Israel is celebrating the holiday of Succot. The holiday begins Monday night and lasts for seven days. During this time, Jews will appear to be camping out eating and living in booths which are temporary dwelling places. On the eighth day of the holiday is Simchat Torah when is completed the reading of the entire five books of Moses. On the holiday of Simchat Torah (translated as the Joy of the Torah), Jews dance with Torah rejoicing in being the chosen people on earth to receive the Torah.
Tag: Israel
Netanyahu Condemns Turkish Aggression in Syria
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first statement regarding the US withdrawal from Syria, strongly condemning the Turkish military action and offering humanitarian assistance to the Kurds. He stated “Israel condemns the Turkish invasion of Kurdish areas in Syria and warns against the ethnic cleansing of the Kurds by Turkey and its proxies. Israel is prepared to extend humanitarian assistance to the gallant Kurdish people.”
Revealed! Secret Mission of Israeli Espionage to Steal Iranian Nuclear Files
President Trump has not renegotiated a deal with Iran after withdrawing the United States from an Obama era nuclear pact. The two countries are at loggerheads following Trump’s exit from the international agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for lifting sanctions on the Islamic regime, though Trump has held open the door for future talks. Trump is quoted as saying “If we could work out something that’s meaningful, not a waste of paper that the other deal was, I would certainly be willing to meet.”
Arab Assassination of Revolutionary Guard Commander Qasem Soleimani Foiled
On Tuesday during an annual leadership meeting by the head of the IRGC Intelligence Organization Hossein Taub Soleimani revealed in a rare interview that an assassination attempt had been made on his life. The identities of the suspects has still not been revealed. The assassination was planned for several years. Through the assassination it was hoped that it would spark an internal Iranian power struggle and trigger a religious war within Iran. The suspects who are Iranian were sent abroad and trained to make the attack.
Israel Government Still in Deadlock – No Progress in Forming Unity Government
President of Israel Reuven Riblin at the 22nd inaugural meeting of the Knesset said that Israeli Democracy is in a state of emergency and a government must be formed as soon as possible. Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein addressed the long period of political uncertainty from April since the 21st Knesset was dissolved without making a government. They both called for a unity government. They said that Israelis will not forgive the leaders of the two major parties if a third election is held within a year.
Israel News Roundup: Attempts to Make Unified Government Have Temporarily Failed
Israel has completed its elections and is on the way to making a new government. The elections were a standoff like in the previous elections. The attempt of President Rivlin to bring the two parties together has temporarily failed. Likud and the Israel right parties received more mandates than Blue-White. President Rivlin has called upon Benjamin Netanyahu to make an attempt to reach the majority of 61 mandates.
Israel Election Developments – Forming a United Government
The results of the Israel elections are final. Benny Gantz of the Blue-White party has defeated Netanyahu winning 33 mandates while Netanyahu and Likud received 31 mandates. The government consists of 120 mandates which is divided by all the various parties in the Israel coalition. The candidate who receives the most mandates like Benny Gantz has the first opportunity to make a majority government of 61 mandates. The President of Israel Reuven Rivlin is working to help Gantz achieve this majority.
Israel Working on Unified Government After Another Election Standoff
Israeli went to the polls on Tuesday in a second attempt to make a government. The first attempt failed when there was a standoff between the major left candidate Benny Gantz of the Blue-White party and Prime Minister Netanyahu representing Likud on the right. Neither of the two candidates were able to gather together enough mandates (including in any coalition) to reach to a majority.
OIC Slams Netanyahu’s West Bank Annexation Plan
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has categorically rejected the plans of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a portion of the West Bank. In an emergency meeting held by the OIC in Jeddah at the weekend, OIC member states expressed strong rejection and condemnation of the Israeli PM’s declaration.
Israel Election on Tuesday – Forecasts Predict Another Stalemate
On Tuesday September 17 elections will be held for the second time this year in Israel. The first elections ended up in a stalemate and forecasts for the coming elections show similar results. Both sides, right and left, have campaigned and organized their parties in preparation for the coming elections. The right is led by Benjamin Netanyahu of Likud. The left is led by Benny Gantz of the Blue-White Party. Netanyahu in the previous elections received an equal amount of mandates as Gantz (35) but was unable to make a government combining mandates from other parties to reach the required majority of 61 mandates. Gantz also was unable to reach this number so new elections were called by President Reuven Riblin.
