by Tim Buck | Jun 6, 2025 | America, Hamas, Iran, Israel, Nations, Palestinians, President Trump, Russia, Syria, Ukraine
Gazans Turning Against Hamas
Imagine going to an aid station to buy your weekly supply of food. Your money is in your hand, but the person distributing the supplies refuses to take it. “It’s free,” he tells you. “This aid has always been free.” With your heavy box on your shoulder, you walk away stunned.
For months, you’ve been paying exorbitant prices for meager supplies, but now you have a package that is at least twice as heavy and free. That’s the moment you realize that the previous people at the aid stations (Hamas) who said they were your friends were really your enemies, grifting enormous amounts of money from you and your people.
That is the experience that thousands of Gazans are currently having about Hamas. These people who said they were their friends and protectors are actually the ones who are the authors and sustainers of their suffering. A growing percentage of ordinary civilians are fed up with it. This past week, a large number of southern Gaza Bedouin tribes and clans have declared, “Enough is Enough.”
They put out a manifesto holding Hamas fully responsible for the devastation in Gaza. Demanding an end to Hamas rule, they are calling for new leadership. While Hamas is doing their best to fight back against these dissenters from their tyranny, they no longer have the strength or numbers to keep their opponents down.
As the IDF’s Operation Gideon’s Chariots continues to roll, it won’t be long before Hamas runs out of places to hide and people who will take them in.
Netanyahu Fighting for His Political Life
There is a soft coup that is being attempted in Israel. Liberal members of the Knesset are rejecting Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership, while the judiciary has him in court at least 12 hours a week and on trial for bogus corruption charges. This is the enemy at work, who is doing everything possible to take the prime minister down before Hamas is fully destroyed.
All this is taking place while the Israeli economy is booming. Defense exports have once again hit an all-time high reaching 52 billion shekels ($14.795 billion USD). This is despite some European nations, such as Spain, saying that they’ll no longer import arms from Israel. That’s okay – Germany will happily take whatever they can get.
Meanwhile, you have Macron, the antisemitic French president pushing hard for a Palestinian state, even while Muslims burn his capital city following a football victory. Seriously? Europe is in the midst of a gradual Muslim invasion that is destroying the very culture of the once great continent. If the liberals in Israel would have their way, the same would happen to them.
That’s because the Israeli judiciary, media, and liberal members of the Knesset hate Netanyahu and all he stands for more than they love their own country. It’s truly appalling. But God has His own providential plans for Israel!
From the Mouth of the Dragon
On May 19, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher told the BBC that due to Israel allegedly holding back five trucks of humanitarian aid, “there are 14,000 [Gazan] babies that will die in the next 48 hours.” People went crazy! The media ran with the horrific accusation! The next day, two staffers of the Israeli embassy were executed on a Washington, D.C. street. Too late for the murdered couple, the United Nations clarified the statement saying that Fletcher meant 14,000 Gazan babies may suffer malnutrition in the next year if they don’t receive aid. Dead vs. malnourished. 48 hours vs. one year. But because of the “prince and power of the air,” everyone is ready to believe the worst if it’s about Israel.
One more example: On Sunday, more than 30 people were killed near a U.S. aid site in Gaza. Hamas claimed that the IDF opened fire on innocent civilians, and the media immediately ran with it. Everyone was up in arms, and that same day, a deluded Kuwaiti antisemite in Boulder, Colorado, threw Molotov cocktails and used a homemade flamethrower to seriously injure six elderly Jews who were part of a march to bring home the hostages held by Hamas.
Retractions of this fallacious story were much slower in coming, and, when they did, most media made it sound like “well, they may not have done it this time, but this is certainly the kind of thing those Jews would do.” Sadly, most people get their news from the major media sites and, as a result, are easily deceived in their web of lies.
Israel Holds New Syria Responsible
On Tuesday, rockets were fired from Syria toward Israel. Soon after, the Israel Defense Forces hit back hard, targeting seven locations in southern Syria. Despite it being evident that the Syrian military was not behind the rockets, some of the sites belonged to new president Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government. When the smoke cleared, Israel made it clear that it would hold Damascus responsible for activities that took place within Syria’s borders, even if they were carried out by rogue militias.
Al-Sharaa’s people said they were investigating the origins of the rocket firing, denied knowing anything beforehand, and condemned Israel’s actions. Interestingly, in their statement, they included the phrase, “…firing at the Israeli side.” The rockets were aimed at the Golan Heights, and any reference to this area in the past would have been to “the occupied Golan.” This is a hopeful development from the new government.
