7/31/21

* Moscow’s changed line on Israel’s Syria raids followed first Putin-Biden summit Moscow confirms DEBKAfile’s exclusive of July 21, (Putin steps away from deal with Netanyahu for a blind eye on Syria air strikes), according to the Saudi publication Sharq al Awsat.

* Biden Administration Takes Side of Russia, Syria, Iran, Hezbollah Against Israel Israel has for years been able to bomb targets in Syria virtually at will.

* Israel issues stark warning to US: Iran's crossing nuclear threshold imminent Several Israeli officials including FM Yair Lapid and DM Benny Gantz relayed the message to US counterparts.

* The US Is Undermining the Abraham Accords Official announcements from Washington herald the reduction of the US military presence in the Middle East.

* Manufacturing of Unique Red Dye For Third Temple Begins On Sunday, a woman went out to collect tiny insects that once a year, produce the flame-colored dye that was used in the Temple.

* Communist China's New Plan: Digital Currency Communist China is adding another element to its toolbox of surveilling and controlling its population.

* The myth of "Occupied Palestinian Territories" -- Part 1 of 2 For those who still own an old encyclopedia that predates the mid-1960’s, look up “Palestinian.” Op-ed.

* Iran nuclear program poses very serious threat to Israel - INSS to Herzog Iran has made significant progress in high levels of uranium enrichment, uranium metal production and in operating advanced centrifuges.

* There Can Be No Stable EU-Russian Relationship Without Securing the Baltic States The undivided support of the EU and NATO is of foremost importance to maintain the balance against Russian until remedies for the systemic military and economic weakness of the Baltic and Eastern European countries are found.

* Erdogan says conversion of Hagia Sophia to a mosque is ‘symbol of the revival’ of Turkish civilization A calculated insult to the tiny remnant of Christians in Turkey is a “symbol of the revival” of Turkish civilization. Erdogan thus suggests that a revived 

7/30/21

 * Reports of clashes in Southern Syria near Israel’s Golan If the situation deteriorates, it could have major ramifications for Israel and Jordan as well as the Syrian regime and pro-Iran element.

* After initial confusion, Israeli-operated ship confirmed to have been attacked off the coast of Oman A merchant vessel, operated by the company of Israeli billionaire, Eyal Ofer, has been attacked off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea. The incident is currently under investigation.

* Biden makes deal with Iraq to end US combat mission amid escalation by Iranian-backed jihad militias American combat troops are leaving their mission in Iraq and pulling out of the area by the end of the year.

* Gantz and Kochavi hold assessment following attack on Israeli-managed ship Israeli official: Iran is sowing violence and destruction in every corner of the region. Our campaign against them will continue.

* Iraq Can’t Escape the Next Iran-Israel Military Showdown Israel’s F-35 stealth fighters are positively supernatural: here, there and everywhere.

* Russia & China expanding yuan share in mutual trade, pushing out US dollar – Chinese Ambassador to Russia The share of the Chinese currency in trade between Russia and China has increased, as the countries boost efforts to move away from the US dollar in response to Washington's sanctions policies, according to a top Chinese diplomat.

* Thailand moves to strengthen EU ties amid US-China rivalry The Southeast Asian country is looking to revive trade and business with the bloc to avoid dependence on Beijing and Washington. Economists say a free trade agreement is to be expected within the next few years.

* EU foreign policy chief flags review of China strategy ‘in months’ The European Union is considering a review of its strategy towards China in the coming months, with growing cracks in the relationship since the suspension of their landmark investment deal and accusations of Chinese involvement in cyberattacks, reported the South China Morning Post.

* EU PARLIAMENT TARGETS CHRISTIAN GROUPS IN PRO-ABORTION CRUSADE Last month, the European Parliament (EPF) passed a resolution declaring that abortion was a “human right.”

* Unrest grows in Iran, but is the regime in danger? On Monday, the unrest reached the Iranian capital. Videos and reports from the Tehran protests show demonstrators chanting against the regime.

7/29/21

* Biden Administration Takes Side of Russia, Syria, Iran, Hezbollah Against Israel Israel has for years been able to bomb targets in Syria virtually at will.

* Bennett looking to strengthen Israel as a Middle East player - analysis Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s top priority is countering the Iranian threat to Israel, and that goes hand-in-hand with a more regional focus.

* Israel faces Russia policy change, or perhaps political posturing, regarding Syria Saudi media reported that Jerusalem and Moscow have in recent years “maintained a hotline that allowed the Israeli military to alert Russian forces of incoming strikes,” but now, “communication through the Israel-Russia deconfliction mechanism has effectively ceased.”

* Israel’s PM Bennett ‘Violence in the Arab community is a national calamity’ ‘Crime is a daily occurrence and fear reigns in the streets. It is a national mission’.

* Constrain Hezbollah before it drags region into war, Erdan tells UNSC UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan warned the United Nations that if UNIFIL did not take action to restrict Hezbollah, it would drag the entire region into a regional war.

* Do Not Assume a War With Iran Would Be Easy A weak opponent can exact a surprising cost on an arrogant foe.

* Report: Russia-Israel Relationship Takes Turn for Worst! As coordination on Syria Halted Lebanese media outlets as well as Saudi Arabia’s London-based Asharq Al-Awsat have reported that Israel’s freedom of action against Iran in Syria is dwindling as Russia makes changes to its policy vis-à-vis its relationship with Israel.

* South Africa slams African Union's decision to grant observer status to Israel The South African government has hit out at the African Union's move to grant observer status to Israel.

* European Health Union: Our number one priority The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both the importance of our health care systems and the extent to which we have allowed them to deteriorate; we must reverse this process, says Alessandra Moretti.

* Saudi Arabia Turned to China and America to Build Its Missile Forces Riyadh appears to see itself as engaged in nothing short of an epic struggle for dominance of the Middle East, and has oriented its foreign policy around combating the perceived Iranian menace, even in places its influence is moderate at best.

