US Closes Palestinian Office in Washington for Rejecting Peace Plan ‘They Haven’t Yet Seen’

The Americans increased the pressure on the Palestinians for obstructing peace again on Monday, as the United States government closed the office of the General Delegation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Washington, D.C. The PLO is the official representative of the Palestinian government to the world and in …

Israel—An Ancient King of Making Glass

Centuries before the Land of Israel was a hub for the high-tech industry, the region was among the world leaders in another profession involving science, skill, and specialized knowledge: glass making. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced in a press release on Monday that they have discovered 1,600-year-old kilns used …

Israeli Civilian Killed by Stabbing Neutralizes Terrorist Despite Mortal Wound

An American-Israeli civilian died from wounds received in a terror stabbing on Sunday, but not before he was able to take down his attacker. The victim, Ari Fuld, was seen chasing the terrorist after a brief fight with the terrorist in a video posted to Twitter by Israeli Prime Minister’s …

Israel Uncovers Hamas Terrorist Lead Temple Mount Attack Last Summer

A Hamas operative led the attack that launched fireworks at Israeli security forces guarding the Temple Mount in Jerusalem last summer, injuring four officers in a violent event that resulted in the holy site being closed for hours. A press release from the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) said that the …

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Israel Uncovers Hamas Terrorist Lead Temple Mount Attack Last Summer

September 20, 2018 News

The Temple Mount is a Palestinian tool for inciting violence. Illustrative Palestinian banner of gunmen and Dome of the Rock. By Joshua Spurlock

A Hamas operative led the attack that launched fireworks at Israeli security forces guarding the Temple Mount in Jerusalem last summer, injuring four officers in a violent event that resulted in the holy site being closed for hours. A press release from the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) said that the terror cell’s leader was Hamas militant Abu Tzabih, who also ordered the fireworks be launched at Israelis and coordinated the purchase of the fireworks that were smuggled into the holy compound for the attack.

Tzabih also instructed the cell to recruit more members for what eventually became a 10-terrorist team that included 8 residents of eastern Jerusalem. Tzabih is not new to violence against Israelis—he had previously been arrested for involvement in another terror group and is the son of Mutzbah Abu Tzabih, who murdered two Israelis in an October 2016 shooting attack.

The Temple Mount is a particularly sensitive area as a holy site for Jews and Muslims, although Muslims are the only sect allowed to pray at the location. The site has been a flashpoint for additional violence either due to events on the Temple Mount—such as the Palestinian’s 2017 shooting attack—or when used in incitement from Palestinian leaders. … Continue Reading

After Missile Attack on Iranian Weapons in Syria, Netanyahu Promotes Preemptive Strikes

September 16, 2018 News

The Israel-Iran conflict continues. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up piece of Iranian UAV in February. Illustrative. Photo courtesy of Amos Ben Gershom GPO

Israel reportedly bombed an Iranian airplane delivering weapons to Syria at the Damascus International Airport on Saturday, as well as weapons storage rooms at the airport, in the latest round in of conflict between Israel and Iran. The Times of Israel—citing Hadashot TV news, Syrian media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights in their report—said the arms cache near the airport had been intended for either Iranians or Hezbollah.

Just hours after the strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vaguely reiterated that Israel is “constantly working to prevent our enemies from arming themselves with advanced weaponry.” Said Netanyahu in comments released by his office on Sunday, “Our red lines are as sharp as ever and our determination to enforce them is stronger than ever.”

The warning from Israel’s leader followed expressions of his support for preemptive strikes in an effort to protect Israel from a more grievous war. One of the worst conflicts in Israel’s history was the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and with the Jewish anniversary of that fight coming up, Netanyahu said the failure to strike first was a critical error that would not be repeated. … Continue Reading

Israeli Civilian Killed by Stabbing Neutralizes Terrorist Despite Mortal Wound

September 16, 2018 Peace and Conflict

Another Israeli civilian murdered by Palestinian terrorism. Israeli MDA ambulance. Illustrative. By Joshua Spurlock

An American-Israeli civilian died from wounds received in a terror stabbing on Sunday, but not before he was able to take down his attacker. The victim, Ari Fuld, was seen chasing the terrorist after a brief fight with the terrorist in a video posted to Twitter by Israeli Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Ofir Gendelman. Despite obviously suffering from the attack and briefly stumbling, Fuld manages to regain his balance and take aim at the terrorist with a firearm.