Iran says, “No Deal!”
The media will try to tell you that having centrifuges is normal for any country that wants to have nuclear power, but that is false. It is far cheaper to buy uranium enriched to the necessary 3.5% than it is to make it yourself.
The only reason to have a vast array of centrifuges is if you want to enrich uranium all the way up to the 90% required for nuclear weapons. That is why both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu say that Supreme Leader Khamenei is being disingenuous when he says that his centrifuges are simply for the power grid.
Currently, it appears that Trump and Netanyahu may have different views as to what to do about Iran’s centrifuges. Trump says he wants to make a deal. The president seems to be willing to allow Iran to temporarily keep the centrifuges if they are closely monitored by a Middle Eastern watch team to ensure that they don’t enrich beyond 3.5%.
The goal will be to bring Iran into what will ultimately become a Middle Eastern consortium of nations which will enrich its own power grade uranium in a location other than Iran. This uranium will be distributed within the consortium nations for their own power grids.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, doesn’t trust Khamenei as far as he can throw the old Islamist. He feels more drastic measures are needed. However, this doesn’t constitute a break between Trump and Netanyahu. They agree on the final outcome; they just disagree on the methodology.
All of it is moot right now anyway, because Khamenei and many of his cronies have this week made it clear that their centrifuges will not be touched. This will only cause more problems for the failing nation. Their economy is crashing, and more sanctions will lead to even more financial insolvency. Since last year, their oil exports to China have dropped by 1.1 million barrels a day, which is a 20% decrease. Too much more and the economy could collapse.
Ukraine’s Secret Attack on Russia
A semi-truck pulled up near a Russian military base. Panels in the roof of the trailers opened and drones zoomed up into the air. The explosive-laden UAVs raced toward the airfields, then detonated as they hit plane after plane. Thirty aircraft at numerous sites were completely destroyed, including two command and control aircraft, two cargo aircraft, and 26 bombers. Many others were damaged.
It took the Ukrainian military a year-and-a-half to prepare and place the 117 drones for Sunday’s Operation Spider Web, and the brilliant stealth attack caused more than $9 billion in losses for the Russian military.
What will the Russian reaction be? Many European countries are concerned that Moscow might actually go nuclear in their response. Those fears were heightened even more on Tuesday when Ukraine damaged with underwater explosives the foundations of the Kerch Bridge that connects Russia to the Crimean Peninsula.
On Monday in Istanbul, peace talks between the two sides ended after only one hour. Following yesterday’s bridge attack, it would be surprising to see them talking again any time soon.
Two-State Solution Coming Fast
As Israel’s devastating war in Gaza has ground on, the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict somehow keeps gaining traction! It has now been fully revived and could become reality later this month through the UN Two-State Solution Conference called,
“Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two-State Solution.”
The conference is the largest gathering ever conceived by the international community to unite against Israel for the sole purpose to divide God’s land.
It is also the first Middle East peace conference not resided over by the President of the U.S.
The conference will be held under the auspicious of the United Nations in New York on June 17-19 and be hosted by French President Macron and the defacto King of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Salmon (MBS).
French President Emmanuel Macron is pressing the UK and Germany, along with other European nations to jointly recognize a Palestinian State at the ‘high-level’ UN conference in mid-June, focused on achieving a two-state solution. Macron has called such recognition a “political necessity.”
Countries outside Europe are feeling the pressure, too. Australia has reaffirmed its view that recognition of Palestine should be a “way of building momentum towards a two-state solution.”
Did you catch that Ausie 2-step there? … Step ONE – Recognize a Palestinian State… Step TWO – Move to adopt the Two-State Solution!
During Macron’s visit to Indonesia in late May, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a surprising pledge to recognize Israel if it allowed for a Palestinian state. This is concerning because Indonesia is the world’s most populated Muslim nation and one of about 28 nations that don’t currently recognize Israel.
France, Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea are among the approximately 46 nations that don’t recognize a Palestinian state.
The Ministry
Need more biblically related news and views? Join us June 24!
For those of you who don’t like to travel at night, this class is for you as June 22 has the longest daylight hours of the year!
We are thrilled to be watchers as the Lord sets the stage for the coming Tribulation and as we race through the final days of the Church-Age. So much is happening so fast… keep looking up!
We look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming summer Prophecy Update Class on June 24 (Not June 17)!
In decades of teaching and reporting on Israel, the Middle East, and the End-Times, I have never witnessed such tense and dramatic prophetic-related-developments as we’ve seen since President Trump came back into office.
