Hamas and Israel deny report of six month truce
Israel and Hamas have denied reports that a Gaza ceasefire understanding had been reached that would ensure six-months of calm.
Jerusalem
Christian Broadcaster Daystar’s Jerusalem Studio Destroyed by Firebomb
The Jerusalem studio of Daystar, one of the largest Christian networks in the world, was firebombed over the weekend. The attack destroyed Daystar’s new studio but the network plans to rebuild.
Kurdistan region worried as U.S. and Iran tensions grow
Top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani has met with Iran-linked Iraqi militias in Baghdad, telling them to ‘prepare for proxy war,’ according to a report Thursday, amid rapidly rising tensions between the Washington and Tehran.
Israeli military readies for potential violence during Nakba Day and Eurovision
Israeli security forces and communities near the Gaza border prepared for thousands of Palestinians to take part in Nakba Day demonstrations along the security fence surrounding the coastal enclave on Wednesday, though these were expected to be tamer than last year’s Nakba Day clashes in which protesters attempted to breach the security fence, threw explosives at Israeli troops and, in one case, shot at soldiers.
US warns of possible terror attacks in Israel amid Eurovision frenzy
The US embassy in Israel issued a security alert late Monday evening, urging all American citizens in Israel to exercise caution and avoid travelling to areas affected by rocket fire in the latest deadly flare-up between Hamas and Israel. The warning comes ahead of the anniversary of US Embassy opening in Jerusalem – which coincides with the week-long Eurovision festivities.
B-52s, Patriots, F-35s and more: America’s MidEast deployment rundown
In recent days, the US has announced the deployment of an array of military power to the Middle East as tensions grow with Iran. On Friday, the US Department of Defense approved the addition of the USS Arlington and a Patriot battery to US Central Command to fill a request last week. The additional forces come as tensions with Iran are rising and the US has warned Iran that any attack by Iranian forces or their proxies will be met with retaliation.
EU rejects any ultimatums after Iran’s move on nuclear deal
European countries said on Thursday they wanted to preserve Iran’s nuclear deal and rejected ‘ultimatums’ from Tehran, after Iran scaled back curbs on its nuclear program and threatened moves that might breach the pact.
Arkansas Holocaust event interrupted by white supremacists with Nazi flags
Sir Beryl Wolfson, now 96 years old, witnessed the liberation of Holocaust concentration camps. From his wheelchair, adorned in a World War II Veteran cap and Star of David belt buckle, he shared his story on Sunday at a Holocaust Remembrance Day event in Russellville, Arkansas.
Netanyahu on Iran: We will not let them get nuclear arms
Israel will not let Iran attain nuclear weapons, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday just hours after Iran announced that it will continue its nuclear program.
Israel remembers its fallen soldiers, terror victims
The central gathering ushering in national Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror began at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Tuesday evening at 8:01 pm, following a minute-long siren and moment of silence. President Reuven Rivlin, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and police Commissioner Motti Cohen were in attendance.
Islamic Jihad leader expects war with Israel to break out next summer
A leader of the Islamic Jihad said in a televised interview that he expects a war with Israel to break out by next summer.
Muslim American Society Investigating ‘Oversight’ After Video Published of Kids Singing About Beheading
The Muslim American Society will investigate an event at a Philadelphia Islamic Center last month at which children sang violent songs which the organization says were not ‘properly vetted.’
Mossad intel of looming Iranian attack led US to send in carrier force
The United States received information from Israel concerning an alleged Iranian plot to attack American interests in the Gulf, Axios reported on Monday.
Steinitz: To get rid of Hamas, we have to conquer Gaza
Energy Minister and Security Cabinet member Yuval Steinitz told Army Radio on Monday morning that ‘to get rid of Hamas, we have to conquer Gaza.’
Abbas bypasses EU, asks Russia help avert PA collapse over terror payments
The Palestinian Authority has demanded that Russia resolve the terror-payment crisis that could lead to the PA’s collapse as it rejected a European Union compromise solution.
U.S., Taliban resume talks as Afghan govt seeks role in peace process
American and Taliban officials resumed talks in Qatar to end a 17-year war in Afghanistan on Wednesday while the Afghan government hosted a rare assembly in Kabul to ensure its interests are upheld in any peace deal.
NYT publishes another antisemitic cartoon, days after global outrage
Following a weekend of outrage over an antisemitic cartoon, the New York Times published another offensive cartoon with antisemitic tropes, according to ADL chief Jonathan Greenblatt in a tweet.
IDF deploys Iron Domes ahead of Eurovision, Independence Day
The Israeli military deployed Iron Dome missile defense batteries throughout the country on Tuesday, following a rocket attack from Gaza the previous night and ahead of what is expected to be a sensitive next few weeks.
Palestinians on verge of financial collapse
The Palestinian Authority is facing imminent financial collapse over its refusal on principle to accept any tax revenues from Israel, and its dire call for help to the Arab world is mostly going unheeded.
Israeli ambassador calls NYT ‘cesspool of hostility’
The Israeli ambassador to the United States linked The New York Times to the ‘Jew-hatred of growing parts of the intellectual class.’