Current Events and Links

Prophetic Significance of Israel

Netanyahu ‘determined’ to move forward with peace process

April 9, 2013 - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US Secretary of State John Kerry today. He indicated that he wants to attain a final-status agreement with the Palestinians. He said,

“I am determined not only to resume the peace process with the Palestinians, but to make a serious effort to end this conflict once and for all."

Israel’s attempts to reengage the Palestinian Authority would include “economic components." Kerry said that both sides would also need to make tangible political concessions.

In regard to political issues, Netanyahu said that Palestinians would have to recognize Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people and must insure security for Israel’s citizens.

Palestinians say that PA President Mahmoud Abbas wants to see a map that shows Israel’s territorial plans before starting talks.

Source: Times of Israel

Prophetic Significance of Israel

Arab League approves $1b plan to protect 'Islamic and Arab character' of East Jerusalem

Mar. 27, 2013 - The Arab League has approved a Qatari proposal to set up a $1 billion fund to protect 'Islamic and Arab character' of Arab East Jerusalem. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said:

"Objecting to 'Judaisation of Jerusalem,' so to speak, is absurd and is equitable to an objection to the Catholic nature of the Vatican or the Islamization of Mecca, it is naturally unthinkable," Palmor said.

Source: Haaretz

Obama gave Netanyahu the green light on Iran

Mar. 23, 2012 - President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu seemed like best friends after their meetings. This political analyst suggests that the two have agreed on some very important issues about Iran. These key points include agreement that...

Israel has the right to defend itself, by itself, against any threat

Iran is to having nuclear weapons

Israel is in a unique positiion to evaluate the threat and take action

The US will continue and extend its military assistance to Israel

Source: K. T. McFarland - Fox

Update 3/27/2013 - Bolton: Obama “committed to preventing an Israeli first strike on Iran’s nuclear program” - Joel Rosenberg

Obama closing out Israel visit with symbolic stops

Mar. 22, 2013 - President Obama finishes three days of activities in Israel today. Accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres he gave tribute to Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, and former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by laying wreaths at their graves. He also visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and said that it illustrates the depravity to which man can sink. He declared,

"The state of Israel does not exist because of the Holocaust, but with the survival of a strong Jewish state of Israel, such a holocaust will never happen again."

He will visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, then fly to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah II.

Source: Fox

Palestinians disappointed with Obama visit - WND

Obama has quick goodbye lunch with PM and Peres at airport - Times of Israel

2 rockets hit Israel-Gaza border town during Obama visit

Mar. 21, 2013 -

Israeli police say no injuries have been reported after two rockets slammed into an Israel-Gaza border town during President Obama's first visit to the country.

Source: Fox

Image makeover? Obama arrives in Israel after 5-year hiatus, stresses ties

Mar. 20, 2013 - President Obama is in Israel for a short but intense visit. On arrival he stated that the U.S. is Israel's "greatest friend." He then headed to Jerusalem for meetings with Israeli leaders.

The trip is Obama's first as commander-in-chief. Yet he faces an increasingly challenging landscape -- with the formation of a new government that could prove more resistant than the last to the kind of framework for peace he envisions.

During his three-day trip the President will also visit Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and King Abdullah in Jordan. White House officials say that he will assure Palestinians that America would like to see their aspirations for statehood to be realized, while assuring Israelis that the U.S. is with them in the face of various threats, including Syria's civil war and Iran's drive to obtain nuclear weapons.

Source: Fox

The Secret of the Wonder Weapon [Iron Dome] That Israel Will Show Off to Obama - TIME

Israel ready for ‘historic compromise’ with Palestinians, Netanyahu says

Mar. 19, 2013 - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel is ready for a “historic compromise” in talks with the Palestinians.

Speaking in parliament before the 22 ministers were sworn in, Netanyahu said that, while the cabinet would work to carry out domestic reforms that were the focus of Israel’s election in January, the government’s top priority would be “protecting the security of the state and its citizens.”