President Trump says that, “he’s on a mission from God.” Well guess what! I think there’s a lot more truth to that than he may realize so please keep President Trump and his family in your prayers.
This has been unlike anything we’ve seen and marked by international peace efforts, urgent diplomacy, prophetic tremors, and high-stakes alliances.
While most Churches and Christians aren’t paying attention, what’s happening in our world are headlines on the crucial movements about the Bible’s last-day nations.
From Russia to Iran, from Turkey to China, from the Arab Gulf states to the U.N. and to the shifting posture of Syria and the United States, the stage is being set.
Just as prophesied, Israel is now center stage and the world is embarking on its most dangerous escalation yet to divide the promised land and gang up against the Jewish people.
Showdown time is almost here!
by Tim Buck | Mar 3, 2025 | President Trump, Russia, Ukraine
A press briefing in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned into an all-out brawl of words, with President Donald Trump warning the European leader that he is “gambling with World War III.”
The escalation began after Zelenskyy repeatedly interrupted the President, delivered back-handed remarks, and backed out of agreeing to a ceasefire in front of reporters.
Vice President JD Vance admonished the Ukrainian President for showing clear disrespect to the United States and its leadership.
“Do you think that it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?” Vance cautioned after being questioned by Zelenskyy in the public briefing.
Zelenskyy fired back with a warning to the United States, insisting that while America has “a nice ocean” separating them from the war with Russia as opposed to Europe, “you will feel it in the future.”
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump responded strongly. “We’re trying to solve a problem… Remember this: you’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel… You’re right now, not in a very good position. You don’t have the cards right now with us.”
“I’m not playing cards right now,” Zelenskyy rebuked, later scolding the American leaders for “speaking very loudly.”
“You are playing cards,” Trump asserted. “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country…”
“Your country is in big trouble,” he warned overtop of the continued interruptions by Zelenskyy. “Wait a minute. No, no, you‘ve done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble. You‘re not winning. You‘re not winning this. You have a damn good chance of coming out, okay, Because of us.”
Zelenskyy then claimed that Ukraine has “been alone” since the “beginning of the war,” a remark quickly retorted by President Trump, who referenced the 350 billion dollars given to Ukraine under the previous administration.
“If you didn‘t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks,” Trump stated, drawing immediate ire from Zelenskyy, who likened the statement to Russian propaganda.
Looking toward reporters, Trump emphasized, “I think it’s important for the American people to see what’s going on. That’s why I kept this going so long.”
Turning back toward Zelenskyy, the President reiterated, “You have to be thankful. You don‘t have the cards. Your people are dying. You‘re running low on soldiers. Then you tell us: ‘I don‘t want a ceasefire. I don‘t want a ceasefire.’ Look, if you could get a ceasefire right now, I tell you, you take it so the bullets stop flying and your men stop getting killed.”
“The problem is, I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy,” Trump stated, “and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States.”
“Your people are very brave,” he continued, “but you’re either going to make a deal or we’re out—and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty… You don’t have the cards, but once we sign that deal, you’re in a much better position. But you’re not acting at all thankful, and that’s not a nice thing, I’ll be honest. That’s not a nice thing… All right. I think we‘ve seen enough.”
The reason for Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington was to work through the stages of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, which has now crossed into its fourth year of fighting. In a statement issued following the heated press briefing, President Trump warned that Ukraine “is not ready for peace.”
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today,” the statement began. “Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office,” Trump underscored. “He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been accused of corruption by many, including President Trump, profiting heavily from the war, and using it to avoid elections. Last week, the American President voiced concern over the conduct of Zelenskyy, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader is incentivized to continue the war perpetually.
“Zelenskyy admits that half of the money [$350B] we sent him is ‘MISSING,’” Trump wrote. “He refuses to have Elections, is very low in Ukrainian Polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden ‘like a fiddle.’ A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left.”
“Biden never tried to negotiate an end to the war, Europe has failed to bring Peace, and Zelenskyy probably wants to keep the ‘gravy train’ going,” he stated.
“I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died – And so it continues…..”
by Tim Buck | Jan 14, 2025 | Israel, Palestinians, President Trump, Russia, Syria, Ukraine, United Nations
Global Alliance Meeting in Saudi Arabia
Top News Stories To Watch
Setting The Stage
For The Tribulation Period!
