclear deal, but welcomes "good faith" measures to save it, the foreign ministry said as three EU signatories triggered a non-compliance investigation against Tehran.

* Jewish, Iranian groups demand Canada list Iran military force as terrorist group Leaders from Canada's Iranian and Jewish communities have given the federal government 30 days' notice to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in its entirety as a terrorist organization, B'nai Brith Canada, a senior human rights advocacy organization, said in a press release.

* Sanhedrin Meets With Representative of 'Ten Lost Tribes': Launches Efforts to Return them to Israel In its effort to establish an Organization of 70 Nations, the Sanhedrin reached out to an ethnic group that represents the most likely candidate to be the actual descendants of the 10 tribes of Israel that were taken away in captivity in the eighth century BCE.

1/13/20

* Supreme Court Allows Muslims to Build Mosque on Temple Mount As if the massive Al-Aksa Mosque wasn't enough, Israel's Supreme Court has rejected a petition by the Regavim movement to prevent the construction of a mosque at the Gate of Mercy on the Temple Mount reports 0404.

* King of Jordan: I believe the 'Deal of the Century' will be released soon Jordan's King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein spoke with France24 this week about the West Bank annexation and US President Donald Trump's Deal of the Century.

* Fatah promises cruel terror and "war of the street", burning of Jewish towns The repeating theme of Fatah's numerous public events this year commemorating its first terror attack against Israel on January 1, 1965, and marking Fatah's anniversary, was that Fatah was the first to use terror and that Fatah has not stopped and will not stop using terror.

* Putin Warns Full-Scale War in Mideast Would Be 'Catastrophe' Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that a full-scale war in the broader Middle East would be a global "catastrophe" and said he hopes it won't happen.

* Libya conflict: Warring sides meet in Moscow for talks The leaders of the two main sides of Libya's civil war are in Moscow for talks on how to end months of fighting.

* Hezbollah's Nasrallah threatens US troops, vows retaliation against Israel Terror chief says American soldiers will leave the Middle East in 'coffins,' claims no country could have acted as transparently as Iran after shooting down Ukrainian plane.

* Jordan's king says relationship with Israel is on 'pause' Jordan's King Abdullah has said his country's ties with Israel are on "pause" during an exclusive interview with Marc Perelman of France 24 published on Monday.

* Palestinians hope Putin's visit means bigger Russian role in peace process The Palestinian Authority is getting ready to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bethlehem Jan. 23.

* Iran-US: Advantage Trump Europe, too, will have to draw a few conclusions. The European attempt, initiated by France, Germany and the United Kingdom, to circumvent American sanctions on Iran should cease.

* Why Are Volcanoes All Over The Globe Suddenly Shooting Giant Clouds Of Ash Miles Into The Air? There certainly hasn't been a lack of seismic activity so far in 2020.

1/11/20

* Qassem Soleimani: Inside the twisted, terrible reign of Iran’s top general The killing of Iranian terror-meister Qassem Soleimani in a targeted US airstrike in Baghdad on Thursday will have a dramatic impact on the stability of the Iranian regime and its ability to conduct oversea terrorist operations.

* February 11, Iran’s Revolution Day, marks estimated revenge timeline for Soleimani’s death Tehran and Washington are on a straight line to collision, DEBKAfile’s military sources report. Tehran is unshakably resolved to avenge the death of its top general Qassem Soleimani, while the Americans are deep in preparations for counteraction.

* If US leaves the region, Israel will eventually go to war with Iran "The United States is the main brakes in the region": former Deputy Head of the Northern Command Brig.-Gen.(res.) Ilan Lavi.

* WATCH: Taking Iran’s threats seriously, Israel increases readiness Israel is taking the declaration of Iran’s leaders seriously, Israel Hayom reports on Monday.

* Israel unveils breakthrough laser to intercept missiles, aerial threats Technology expected to take down a variety of aerial threats including rockets, drones, anti-tank missiles.

* Iran Threatens to Turn Tel Aviv, Haifa into Dust The battle of words between Iran and the USA is still going strong in the Twittersphere. And Israel seems to be absorbing the brunt of it.

