Israel, Putin Agree to ‘Counter Terrorism’ after Hezbollah Refuses Russian Call to Exit Syria

Will PM Netanyahu & Russian Pres. Putin work together to fight Hezbollah? Illustrative. Photo courtesy of the office of the President of Russia.

Russia vaguely but ominously stated their willingness to join Israel in opposing “international terrorism” last week, one day after news broke that Hezbollah had rebuffed a Russian call for the terrorist group to leave Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “expressed readiness to boost the coordination of their actions with regard to Syria, including in countering international terrorism” during a call together on Friday, according to a statement posted to the Russian Presidency’s website.

While Hezbollah was not mentioned by name, the “terrorism” reference was an unusual inclusion in the brief press release, as it did not appear in numerous Russian press summaries of Putin-Netanyahu calls throughout 2018. It also comes as the Hezbollah and Russia relationship is getting rocky, despite both being allies of the Syrian regime in that nation’s civil war.

Israel Hayom reported that Hezbollah was still in Syria as of last Thursday—according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group—despite a Russian request for the Lebanese terrorists to leave Syria per a Russia-Israel agreement. The report specifically noted the Russians and Hezbollah had not battled each other yet—which would be a dramatic development—and raises questions about how far Russia is willing to go to keep it’s Syrian plan. Israel has already made it clear how far they will go. … Continue Reading

Terror Group Holding Lebanese Prisoners Threatens Hezbollah

Violence in Lebanon isn’t that far from Israel. Sign showing the distance between Jerusalem and Lebanese capital city. Illustrative. By Joshua Spurlock

One of the Al-Qaeda-inspired terror groups fighting in Syria, the Al-Nusra Front, has threatened to kill Lebanese prisoners if Hezbollah interferes with their fight in Syria. The Daily Star, citing a statement from Nusra, said the terror group wants Hezbollah to stay out of an upcoming battle in Syria, or else.

The prisoners in danger are members of the Shiite Islamic sect, like Hezbollah, and are part of a group of dozens of soldiers and security personnel captured in a fight in the Arsal region in Lebanon, which is near the Syrian border. Another terror group, ISIS, also was part of the battle and also has prisoners. The Daily Star reported that Lebanon is considering the demands to release prisoners from the terror groups in exchange for the captured Lebanese. … Continue Reading

Israel, Gaza Terrorists Reach Ceasefire Agreement

Will Israel and the Palestinians shake hands next? Prime Minister Netanyahu (Left) and UN Sec-Gen Ban. Illustrative. By Joshua Spurlock

Despite the collapse of nearly a dozen previous ceasefires due to Gaza attacks, it appears the latest agreement between Israel and Hamas is going to hold based on the reactions it is receiving. Israel has outlined a list of clauses to the ceasefire, demonstrating its similarity to the original one Hamas rejected, while Hamas is trying to claim victory after taking a series of heavy blows from Israel.

Israeli spokesman Ofir Gendelman’s Twitter feed said Israel accepted the “open ended” ceasefire, which “does not mention Hamas’ preconditions” of a seaport, airport, release of prisoners or transfer of funds. “Hamas gave in & accepted today the same Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire it rejected until now. The reason for the change: IDF’s airstrikes,” tweeted Gendelman. … Continue Reading

Israel Says Hamas Won’t Cover Up Military Defeat with Diplomatic Win

Netanyahu. Photo Courtesy of UN-Photo/Marco Castro

With the extended ceasefire between Israel and Hamas nearing it’s end, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was very clear that Hamas will not extort excessive concessions from Israel with the threat of more violence. Netanyahu, in comments to the Israeli Cabinet released by his office, said on Sunday, “If Hamas thinks that it can cover up its military loss with a diplomatic achievement, it is mistaken.” Hinting at the occasional attacks since major fighting ended over a week ago, Netanyahu said, “If Hamas thinks that continued sporadic firing will cause us to make concessions, it is mistaken. As long as quiet is not restored, Hamas will continue to take very harsh blows. If Hamas thinks that we cannot stand up to it over time, it is mistaken.” … Continue Reading

Israel Helps Palestinians, Rejects War Crimes Libels

Israeli medics help wounded Gazans. Photo courtesy of Israel GPO. By Kobi Gideon / GPO.

Despite the fact that a lasting ceasefire still had not yet been reached with the Palestinian terrorists in Gaza, Israel is still helping needy Palestinians from Gaza. On Wednesday, Israel evacuated 18 wounded Palestinians from the Israel-Gaza crossings to Israel’s Ben Gurion airport—where a Turkish plane took them on to receive treatment in Turkey.

A press release from the Magen David Adom (Israeli national medical group) said that of the Palestinians, one was in serious condition and four were in moderate condition. 16 escorts were transported with the wounded. The medical mission came the same day Israel harshly criticized claims they committed war crimes in Gaza. … Continue Reading

Israel Accepts New Ceasefire as IDF Wraps Up Tunnel Mission

Netanyahu. Photo Courtesy of UN-Photo/Marco Castro

Yet another short-term ceasefire has been reached in the Israel-Gaza war, this time for 72-hours. The previous ceasefire was shattered by a Palestinian ambush, but this one will see Israel sensing victory to be close at hand.

Ahram Online reported that the three-day calm was accepted by Israel, who will also be sending a team to long-term ceasefire negotiations in Egypt on Tuesday. Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, Israel expressed satisfaction in the IDF’s efforts to neutralize the terror tunnels that cross between Gaza and Israel’s southern communities. … Continue Reading