1/11/25 By Tim Buck
Fotet.org
We are living in the days that the prophets spoke about with rapid signs converging like birth pains and coming one right after the other. Not one… not two… not three… but so many end-time signs are bursting forth now it’s hard to keep up with them all! The prophets declared that events would appear at a more rapid pace in the run-up to the return of Jesus. And that’s precisely what we’re seeing today.
Below are some key news stories from the past year that continue to shout the message that we live in the last days leading up to the start of the Tribulation period.
1. Saudi Arabia’s Middle East Peace Initiative
Amid the high tension in the Middle East over the lingering crisis between Palestine and Israel, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new initiative aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state and advancing the implementation of a two-state solution.
The announcement comes after decades of failed international efforts to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has brought the region to the verge of full-scale war. Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, spearheaded the inaugural Global Alliance meeting in October last year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the “Implementation of the Two-State Solution.” Founded by the Saudi Kingdom, the alliance includes over 90 governments and international organizations.
The purpose was to begin the process of establishing a Palestinian state by means of a seven to ten-year peace agreement with Israel. The next meeting is scheduled for June 2-4, 2025, at the UN.
The interest of so many nations in the fate of Jerusalem tells us that the fulfillment of Zechariah 12:1-3 is happening before our eyes. It’s more than a little stunning that the result of this initiative could eventually lead to the prophesied seven-year peace accord with Israel. How close might we be to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27 and the start of Daniel’s seventieth week and the Tribulation period?
Is it not significant that the world is now planning for the dividing of Israel and Jerusalem that the Scriptures declare will trigger the start of the Tribulation?
2. Donald Trump’s Reelection as President
Donald Trump’s election victory is good news for Israel as well as for the American people. Once he takes office, the congress-approved weapons will more flow freely to Israel.
His win will likely enhance the peace negotiations already taking place. Once in office, Trump will likely revitalize his “Deal of the Century” plan from 2020 whereby he sought to resolve the Palestinian issue.
How might Trump’s reelection effect negotiations for Israel?
First, Israel will feel more secure with him as the U.S. President and as a result, may have a greater willingness to accept an agreement with the Palestinians under better terms.
Second, many in Israel view Trump as sympathetic with their desire for a third temple. His election increases the probability that the third temple will be a part any future peace covenant. We’ll have more on this topic in our March 11 class, “Third Temple, Coming Soon.”
3. Continuing Attacks Against Israel
If Israel is to one day accept the peace deal in fulfillment of Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15, we would expect to see the nation besieged by warfare and continual threats of deadly attacks. If they were at peace with their neighbors, they would have no reason to enter into such a covenant. In other words, their current experience is exactly what we would expect to see in the months or years leading to their acceptance of peace.
Despite delivering crushing blows to both Hamas and Hezbollah in 2024, these terrorist organizations remain active and capable of deadly attacks. There’s also the threat of another Iranian missile attack on Israel. The continuing threats will eventually lead to a war-weary Israel agreeing to the terms of peace to divide Israel for a Palestinian State. The new regime in Syria will also pose a new threat to Israel in the future.
4. The Fall of Syria
The rapid fall of Syria to the rebel coalition surprised many. The concern over the weapons left behind by the deposed government under Bashar al-Assad led to 300 Israeli airstrikes against the leftover armaments of Assad’s military. There’s an ongoing concern about the chemical weapons that the former regime possessed and used.
The new leaders of Syria seek to portray themselves as moderate, but they are ISIS and Al Qaeda in a new face – that’s all. Although many in Syria rejoice at the removal of the wicked and brutal Bashar al-Assad, this new bunch of radical Islamists may be even worse at bringing in greater dark and chaotic days ahead for the nation.
5. UN 2.0
In September, the UN member nations voted to significantly strengthen the power of the UN. The summary of the approved proposal used the phrase “UN 2.0” to refer to its enhanced authority over the nations.
Although we have yet to see the impact of this, it signifies the growing acceptance of most nations of the necessity of a strengthened UN. This provides the structure needed for the enemy to pressure Israel at every turn and their continued opposition to everything Israel does.
6. America’s National Debt
America’s gigantic national debt is a ticking time bomb that will someday explode and bring economic devastation to the U.S. and the world. The future U.S. debt explosion will be a key factor that leads to the dire conditions of famine and economic implosion described in Revelation 6:5-6.
Recently, America’s debt level reached thirty-six trillion dollars with 1.4 trillion needed each year just to cover the interest. It’s only the Lord’s restraining hand that keeps this from bringing financial ruin to the US and the rest of the world.
Despite the dedication of President-elect Trump and his team to bring the runaway government spending under control, it’s likely too late to avoid the economic Armageddon that lies ahead for the US.