7/28/21

 * Temple Mount doesn't loom large in the Jewish national psyche - here's why Both FM Yair Lapid and MK Merav Ben-Ari recently said that the Western Wall is Judaism's holiest site. Why is this such a common misconception?

* The myth of "Occupied Palestinian Territories" -- Part 2 of 2 There are 2 million “Palestinian refugees” in “Palestinian refugee camps” all living under “Palestinian” sovereignty in supposed “Palestine,” with Hamas sovereign in Gaza and Abbas’s Fatah reigning in the “West Bank” PA. Why are they refugees?.Op-ed.

* Iran nuclear program poses very serious threat to Israel - INSS to Herzog Iran has made significant progress in high levels of uranium enrichment, uranium metal production and in operating advanced centrifuges.

* EU urges new Lebanon PM to form government ‘without delay’ Najib Mikati, who has twice served as premier before, said he does not ‘have a magic wand and cannot achieve miracles’.

* China expanding its nuclear capabilities, scientists say China is expanding its capacity to store and launch nuclear missiles, US scientists say.

* There Can Be No Stable EU-Russian Relationship Without Securing the Baltic States The undivided support of the EU and NATO is of foremost importance to maintain the balance against Russian until remedies for the systemic military and economic weakness of the Baltic and Eastern European countries are found.

* Danny Yatom: US will allow Iran to achieve nuclear weapons Danny Yatom, former Mossad chief, warns Israel needs backup plan 'in case the worst of all happens.'

* Iran-Israel media information laundering - analysis Iran boasts of various threats that then get reprinted in Israeli media, making Iran say that Israel is concerned.

* Blinken Should Invite Kuwait to Join Abraham Accords If the Biden administration is serious about expanding the Abraham Accords, it has to show countries like Kuwait that peace is still one of Washington’s top priorities.

* Erdogan says conversion of Hagia Sophia to a mosque is ‘symbol of the revival’ of Turkish civilization A calculated insult to the tiny remnant of Christians in Turkey is a “symbol of the revival” of Turkish civilization.

7/27/21

 * Israel issues stark warning to US: Iran's crossing nuclear threshold imminent Several Israeli officials including FM Yair Lapid and DM Benny Gantz relayed the message to US counterparts.

* After months of optimism, a return to the Iran nuke deal begins to look unlikely The Islamic Republic’s demands, along with progress in its program, make a return to the JCPOA seem much more difficult than when Biden came into office.

* Rashida Talib Calls for IRS to Target Pro-Israel Congressman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen, urging her to review the status granted to “organizations that fund the expansion of Israeli settlements.”

* Flurry of Israeli Palestinian phone calls doesn't spell peace - 8 takes Eight reasons why the sudden flurry of regional conversations is unlikely to be a harbinger of good news for those who hope for a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

* The myth of "Occupied Palestinian Territories" -- Part 1 of 2 For those who still own an old encyclopedia that predates the mid-1960’s, look up “Palestinian.” Op-ed.

* Communist China's New Plan: Digital Currency The real purpose of the new digital currency... seems to be... to challenge the long-standing global reign of the US dollar.

* China and Greece are Getting Closer. Joe Biden Should Worry. China’s influence in Europe is calculated to benefit Beijing’s long-term strategic goals that reach far beyond economic benefit.

* Global Markets: 2020-2022 Versus 1929-1932. Zero Hedge: Current levels of equity markets are not only divorced from their underlying economic and business realities but are repeating the madness of crowds that led to the Wall Street crash of 1929—1932.

* Giant anti-‘settler’ sign posted at Jerusalem entrance, approved by city The sign, paid for by the far-Left group Breaking the Silence, was approved by the Jerusalem Municipality.

* Biden should reconsider planned reversal of bipartisan US policy on Jerusalem The Biden administration is planning to open a new Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem — Israel’s capital and the location of the United States Embassy to Israel.

7/26/21

 * Moscow’s changed line on Israel’s Syria raids followed first Putin-Biden summit Moscow confirms DEBKAfile’s exclusive of July 21, (Putin steps away from deal with Netanyahu for a blind eye on Syria air strikes), according to the Saudi publication Sharq al Awsat.

* Syrian air defense units intercept Israeli missiles near Damascus, thwarting THIRD raid in a week – Russian Defense Ministry The Syrian military intercepted two missiles fired by Israeli fighter jets at the Damascus suburb of Set Zaynab over the weekend, thwarting the third airstrike in just a week, using Russian-made air defense systems.

* The EU Needs to Think Long-Term in Its Relationship with Russia Disentangling long-term foreign policy priorities from the short- to medium-term domestic agenda in the United States and EU member countries might be a solution to the puzzle from the perspective of Russian decision-makers.

* Jordan's King Abdullah II confirms he met with Gantz, Bennett At a secret meeting, Bennett and Abdullah reportedly agreed that the two countries must heal rifts, using the water deal as a first step.

* Manufacturing of Unique Red Dye For Third Temple Begins On Sunday, a woman went out to collect tiny insects that once a year, produce the flame-colored dye that was used in the Temple.

* The US Is Undermining the Abraham Accords In contrast to the Trump administration’s tough stance on Iran, President Joe Biden’s willingness to negotiate with and reach a weak agreement with Iran undermines the strategic rationale for the normalization agreements between Israel and the Gulf states.

* A water crisis is creating nightmare conditions across the Middle East That the wars of the future will be fought over water rather than oil is an adage that feels like an increasingly terrifyingly reality as every year goes by.

* Will Lebanon Fall into the Hands of Iran? There is growing concern among the Lebanese and other Arabs that Iran is planning to exploit the severe political, economic and financial crisis in Lebanon to complete its takeover of the country.

* Iraqi militias grow in power as Iran’s military strongman proves too weak Esmail Qaani – successor to the assassinated Qassem Suleimani as Quds chief – lacks authority to stop attacks on US targets, sources say.

