4/30/21

 * 45 crushed to death, over 150 hurt in stampede at mass Lag B’Omer event in Meron Many in critical condition as ambulances, helicopters evacuate victims from largest gathering held in Israel since COVID outbreak; kids said among dead, injured.

* Lag Ba'omer tragedy: Why do Jews gather at Mt. Meron for bonfires? Every year, tens of thousands of Jews from all backgrounds arrive at Mt. Meron to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'omer, but why is this particular mountain so significant?

* EU 'disappointed' in delay of 'Palestinian' elections European Union criticizes PA chief Mahmoud Abbas' decision to cancel elections, calls on Israel to backtrack and 'facilitate' elections.

* Why Abbas Does Not Want Elections The violence erupted for one single reason: hatred for Israel and Jews. It erupted because many Muslims do not want to see Jews in Jerusalem or any part of Israel.

* Fatah Declares "Religious War" in Jerusalem; "We Are Allah's Hand" The horrific scenes of violence in Jerusalem this week as Jews were attacked in the capital’s streets are evidence of Arab youths acting as “Allah’s hand,” Fatah has said.

* Canceling election, Nakba Day and Ramadan could cause eruption - analysis The most immediate milestone could arise if Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas calls off the election for the Palestinian Legislative Council.

* Ambassador: 'Israel's security will not be bound to any Iran deal' Gilad Erdan said that the Biden administration accepts Israel's right to defend itself.

* Iran has funded Syrian militia groups, regime for years to the tune of billions John Kerry has denied allegations that he informed Javad Zarif of more than 200 Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria.

* Iran welcomes Saudi Arabia’s ‘change of tone’ - foreign ministry Iran on Thursday welcomed what it called a change of tone from Saudi Arabia and said it hoped they could work together to secure peace, amid moves to ease tensions between the regional rivals.

* Taiwan Foreign Minister Warns China Is Preparing ‘Final Military Assault’ Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told Sky News in an interview published Wednesday that China’s military forces “seem to be preparing for their final military assault against Taiwan.”

4/29/21

 * How Iran’s Militia Proxies Could Threaten Israel From These Four Countries If tensions between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran deteriorate into an all-out war, the former could face Iran-backed militia proxy attacks from up to four regional countries.

* Iran still seeks mass destruction weapons - German intelligence report 'Additional focus of Iran’s intelligence is the observation of and fight against opposition groups domestically and abroad.'

* “We are Allah’s hand,”‎ declares Fatah amid riots Arabs attacking Jews in Jerusalem are “Allah’s hand.” This message was Abbas’ ‎Fatah Movement’s response following days of violent Arab riots in Jerusalem, ‎which Fatah seems intent on turning into a religious war.

* Israel braces for fallout as Abbas expected to delay Palestinian elections Hamas, which stands to make gains in the vote, warns it will hold Israel responsible if ballot is postponed over dispute on East Jerusalem voting; Israel says it’s not intervening.

* Abbas "Salutes" Arab Rioters in Jerusalem; Faith Promotes "Intifada" Against Jews PA and Fatah Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is actively encouraging the Arabs rioting in Jerusalem.

* Biden Fails to Mention Israel or Middle East Peace in First Address to Congress President Joe Biden neglected to mention Israel or the recent peace and normalization agreements in the Middle East in his first address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday evening.

* If Italy Fails, Then Europe Fails Too Mario Draghi needs to channel Italy's postwar reconstruction as he implements a massive spending plan and tries to reform his country.

* France: Macron threatens to ‘punish’ generals who signed open letter warning of ‘radical Islam’ stoking ‘civil war’ "The hour is grave, France is in peril,” the retired generals wrote, adding that failure to act against the “suburban hordes” — a reference to residents of the mainly immigrant areas that ring French cities — and other unnamed groups who “scorn our country” will lead to “civil war” and deaths “in the thousands”.

* Analysis: Vexed but vulnerable, Erdogan avoids escalating genocide dispute with Biden Despite its fury with the United States for calling the Ottoman massacre of Armenians a genocide, Turkey is for now avoiding a showdown which could hurt its fragile economy and scupper hopes of better ties with U.S.-allied Arab states.

* WATCH: Christian Pastor Arrested in London for Quoting ‘Homophobic’ Bible Verses Police in London arrested a Christian street preacher for allegedly causing “alarm and distress” to pedestrians for citing allegedly “homophobic” verses from Genesis.

4/28/21

 * EU moves to stop funding Palestinian terrorists, inciting textbooks The new guideline doubles down on the European Parliament’s commitment to prevent EU donations from ending up in the hands of terrorists, by calling for proactive recovery of funds.

* EU faces fresh calls to take ‘clear and resolute action’ against Vladimir Putin A parliamentary debate with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell will see Russia again at the forefront of deliberations for MEPs on Wednesday.

* US heads for nuclear talks with Iran, unmoved by new data presented by Israeli officials The high-ranking Israeli officials in Washington carrying new intelligence data on the dangers of Iran’s drive for a nuclear weapon, obtained a US promise on Tuesday, April 27 to “consult closely with Israel on the nuclear issue going forward,” an “update on the Vienna talks” and “full agreement on serious concerns about advancements in Iran’s nuclear program in recent years.”

* Israel, the longer view In electoral terms, Israel is now emerging as the most conservative nation in the democratic world. Op-ed.

* Did the Israeli Air Force Stop Syria From Getting Nuclear Weapons? The air strike on Syria was probably not decisive in preventing Syria from getting a nuclear weapon.

* Israel is not an apartheid state - editorial HRW’s exploitation of the apartheid image in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a cynical appropriation of the suffering of the victims of the actual apartheid regime.

* How Iraq Is Balancing the Saudi-Iran Rivalry While maintaining good relations with its Iranian neighbor and top energy provider is strategic, Baghdad also sees the potential a stronger U.S.-Iraq and Iraq-Gulf relationship could deliver.

* Russia expels 7 EU diplomats over 'solidarity' with Czechs Russia has expelled the diplomats from Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in a tit-for-tat move amid a growing row over Czech spying accusations.