The only question is will this occur before or after the Rapture of the church?
7. NATO’s Permission for Ukraine to Fire Missiles into Russia
In November, President Biden led the way in approving Ukraine’s use of America’s missiles to strike within the territory of Russia. Once NATO missiles begin to cause death and destruction with his nation, Vladimir Putin may retaliate by attacking Europe. Although such a large-scale response has not yet happened, many claim that we are on the edge of a catastrophic war.
Is this not another sign that the red horse of war will soon ride across the planet (Revelation 6:2-3, 7-8)? Although the Lord continues to restrain this future catastrophic eruption of violence, we now have a clearer picture of what lies ahead for the world after the Rapture. At the moment, the Biden Administration is doing all it can to spark a deadly conflict with Russia.
As we await our departure from earth to the place that Jesus is preparing for us in Heaven, the above sampling of headlines from 2024 tells us that we are ever so close to meeting Him in the air. The stories from the past year paint a picture of a world on the edge of the Day of the Lord, which will quickly follow the Rapture.
by Tim Buck | Aug 30, 2024 | Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Israel, Russia, Ukraine
Headlines & Stories
Israel and the Middle East
8/30/24 – By Tim Buck
Fotet.org
About Israel
What an amazing few days it has been in Israel! The IDF rescued the first living hostage from Hamas’s underground tunnels in Gaza. And wouldn’t you know it? He was an Arab Muslim. Qaid Farhan Alkadi was at his job in a packing house in Kibbutz Magen on October 7 when he was taken by Hamas terrorists. For more than ten months he was held as a hostage, malnourished and mistreated. But then some IDF and Shin Bet forces operating in the tunnels discovered him and brought him to safety. All of Israel is now celebrating!
Of course, Hamas quickly reported that they had released him, but that is not what the IDF or what Alkadi himself is saying. Satan is the great liar! The Bedouin emphatically reported on the harsh treatment that the hostages receive, and he pleaded with the Israeli government to do whatever it takes to get them out. It didn’t take long for him to have the opportunity to go to the top of Israel’s government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself called Alkadi to celebrate, saying, “Our brother has come home! Our brother has returned!”
This is what the antisemites who march against Israel and criticize the war don’t get. Israel is not making this a racial war. They are not fighting the Arabs or, more specifically, the Palestinians. Israel is fighting against the terrorist group Hamas. Throughout the war, they have gone above and beyond to warn civilians of the actions they were going to have to take to root out the terrorist cancer. No other nation has ever done so much to protect the innocent. Have civilians been killed and wounded? Sadly, yes. But that is because Hamas has persisted in using the Palestinian population as human shields, whether it is in neighborhoods, schools, or hospitals.
In the south, Israel fights Hamas. In the north, Israel fights Hezbollah. In the West Bank, Israel fights both terrorist organizations, along with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and other terrorist groups. In contrast, the terrorists in all those areas fight the Jews. They are the ones who make this racial. The protesters around the world also make this racial. But Israel is not in a fight against the Arabs. But these terrorists and antisemites are in a fight against the Jewish people. That is a big difference.
Unfortunately for them, God has made it clear that targeting Israel is not a healthy choice. Even when He allowed other nations to bring harm against the Jews, it was only for a season and for a purpose. When the time was past, His arms were open to His repentant people, but His hand was against those nations who followed their sinful inclinations to persecute Israel. Both the Jewish people and the church can take great comfort in knowing that God never fully turns His back on those He calls His own.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:1-4
The West Bank,
Operation Summer Camps
While the media has focused on the war in Gaza and the battles in the north, there is a third front that is less talked about. Terrorist attacks by Arabs coming from the West Bank have increased exponentially since October 7 – most (but not all) attributed to Hamas, the PIJ, or the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AAMB). Yesterday, the IDF moved to tamp down that activity by implementing Operation Summer Camps. This is the largest operation in Judea and Samaria in 20 years and is aimed at the Iranian effort to arm and train terrorists in the West Bank. Already, as of Wednesday morning, ten terrorists were killed, and more are being taken out each day. As always, the IDF is taking precautions to protect civilians. Before the action began, residents of the Nur Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm were warned to evacuate so that they could avoid the coming action. Israel cannot allow the terrorists to perpetrate another October 7 massacre from the West Bank. Even after they move into Lebanon, they must make sure that Judea, Samaria, and the northern Jordan Valley remain an extremely high priority.