* The Gaza ceasefire is shaky and another war may be coming soon The persistent violence against Palestinians in Jerusalem and an Israeli desire for a revanche may rekindle hostilities.

7/24/21

 * Discreet Jewish prayer continues on Temple Mount  Temple Mount activists say there were no changes in procedures at the holy site after 1,600 Jewish visitors ascended to mark Tisha Be'av.

* Lapid pressed, Bennett folded: The political drama around Temple Mount worship  The PM wanted to make history, but regional and political realities intervened, and the alternate PM stepped in to defuse the crisis.

* Israeli Islamist Party Slams Jewish Worship on Temple Mount, Says Holy Site ‘Property of Muslims’  The Islamist Ra’am party, which is part of Israel’s motley ruling coalition, on Sunday joined a chorus of condemnation from the Arab and Muslim world over the ascent of hundreds of Jewish pilgrims to the Temple Mount to commemorate the Jewish fast of Tisha B’av, claiming the flashpoint site – Judaism’s holiest – is the “sole property of Muslims.”

* Mahmoud Abbas Prepares List of Demands On Israel If Negotiations Are to Resume  Mahmoud Abbas has prepared a list of 15 demands that, the PA claims, must be understood as a prerequisite to negotiations with Israel.

* 100,000 Muslims promise to give their lives for Al Aqsa  Muslims arriving at Temple Mount to mark Eid al-Adha chant anti-Israel slogans, promise to 'sacrifice their lives' for Al Aqsa Mosque.

* Putin steps away from deal with Netanyahu for a blind eye on Syria air strikes  Moscow was seen taking a radical new course on Israel’s air strikes over Syria after the raid near Aleppo early Tuesday, July 20.

* Israel: Islamic party says Temple Mount is ‘solely the property of Muslims, and no one else has any right to it’ The Ra’am Party, which is part of Israel’s current governing coalition, has claimed that “the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in its 144 dunams, is solely the property of Muslims, and no one else has any right to it.”

* Opinion: Jordan’s King Abdullah II has become Washington’s favorite Arab leader again  A photo released by the White House Monday told the story: a jaunty, beaming Jordanian King Abdullah II, followed by his son and heir, the Crown Prince Hussein, accompanied by a smiling President Biden.

* Nigeria: Muslims murder 3,462 Christians in 200 days The establishment media narrative is that Muslims are always and everywhere victims, and Christians always and everywhere oppressors. So this will get no attention.

* Pew survey shows majority of Catholics don't believe in 'Real Presence' TA new study about the level of Catholic belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist showed that a majority of Catholics do not believe that the bread and wine used at Mass become the body and blood of Christ.

7/23/21

 * Just how dangerous is Iran to the world? Assessing the danger that Iran poses to the world through its development of nuclear weapons, missiles and other weapons may be misleading.

* Why is Israel's state budget so important for the fight against Iran? In coordinated reports on two TV stations, reporters revealed that the IDF is upping its preparations again for a possible strike against Iran.

* Hezbollah’s notorious Unit 133 is back in business The recent interception of a weapons-smuggling attempt along the Lebanese-Israeli border is a sign of a larger development: Hezbollah’s unit in charge of orchestrating terrorism in Israel is expanding under new leadership.

* Interior Minister: 'No gov't if there's a construction freeze in Judea & Samaria' Interior Min. Shaked blames Religious Zionism chair for torpedoing right-wing government, promises to bring down gov't if US tries to force construction freeze in Judea and Samaria.

* De facto building freeze in Judea and Samaria under Bennett? U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the Biden administration was maintaining an anti-settlement expansion policy.

* Israel Fights Back: After Ben & Jerry’s Boycott, President Calls BDS ‘New Kind of Terrorism’ Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a harsh condemnation against boycotts of Israel after the ice cream makers Ben & Jerry’s announced its plans to end sales in what it termed the “Occupied Palestinian Territory,” calling them “a new kind of terrorism.”

* Will China rebuild war-ravaged Syria? Here’s why Beijing is doubling down on its newly minted partnership with Assad The recent visit of China’s foreign minister to Damascus as the first foreign guest since President Bashar Assad was sworn in for a second seven-year term is significant – and signals a shift that will annoy Washington and London.

* Demographic Expert Exposes the Lie of Arab Fominance in Judea and Samaria Yoram Ettinger is an expert on US-Israel relations, Middle East affairs, and Jewish-Arab demography.

* The American Colossus May Crumble The US is no longer the country that recovered from the Pearl Harbor disaster and won WWII, or that both morally and economically sustained itself throughout its prolonged ideological conflict with the Soviet Union.

* Why ‘the pandemic of the unvaccinated’ is a lie For days, the mainstream media have been playing a loop of reports that 99% of COVID-19 deaths are among unvaccinated people.

7/22/21

 * Should Jews Pray on the Temple Mount? When Israel came into the possession of the Old City of Jerusalem in the Six-Day War, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan decided that in order to minimize friction with Arabs on the Temple Mount, Jewish visitors would be prohibited from saying prayers at the holiest site in Judaism.

* Politics foil replacing hazardous bridge to Jerusalem site A rickety bridge allowing access to Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site is at risk of collapse, according to experts.

* The IDF cannot let Lebanon become like Gaza - analysis Will the residents of Israel’s North live under “tiftufim” and infiltrations?

* PA to Europe: Boycott the 'settlements' Senior Fatah official calls on European governments to ban commercial dealings with the "settlements".

* 100,000 worshipers gather on Temple Mount to celebrate Eid al-Adha Muslims participate in mass prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque after last year's scaled-down event due to the pandemic.

* Putin steps away from deal with Netanyahu for a blind eye on Syria air strikes Moscow was seen taking a radical new course on Israel’s air strikes over Syria after the raid near Aleppo early Tuesday, July 20.

* Jews Gaslighting Jews: A Primer A recent poll purports to capture the attitudes of American Jews regarding Israel and politics.