* Russia's Putin makes rare visit to Syria, meets Assad Vladimir Putin met Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Tuesday, the Russian leader’s second trip to Syria since Moscow intervened decisively on the Syrian president’s behalf in the country’s civil war.

* Merkel to meet Putin in Moscow for talks on Mideast crises German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid growing tensions in the Middle East and elsewhere.

* EU's foreign affairs chief Borrell warns of 'violence escalation' in Libya The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has warned of the "escalation of violence" in Libya and said the EU rejects Turkish plans to send troops to the North African country.

* Rabbi Glick Interrupts Netanyahu’s Speech to Remind him to Build Third Temple During a speech at the Kohelet Policy Forum on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among other things, discussed the importance of Israel’s presence in Judea and Samaria.

1/10/20

* Iran plane crash: Western powers suggest missile downed jet Evidence suggests an Iranian missile brought down a Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed near Tehran, possibly in error, Western leaders say.

* Ukraine's Zelensky: Iranian Missile Hitting Plane 'Not Ruled Out' Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, changed his tune from urging caution against "conspiracy theories" to asserting on Friday an Iranian missile shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 "is not being ruled out."

* Iran's attack on US airbase in Iraq finds Israel vulnerable to same kind of ballistic missile strike The breakthrough achieved by Iran in upgrading the precision of its ballistic missiles was displayed in its Jan. 8 attack on the big US Ain Al-Asad airbase in W. Iraq.

* Iraqi PM tells Pompeo that US must decide mechanism for troop withdrawal Abdul-Mahdi's comments suggest he stands by previous statements that US soldiers should leave country despite recent signals toward deescalation between Tehran and Washington.

* Forcing US Troops from Iraq Will be a Victory for ISIS, Iran "They [surviving ISIS fighters] have better techniques, better tactics and a lot more money at their disposal..." - Lahur Talabany, a top Kurdish counter-terrorism official

* Report: 8 dead in Israeli airstrikes on Iraq-Syria border Observer group claims eight pro-Iranian fighters killed in Israeli bombings in Syria near Iraqi border. Death toll expected to rise.

* Analysis: President Trump broke the code, exposed Iran origins of proxy terrorism For 40 years, the United States would not hold the Iranian regime responsible for the terror proxies it funded, armed, trained, and directed.

* Germany urges EU unity at Middle East crisis meeting Fearing a war on their doorstep, EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to find ways to deescalate tensions between the US and Iran.

* Four European Countries Might Be Added to Anti-Semitism Watchlist Anti-Semitism watchdogs are calling on the Trump administration to designate France, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom as countries of concern due to the rapid rise of anti-Jewish hate crimes.

* Israel should take reciprocal steps for Evangelical support The way to defeat antisemitism isn't to oppose it, but to promote a love of Jews, an Evangelical leader has said.

1/9/20

* Trump says "Iran appears to be standing down" after missile attacks on US bases US President Donald Trump noted on Wednesday, Jan. 8 that Iran's missile attacks that morning on two US bases in Iraq caused no loss of American or Iraqi life and minimal damage.

* Soleimani killing: what is Malaysia's aim in call for Muslim unity? Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad swung behind Tehran following Trump's assassination of the Iranian general.

* Iran's entrenchment in Iraq KH is an Iranian-sponsored Shi'ite militia operating in Iraq and throughout Syria.

* Thanks to the President, U.S. Policy Heading in the Right Direction The critics of President Trump's Iran policy have been proven wrong once again.

* Israel unveils breakthrough laser to intercept missiles, aerial threats Technology expected to take down a variety of aerial threats including rockets, drones, anti-tank missiles.

* Israel advances plans for nearly 2,000 new settlement homes Majority of units green-lighted through various planning stages are outside generally accepted West Bank 'blocs'.

* Israeli defense minister seeks 'million' settlers in West Bank The Palestinian Authority foreign ministry responded calling them 'racist'.

* China Touts 'Strategic Partnership with Iran,' Still No Condolences for Soleimani China's envoy to Iran, Chang Hua, said on Tuesday that nothing would soften Beijing's determination to develop a strategic partnership with Tehran.

* Why Hamas Supports Turkey's Invasion of Northern Syria The American pullout from the area, which borders on Turkey, was evidently perceived by Erdogan as a green light for an invasion for which he had been waiting for nearly a decade.