* Pope hangs image of nude Jesus caressing Judas behind his desk WND: A report by the Vatican’s own newspaper reveals Pope Francis recently hung an image behind his desk depicting a naked Jesus Christ caressing his dead apostle Judas Iscariot.

* After Accidentally Finding an Anchor From 2ND Temple Period: These Scientists Discovered Something Incredible About the Dead Sea A wooden anchor made during the time of King Herod during the first century before the common era has led Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) and Geological Survey of Israel (GSI) geologists to study the activity of the ancient springs and the restoration of the levels of the Dead Sea over the past thousands of years.

4/27/21

 * Opinion: Israel has no choice but to act on its own to stop Iran The inescapable conclusion from these events is that the Israelis should be in no doubt about the fact that they are being abandoned by the United States with respect to Iran.

* The Palestinian Arabs will lose Jerusalem too The Palestinian Arabs will eventually lose all Arab rights in Jerusalem just as they lost lands in the previous wars they instigated. Op-ed.

* The real source of the violence in Jerusalem In the days before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, PA TV repeatedly broadcast a video inciting terror.

* Bennett: Israel approaching 'abyss of anarchy' Yamina leader decries Cabinet meeting which devolved into shouting match, calls on politicians to 'wake up' and show responsibility.

* The Gaza Rocket Attack on Israel: The Neighbors Smell Weakness In the last decade and a half, Israel has enjoyed unprecedented security stability that has, in turn, enabled economic and technological prosperity that made it a world-class power.

* Arab Knesset Member Caught Promoting Intifada, Calling to Raise 'Palestinian' Flag Over Temple Mount Joint List head MK Ayman Odeh uploaded a post in Arabic to his official Facebook page on Sunday calling for intifada and praising Arab youth for their role in the recent violent clashes in Jerusalem.

* Jerusalem rabbi accused of being undercover Christian missionary A man in Jerusalem who has worked for years as a rabbi and raised his family in an ultra-Orthodox community has been accused of faking his religion to mask his true identity as a Christian missionary from New Jersey.

* U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations calls on Biden to appoint special envoy to monitor, combat ‘Islamophobia’ Should the USCMO succeed in its goal to see a special envoy to “monitor and combat Islamophobia” in America, the systematic hunting down of organizations and individuals who offend Islam would be in order.

* Eurocrats Brand Brexit a ‘Historic Mistake’ Ahead of Ratifying Trade Deal A resolution of Members of the European Parliament has attacked Britain’s democratic vote to leave the European Union as a “historic mistake”, ahead of a vote to pass the UK-EU trade deal.

* Canada’s bullying of Christians is turning it into a tyranny Churches in Canada have been subjected to aggressive policing of Covid-19 restrictions, despite the fact that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the rights of religion and assembly.

4/26/21

 * Jerusalem escalation could be how Israel's next war starts - analysis It is important to understand that this timeline is similar to how tensions grew in 2014 and other cycles that led to tensions in Gaza and Jerusalem.

* Is war with Gaza around the corner? The PA and Hamas may have been emboldened by US overtures to Iran & Iran's diplomatic gains in the region but will war ensue?

* Iran army chief threatens to ‘teach Israel a good lesson’ after tanker targeted Mohammad Bagheri warns of military response, implies Israel behind attack on Iranian vessel off Syria, amid sky-high tensions and talks over renewing nuclear deal.

* PA President Mahmoud Abbas: No Palestinian elections without Jerusalem He praised the residents of east Jerusalem for their “steadfastness in the face of Israeli schemes aiming to control the holy city.”

* EXPLAINER: New players add volatility in Jerusalem tensions The holy city of Jerusalem, a tinderbox of competing religious and political claims, has repeatedly triggered bouts of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

* Will Communist China Dominate the Middle East? "The connection between the BRI and the strategic partnerships it creates in the region... allows it to gradually take over the region without creating tensions with the U.S. or the West."

* EU blames China for endangering peace in South China Sea The European Union called out China on Saturday for endangering peace in the South China Sea and urged all parties to abide by a 2016 tribunal ruling which rejected most of China’s claim to sovereignty in the sea, but which Beijing has rejected.

* Turkey says better ties with Cairo could boost Libya peace efforts Turkish talks with Egypt next week could forge renewed cooperation between the estranged regional powers and help efforts to end the war in Libya, President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman said.

* Fatah lays the groundwork for canceling the PA elections Fatah, the party of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, has laid the foundation stones to cancel the first Palestinian elections to be held in over 15 years.

* Prominent Evangelist Banned From American Airlines After Preaching, No Reason or Recourse Prominent Evangelist, Mike Gendron of Proclaiming the Gospel, who is known for his defense of the gospel against counterfeit perversions of the gospel like Roman Catholicism, says he was banned from American Airlines after traveling to Green Bay to preach at a local church.

1/24/21

 * Gaza terror groups say rockets fired over Jerusalem unrest, warn worse to come Fatah’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, PFLP’s Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades take responsibility for attacks; UN envoy: Rocket fire violates int’l law, we’re acting to stop escalation.

* Jihad Murderer Barghouti is Running for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas must be kicking himself. Why did he ever think it would be a good idea to call for parliamentary and presidential elections?

* Netanyahu gives up on forming a government He said he would instead seek a direct election for prime minister, which he said would pass if Yamina supported it.

* EU nations at UNSC: Israel must allow east Jerusalem Palestinians vote Palestinian officials have threatened to delay or cancel the elections, citing Israel’s failure to respond to their request to hold the vote in Jerusalem.

* Russia to withdraw troops from deployment on border with Ukraine, Moscow confirms, as major snap exercises in Crimea conclude Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has announced that troops deployed in the west and south of the country in recent days will soon begin returning to base, saying they have now passed tests of their combat readiness.

* Vatican wishes Muslims, as ‘bearers of hope,’ ‘divine blessings’ during Ramadan All across the Islamic world, we see violent jihad and a range of human rights abuses committed in the name of Islamic law.