* Israel to join African Union as observer after being kept out for 2 decades Jerusalem makes major stride in its burgeoning ties with the continent; ‘this is a day of celebration for Israel-Africa relations,’ says Foreign Minister Lapid.

* Viktor Orban’s LGBTQ referendum could spell the end of Hungary’s membership of the EU, or the end of his premiership Brussels and Budapest are betting big in this high-stakes political poker game. The clash between conservative East and liberal West is coming to a head in what could be another blow against the EU's dream of ‘ever closer union.’

* Society is right on track for a global collapse, new study of infamous 1970s report finds A steep downturn in human population and quality of life could be coming in the 2040s, the report finds.

7/21/21

 * Hamas Flags Fly on Temple Mount Over 100,000 Arabs filled the Temple Mount, Judaism’s holiest site, on Tuesday for their holiday of Eid al Adha.

* Palestinian PM Shtayyeh: Today’s Jews, Israelis Have ‘No Connection’ with Real Jews There is no connection between today’s Israelis and historical Jews, according to recent remarks by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in an attempt to deny the ancestral roots of today’s Jews, and thus strengthen Palestinian claims to the Holy Land.

* Opinion: Jordan’s King Abdullah II has become Washington’s favorite Arab leader again A photo released by the White House Monday told the story: a jaunty, beaming Jordanian King Abdullah II, followed by his son and heir, the Crown Prince Hussein, accompanied by a smiling President Biden.

* Settlement leader: Biden won't risk endangering coalition by pressuring Israel 103FM's Erel Segal reported Yesha Council chairman had 'inside information' that US government would refrain from pressuring Israel.

* Israel’s Fear: The Destruction of the Third Temple Israel needs to formulate a new Jewish-Israeli story that is attuned to the challenges of the future.

* Fatah Publicly Exposed, Shamed and Endangered an Arab "Traitor" Who Sold Land to Jews in Jerusalem The PA has publicly exposed, shamed, and literally endangered the life of an Arab who sold land to Jews in Jerusalem.

* Under pressure from US, Israel imposes de facto building freeze on Judea, Samaria Officials say Israel has imposed de facto building freeze on Judea and Samaria, following pressure from the Biden administration.

* Syrian economy lies in ruins and China sniffs opportunity Analysis: War may be winding down, but with Assad in charge for seven more seven years the country remains splintered.

* 'Jews are behind the pandemic' chanted at anti-vaccine protest in Poland 'Every Pole can see today that behind the ‘pandemic’ are the Jews,' the crowd chanted.

* Nigeria: Muslims murder 3,462 Christians in 200 days The establishment media narrative is that Muslims are always and everywhere victims, and Christians always and everywhere oppressors. So this will get no attention.

7/20/21

 * Is Iran behind Lebanon rocket fire – and is this the new normal? We may see more rocket fire from Lebanon in the next months and years ascribed to Palestinian groups in order to give Hezbollah and Iran plausible deniability.

* Israeli artillery responds to rocket fire from Lebanon. IDF air strikes over Syria The new Israeli government faces its first round of northern border unrest, Early Tuesday, July 20, IDF artillery struck Lebanon in response to twin rocket fire – just four hours after Syria reported IDF air strikes.

* Arabs Warn Biden: The War on Terrorism is not Over The Arabs are saying that the Americans are mistaken if they think that the war on terrorism will end with the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan.

* Lapid pressed, Bennett folded: The political drama around Temple Mount worship The PM wanted to make history, but regional and political realities intervened, and the alternate PM stepped in to defuse the crisis.

* Israel: Islamic party says Temple Mount is ‘solely the property of Muslims, and no one else has any right to it’ The Ra’am Party, which is part of Israel’s current governing coalition, has claimed that “the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in its 144 dunams, is solely the property of Muslims, and no one else has any right to it.”

* 100,000 Muslims promise to give their lives for Al Aqsa Muslims arriving at Temple Mount to mark Eid al-Adha chant anti-Israel slogans, promise to 'sacrifice their lives' for Al Aqsa Mosque.

* Abdullah seeks to revive two-state solution, bury 'Jordan is Palestine' Jordan wants to end talks of turning the kingdom into a Palestinian state and instead be center stage in regional developments.

* No Nuclear Weapons, No Israel? The nuclear deterrent isn't necessarily critical to Israel’s survival.

* Ra’am party shows its true colors The Islamist party is trying to have it both ways by working to better Israeli Arabs’ lives while also embracing Hamas-style radicalism.Op-ed.

* Pew survey shows majority of Catholics don't believe in 'Real Presence' A new study about the level of Catholic belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist showed that a majority of Catholics do not believe that the bread and wine used at Mass become the body and blood of Christ.

7/19/21

 * Record Number of Jews Visit Temple Mount on Tisha B'Av Just Before Gates Slammed Shut On Sunday, on the holy day of Tisha B’Av, Yeraeh, a Temple Mount organization, recorded 1,679 Jews ascending to the Temple Mount, marking a 71% increase over last year.

* Discreet Jewish prayer continues on Temple Mount Temple Mount activists say there were no changes in procedures at the holy site after 1,600 Jewish visitors ascended to mark Tisha Be'av.

* Israel’s PM is playing with fire on the Temple Mount Bennett hailed ‘freedom of Jewish worship’ at the religious hotspot, a day after TV footage showed Jews at prayer there. Then he backtracked, anonymously. This is no way to govern.

* Abdullah heads to US as Bennett upholds Jewish rights on Temple Mount The meeting comes a day after Jordan sent an official complaint to Israel for allowing Jews onto the Temple Mount.

* Israeli Islamist Party Slams Jewish Worship on Temple Mount, Says Holy Site ‘Property of Muslims’ The Islamist Ra’am party, which is part of Israel’s motley ruling coalition, on Sunday joined a chorus of condemnation from the Arab and Muslim world over the ascent of hundreds of Jewish pilgrims to the Temple Mount to commemorate the Jewish fast of Tisha B’av, claiming the flashpoint site – Judaism’s holiest – is the “sole property of Muslims.”