Source: Washington Post

Republicans pressure Obama to clarify decision not to address Israeli Knesset

Mar. 18, 2013 - House Republican have written to President Obama for clarification of why he has chosen to speak to the general public of Israel at a convention center, attracting many young people, instead of addressing the Knesset. They pointed out that Presidents Clinton and Bush spoke to the Kenesset, and that it was "a customary and symbolic gesture that celebrates our shared democratic ideals and the special relationship between Israel and United States."

Source:Fox

Zionist Organization of America 'Compelled to Speak Up' About Disturbing Obama Itinerary - Israel National News

Will Israel & Iran go to war in 2013? Exclusive interview w/fmr CIA Director Porter Goss - Flash Traffic

White House lowers expectations ahead of Obama's Middle East trip

Mar. 18, 2013 - President Obama will visit Israel on Wednesday to try to improve his relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The major issues to be discussed are the furtherance of the efforts by Israeli and Palestinian leaders to reach a peace agreement and how to cope with Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons.

The centerpiece of Obama's visit will be a speech in Jerusalem to an audience mainly of Israeli students. It's part of the president's effort to appeal to the Israeli public, particularly young people.

Source: Fox

Iran nuclear weapon over a year away, says Obama

Mar. 15, 2013 - President Obama will visit Iran next week. He told reporters on Israel's Channel 2 that it may take Iran about a year to produce nuclear weapons.

"We think that it would take over a year or so for Iran to actually develop a nuclear weapon but obviously we don't want to cut it too close," Mr Obama said.

Source: BBC

Bolton: Israel has 'short time' to strike Iran

Mar. 12, 2013 - Former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton said that after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forms his coalition government he will have a “very short period of time” to decide whether to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure before it has nuclear weapons.

“I don’t think it will come from the United States...The question is whether at some point Israel acts in its own self defense as it has twice before.

The two previous attacks were against the Iraq reactor in 1981 and the Syrian reactor in 2007.

Source: WND

Obama carries three goals on trip to Israel

Mar. 10, 2013 - Political analyst Stephen R. Hurst says that President Obama will try to accomplish three things during his upcoming visit to Israel.

Convincing Israel and its leadership he means what he says about stopping Iran from building a nuclear weapon, mending a deeply troubled relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and enticing Israel and the Palestinians back to the negotiating table.

Source: Times of Israel

IDF on High Alert in the Golan Heights, Israel-Syria Border

Mar. 10, 2013 - The Golan Heights is a demilitarized zone (DMZ) between Israel and Syria since the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Since November, occasional shells from Syrian rebels have landed inn the area and Israel has responded. The situation has now escalated. One video posted Saturday on the Internet show rebels firing guns right next to a U.N. sign specifically stating the area is a demilitarized zone, and another video shows rebel forces travelling in a vehicle in the area.

Additional troops have been sent to back up the Golani Brigade, select special forces, the Oketz combat canine unit, and artillery forces already on the Heights who are constantly patrolling the area.

Source: Israel National News

‘If Iran reaches critical point in nuke drive, Israel will attack’

Mar. 8, 2013 - General James Mattis is retiring this month as head of the US army’s Central Command, including the Middle East and North Africa. In a meeting of the Senate Armed Services Committee he was asked by Senator Lindsey Graham if he believed Israel would conduct a pre-emptive strike against Iran if their nuclear program reaches a critical point. He answered, “The Israelis have said so; I take them at their word.” He also indicated Israel could do it without the help of the U.S.

Source: Times of Israel

‘Obama will cancel visit if no new Israeli coalition by March 16'

Mar. 2, 2013 - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is having a difficult time forming a coalition government in Israel after his election in January. If he fails to finalize a coalition by the March 16 deadline an Israeli TV report says President Obama will cancel his much-anticipated trip to Israel on March 20. A major obstacle for Netanhayu is his support of some parties that are opposed to drafting ultra-Orthodox people into the military. If he would be willing to exclude the ultra-Orthodox parties, he could ...