* Europeans warn against attacks on Iran nuclear facilities “We condemn escalatory measures by any actor which could jeopardize progress.” Iran’s clerical establishment said it will not return to the 2015 agreement unless all sanctions are lifted.

* China and Russia: The Guns of April Russian troops are massing on the Ukraine border, Chinese vessels are swarming Whitsun Reef of the Philippines in the South China Sea, and China's air force is flying almost daily through Taiwan's air-defense identification zone.

* Biden's blinking red lights: Taiwan, Ukraine, and Iran Russia is menacing Ukraine’s borders, China is sending increasingly ominous signals over Taiwan and Iran is accelerating its uranium enrichment to unprecedented levels.

* ‘We are going to WAR’ Dozens of rockets rain down on Israel after top commander killed ISRAEL has assassinated a top a senior Islamic Jihad commander inside the Gaza Strip in a rare targeted attack, prompting a barrage of retaliatory rockets from Palestinian militant groups and igniting fears of a major war.”

4/23/21

 * With US Exiting Afghanistan, Russia and China May Move In Following President Joe Biden’s announcement last week that US forces will withdraw from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021, multiple outlets are reporting that both China and Russia may increase their involvement in the country once the last US boot is off Afghan soil.

* East Jerusalem clashes leave over 100 injured Scores of people have been injured in clashes in East Jerusalem between far-right Jewish activists, Palestinians and Israeli police.

* EU nations at UNSC: Israel must allow east Jerusalem Palestinians vote Palestinian officials have threatened to delay of cancel the elections, citing Israel’s failure to respond to their request to hold the vote in Jerusalem.

* Terror candidates must not run in Palestinian elections, US tells UNSC "Terrorists who deny Israel's right to exist are being allowed to participate in the elections," said UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan.

* Adversaries Saudi Arabia and Iran hold talks, region holds its breath The rivals for regional power have plenty to talk about. If they do come closer, it would have a significant impact on the Middle East's most pressing conflicts.

* Japan to hold 1st large-scale military drills with US and France amid South China Sea tensions The exercise will start in the south of Japan from May 11, marking the first time the three nations will have held a drill with ground troops, as tensions simmer with Beijing over activity in the East and South China Seas.

* Ukraine, Russia, and the West Having used brutal force to crush nationwide demonstrations in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, President Vladimir Putin has now embarked on a new venture.

* Elect an American Democrat President, get a World War The Democrats need to use Russia's Ukraine issue to obscure America's real enemy, China, who is paying them and corporate America off. Op-ed

* US ‘deeply concerned’ over Jerusalem violence, doesn’t single out either side Embassy calls on ‘responsible voices to end incitement’ after violent clashes outside Old City between cops, Palestinians and far-right Jewish mob chanting ‘Death to Arabs’.

* Biden Green-Lights Federal Funding For Research Using Aborted Fetal Tissue On Friday, the Biden administration reversed a policy from the Trump administration that restricted funding research using fetal tissue harvested from aborted babies.

4/22/21

 * Aiming at Dimona: Did the Syrian regime purposely target Israel? Much remains unclear about the incident on April 22, including why Syria fired a missile so wildly and so far south into Israel – and whether Israel’s interceptors failed to stop the threat.

* Israel intensifying air war in Syria against Iranian encroachment Israel has dramatically expanded air strikes on suspected Iranian missile and weapons production centers in Syria to repel what it sees as a stealthy military encroachment by its regional arch-enemy, Western and regional intelligence sources say.

* Europeans warn against attacks on Iran nuclear facilities “We condemn escalatory measures by any actor which could jeopardize progress.” Iran’s clerical establishment said it will not return to the 2015 agreement unless all sanctions are lifted.

* Russia to withdraw troops from deployment on border with Ukraine, Moscow confirms, as major snap exercises in Crimea conclude Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has announced that troops deployed in the west and south of the country in recent days will soon begin returning to base, saying they have now passed tests of their combat readiness.

* Biden Prepares For Nuclear War As tensions in the Black Sea rise between Russia and Ukraine, the Pentagon isn’t taking any chances and has publicized that they are preparing for the worst-case scenario.

* Israeli group demands transfer of Temple Mount following Muslim ‘desecration’ at holy site “This is a terrible desecration of the sanctity of the place, especially when it is performed in the Dome of the Rock plaza, the site of the Jewish Holy of Holies on the Temple Mount,” the organization said.

* Israel and Greece sign record defense deal amid threats from Turkey and Iran With Turkey and Iran looming large in the region (and expanding their influence), a paramount deal has been struck between Israel and Greece.

* 2021 Sees Surge in Libya Mediterranean Crossings, Thousands Migrating to Europe Data collected by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has revealed an increase in migrants departing Libya as migration numbers have increased across the Mediterranean so far this year.

* Iran welcomes Iraqi mediation with Gulf states - ambassador Iran said on Tuesday it welcomes Iraqi mediation to help mend its ties with Gulf Arab states, following reports that Saudi and Iranian officials had held discussions in Iraq.

* EU announces $1.8 billion comprehensive plan to combat anti-Semitism EU plan to fight discrimination against Europe's Jews will 'support fundamental rights across the bloc.'

4/21/21

 * Netanyahu gives up on forming a government He said he would instead seek a direct election for prime minister, which he said would pass if Yamina supported it.

* Jerusalem a powder keg? Arab violence, Palestinian elections feeding tensions One video shows an Arab boy spitting on a passing haredi Jew. Another shows an Arab on a Jerusalem wall throwing a rock over the side.

* Putin warns of tough Russian action if West crosses 'red line' Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West not to cross a "red line" with Russia, saying such a move would trigger an "asymmetrical, rapid and harsh" response.

* EU parliament leaders voice concern over Russia’s alleged involvement in Czech arms depot explosion Group leaders condemn ‘unacceptable act of hostility’ on sovereign EU territory.

* Vatican wishes Muslims, as ‘bearers of hope,’ ‘divine blessings’ during Ramadan All across the Islamic world, we see violent jihad and a range of human rights abuses committed in the name of Islamic law.