* Mahmoud Abbas’s Demands: A Decree of Israel’s Surrender The demands issued by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas show a clear intention to turn the clock back. Israel cannot accept these dictates, which would have been rejected out of hand by Yitzhak Rabin.

* Mahmoud Abbas Prepares List of Demands On Israel If Negotiations Are to Resume Mahmoud Abbas has prepared a list of 15 demands that, the PA claims, must be understood as a prerequisite to negotiations with Israel.

* The EU Leaders Join North Korea in Welcoming Iran's Mass Murderer President By handpicking a mass murderer to be president, the Iranian regime is sending a strong message to the Iranian people and the world that it will not respect human rights.

* What Will Happen to EU-Russia Relations after Merkel Leaves Office? A more critical attitude towards Russia’s internal and external policies has already started to emerge earlier with Merkel at the helm.

* Activists demand recognition for Kurdish, North and East Syria - analysis This vast area which includes the deserts along the Euphrates as well as the old ISIS capital of Raqqa and also includes Kurdish towns and cities was badly harmed by ISIS and then attacked by Turkey.

7/17/21

* Tisha Be'Av 2021 - What you need to know On Tisha Be'Av, people should not greet one another with verbal greetings * Sitting on a chair is forbidden until after halachic midday * Sitting on the floor or in a low chair is permitted. 

* Israeli military requests funding for a potential strike on Iran: report Planning comes amid concerns negotiations on Iran nuclear deal may collapse. 

* Rouhani warns Iran could enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels  Outgoing Iranian president claims Tehran 'can do anything in the peaceful path,' criticizes ruling theocracy for not letting government seal agreement to restore 2015 nuclear deal. 

* US allies face America's Revolutionary People's Army While the U.S. Joint Chiefs wage war against their political enemies within their ranks, America's actual enemies are becoming increasingly aggressive and emboldened. 

* Iran is racing toward a nuclear bomb, and the Lapid-Bennett government is silent  Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have handcuffed Israel to a policy of "no surprises" with the Biden administration and have abandoned the fight for global public opinion. 

* Abbas draws up list of demands for negotiations with Israel  Note that the list contains no hint of any concessions to Israel in return for all this. 

* Jordan Is Now an Ally of the Islamic Republic of Iran The King of Jordan has apparently reached the conclusion that opening the door to the extremist Shiite regime in Iran will save his country from its many crises. 

* Government report can't explain UFOs, but offers no evidence of aliens  Out of 144 encounters with mysterious aircraft, 143 are literally unidentifiable, according to a newly released report to Congress. 

* In meetings with Lapid, EU expresses eagerness to improve Israel ties Most nations back resumption of key annual forum for first time since 2012; Egypt also displays interest in boosting bilateral relations. 

* China Wants to Serve as "Mediator" in Afghanistan Conflict China wants to serve as “a mediator, or a "guarantor of security" on the Afghanistan issue, China's state-run Global Times reported on Sunday, in response to the Taliban's growing dominance of most of the country. 

* EU: New Political Alliance to Fight Creation of European Superstate The leaders of 16 political parties from across Europe have announced an unprecedented alliance to defend the sovereignty of European nation states, protect the nuclear family and preserve traditional Judeo-Christian values. 

* Jewish Temple Mount entrance at risk of collapse. Will Israel fix it? Etzion suggested reviving an ancient passageway under the women's section of the Western Wall called Barclay's Gate. 

7/16/21

 * Palestinian Authority on the verge of collapse, US official warns Israel “I have never seen the Palestinian Authority in a worse situation,” Amr reportedly told the Israeli official.

* Israel-Jordan Relations: Possibilities and Risks Even if the improving ties between Jordan and Israel yield a certain diplomatic benefit for Israel, they may indicate a worrisome direction in terms of Israel’s state interests.

* China say will step up involvement in Mideast mediation Chinese FM says two-state solution represents the 'only viable way to resolve the Palestinian question'.

* Tough Question: In a Middle Eastern War, Who Comes Out on Top? Israel ranked sixteenth, with a military power rating of 0.3444.

* Is Jerusalem’s Mughrabi bridge in news to spark Jordan crisis? - analysis It appears convenient that suddenly those who were in office for many years and made no changes now want it closed, demolished, changed or removed.

* Experts fear Iran will move in after US leaves Afghanistan Tehran increasingly speaking about the Taliban as a legitimate factor.

* Move over, Riyadh – The UAE is quietly attempting to eclipse Saudi Arabia and assert itself as the main power in the Persian Gulf A clash between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over oil production is finally revealing the rise of a new regional power.

* The real challenge of reconciling Christians and Jews Saying sorry for the past just isn’t enough. Addressing Christian anti-Semitism involves facing its anti-Israel element head-on.Op-ed.

* Samaria town prepares for second Tisha B'av under siege The hilltop town of Kumi Ori, near Yitzhar in the Samaria, is ready to undergo its second Tisha B'av under siege by the IDF.

* Aiming High: Israel Shoots for the Moon Again Private space company SpaceIL announced Sunday it had raised $70 million to send a second spacecraft to land on the moon, after its antecedent crash landed last year.

7/15/21

 * Israeli military requests funding for a potential strike on Iran: report Planning comes amid concerns negotiations on Iran nuclear deal may collapse.

* REPORT: Iran Refuses to Hold Nuclear Talks With Biden Until Mid-August Iran will not resume talks with world powers over a return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the 2015 nuclear accord from which former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018, until President-elect Ebrahim Raisi’s government is operative, Reuters reported on Thursday.

* Are Israel and Jordan ready to turn over a new leaf? Israel’s new government aims to mend relations with Jordan’s leadership through gestures like economic and water deals, but the Palestinian issue and Iran remain major obstacles.