... expect to finalize coalition terms with Yesh Atid (19 seats) and Jewish Home (12 seats) fairly rapidly, and thus gain a governing majority. In that way, he would safeguard both his prime ministership and the Obama visit.

Source: Times of Israel

Resolution would promise US aid if Israel forced to hit Iran

Mar. 1, 2013 -

A bipartisan group of senators on Thursday sponsored a resolution committing the US government to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and vowing that if Israel attacks Iran in self-defense, the United States will assist its ally.

The chief sponsors of the non-binding resolution, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D- NJ) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), say that the measure will be a warning to Iran not to acquire nuclear weapons.

Source: Times of Israel

After months of calm, rocket slams into Ashkelon

Feb. 26, 2013 - The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claimed responsibility for firing a rocket into the industrial area of Ashkelon today, ending three months of quiet between Israel and the Palestinians. the group said the attack was retaliation for Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat’s death in an Israeli prison on Saturday. There were no injuries from the event.

The rocket was reportedly fired from Rafah in the southern strip, and was the same type used by Hamas in November in attempts to hit Jerusalem, according to Army Radio.

Source: Times of Israel

‘Obama to tell Netanyahu US gearing up for Iran strike’

Feb. 26, 2013 - An Israeli TV report claimed that President Barack Obama will tell Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that a “window of opportunity” for a military strike on Iran will open in June. He will apparently suggest that Israel keep a low profile between now and then, and let diplomatic negotiations proceed with Iran. US Secretary of State John Kerry said,

The window for a diplomatic solution simply cannot remain open forever... there is only time if Iran makes the decision to come to the table and to negotiate in good faith.

Source: Times of Israel

Israel successfully tests Arrow 3 missile defense

Feb. 25, 2013 - Israel conducted a successful test of its Arrow 3 missile defense interceptor this morning.

Set to become operational in around 2016, the Arrow 3 missile defense system operates in space, traveling at twice the speed of a tank shell to leave the atmosphere. It is designed to seek and destroy Iranian Shihab 3 missiles, as well as other long-range projectiles.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Israel, US successfully test anti-missile system in joint exercise - Fox

Are Increased Palestinian Riots a Sign of a New ‘Intifada’ Before Obama’s Visit to Israel?

Feb. 25, 2013 - Thousands of Palestinians have engaged in protests in Israel. The object to the continued incarceration of Palestinian security prisoners.

On Thursday, a Times of Israel article had this in its headline: “Israeli experts see a guiding hand behind the escalating West Bank demonstrations; Prisoner protests mark PA effort to start a ‘popular intifada.’”

Source: The Blaze

Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli forces in West Bank and at Jerusalem holy site

Feb. 22, 2013 - For about a week Palestinian have clashed with Israeli forces at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and various other places in the West Bank to show support of four hunger-striking prisoners.

In Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinians emerging from Friday prayers threw rocks at officers who responded with stun grenades, police said. That clash was at a key holy site known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.

Source: Fox

Netanyahu Recruits Livni to Steer Palestinian Peace Efforts

Feb. 20, 2013 - As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu puts together his coalition government, he asked Tzipi Livni, the former Israeli foreign minister to become justice minister and to manage peace talks with the Palestinians.

“I criticized the government’s management over the past four years, but since the election, we’ve come to understandings to put all that aside,” Livni said.

Netanyahu has said he hopes to have the new government in place before President Obama visits in March.

Source: Bloomberg

Netanyahu: N. Korea proof that sanctions won't stop Iran

Feb. 18, 2013 -

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday stated that sanctions on Iran would not stop its nuclear program, pointing to North Korea as an example of the failure of sanctions to halt a country's pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Netanyahu said that there must be a credible military threat or Iran will continue its dangerous drive to obtain nuclear weapons. Speaking to the Jewish Agency's Board of Governors, he also called for a return by the Palestinians to peace talks, but without preconditions.