* China: ‘Collapse of the Soviet Union Was a Geopolitical Disaster for Russia’ China’s state-run Global Times on Monday offered support to Russia and its authoritarian ruler, Vladimir Putin, musing the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was a “geopolitical disaster” for which the West has never offered Moscow sufficient condolences.

* China, Russia vow to buckle up against ‘geopolitical turbulence belt’ Officials from China’s Communist Party and the United Russia party hold meeting and condemn interference and sanctions against them.

* Proxy Conflict Paradox: Why America and Russia are at War in Syria Syria has been backed by Russia since 2015, while the United States has provided logistical and military support to various groups fighting al-Assad’s regime since 2013.

* Israel Has Been Essential to Jordan’s Survival Despite its inherent fragility, the Hashemite Kingdom has proven to be more enduring than many observers have anticipated.

* Israeli Economist: Encouraging high birth rate hurts the economy Economist laments high birthrate, calls on government to cut subsidies for large families and the haredi sector.

4/20/21

 * Russian military build-up numbers more than 100,000 troops, EU says Russia has temporarily restricted the movement of foreign warships and what it called "other state ships" near Crimea.

* EU: Russian military buildup along Ukrainian border a 'matter of concern' Europe's foreign policy chief states it will only take “a spark” to set off a confrontation on Ukraine's border between West and Russia.

* China and Russia: The Guns of April Russian troops are massing on the Ukraine border, Chinese vessels are swarming Whitsun Reef of the Philippines in the South China Sea, and China's air force is flying almost daily through Taiwan's air-defense identification zone.

* Proposal to ban ALL Russians from EU would hurt bloc’s economy, Moscow warns, after ex-Estonian president pitches radical policy An iron curtain has descended across Europe. Or at least it will if Estonia’s former president is able to convince Brussels to completely close its borders to Russian students, workers and tourists amid growing political tensions.

* In historic shift, Sudan officially annuls six-decade-long Israel boycott law Joint vote of ruling sovereignty council and cabinet overturns 1958 law barring ties with Jewish state.

* Gantz warns Hezbollah of ‘heavy consequences’ if it threatens Israel Touring northern border amid tensions with Iran, defense minister says the Tehran-backed Lebanese terror group is working ‘to challenge us in new ways’.

* Senator Bernie Sanders says US should consider regulating military aid to Israel Progressive senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren addressed the J Street lobby’s national conference.

* Caroline Glick: Israel has made it, now it needs to grow up Although Israel’s position at the center of the Jewish world is undeniable, it has gone largely unnoticed by most Israelis.

* The Stunted Growth of the Emerging Islamic Bloc The emerging Islamic bloc of three Muslim states—Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan—seems feasible in theory, but its growth is constrained by the realities. Azerbaijan is still more Russian turf than Turkish, and Pakistan remains Chinese territory.

* Cotton: China Setting the Stage to Invade Taiwan, We Need to Be Clear We’ll Defend Taiwan On Monday’s broadcast of the Fox News Channel’s “Special Report,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) said that China is “trying to set the stage one day for a potential invasion and annexation of Taiwan, which would be a catastrophe for American interests.”

4/19/21

* EU Foreign Affairs Chief: 150,000 Russian Troops at Ukraine border Russia has deployed 150,000 troops at the border with Ukraine, its highest every military deployment there, the EU's foreign affairs chief has said.

* Pope Francis voices 'great apprehension' over Russian military buildup near Ukraine Pope Francis has voiced concern over Russia's military mobilization near the border with Ukraine and called for efforts to ease tensions between the two countries.

* Netanyahu: Absurd for a man with 7 seats to be PM PM says direct elections for prime minister preferable to having Yamina chairman Naftali Bennett serve as prime minister.

* How secure is the Iranian regime? The most public face of the campaign is Reza Pahlavi, the deposed Shah’s son and Iran’s last heir to the throne before the overthrow of the monarchy in 1979.

* Russia Warns Biden to Stay Out of Ukraine Conflict: Expels US Diplomats As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine heats up, tensions between the US and Russia are ratcheting up.

* Biden's blinking red lights: Taiwan, Ukraine and Iran Russia is menacing Ukraine’s borders, China is sending increasingly ominous signals over Taiwan and Iran is accelerating its uranium enrichment to unprecedented levels.

* Jihad Murderer Barghouti is Running for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas must be kicking himself. Why did he ever think it would be a good idea to call for parliamentary and presidential elections?

* Saudis, UAE asked Israel to hit Iranian spy ship, but concealed talks with Iran Three days after Israel’s alleged April 9 commando raid on the IRGC’s Saviz forward spy ship on the Red Sea, Saudi and Iranian officials were quietly holding their first talks in five years to patch up their quarrel, without Israel’s knowledge.

* WATCH: What it took to revive the Hebrew language As Israel celebrates 73 years of existence, it’s important to highlight something that has a history deeply intertwined with the nation, and has evolved alongside it since the country’s founding: modern Hebrew, ILTV reports.

* "Hatred, Enmity, Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide": The Persecution of Christians, March 2021 After a mosque leaders' wife embraced Christianity, and as a form of "retribution," the imam ordered the rape of three Christian girls related to a local pastor.... — Morning Star News, March 11, 2021, Uganda.

4/17/21

* Independence Day: In 73 years, Israel has accomplished so much - editorial A perspective as humbling as it is inspiring.

* The U.S.-Israel Alliance Is in Good Shape Questions have been raised over the recent attack on Iran, but it looks like Jerusalem and Washington are set to continue their usually tight-knit defense cooperation.

* Israel keeps on stalling Iran’s drive for a nuke – but that drive is still going strong Iran’s Atomic Energy chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, called the power blackout at its underground enrichment center in Natanz on Sunday morning.

* Netanyahu to visiting US defense secretary: We won’t let Iran obtain ¸nukes Following attack on Iran’s Natanz facility, which has been blamed on Israel, PM says US-Israeli cooperation is ‘crucial’ to combat threats facing both countries.

* The Cold War is re-emerging in the Middle East The Russians, as well as their Chinese “frenemies,” see America’s retreat from the region as an opportunity to swoop in, fill the void and flex their muscles. Op-ed.