* Turkey and Israel Want to Improve Ties After Presidents' Call - Turkish Ruling Party Turkey and Israel have agreed to work towards improving their strained relations after a rare phone call between their presidents, a spokesman for Turkey's ruling AK Party said on Wednesday.

* West Bank city of Hebron regularly sees terror attacks Five years after a terror attack killed a 13 year-old Israeli, numerous attacks in and around the flashpoint city continue to take place.

* Forget the Iron Dome: This Israeli Laser Is Changing Air Defense The Israelis have been evaluating a project along these lines since the early 2000’s, when a laser missile defense system was proposed as an alternative to the Iron Dome short-range air defense system.

* The Eastern Med After the Biden-Putin Summit The summit of Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin in Geneva last month was the most important event of Biden’s tour of Europe.

* EU launches legal action over LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary and Poland Ruling is part of ongoing fight for rule of law and freedom from discrimination in heart Europe.

* Genocide, apartheid? A poll Israel cannot allow itself to ignore Nobody who knows the reality in Israel could possibly believe it is committing genocide against the Palestinians. Yet 22% of US Jews apparently do. Alarm bells should be ringing.

* Israeli authorities seize cryptocurrency transfer from Hamas The sum which was seized reportedly included funds meant for, but not limited to, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades (the Hamas military wing).

7/14/21

 * Northern Command Head: Hezbollah to pay a 'heavy price' if war breaks out 15 years after Second Lebanon War, the IDF warns it has thousands of targets ready to be attacked in Lebanon.

* Rouhani warns Iran could enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels Outgoing Iranian president claims Tehran ‘can do anything in the peaceful path,’ criticizes ruling theocracy for not letting government seal agreement to restore 2015 nuclear deal.

* IDF: Hezbollah storing massive weapons depot next to a school Israeli military releases location of alleged arms stockpile in central Lebanese town containing huge amount of explosives, in apparent attempt to ‘name and shame’ terror group.

* Afghan Withdrawal Opens the Way for China China, which shares a tiny 47-mile-long border with Afghanistan, has long coveted developing closer ties with Kabul, not least because of the large, untapped reserves of mineral wealth that Afghanistan possesses.

* Solidarity with ‘Palestine’ Means Kalashnikovs for Kids All the academics who sign statements of solidarity with “Palestine” claim to have done so out of a deep respect for human rights.

* Israel’s Tumultuous Two Years, and How It Has Emerged Stronger Than Before Israel has had a tumultuous two years, with many crises, and has managed to emerge stronger than before.

* Putin’s warning to the West: Moscow sees Ukraine as part of ‘Russian world’ & this is meant to be taken seriously by outsiders Russian President Vladimir Putin has fired the starting pistol on a new row with Kiev this week.

* US allies face America’s Revolutionary People’s Army While the U.S. Joint Chiefs wage war against their political enemies within their ranks, America’s actual enemies are becoming increasingly aggressive and emboldened.

* Iran is racing toward a nuclear bomb, and the Lapid-Bennett government is silent Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have handcuffed Israel to a policy of “no surprises” with the Biden administration and have abandoned the fight for global public opinion.

* 800 YEARS LATER: Church of England Apologizes for Expelling the Jews The Church of England announced this week, they intend to “offer an apology for the role of English churches in the expulsion of Jews in the 13th Century.”

7/13/21

 * Want peace? Stop hateful incitement of Palestinian youth Almost every facet of Palestinian life has been engaged to spread hateful messages against Jews and Israel - including the indoctrination of Palestinian children. Opinion.

* Abbas draws up list of demands for negotiations with Israel Note that the list contains no hint of any concessions to Israel in return for all this. The assumption is that Israel will concede everything, and in return, the “Palestinians” will not wage jihad.

* How Palestinian Leaders Are Deceiving Americans The Palestinian Authority does not want the world to know that it has a law that prohibits the sale of property to the Israeli "enemy."

* Jordan Is Now an Ally of the Islamic Republic of Iran The King of Jordan has apparently reached the conclusion that opening the door to the extremist Shiite regime in Iran will save his country from its many crises.

* A 'wobble' in the moon's orbit could result in record flooding in the 2030s, new study finds The entire US coastline is in for a one-two punch from the lunar cycle and climate change.

* Government report can't explain UFOs, but offers no evidence of aliens Out of 144 encounters with mysterious aircraft, 143 are literally unidentifiable, according to a newly released report to Congress.

* In meetings with Lapid, EU expresses eagerness to improve Israel ties Most nations back resumption of key annual forum for first time since 2012; Egypt also displays interest in boosting bilateral relations.

* Turkish and Israeli presidents talk in rare phone call Turkey’s Erdogan and new Israeli President Herzog speak on phone in sign of possible thaw after years of strained ties between the two countries.

* China Wants to Serve as ‘Mediator’ in Afghanistan Conflict China wants to serve as “a mediator, or a ‘guarantor of security'” on the Afghanistan issue, China’s state-run Global Times reported on Sunday, in response to the Taliban’s growing dominance of most of the country.

* After G7 Pledge, EU Seeks to Rival China's 'Belt and Road' With Own Infrastructure Plan European Union foreign ministers agreed on Monday to launch a global infrastructure plan linking Europe to the world, its latest step after deals with India and Japan and a similar pledge by the Group of Seven richest democracies.

7/12/21

 * Is Israel preparing for the inevitable civil war in the West Bank? As President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken ponder how to entice the Palestinian Authority (PA) to negotiate with Israel, a far more significant problem is being ignored.

* Israeli authorities seize cryptocurrency transfer from Hamas The sum which was seized reportedly included funds meant for, but not limited to, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades (the Hamas military wing).

* Netanyahu: Bennett surrendered to Ra'am in just 3 hours Opposition leader: Bennett gave water to Jordan as Jordan gave an oil pipeline to Iran.

* Arab Reactions to the New Israeli Government Arab states and their leaders do not treat Israel as they treat other countries.