Israel News Roundup: Missile from Gaza Interrupts Speaking Engagement of Netanyahu in Ashdod
On Saturday September 7 two Israeli a boy 17 years old and his father were going to a dental clinic in an Arab village near the Palestinian town of Azzun. A fifteen year old local teenage approached the two and asked is they were Jewish, then stabbed them. The boy was seriously injured and the father was slightly injured in the attack. The Arab boy surrendered himself to the Palestinian security forces. The two Jews were rescued by the Arab dentist who they had intended to visit for a treatment.
Netanyahu Makes Annexation Pledge if Elected; The Jordan Valley Explained
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced his intention to annex the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea to Israel if he wins next week’s general election. Observers believe that Netanyahu raised this matter at this time to win votes in the upcoming elections, especially right-wing voters. Israel considers the control of the Jordan Valley necessary to prevent a future Palestinian state.
Israel Ready for Elections in One Week: A List of the Major Parties Vying for Power
Israel is in a crisis. Hezbollah has threatened them from the North. They are at war with Iran deploying their forces in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Trump has vowed support for Israel and its survival in an unstable Middle East. The Peace Deal of the Century between Israel and Palestine is ready to be revealed after the elections.
Netanyahu Alleges “Secret Military Nuclear Facility” Destroyed by Iran
At a news conference on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel had learned of an Iranian “covert nuclear facility” in Abadeh, Fars province. Iran has rejected his recent remarks. The Israeli prime minister said Iran had carried out “tests for the development of nuclear weapons” at the facility for military purposes.
Israel Strikes Iraqi Factions Inside Syrian Territory
The Iranian “Al-Quds” Corps fired several rockets from inside Syria towards Israel, in response to an air strike targeting the positions of Iraqi Shiite factions operating under its command in the province of Deir Ezzor. In a rare incident, the Israeli army spotted an attempt to launch several rockets from the vicinity of the Syrian capital, Damascus, toward Tel Aviv yesterday. Israel accused the militias under the command of the Quds Force, led by Qassem Soleimani, of launching the attack.
Hezbollah Announces Downing of Israeli Drone in Southern Border of Lebanon
Lebanon’s Hezbollah guerrilla group said on Monday it had shot down an Israeli drone as it crossed Lebanon’s southern border, a week after a limited exchange of fire. In light of the tense situation in the region, unknown warplanes targeted the positions of Iranian forces and armed militants loyal to them in the far east of Syria on Monday, killing 18 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Israel News Roundup: Netanyahu to Meet Mark Esper and Boris Johnson in London
There is controversy today over a potential meeting between Hassan Rouhani of Iran and President Donald Trump. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented about this potential meeting saying he cannot tell the American president who he can or cannot meet, but the two are in agreement about the issue of the Iran Nuclear deal. In the meantime Iran will announce nuclear steps on Saturday. They have stated that they are poised for faster nuclear centrifuges which will mean the collapse of the nuclear deal. Europe is still trying to save the deal with a French proposal offering a $15 billion line of credit. Netanyahu is meeting with US secretary of defense Mark Esper and Boris Johnson in London concerning the nuclear deal.
Israel Avoided War With Hezbollah – Ready for War If Necessary
The first confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel ended up without a war. Although Hezbollah said that they do not want a war, by shooting three missiles at military targets in the North and damaging army vehicles there was a risk of a bloodier confrontation. The Israel army vehicles were not manned at the time of the attack. The confrontation ended without war.
Cross-Border Attacks Heighten Tensions Between Israel and Lebanon
Israeli-Lebanese cross-border attacks have heightened tensions between Tel Aviv and Beirut. The Lebanese Prime Minister called on France and the United States for help and assistance. UN peacekeepers have called on the parties to act with restraint.