* 70,000 Muslim worshipers flock to Jerusalem for 1st Friday prayers of Ramadan Prayers held peacefully, despite police fears of violence after 3 consecutive nights of rioting; gathering at site is the largest since start of pandemic.

* European powers warn Iran over fate of talks after 60% enrichment move The European powers party to the Iran nuclear deal told Tehran on Wednesday that its decision to enrich uranium at 60% purity and install a further 1,000 centrifuges at its Natanz site were contrary to efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

* Iran’s “Look To the East” Precludes Any Deal with the West The Islamist regime in Tehran has delivered Iran to China in exchange for security guarantees against the West.

* Palestine condemns Boris Johnson for opposing ICC Israel investigation PM accused of giving ‘carte blanche to Israel’ by saying court had no right to examine alleged war crimes.

* US cancels warships deployment to Black Sea: Turkish officials Turkey said last week the US will send two warships to the Black Sea, a decision Russia called unfriendly provocation.

4/16/21

 * Biden quotes ‘Holy Qur’an’ in Ramadan greeting, says ‘Muslim Americans have enriched our country since our founding’ Obama insisted that Muslims had enriched America since its founding, and now Biden is saying the same thing. But repetition won’t make it true.

* On Iran, Biden Administration Ready to Undo Former Administration's Work, whether It is Good for the World or Not? A basic rule in negotiations is to keep or gain leverage against the other party. The Biden administration, mystifyingly, is doing exactly the opposite in its negotiations with the regime of Iran.

* Party logos of 11 Palestinian election lists feature maps erasing Israel PA President Abbas’s Fatah movement also uses an image that appears to display the entire region as Palestine; vote slated for May 22.

* Why are Palestinians who sell land to Jews excommunicated? Allah told “all of humanity” that “Palestine” is “a pure right of its Muslim owners,” - Shari’ah judge on PA TV.

* 70,000 Muslim worshipers flock to Jerusalem for 1st Friday prayers of Ramadan Prayers held peacefully, despite police fears of violence after 3 consecutive nights of rioting; gathering at site is the largest since start of pandemic.

* Antisemitism Is Inseparable from Khomeinism Khomeinism, the ideology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, encompasses the radical ideas of its founding father Ayatollah Khomeini.

* Iran Lawmaker Hails National ‘Miracles’ as Uranium Enrichment Soars to Highest Ever Levels Iran announced Friday it is now enriching uranium at up to 60 percent purity, its highest level ever, just days after an attack targeted its key Natanz nuclear site.

* The New Plan to Oust Netanyahu In a discussion with associates on Tuesday, Yamina chairman Naftali Bennett spoke candidly about his political plans, which, according to media reports, he is closely coordinating with New Hope party leader Gideon Sa’ar.

* Covid: 'Israel may be reaching herd immunity' A leading Israeli doctor believes the country may be close to reaching "herd immunity".

* Israel prepares for construction boom in Judea and Samaria Left-wing activists complain that over 12,000 housing plans were approved in 2020, but overall building fell during the Trump years while the PA conducted many land grabs.

4/15/21

 * Independence Day: In 73 years, Israel has accomplished so much - editorial As Israel celebrates its 73rd birthday on Thursday, it is worth remembering that there are those who have said from the very beginning that it cannot survive.

* Independence Day Special: 10 Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled in Israel Today [WATCH] On Israel’s 73rd Independence Day, a new video released by the World Mizrachi movement reveals ten living prophecies written in the Bible that are coming true today in 2021.

* Ascending to Har Habayit The spiritual experience of praying on the Temple Mount awakens gratitude for the miracles we have seen along with yearning for Redemption.

* 11 PA political parties express their rejection of Israel's right to exist in their logos As Israel celebrates its 73rd birthday, nearly 1/3 of the 36 Palestinian parties running in the upcoming PA elections have logos that include the PA map that erases Israel, presenting all of Israel as “Palestine.”

* 1 big thing: U.S. intelligence expects a stormy year in the Middle East Ongoing conflicts, economic crises and the fallout from COVID-19 will likely destabilize several countries in the Middle East in 2021 and could even put some on the brink of collapse, according to the U.S. intelligence community's annual Threat Assessment Report, released on Tuesday.

* US cancels warships deployment to Black Sea: Turkish officials Turkey said last week the US will send two warships to the Black Sea, a decision Russia called unfriendly provocation.

* Saudi Arabia says it is concerned about Iran uranium enrichment Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it was concerned about Iran’s intention to start enriching uranium to 60% purity and said such a move could not be considered part of a peaceful nuclear programme.

* Palestine condemns Boris Johnson for opposing ICC Israel investigation PM accused of giving ‘carte blanche to Israel’ by saying court had no right to examine alleged war crimes.

* Turkish delegation to visit Egypt for ‘normalisation’ talks The visit in May will be followed by a meeting between the Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers, says Turkish FM.

* China Hints Its Military Activity near Taiwan a ‘Rehearsal’ for Invasion China’s latest military exercise near Taiwan on Monday “could be a rehearsal of a reunification-by-force operation,” China’s state-run Global Times suggested Tuesday.

4/14/21

 * Independence Day: The technologies making Israel proud in 2021 A new Israeli COVID test developed at Sheba Medical Center can detect coronavirus in a fluid sample in just 20 seconds artificial corneas, animated ancestors, drones, desalination and more.

* Israel prepares for construction boom in Judea and Samaria Left-wing activists complain that over 12,000 housing plans were approved in 2020, but overall building fell during the Trump years while the PA conducted many land grabs.

* IDF Chief on Memorial Day: We Are The Generation That Was Prophesied By Jeremiah As the nation of Israel commemorates its fallen soldiers on Memorial Day on Wednesday, the IDF’s chief of staff, General Aviv Kokhavi, delivered a speech to the people of Israel at a ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

* Palestinian Authority regularly indoctrinates its people to equate Israelis with Nazis Palestinian media also equates Netanyahu with Hitler. The Palestinian propaganda campaign is intended to taunt the Israelis, given the Holocaust, but let’s look at the atrocious reality: worried about its image, Hamas put an end to the use of swastikas by Palestinian nationalists.