* 3,000-year-old inscription bearing name of biblical judge found in Israel The inscription features the name "Jerubbaal," a Jewish leader from the Book of Judges, as well as dates from around 1,100 BCE.

* ‘They will never let go’: Isis fighters regroup in the heart of Iraq Along convoy of humvees, trucks and troop carriers moved slowly through the countryside to the south of the city of Kirkuk, ferrying dozens of Iraqi special forces.

* Bennett’s trip to Amman fits Biden’s plan for a Jordan-Egypt-Israel axis US President Joe Biden is developing his own prescription for a US-backed Middle East alignment. A key element is a stable Jordan, whose regime badly needs shoring up.

* EU: New Political Alliance to Fight Creation of European Superstate The July 2 "Joint Declaration on the Future of the European Union" represents the first significant endeavor by euroskeptic parties to jointly oppose efforts by European federalists to transform the European Union into a godless multicultural superstate.

* In Europe, Lapid tells NATO chief Israel wants to deepen ties Ahead of his address to EU ministers, Israeli FM offers assistance to alliance on intelligence, cybersecurity, missile defense and more.

* Jews, Christians to read Isaiah's prophecies together this week Participants will each read a chapter from the Book of Isaiah, the main character who prophesied the destruction of Babylon and the return of the Jewish people to Israel.

7/10/21

 * Xi Jinping Is Mobilizing China for War, Possibly With Nukes China in recent weeks has sent tens of thousands of troops to its disputed border with India in Ladakh, high in the Himalayas.

* China's military prepares for war, while America's military goes 'woke' President Xi Jinping’s Chinese Communist Party (CCP) centenary speech conveyed his regime’s resolve in many ways.

* With Lebanon in dire straits, Hezbollah seeks to cast Iran as country’s savior Amid near-complete economic and political collapse, Tehran-backed terror group increases its hold on Lebanon and could try to have Islamic Republic fill the power vacuum.

* US now to ‘prioritize’ pushing Israel to stop demolishing terrorists’ homes Blinken personally raised concern with Israel before Thursday’s destruction of family home of Palestinian-American man alleged to have killed Israeli teen in May.

* Iran and Russia Poised to Fill America's Void in Afghaniston With the US withdrawal from Afghanistan more than 90% complete and on track for the Sept. 11 deadline, both Russia and Iran are positioning themselves as regional power brokers, looking to fill the void left in the wake of America’s departure.

* Europe must act to stop Assad, Syrian opposition group tells Euronews A Syrian opposition group told Euronews that Europe should exert further pressure on the Syrian regime after our network reported that several European Union countries - including Cyprus, Greece and Hungary - had recently reopened their embassies in Damascus.

* Amid signs of fragility, Biden and Bennett move to shore up Jordan’s Abdullah Water shortage, tensions in royal family, economic woes push nervous US and Israel to show of support for king, fearing fall of key ally could have disastrous effects on region.

* Common Bonds Between Islam and Catholicism A historic interfaith covenant was signed in the Middle East on February 4 of this year.

* Haredim, not Arabs or Iran, are the biggest threat to Israel - opinion The rapidly expanding haredi state-within-a-state's current dynamic cannot continue without ending Israel’s brittle tenure as a Western-style democracy with per capita income to rival UK or France.

* Imposing ‘imaginary’ values risks EU collapse, Slovenian PM claims As Slovenia takes over the EU presidency, its prime minister warns that the west cannot impose its liberal views on central Europe.

7/9/21

 * EXCLUSIVE: Delegation of Rabbis Inspected Candidates For Red Heifer in Texas Two rabbis are sent as a delegation to inspect calves on a Texas farm as possible candidates for performing the commandment of the red heifer, necessary for jump-starting the Temple service.

* Israeli PM Bennett holds secret meeting with Jordan's Abdullah The agreement reached between Lapid and Safadi builds on Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's decision to sell up to 50 cubic meters of water to Jordan during the current water year, Lapid said.

* Amid signs of fragility, Biden and Bennett move to shore up Jordan’s Abdullah Water shortage, tensions in royal family, economic woes push nervous US and Israel to show of support for king, fearing fall of key ally could have disastrous effects on region.

* It's official: Jordan is now allies with Iran - opinion The king of Jordan believes that opening the door to the Shi’ites will save his country from these crises. But as we have said, this will be a double-edged sword.

* Iran and Russia Poised to Fill America's Void in Afghanistan With the US withdrawal from Afghanistan more than 90% complete and on track for the Sept. 11 deadline, both Russia and Iran are positioning themselves as regional power brokers, looking to fill the void left in the wake of America’s departure.

* IRGC forces 'fought alongside Taliban' in Western Afghanistan, militant commander claims A Taliban commander in western Afghanistan has claimed that troops affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps have fought alongside the insurgents, according to an Iranwire report.

* On Wars and Changing Threats Israeli society must recognize the intensity of the new threats that surround it and critically assess the conventional wisdom that the era of big threats has passed and Israel need no longer be a “mobilized nation.”

* Interview: How Pope Francis is transforming Catholic-Muslim relations Pope Francis, now the first pope to set foot in Iraq, hopes to bring consolation, healing and peace to a people devastated by war.

* COVID-19: Eleven people dying from hunger a minute as pandemic fuels starvation crisis, warns Oxfam The economic fallout of the public health emergency, conflict and climate change has deepened the plight in existing hotspots and established "new epicentres of hunger", a report finds.

* Largest Ritual Bath From Temple Period Has Just Been Uncovered Under Temple Mt The Western Wall Heritage Foundation and the Israel Antiquities Authority are now allowing the public to view impressive new sections of one of the most magnificent public buildings uncovered from the Second Temple period.

7/8/21

 * Hostilities could resume as Israel plays hardball with Hamas over captives' return Jerusalem said to condition enclave's rehabilitation on return of two civilians and bodies of two soldiers.