“A 17 y/o Palestinian terrorist, brainwashed to murder Israelis since he was a child, stabbed today Ari Fuld, a father of 4, to death,” said Gendelman’s tweet. “Although he was stabbed from behind, Ari (lion in Hebrew) fought like a lion. He chased the terrorist & shot him before collapsing. He was a hero.”

Fuld was a social media and marketing consultant and a pro-Israel activist whose death caught the attention of United States Senator Ted Cruz. The US legislator issued a statement on his website expressing his sorrow over the Fuld’s death and praising his courage. “Ari was a devoted husband, a father of four, and a passionate advocate for the security of the Jewish state of Israel. After being stabbed he heroically ran down the terrorist and shot him before he could attack other innocent people. May his memory forever be a blessing,” said Cruz. … Continue Reading

US Closes Palestinian Office in Washington for Rejecting Peace Plan ‘They Haven’t Yet Seen’

September 11, 2018 Special Feature

The Palestinian office in Washington is no more. Illustrative photo of Palestinian event. By Joshua Spurlock

The Americans increased the pressure on the Palestinians for obstructing peace again on Monday, as the United States government closed the office of the General Delegation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Washington, D.C. The PLO is the official representative of the Palestinian government to the world and in peace negotiations with Israel, but lately, those peace efforts have been largely dormant. In a statement, the US State Department slammed the Palestinians’ rejectionism.

“The PLO has not taken steps to advance the start of direct and meaningful negotiations with Israel,” said spokesperson Heather Nauert in the press release. “To the contrary, PLO leadership has condemned a US peace plan they have not yet seen and refused to engage with the US government with respect to peace efforts and otherwise.”

The US decision to close the PLO office follows a recent determination to cancel funding of the United Nations refugee agency that focuses solely on Palestinians as the Palestinians continue to push back against US peace efforts. Israel has supported both US actions, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling the closure of the PLO office “the correct decision” in a statement on Tuesday. … Continue Reading

US Ambassador to Israel at 9-11 Memorial Confirms to Everyone US and Israel ‘Stand Together’

September 9, 2018 News

The JNF-KKL September 11 memorial in Israel. Photo Courtesy of the JNF-KKL.

The only memorial outside the United States that names all of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks is in Israel. In view of that, it’s not surprising that US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman highlighted the special bond between the countries at the recent annual ceremony marking 17 years since the attacks.

“In this beautiful plaza, at this inspiring location, we remind the families of those lost and we confirm to people everywhere, that we stand together—Americans and Israelis—and that together we continue to heal and to build, in a spirit of solidarity and commitment to the future,” said Friedman in comments published in a Jewish National Fund (JNF) press release. The memorial was held on September 6 due to 9/11 falling on the Biblical holiday of Rosh Hashanah (also known as the Jewish New Year) this year.

Friedman is a strong proponent of US-Israel ties and at a recent toast for Rosh Hashanah reiterated that sentiment. “This year, let us dedicate ourselves to building upon our great accomplishments, to making the US-Israel relationship even stronger, and to bringing peace, prosperity and security to the region,” said Friedman in a Twitter post recapping the Rosh Hashanah event. … Continue Reading

US Accuses Syrian Regime and Allies—Russia and Iran—of Refining ‘Playbook of Death’

September 9, 2018 Peace and Conflict

U.S. Ambassador the U.N. Nikki Haley. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Mission to the UN

The United States last week at the United Nations warned another regime-led offensive in Syria—this time against the province of Idlib—would “create generations of Syrians who will never forget” the brutality of the Syrian regime, and it’s not just the Syrians who are to blame. Russia and Iran also were slammed by US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley for being President Bashar al-Assad’s “enablers” in the atrocities in Syria.

Last Friday, Haley accused Assad and his allies of a “playbook” that involves surrounding a civilian area, making the “preposterous claim” that everyone there is a “terrorist” and then launching attacks “until the people no longer have food, clean water, or shelter.” Next on the attack list is Idlib, which Haley noted has 3 million people at risk in it, which she said are “99 percent innocent civilians.”

“It’s a playbook of death. The Assad regime has spent the last seven years refining it with Russia and Iran’s help,” said Haley in comments to the UN Security Council that were posted to the US Mission to the UN’s website. She further warned that it’s not just the Syrian people who would take note of the viciousness of the Assad regime, Russia and Iran. The Americans would too., while separately Israel has also expressed concern over Iran’s military presence in Syria. … Continue Reading

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