* Why a Holocaust Might Happen Again No, it is not Jewish hysteria. The signals of an extremely dangerous situation for Jews similar to the time preceding the Holocaust are out there, this time in America, where historically high numbers of violent anti-Semitic attacks are reported every day.

1/8/20

* Rabbi Glick Interrupts Netanyahu Speech to Remind him to Build Third Temple During a speech at the Kohelet Policy Forum on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among other things, discussed the importance of Israel's presence in Judea and Samaria.

* US-Iran crisis threatens all-out war in Iraq, Mideast, world - Iraqi PM "I hope this will be a memorable lesson for America," said Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami; Sen. Graham: "You continue this crap, you're going to wake up one day out of the oil business."

* IRGC threatens to attack Israel if US responds to missile attack in Iraq Iran's Revolutionary Guards: We do not consider the Zionist regime to be separate from the criminal US regime.

* Iran's attack: Is there more to come? Given the significance of General Qasem Soleimani and the passions that his killing aroused, Iran's military strike against US bases in Iraq was a modest response.

* If US leaves the region, Israel will eventually go to war with Iran Should the United States withdraw its forces and Iran continue on its path through Iraq and Syria, Israel will eventually find itself in a war along its entire northern border, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ilan Lavi has warned.

* Iran's thirst for vengeance turns on Jewish state as Soleimani mourners shout 'death to Israel' The leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened on Tuesday to "set ablaze" places supported by the United States over the killing of a top Iranian general in a U.S. airstrike last week, sparking cries from the crowd of supporters of "Death to Israel!"

* ICC probe won't deter Israel from expanding settlements, Netanyahu vows PM hails DC's about-face on legality of Israeli towns beyond the Green Line, hints at his wish for Trump win in 2020; Pompeo in video: Our stance on settlements advances peace.

* Turkey: Turning on Washington to Benefit Moscow Turkey's often seeming contradictory relations with the United States and Russia -- such as, for instance, Ankara's boosting of cooperation with Ukraine.

* EU's foreign affairs chief Borrell warns of 'violence escalation' in Libya The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has warned of the "escalation of violence" in Libya and said the EU rejects Turkish plans to send troops to the North African country.

* Iran will suffer 'crushing blow' if it attacks Israel, Netanyahu warns Netanyahu speaks after Iran fires missiles at US bases in Iraq, threatens Israel; at same conference, US Ambassador Friedman prays for 'overwhelming' victory over Tehran.

1/7/20

* February 11, Iran's Revolution Day, marks estimated revenge timeline for Soleimani's death Tehran and Washington are on a straight line to collision, DEBKAfile's military sources report.

* Iran unlikely to strike Israel, defense officials tell ministers 'Israel was not involved in the killing & there's no reason it will be dragged into it,' senior official say.

* Trump's peace plan is on the way: Is Israel ready? - analysis Any rollout will probably be coordinated with Netanyahu for maximum benefit - or at least minimum fallout - because of the pre-election timing.

* Turkey Begins Invasion of Libya Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wasted little time sending troops to Libya after his parliament approved military intervention on January 2.

* Explosions heard near Iranian militia sites in east Syria - report According to the news source, the explosions were believed to have been caused by rockets, and were heard on the other side of the Euphrates River.

* Between U.S. and Iran, EU powers try mediation and pressure to ease crisis Germany, Britain and France are scrambling to keep talks with Iran over its 2015 nuclear agreement alive despite Tehran having all but torn up the deal after the United States killed its top military commander.

* Russia's Putin makes rare visit to Syria, meets Assad Vladimir Putin met Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Tuesday, the Russian leader's second trip to Syria since Moscow intervened decisively on the Syrian president's behalf in a civil war.

* Will Arab anti-Zionism revive? The old wall of Arab anti-Zionism has fractured, but lingering hostility against Israel could explode anew.

* Thanks to the President, U.S. Policy Heading in the Right Direction The critics of President Trump's Iran policy have been proven wrong once again.

* Ancient siege of Jerusalem remembered on Jewish fast day Jews around the world are marking the 10th day of the month of Tevet on Tuesday, one of the six fast days on the Jewish calendar and one of four which relate in some way to the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.