* Israel Warns: Mideast on Verge of Arms Race Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned on Monday that the Middle East is on the verge of a new arms race, which could begin if “Iran continues to advance towards nuclear weapons and nuclear breakout [status].”

* Only Israel can crown Hamas victor Hamas might have won the battle, but Israel can still decide to win the war. Opinion.

* Fatah, Hamas need unity for the sake of a Palestinian state - opinion Saudi Arabia tried to broker a deal to resolve the crisis between Fatah and Hamas but failed. Hamas has now tilted toward the Islamic Republic of Iran.

* Xi Jinping Is Mobilizing China for War, Possibly With Nukes Beijing looks as if it is preparing for a full-scale invasion of Indian territory.... Ladakh is not the only hotspot.

* This Is How Israel Would Fight A War With Iran and Its Fearsome Should hostilities erupt, Iran will have to confront one of the most capable militaries in the world.

* Israel's new prime minister to update Iran policy before Biden meeting Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has launched an Iran policy review to be concluded before his first meeting with President Biden, which is likely to take place in late July, Israeli officials tell me.

* Afghan gov’t delegation meets Taliban in Iran Tehran hosts the first significant peace talks in months in a previously unannounced meeting that comes as US forces leave.

* Iran’s new president is an out-and-out monster — and enemy of minorities The Islamic Republic of Iran is a monstrous tyranny that likes to pretend it’s a democracy.

* With Lebanon in dire straits, Hezbollah seeks to cast Iran as country’s savior Amid near-complete economic and political collapse, Tehran-backed terror group increases its hold on Lebanon and could try to have Islamic Republic fill the power vacuum.

* China's military prepares for war, while America's military goes 'woke' President Xi Jinping's Chinese Communist Party (CCP) centenary speech conveyed his regime's resolve in many ways. 

7/7/21

 * Israel, UAE economic ties falter as US freezes Abraham fund It was the fourth mission into CENTCOM's area of operation in the last two months and the first deployment of the heavy bomber since Abu Dhabi is confused and awaiting the results of the development of relations with Tel Aviv.

* PM Bennett Reminds Biden: America Founded on Principles of Bible Newly appointed Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addressed the 4th of July gathering at the US Embassy in Jerusalem marking the 245th anniversary of the USA declaring its independence, noting that the US was founded on Biblical principles, binding it to Israel as an ally in prophecy.

* 'China Urges Global Campaign Against ‘Biggest’ Global Cybersecurity Threat: America The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday called for an international effort to tackle “the biggest threat to global cybersecurity,” the United States.

* Iran takes steps to make enriched uranium metal; U.S., Europe powers dismayed Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, the U.N. atomic watchdog said on Tuesday, a move that could help it develop a nuclear weapon and that three European powers said threatened talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

* European powers warn Iran over enriched uranium metal production Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, it has told the global nuclear watchdog.

* China and Russia: A New Vision for Central Asia The Kremlin’s fixation on competing with the West might cost Russia dearly, as its clout in Central Asia is under strain from a rising China.

* Following British warship incident, Moscow warns next foreign power to violate Black Sea borders ‘will get a punch in the nose’ Provocateurs who play games in the Black Sea risk “getting punched in the nose.” That’s according to Russia’s deputy foreign minister, who has called on foreign ships to respect the country’s borders or face severe consequences.

* Europe must act to stop Assad, Syrian opposition group tells Euronews A Syrian opposition group told Euronews that Europe should exert further pressure on the Syrian regime after our network reported that several European Union countries - including Cyprus, Greece and Hungary - had recently reopened their embassies in Damascus.

* In Tehran Talks, Iran Offers Help to Resolve Afghan Crisis Iran on Wednesday told Taliban and Afghan government representatives it stood ready to help end the crisis in Afghanistan, urging the country's people and politicians to make "difficult decisions" about its future.

* Why Palestinian Leaders Are Really Inciting Violence Against Israel The Palestinian Authority (PA), facing growing criticism over the death of Palestinian anti-corruption political activist Nizar Banat, is trying to redirect the anger on the Palestinian street toward Israel.

7/6/21

 * Haredim, not Arabs or Iran, are the biggest threat to Israel - opinion The rapidly expanding haredi state-within-a-state's current dynamic cannot continue without ending Israel’s brittle tenure as a Western-style democracy with per capita income to rival UK or France.

* Caroline Glick: Bennett and the Religious Zionist elite The Religious Zionist leadership’s decision to avoid a showdown in Evyatar guarantees that the next showdown will be far worse.

* Yeshiva students obligated to enlist after court deadline for law expires The state is now obligated to draft yeshiva students who turn 18 from Tuesday. This will likely not happen.

* Belarusian president: Whole world 'bows' to Jews due to Holocaust "Jews were able to make the world remember [the Holocaust], and the whole world bows to them." Israel's Foreign Ministry called the comments "unacceptable."

* Palestinian Museum’s Chronology of Palestinian History Begins With Ottoman Rule Back in 2016, I posted about the opening of the then new $24 million Palestinian Museum, a colossal waste of money with no exhibits.

* Nasrallah: There are no people in Israel, only settlers and occupiers Nasrallah said that the conflicts with Israel and the US cannot be separated due to Israel's existence being contingent on American support.

* China, Ukraine agree to work together on road, bridge and railway projects Cooperation agreement signed days after Kiev withdrew from joint statement urging Beijing to allow UN human rights chief into Xinjiang.

* Belarus Leader Threatens to Halt Transit of EU Goods Via His Country to East Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, on Tuesday threatened to stop the transit of European Union goods via his country to Russia and China in retaliation for EU sanctions.

* Biden’s promise on Iranian nukes is worthless – analysis The president pledged that Tehran will not acquire nuclear weapons on “my watch.” But if he reinstates Obama’s deal the crisis will occur after he leaves office.

* Pope Francis: ‘Tear Down the Walls’ against Islam! LFront Page Mag: Pope Francis wants any and all walls, real or figurative, that stand between the West and Islam broken down immediately—or so he’s constantly saying.