Source: Jerusalem Post

'Iranian nuclear chief observed Korean nuke test' - Jerusalem Post

Khamenei says US couldn't stop Iran getting bomb - France 24

Kerry: Budget cuts may force reduction in Israel aid

Feb. 17, 2013 - New U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has appealed to Senator Barbara Mikulski, chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, to head off the automatic spending cuts that will go into effect next month. He wrote that “Cuts of this magnitude would seriously impair our ability to execute our vital missions of national security, diplomacy and development.” He also warned that the cuts will “lead to reductions in military assistance to Israel, Jordan and Egypt, undermining our commitment to their security at such a volatile time.”

Source: WND

Iran mourns slain senior military commander

Feb. 15, 2013 - Gen. Hassan Shateri, the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, was killed this week on the road between Damascus and Beirut.

Guards spokesman Gen. Ramazan Sharif was quoted by Fars as saying "mercenaries and supporters" of Israel were responsible.

Source: Yahoo

Iran vows to exact revenge on Israel over killing of commander in Syria - NBC

Officials: Obama coming to Israel to prevent strike on Iran

Feb. 10, 2013 - Last September at the United Nations Prime Minister Netanyahu suggested that the spring of 2013 would be a significant time for dealing with Iran's nuclear weapons development. Unnamed officials told Israeli Army Radio that President Obama's upcoming urgent trip to Israel is to follow up a message he has already sent to Netanyahu. The message was,

"Don't attack Iran, let me handle matters with the Iranians according to my understanding, and if necessary I will take action, we have capabilities that you do not."

Netanyahu told his cabinet that Obama has said the focus of the meeting will be on three central issues: Iran's nuclear and space program, Syria's instability, and progress with the diplomatic process with the Palestinians.

Source: Jerusalem Post

'Turkish FM slams Israel for strikes, Syria for inaction'

Feb. 2, 2013 - Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters Syrian President Bashar Assad should have launched aircraft and used missiles to protect his country when Israel attacked earlier this week. He asked,"Why didn't Assad even throw a pebble when Israeli jets were flying over his palace and playing with the dignity of his country?" He also suggested that Assad's inaction was due to "a secret agreement" with Israel.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Report: Israeli strikes in Syria hit multiple sites - Jerusalem Post

Obama green light for Israel to strike Iranian-Syrian-Hizballah military links - DEBKAfile

Report: IAF strike in Syria hit Iranian Guards

Feb. 1, 2013 - After about 48 hours the apparent truth about Israel's attact in Syria came to light through an Iraqi newspaper. It quoted a Western diplomatic source, that claimed the operation caused heavy casualties among special Iranian Guards stationed at the Syrian research facility.

The source also said that the base was heavily fortified and contained experts from Russia and at least three thousand Iranian Revolutionary Guards, who have been guarding the site for years. Many of these Iranian Guards suffered casualties.

Israel used F-16 aircraft to fire at least eight guided missiles at the facility.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Hezbollah, Russia condemn Israeli airstrike inside Syria

Jan. 31, 2013 - There are conflicting reports about claims that Israel executed air strikes yesterday against a target on the border between Syria and Lebanon. First unoficial reports said the target was a convoy of anti-aircraft missiles on its way to Lebanon or a military facility involved in chemical weapons production.

Israel and the U.S. have made no official comment. Either scenario was a possibility, but Anthony Cordesman, a senior analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, warned that Syria may simply be blaming Israel for the loss of a facility that had fallen to rebels or been destroyed by other means. They questioned whether Israel would actually attack a site where chemical weapons were stored.

Hezbollah condemned the airstrike as “barbaric aggression.” They are supporters of the Syrian government.

The Associated Press reported. Russia, Syria’s chief patron, said the strike would constitute “unprovoked attacks on targets on the territory of a sovereign country, which blatantly violates the U.N. Charter and is unacceptable, no matter the motives to justify it.”