* Next stop, the apocalypse? The bumbling Biden administration’s claim to fame may be jumpstarting World War III Since Biden’s inauspicious rise to power, the world has become littered with hotspots from Ukraine to China where a major conflict could erupt at any time.

* The Changing Middle Eastern Tide Dominating the international news these days is the renewed suspected covert operations and overt tension between Israel and Iran due to the Biden administration's efforts to reenter some version of the Iran nuclear deal.

* Russia to consider Biden plan for Putin summit Hours after US President Joe Biden proposed a summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin has said it will study the idea.

* Nuclear chutzpah in the Middle East Israel’s temerity, Iran’s bellicosity and America’s ambiguity could plunge the region in turmoil.

* European powers warn Iran over fate of talks after 60% enrichment move The European powers party to the Iran nuclear deal told Tehran on Wednesday that its decision to enrich uranium at 60% purity and install a further 1,000 centrifuges at its Natanz site were contrary to efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

* Trump-era spike of Israel settlement growth has only begun New data and satellite photos obtained by The Associated Press show that Israel built more than 9,000 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank and approved the construction of thousands more during the Trump era.

4/13/21

 * The Cold War is re-emerging in the Middle East The Russians, as well as their Chinese “frenemies,” see America’s retreat from the region as an opportunity to swoop in, fill the void and flex their muscles. Op-ed.

* Iran’s Zarif: Israel made ‘a very bad gamble’ with blast at nuclear plant Iranian FM says Tehran can now legitimately use any capacity it has at Natanz after ‘terrorist stupidity’; Russia’s Lavrov says Moscow expects nuke deal to be saved.

* Iran’s “Look To the East” Precludes Any Deal with the West The Islamist regime in Tehran has delivered Iran to China in exchange for security guarantees against the West.

* Iran and Russia discuss ties, the Middle East, and nuclear deal FM Lavrov says Russia shares Iran’s stance on reviving the nuclear deal and believes any potential additional agreements dealing with the region need to be reached separately.

* Remembrance Day: Israel bows its head to honor 23,928 of its fallen Forty-three fallen soldiers and civilians lost their lives in the past year.

* Why the Middle East Doesn’t Want to Test Israel’s Missiles Israel’s missile capabilities are perhaps among the most advanced in the Middle East.

* China is Boldly Supporting Iran's Nuclear Ambitions On Sunday, Iranian officials confirmed an "incident" - a blackout - at their Natanz underground facility, where the Islamic Republic enriches uranium.

* Warmongering US will have to accept a new world order with China, Russia and the EU alongside American allies’ eagerness for economic cooperation with China shows the US would be foolish to assume their blind obedience in the case of conflict.

* Is Russia going to war with Ukraine and other questions Sabre-rattling or preparations for war? Since mid-March, there have been many warnings from Ukraine and Western governments that Russia is massing troops in Russian-annexed Crimea and around the eastern Ukraine conflict zone.

* The U.S.-Israel Alliance Is in Good Shape Questions have been raised over the recent attack on Iran, but it looks like Jerusalem and Washington are set to continue their usually tight-knit defense cooperation.

4/12/21

 * Netanyahu to visiting US defense secretary: We won’t let Iran obtain nukes Following attack on Iran’s Natanz facility, which has been blamed on Israel, PM says US-Israeli cooperation is ‘crucial’ to combat threats facing both countries.

* In Natanz Hit, Iran Doesn’t Dare Reveal Extent of Damage Natanz is the site of Iran’s most important nuclear facility. It is where Iran’s advanced centrifuges are assembled and where they are used to enrich uranium.

* Israel keeps on stalling Iran’s drive for a nuke – but that drive is still going strong Iran’s Atomic Energy chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, called the power blackout at its underground enrichment center in Natanz on Sunday morning.

* PM, Bennett green light negotiations between Likud and Yamina After meeting, Netanyahu and Bennett agree to have negotiating teams begin coalition talks.

* Jewish population at lowest percentage since founding of Israel Close to the establishment of the state, the Jewish percentage of the population stood at 82.1%, while today it stands at only 73.9%.

* The leaders of Ukraine, Turkey stress territorial integrity The presidents of Ukraine and Turkey are stressing the importance of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the de-escalation of tensions in eastern Ukraine and security in the Black Sea.

* Palestinian Elections: What the Biden Administration Does Not Want to Know Hamas and the PFLP have rejected all the agreements signed between Israel and the PLO, including the Oslo Accords. Yet, these terrorist groups have no problem running in an election held under the umbrella of the Oslo Accords.

* Libya's new PM to visit Turkey, hold talks with Erdogan on Monday Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh and a delegation of ministers will make their first visit to Turkey on Monday since taking office last month, the Turkish presidency said on Sunday.

* France says Turkey snubbed EU Commission chief 'deliberately' France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune said Sunday that Turkey had set a "trap" for European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen by forcing her to sit off to the side on a visit to Ankara, in a photo-op faux pas quickly dubbed 'sofagate'.

* AS TENSIONS RISE: The US and Russia Deploy Battleships to the Black Sea Washington will deploy two battleships to the Black Sea next week Turkey said on Friday as reported by the AP.

4/10/21

 * Sirens blare as Israel comes to a standstill in remembrance of Holocaust victims Public life stops during 2 minutes of silence dedicated to memory of 6 million Jews killed, as daytime ceremonies honoring those persecuted by the Nazi regime get underway.

* Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remember, appreciate Israel - editorial It is difficult to appreciate the wonder and miracle of the Jewish state unless you step back and remember what things looked like without it.

* Israel responds to ICC: You have no jurisdiction over us Jerusalem has pointed to its own independent judiciary capable of trying soldiers who commit war crimes.

* The ICC Attempts to Place Israel on a Par with Terror Armies The ICC Prosecutor’s investigation of Israel will get underway in the next few months.

* Iran nuclear talks: How do goals of Rouhani, Biden and Netanyahu compare? Rouhani and Biden will move toward a deal: Rouhani to save his legacy and Biden to clear off his table to deal with other issues.

