Live updates on Israel, regional security, U.S.–Israel relations, and developments affecting the Body of Christ in the Middle East.
Kerry: US Does Not Recognize Palestinian State
Posted on Wednesday, June 4, 2014
US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday the United States would work with the new Palestinian unity government "as is appropriate" but would be monitoring its commitment to continued cooperation with Israel.
Netanyahu ‘Deeply Troubled’ by Acceptance of PA Leaders
Posted on Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday he is “deeply troubled” by the US decision to maintain relations with the new Palestinian unity government, urging Washington to tell the Palestinian president that his alliance with the Hamas militant group…
Israel: The Land Flowing with Milk and Honey
Posted on Wednesday, June 4, 2014
The land of milk and honey is still living up to its name, according to data the Central Bureau of Statistics released Monday ahead of the Shavuot holiday. In 2013, total milk production in Israel stood at 1,435…
President Obama Breaks Campaign Pledge Not to Deal with Hamas
Posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2014
During the 2008 presidential campaign, as it became clear that Barack Obama would be the Democratic nominee, he granted an interview with Jeffrey Goldberg in an attempt to establish pro-Israel bona fides. A Hamas official had recently endorsed…
New Palestinian Government Faces Punitive Actions by Israel
Posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2014
In an apparent punitive move following the swearing in of a Palestinian unity government, Israel has revoked special travel permits for all Palestinian Authority officials other than President Mahmoud Abbas, a Palestinian official said Tuesday.
UN Chief Welcomes New Palestinian Government
Posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2014
The United Nations on Tuesday welcomed the new Palestinian unity government and said it was ready to lend its full support in efforts to reunite the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, a spokesman said. The announcement followed…
Bennett: PA Government Made Up of ‘Terrorists in Suits’
Posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2014
The swearing in of a new Palestinian unity government on Monday elicited strong reactions from Israeli leaders, with right-wing cabinet ministers condemning the alliance of "terrorists in suits," and centrists urging a more cautious approach.
Israeli ambassador rebukes US for backing PA unity
Posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2014
In tough language rare for an Israeli diplomat in Washington, Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer said Tuesday that Israel was "deeply disappointed" in the State Department's decision to continue dealing with the Palestinian Authority now that…
Cabinet Votes on ‘Terrorist Bill’
Posted on Monday, June 2, 2014
Prior to a vote on the so-called terrorist bill at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett called on cabinet ministers to support the bill, which would legally prevent certain terrorists from being…
Israel Air Force Continues to Build Its Firepower
Posted on Monday, June 2, 2014
The firepower of the Israel Air Force (IAF) will be four times greater by year's end than it was two years ago, according to its commander, Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, enabling Israel to bring another round of fighting…
IDF Retaliates After Mortar Shell Hits Mount Hermon
Posted on Monday, June 2, 2014
Israel fired artillery shells at a target in Syria early Monday morning after a mortar shell from the war-torn country hit Mount Hermon, opening a second front hours after returning fire into Gaza.
Is the Vatican Hoarding Second Temple Treasures?
Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2014
The Vatican is evading questions on whether or not it is holding religious artifacts from the Second Temple, Rabbi Yonatan Shtenzel said on Wednesday, in what he calls "diplomatic evasion."
Palestinian Unity Government Runs into Problems
Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2014
Differences between Fatah and Hamas may delay the formation of a Palestinian unity government and its announcement by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian sources said Wednesday.