Source: Washington Post

Syria and Iran threaten to retaliate against Israel for air raid near Damascus - Fox

Iran threatens ‘grave consequences’ for Israel after Syria strike - Times of Israel

US official: Israel notified us about Syria attack - Times of Israel

Syria warns of 'surprise' response to Israeli strike - Jerusalem Post

Khamenei aide: Attack on Syria is an attack on Iran - Jerusalem Post

Egypt, Syria are falling apart – an Israeli nightmare unfolds

Jan. 29, 2013 - Israel may be on the brink of war with its neighbors. Egypt's defense minister Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has warned that the political crisis there may cause the new government to collapse.

Syria is "falling apart" according to Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel. Hezbollah forces are camping near Syria's chemical weapons site, ready to seize them. The prolonged civil war there may spill over into Israel at any time. Three Iron Dome anti-missile batteries were stationed over the weekend in northern Israel. Defense Minister Ehud Barak cut short an overseas family trip Saturday and flew home because of the tensions.

Israel is coming face to face with its worst fear: being hemmed in by a blazing ring of hopeless conflicts just across its borders: Syria and Lebanon in the north; Egypt in the west and south; and Jordan under threat.

Source: DEBKAfile Update:

Israel Hits Target in Syria Border Area - NewsMax

Israeli jets reportedly attack convoy on Lebanon-Syria border - Times of Israel

Netanyahu: Election shows country still wants me at helm

Jan. 23, 2013 - Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu won re-election by a smaller margin than was hoped, but he said that the elections show the country wants him to continue to lead the nation. He said he will set up the widest coalition as possible.

Netanyahu told reporters that the coalition he will put together will deal with greater equality in carrying the military burden, institute cheaper housing and government reform.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Netanyahu Turns Focus to Iran After Narrow Israel Election Win - NewsMax

Netanyahu on the Bible and and his differences with Obama

Jan. 18, 2013 - With one week to go before elections in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu has no doubt that he will win. In an interview with the Jerusalem Post in his office, he answered a variety of questions that have been raised during the campaign.

One obvious question was about the reports of strained relations with President Obama. He said that the U.S. and Israel cooperate on many things,

"especially on intensified security and intelligence cooperation and I’m sure that cooperation will continue between America and Israel, especially our common goal of preventing Iran from achieving nuclear weapons."

He said he appreciated the President Obama's strong support during their operation in Gaza as well as the support from both the president and Congress on Iron Dome. He admitted that he and the president have their differences on the best way to achieve and advance a defensible peace with the Palestinians, but they both want to achieve peace in the region.

On the issue of his personal beliefs, Netanyahu said that he has reinstated the Prime Minister’s Bible Study group, and revived the national Bible Quiz for Adults. He said he was brought up with a deep Jewish history, grounded in the Bible. He imparted these values to his own children and wants to do the same for all the children of Israel.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Netanyahu hits back at Obama: I know what's best for Israel

Jan. 16, 2013 - One day after President Barack Obama, speaking about Israeli settlements, said that Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not know what is in its own best interest, Netanyahu said,

"I think everyone understands that only Israel's citizens will be the ones to determine who faithfully represents Israel's vital interests. Over the last four years we stood up against strong pressure, and I will continue to do so for Israel's security."

Following the Gaza war in November, it was noted that December was the quietest month for Israel in the last 12 years.

Source: Jerusalem Post

US calls on Israel, Palestinians to ‘make a fresh start’ and rekindle peace talks

Jan. 3, 2013 - State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland called for Israel and the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table. The last high-level talks between the two was in September 2010. She said both sides need to show that they are serious about a two-state sollution. She intimated that the Palestinian's efforts for recognition by the United Nations were "counter-productive unilateral actions."

Israel says it wants negotiations without preconditions, but the Palestinians have demanded that settlement construction stop before they engage in talks, which they say should pick up where they left off with then-prime minister Ehud Olmert in 2008.

Source: Times of Israel

Citing Biblical precedent, Netanyahu cautions against ‘rushed’ peace agreement - Times of Israel