* Russia Masses Troops Armor on Ukraine's Borders; Fears Mount of Wider War Russia has deployed troops and armor near Ukraine’s eastern border and in Crimea, sparking fears of a wider war after years of stalemated trench combat in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.

* Israeli data shows world's Jewish population now as high as in 1925 Central Bureau of Statistics says as of December 2019, there were 14.8 million Jews alive in the world, of whom 83% are in Israel or U.S.; some 180,000 recognized Holocaust survivors currently live in Jewish state.

* Iran and Israel’s strategic paradox The past year was very good for Israel, security-wise. The number of attacks was relatively low, and the intensive focus on the pandemic (and elections) pushed aside issues that in normal times would have made headlines.

* Were reports of a Jordanian coup a wake-up call for Israel? According to analysts, former diplomats and security personnel, Jordan’s stability should always be an Israeli concern.

* Would Israel Dare Attack Iran's Nuclear Facilities? There has been frequent speculation over the last two decades that Israel could launch such an attack on Iran, but while Israel is believing to undergone various efforts to sabotage Iran’s nuclear capability, they have not launched a full-on strike.

* Witnesses: China Imprisoning Christians in Underground ‘Brainwashing’ Torture Centers Eyewitnesses told Radio Free Asia (RFA) in a report published Thursday that Chinese Communist Party officials imprisoned them in mobile “brainwashing” centers designed to make them renounce Christianity, where they faced routine beatings, indoctrination, and solitary confinement designed to induce self-harm.

4/9/21

 * Iran is testing nuclear-capable missiles, Israeli ambassador reveals Iran has been testing nuclear ballistic missiles for months, violating UN Resolution 2231, Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan reveals.

* Netanyahu: Israel Won’t Be Bound by Nuke Deal that Gives Iran the Bomb Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Israel would not be bound by a renegotiated nuclear deal with Iran that would see the Islamic Republic obtaining a bomb in a few years, and reiterated the Jewish State would do whatever it took to protect itself from regimes seeking its destruction.

* Brotation speculation: What the press says about the bizarre coalition bazaar The number of ideas for various parties to find a way to build a coalition are more numerous than stars in the sky, but few think any of them are truly realistic.

* Biden Administration to Support Palestinian Dictatorship Sadly, while the Biden administration is talking about the "need to protect [Palestinian] civil society through the reduction of arrests of bloggers and dissidents," the Palestinian leadership is evidently moving in precisely the opposite direction.

* Al-Aqsa preacher: Muslims who sell property to Jews are denied burial The apartments were reportedly purchased by Ateret Cohanim, an organization that has long been working to expand Jewish presence in east Jerusalem.

* Will This be the Last Anti-Israel Generation? For the past several decades discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been driven by full time anti-Israel researchers and writers.

* Biden Builds Back Obama’s Middle East That didn't take long. One week after piously and erroneously repudiating the Commission on Unalienable Rights established by his predecessor Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed the hollow selectivity of this administration's commitment to human rights and democratic reform.

* Iran nuclear deal talks: the key issues on the Vienna negotiating table As talks resume, Iran and the signatories to the 2015 agreement face a web of sanctions to untangle.

* Backward Masking Biden On the “Big Guy’s” watch, China’s influence will "grow and expand."

* Iraq: Pro-Iran Shia militias say dialogue with US pointless, jihad attacks on US forces will continue The Middle East has never been more unstable, especially now that the Biden administration has taken the reins.

4/8/21

 * Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remember, appreciate Israel - editorial It is difficult to appreciate the wonder and miracle of the Jewish state unless you step back and remember what things looked like without it.

* Sirens blare as Israel comes to a standstill in remembrance of Holocaust victims Public life stops during 2 minutes of silence dedicated to memory of 6 million Jews killed, as daytime ceremonies honoring those persecuted by the Nazi regime get underway.

* Israel responds to ICC: You have no jurisdiction over us Jerusalem has pointed to its own independent judiciary capable of trying soldiers who commit war crimes.

* The ICC Attempts to Place Israel on a Par with Terror Armies The ICC Prosecutor’s investigation of Israel will get underway in the next few months. The Court’s decision to grant itself jurisdiction in Gaza and the West Bank raises the disturbing prospect of future indictments—and arrest warrants—being issued against senior Israeli military personnel and officials.

* Israel Bracing For Iran to Possibly Strike From Their Own Territory In response to their recent exchange of naval attacks, which reached its height on Tuesday with a strike on an Iranian spy ship in the Red Sea, Israel is readying for a potential assault on its own assets inside Israel from Iran’s territory reports Israel Hayom.

* Iran nuclear talks: How do goals of Rouhani, Biden and Netanyahu compare? Rouhani and Biden will move toward a deal: Rouhani to save his legacy and Biden to clear off his table to deal with other issues. Netanyahu will do all he can to undermine such a deal.

* After restoring aid to Palestinians, Biden endorses two-state solution Reversing Trump policies, US president tells Jordanian king that ‘United States supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’.

* 15 Jewish families returning to eastern Jerusalem neighborhood The Ateret Cohanim org recently purchased 4 housing blocs in Kfar Shiloah - once home to dozens of Yemenite families kicked out by Arabs.

* Merkel demanded Putin reduce Russian troops around Ukraine: German statement German Chancellor Angela Merkel demanded in a phone call with President Vladimir Putin that Russia unwind its recent military build-up in the area around eastern Ukraine, the German government said in a statement on Thursday.

* Would Israel Dare Attack Iran's Nuclear Facilities? There has been frequent speculation over the last two decades that Israel could launch such an attack on Iran, but while Israel is believing to undergone various efforts to sabotage Iran’s nuclear capability, they have not launched a full-on strike.

4/7/21

 * Israel shifts focus to Tehran’s sea bridge, strikes Guards ship in the Red Sea A US official told The New York Times that Israel had informed Washington of an attack by its forces on the IRGC-flagged Saviz in the Red Sea on Tuesday, April 6, in reprisal for Iranian strikes against its merchant vessels.