First Confrontation Between Hezbollah and Israel – No Israeli Soldiers Injured
Hassan Nasrallah the head of Hezbollah gave Israel advanced warning that he was going to take revenge for the attack by Israel with drones on the city of Beirut and the people of Lebanon, but he emphasized that he was not looking to start a war. Sunday, at 4:00 Israel time Hezbollah shot three anti-tank missiles at an IDF base and several military vehicles near the Israel settlement of Avivim close to the Lebanese border. Hezbollah claims to have destroyed one army vehicle.
“Watch Out:” Israel Accuses Iran of Arming Hezbollah with Guided Missiles
Israel has accused Iran of stepping up its efforts to equip Hezbollah with Lebanese guided missiles. The Israeli military says the Quds Force is trying to mass-produce high-precision rockets inside Hezbollah by delivering sensitive parts and technology to Lebanese soil.
Israel News: Trump and Pence Defend Israel From All Imminent Threats
Two Israeli drones fell on Beirut the same night in which Israel attacked Iranian and Syrian weapon depots near Demascus. One of the drones exploded near a Hezbollah weapons factory. Hezbollah said they were both armed with explosives. Hassan Nasrallah has pledged to take revenge for this attack in the near future but has also said that he is not looking for an all-out war. Israel is taking him seriously and has moved soldiers into strategic locations in the North.
Two Drones Fall in Beirut – Tensions Rise Between Lebanon and Israel
An Israeli drone fell in the Hezbollah dominated suburbs of Beirut and a second exploded near the ground. The Israeli military has yet to take blame for the attacks. The incident took place shortly after Israel had attacked Iranian forces and Shiites militia near Damascus in a large campaign which Israel claimed was preventive. Israel claimed that Iran and Syria had planned to attack at that moment from this location near Damascus in retaliation for the Israeli attack on Iranian weapon depots in Iraq. Israel says Iran was planning to make this attack with drones which were stored in these locations in Syria.
Nasrallah: Hezbollah Has Entered a New Phase of Confrontation with Israel
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has warned Israeli forces, and said that Hezbollah has entered a new phase of confrontation with Israel. Mr. Nasrallah said Hezbollah was doing everything in its power to prevent Israeli drone strikes against Lebanon.
Israel Foils Drone Attack From Iran on Syrian Soil
In response to Israel missile attacks on Iran depots in Iraq, there was an attempted Iranian aerial attack from Syrian territory. Israel foiled two killer drones in an unprecedented aerial attack. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is widening. Israel made a public announcement that they had bombed Iranian militia in Iraq and also that they had thwarted a planned attack from Syrian soil on Israel.
Israel: We Hit the Headquarters of Iranian Quds in Damascus
The Israeli military says its fighters have thwarted attacks by Iranian forces and Shiite militias on the outskirts of Damascus. Although Israeli military troops are not currently in Syria, the government and its military rarely take responsibility for such attacks.
Trump’s Disloyalty Jibe – How It Is Received in Israel
The reaction in Israel to the remarks of President Trump claiming that Jews who vote Democrat are showing disloyalty to Israel was received in Israel very cautiously. Ynet Yediot a major newspaper Israel commented on his remarks: Israel officials prefer to stay quiet and not to comment on his remarks even though it is for support of Israel. Various Jewish groups distanced themselves from his statements.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Threatens Israel over Airstrikes
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki threatened Israel Friday, after US officials confirmed it was responsible for the bombing of the Hezbollah militia last month.
Israel News: An Escalation of Terror
Early this week in the vicinity of the entrance to the temple mount two terrorists attacked and stabbed a policeman on duty. The two terrorists were detected by the police patrolling nearby who shot one dead and the other was wounded. The entrance to the Temple Mount was closed to all Muslims Arabs under the age of 50.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews Oppose Zionism – Here’s Why
Judaism is a religion of a nation which lived in the land of Israel in Biblical times. The nation was conquered two times. The first time it was conquered by the Babylonians who destroyed the first holy temple built by King Solomon. The second time it was conquered by Rome, the temple was destroyed, the Jews were exiled until today.
The religion Judaism today exists according to the Law of Moses which was the law of the nation of Israel during this period. Jews are commanded in the Law of Moses not to change the law or the religion. The modern state of Israel is a democracy, which is against Judaism– the law of a theocracy with a King. The hope of the biblical nation of Israel when it was exiled was to return to the land of Israel and to establish the Kingship of King David the Messiah, “return us to you God in repentance, renew our days like the days of old.” There is conflict between modern secular Jews living in Israel and the diaspora and Ultra-Orthodox based on their religious beliefs.
Benjamin Netanyahu Implicitly Confirms Israel’s Role In Iraq Airstrike
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tacitly endorsed his involvement in the attack on Islamic Republic-backed Hezbollah centers in Iraq, saying “Iran has no immunity, anywhere.” Netanyahu stressed that Israel would take military action whenever needed. Israel is believed to have conducted recent attacks on Iranian-backed predominantly Shiite militia bases and warehouses in Iraq known as Hashdal-Shaabi.
Ben and Sarah Netanyahu Visit Ukraine – News Media Attacks Sarah’s Actions
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah made a visit to the Ukraine. The purpose of the trip was to discuss the expansion of economic cooperation between the two nations. He met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and together they signed three bi-lateral financial agreements. In a joint statement Zelensky said that the two had discussed the establishment of joint trade and technology offices in Jerusalem and Kiev to jump start both economies. He also thanked Israel for backing Ukraine’s territorial integrity after Russia’s annexation in 2014 of Crimea. It is well known that the father of Zelensky is Jewish.
Israel Defends Decision to Deny Entry to Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib
On Thursday Israel announced that it would not allow entry to US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-Minesota) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) because of their vocabulary and their vocal BDS advocacy. The House Democrats were considering issuing a no confidence statement regarding Israel Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer.
Reactions to Israel’s Decision to Bar Two Muslim Representatives of the US Congress
The Israeli government has decided not to allow two Muslim female congressmen to enter the country. Israel earlier accepted the two women’s request for the trip, but in a re-examination decided not to allow it. Blocking the two congresswomen has sparked a backlash and even outraged some conservatives.
Israel News: Mysterious Bombing of Iranian Weapons Storage Depot in Iraq
The Golani Brigade, the pride of Israeli Defense Forces, foiled an attack at the Gaza border fence early this week. Four Palestinians armed with RPGs, assault rifles, and grenades attempted to breach the wall and infiltrate Israel. They were shot dead and only one of the men was able to climb the fence and throw a grenade at the soldiers. Two Israeli soldiers were slightly injured from shrapnel. The body of the terrorist Abu Salah was taken by Israel. Abu Salah is a member of Hamas border patrol.
United States Appeal to Continue Arrest of Iranian Oil Pipeline in Gibraltar
Today, the Supreme Court of Gibraltar is reviewing the Grace-1 oil tanker case. While the government of Gibraltar is expected to release the Iranian oil carrier from custody, the US government has filed a petition to the Supreme Court of Gibraltar to continue the seizure and confiscation.
Serhat – Sing Na,Na (Song Review) – Secular and Religious Clash in Israel
The song Sing Na Na written and sung by Serhat of San Marino is inspiring. He has added emotions and beauty to music. In his music video which was introduced in Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest he combines music, dance, beauty, love, children, and with lyrics which open the heart and soul to life and joy. He offers a simple solution for all the problems of life to Say Na, Na Na, which means be like a child, a child of God a child of life.
The Eternal Nation – The Eternal Messiah – Peace
Menachem Begin visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Brooklyn New York on his way to Camp David to meet with President Carter and Anwar Sadat to make the peace treaty with Egypt where he returned to Egypt the Sinai Peninsula. His first words which he said to the Rebbe who he considered to be the leader of the Nation of Israel “Our nation the Biblical nation of the Jewish people is an eternal people, not like the Modern State of Israel.” The modern state of Israel needs to make concessions in order to survive which means concessions to America and Egypt.
Zarif: Iran Will Not Hesitate to Protect Its Security in Persian Gulf
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called the Persian Gulf “a vital highway” for the country and has described the presence of non-regional and foreign forces as a source of insecurity. Mr. Zarif wrote on his Twitter post, “The National Security Priority for the Islamic Republic,” and Iran will “no doubt maintain its security.”