* Iran talks, mines in the Red Sea, and a message from Jerusalem -analysis Israel’s biggest problem with the JCPOA is that it does not actually stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons.

* Joe Biden is not planning to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Instead, the new administration intends to build on some of Donald Trump's Middle East policies.

* Putin poised to set out vision for future in dramatic speech, in what allies say will be ‘world’s most important political event’ Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly preparing to give a major address in which he will fire the starting pistol on a “new era” and set out a different vision for the future of his country as the Covid-19 pandemic wanes.

* Russia Masses Troops, Armor on Ukraine's Borders; Fears Mount of Wider War Russia has deployed troops and armor near Ukraine’s eastern border and in Crimea, sparking fears of a wider war after years of stalemated trench combat in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.

* Hijacking Holocaust terminology to perpetuate falsities and demonize Israel An integral part of the Palestinian Authority messaging is to adopt terminology associated with the actions of the Nazis towards the Jews of Europe during the Holocaust, and to claim that Israel is conducting the same actions against the Palestinians.

* European Union welcome in new Russian-backed ‘Great Eurasian Partnership’, Moscow says… if Brussels sees value in turning to East A new coalition of nations promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin could run from Europe’s Atlantic coast to the Sea of Japan, after Moscow declared it would be open for any country across Eurasia that wants to participate.

* Iran has produced 55 kg of 20% enriched uranium since January: official Iran has made 55 kg of uranium enriched to up to 20% - the point at which it is highly enriched - indicating quicker production than the 10 kg a month rate required by an Iranian law that created the process in January, Iranian authorities said on Wednesday.

* The Europeanized USA America is undergoing a rapid transformation founded in a moral panic over race that masks the exercise of class-based power in which technology companies and left-wing politics have united to wield unprecedented control.

* Israeli data shows world's Jewish population now as high as in 1925 Central Bureau of Statistics says as of December 2019, there were 14.8 million Jews alive in the world, of whom 83% are in Israel or U.S.; some 180,000 recognized Holocaust survivors currently live in Jewish state.

4/6/21

 * On eve of Iran talks, Netanyahu warns Tehran against harming Israel During his speech in Jaffa, Netanyahu spoke of the difficulty of relying on allies and friends, and the importance of self-defense.

* Iran and Israel’s strategic paradox The past year was very good for Israel, security-wise. The number of attacks was relatively low, and the intensive focus on the pandemic (and elections) pushed aside issues that in normal times would have made headlines.

* Rivlin hands Netanyahu mandate to form coalition despite low chance of success Netanyahu received the majority of endorsements to form the next government, beating out Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid.

* Palestinians: US Taxpayer Money Going to Terrorists The memo, however, does not specifically say that the renewed US funding would be conditioned on ending the Palestinians' "pay-to-slay" program.

* US ducks question on whether east Jerusalem is Palestinian capital "There has been no change on our position in Jerusalem – and, of course, Jerusalem is a final status issue that is to be negotiated by the two parties."

* The Biden Effect: China to deploy 5,000 troops in Iran, build military base there This will prop up the mullahs, who are so unpopular among the Iranian people that the Islamic regime might otherwise have fallen.

* Indoctrinated in Hate: 'This Is the Start of the New Caliphate' Hate-filled indoctrination and training in violence is not limited to the "schools" of ISIS or Boko Haram.

* How Jordan's royal drama could threaten Middle East stability, as U.S. offers support Accusations of a plot against the monarchy could have implications for allies like the U.S. that consider Jordan a reliable partner in the region.

* EU-Turkey: What's on the agenda as EU chiefs visit Ankara today? It has now been 22 years since Turkey became a candidate nation for membership of the European Union.

* Moscow pledges retaliation to US & UK plans for rocket deployment in range of Russia’s borders, sparking new missile crisis fears Russia would be forced to defend itself if Western nations go through with plans to station short- and long-range missiles in Europe, a Moscow diplomat has warned, insisting they could be used to target the country’s air defenses.

4/5/21

 * EU pledges backing to Ukraine after Russian military buildup European envoy says Kiev has its ‘unwavering support’ while Moscow denies threatening behaviour.

* Jordan's Prince Hamzah vows to defy 'house arrest' orders The former crown prince of Jordan has said he will defy government orders to stop communicating with the outside world and remain indoors.

* Were reports of a Jordanian coup a wake-up call for Israel? According to analysts, former diplomats and security personnel, Jordan’s stability should always be an Israeli concern.

* The Jewish Arab State How did it come about that an Arab party that aligns itself with Israel's enemies is suggested as a member of Israel's government? Op-ed.

* Israel: Ultra-Orthodox appear divided on joining gov't with Islamist Ra'am party support Officials in the ultra-Orthodox Unified Torah Judaism party are reportedly divided over a potential coalition based on the support from the Islamist Ra'am party despite the arrangement receiving the blessing of the community's most influential figure last week.

* Why Does Iran Want So Many Ballistic Missiles? Developing indigenous missile and anti-missile systems is a key component of Iran's deterrence strategy.

* Canadian Police Try to Shut Down Church on Easter For Covid Violations, Pastor Boots Them Out Covid restrictions in Canada are being enforced with an iron fist and there’s no sanctuary to escape from them, apparently not even churches.

* Witnesses: China Imprisoning Christians in Underground ‘Brainwashing’ Torture Centers Eyewitnesses told Radio Free Asia (RFA) in a report published Thursday that Chinese Communist Party officials imprisoned them in mobile “brainwashing” centers designed to make them renounce Christianity, where they faced routine beatings, indoctrination, and solitary confinement designed to induce self-harm.

* NYT Blames Evangelicals For Potentially Extending Covid 'Pandemic' In a recent article in the New York Times, faith and religion reporters Elizabeth Dias and Ruth Graham published a piece entitled: ‘How White Evangelicals’ Vaccine Refusal Could Prolong the Pandemic’.

* NASA to launch spaceship to 'punch' asteroid, stop future impacts The DART Mission spacecraft's launch window is set for July 2021; it is set to arrive at the asteroid in September 2022.