Israel News of the Week – Elections Coming Closer
The Greek Orthodox Church filed a new law suit against the Ateret Cohanim settler organization who claim ownership of three properties in the Arab Old City. The purchased two Palestinian run hotels located near the Jaffa Gate and another building near the Herod gate. The Patriarchate claims that these places are part of the church heritage and only they can authorize their sale.
Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism? Discussion
The controversy over anti-semitism and anti-Zionism is connected to the opposition of Americans today to President Trump and the claims that President Trump is a racist. President Trump has accepted Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. President Trump supports the annexation of the Golan Heights by Israel. People of America are claiming that President Trump and his rhetoric causes violence like the two recent incidents in Dayton Ohio and El Paso Texas. During the Obama administration there were also incidents of domestic terrorism.
More Concerning anti-Israel Rhetoric from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Democratic-socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is no stranger to controversy, especially regarding her anti-Israel stances. She’s been criticized for supporting sanctions against Israel, aligning herself with Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, both of whom have been condemned for their anti-semantic comments, and most recently for her anti-Israel statements on the “Ebro in the Morning” talk show.
The Spiritual Connection Between the Flags of America and Israel
Each of the twelve tribes in the camp of Israel had a flag. All nations in the world have a flag. These flags are displayed at the entrance to the United Nations Building in New York. Two flags out of these flags have a special spiritual connection. They are the flag of America and the flag of Israel.
Israel Strikes in Syria; Hamas Meets with Ayatollah; Barak Makes Alliance
Hamas sent a delegation to Iran and met with Ayatollah Ali Khomeini as the alliance between them seems to be expanding. Iranian leaders said that Hamas is Iran’s first line of defence. They mocked the deal of the century as a dangerous plot. A Hamas leader said once the Palestinians were throwing stones today they have precision rockets.
The Holiness of Democracy – America and Israel
President Trump appears crazy in love with Israel. There is a close connection between the two nations more than just politics and economics. Not only is Israel and America representing Democracy in the world, they are both connected to the essence of freedom and democracy revealed by their flags, the American flag also called the Star Spangled Banner, and the Israel Flag.
Palestinians Seeking Economic Independence From Israel
The American negotiator for peace in Middle East, Jared Kushner, continues to insist that an economic pathway is vital for Middle East peace. The Palestinians boycotted the conference but even Trump’s Arab allies saw the necessity of the two-state solution. Kushner was overwhelmed by the response he got. Every country that he invited showed up, and he had a very big crowd. There were a lot of senior business leaders from throughout the world.
Israeli Education Minister In Hot Water Over Gay Remarks
Israel’s head of Education became the target of protests after saying he believes in the effectiveness of homosexual conversion therapies. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the declaration but gives no sign that he intends to dismiss a minister. Protests in Israel on Sunday heighten pressure for education minister Rafi Peretz to be fired.
Iran Refuses to Negotiate Its Ballistic Missile Program
The Iranian mission to the United Nations, Ali Reza Mir Yusuf, said Tehran’s ballistic missile program is not negotiable. His remarks came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke of the Iranians’ readiness to discuss their missile program.
US President Donald Trump also said progress has been made in an effort to reduce tensions with Iran. Relations between the two countries deteriorated dramatically after Trump withdrew last year from the nuclear deal with Iran and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran. In response, Iran began to breach some of the terms of the agreement.
The Chief Rabbi of Sfat Defends Rafi Peretz for His Opposition to Parts of the Gay Agenda
The LBGTQ community went out July 14 in protest against the statements of Rafi Peretz, the newly selected Minister of Education in the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. Minister Peretz, an Orthodox Jew, is firmly against Israel supporting surgeries for people to change their genders. As Minister of Education, Rafi Peretz feels it is important to provide therapy to those that are influenced to change their lives drastically and even to go through surgery to change their bodies to become transgender.
Right vs Left – Democracy in Israel is Tested Too
Democracy which is enjoyed by America, Israeli and the free world continually faces conflicts between the two sides left and right. Democracy gives the right of both sides to interact peacefully but there is always conflicts over political control. After President Trump won the election he revealed himself as a conservative Republican. Republicans are generally more conservative than Democrats who are more liberal. Republicans can be conservative or liberal republican and democrats can be more or less liberal.