Hezbollah Strikes the Chickens
Early this past Sunday, Hezbollah launched its promised strike across the southern border, and the Israelis paid dearly. At least the Israeli chickens did. In a major barrage, 230 rockets and 20 drones were fired toward Israel – the rockets to the north and the drones toward the center. Unfortunately for Hezbollah, the flying explosives missed the military facilities they were aimed at. Instead, they blew the heck out of a chicken coop. They’re still waiting for a condemnatory response from PETA.
The fact that only poultry was damaged by their paltry attempt didn’t stop Hezbollah from taking a victory lap. In a speech following the attack, Hassan Nasrallah, the head of the terrorist group, celebrated by alleging that they fired twenty more rockets than they had originally intended. That is hard to believe. Hezbollah planned their attack to begin at 5:00 am.
Learning of this fact, the IDF, at 4:30 am, sent 100 Israeli fighter jets peremptorily across the northern border into Lebanon, hitting 200 launching sites before they had a chance to send their missiles. If not for this action, it was very likely that more than just chickens would have died. Following the attack by Hezbollah, Israel pounded the terrorist group’s sites in a major airstrike. These strikes have continued through the week, mostly focusing on the Baalbek region.
Gaza and Sinwar
The fight continues in Gaza. The enemy is deeply entrenched and there are miles and miles of tunnels. As Israel simultaneously fights above ground and below ground, the soldiers must be incredibly careful. First, there are thousands of vulnerable citizens being used as human shields.
But secondly, there are still 103 hostages being held, although 33 of them have been confirmed dead. According to a report by the Jewish Chronicle, Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip and the terrorist organization’s newly minted chairman of the Political Bureau, Yahya Sinwar, surrounds himself with 22 handcuffed hostages. Apparently, Israel has had several chances to eliminate him, but they held back due to the hostage risk.
U.S. Warns of Iranian Threat Against Israel
We’ve all been wondering when Iran’s retaliation will come against Israel for the targeted killing of chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The ayatollahs have been holding it over the Jewish state’s head for weeks.
Now, John Kirby, national security spokesman for the White House, has said that it could come soon, and warned Iran to reconsider carrying their plan out. “Our messaging to Iran is consistent, has been and will stay consistent,” he said. “One, don’t do it. There’s no reason to escalate this. There’s no reason to potentially start some sort of all-out regional war. And number two, we are going to be prepared to defend Israel if it comes to that.”
Ukraine vs. Russia
Ukraine continues its push into Russia, using drones to reach deep into the enemy nation. Yesterday, they attacked the Ryazan hydroelectric plant approximately 200 km from Moscow. Russia is fighting back in a huge way.
On Monday, the Russians launched 127 missiles and 109 attack drones aimed at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. At least four people were killed, and in Kyiv there were seven or more explosions reported. One missile hit the road over the Kyiv hydroelectric plant. If that plant took major damage, it could mean severe flooding in and around Kyiv.
France Arrests Telegram’s Pavel Durov
In an action that illustrates the continued deterioration of free speech in Europe, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested Saturday by French police in Paris. The charges against him are that his social media platform is being used for illicit activity including drug trafficking and child porn. The move by French authorities set off a firestorm of protest by free speech advocates, while opponents of free speech thought “Phew, I’m glad it was the French who did it.”
On Wednesday, he was released from his temporary hold, but that doesn’t mean that all his problems are over. He was immediately sent for questioning, while it is being decided whether to put him under indictment. If he is formally charged, he can end up going back into detention. It will be interesting to see if Russia, St. Kitts and Nevis, or the United Arab Emirates, all of whose citizenships he holds along with his French citizenship, steps up to put pressure for his release.
by Tim Buck | Aug 17, 2024 | America, Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Israel, Russia, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine
Headlines, Stories
Will Iran Attack?
8/16/24 – By Tim Buck
Fotet.org
Gaza
Last Friday, Israel conducted a surgical strike on the Al-Taba’een school compound in Gaza City. The world went nuts. The United Nations immediately condemned Israel for bombing children, while other countries were quick to condemn the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) actions. What these mud slingers failed to notice was, first, the time of the attack. At 5:00 AM, how many schoolchildren are sitting in their classrooms?
They also neglected to take a look at those who were killed in the strike. Thirty-one senior Hamas members were eliminated on those school grounds. However, it’s no surprise that these facts were ignored. If it’s the Israelis who are behind the strike, it’s considered evil.
Speaking of evil, Hamas continued to torture the families of hostages by claiming that in two separate incidents a hostage was killed and two others were injured by the terrorist soldiers. On the opposite side of the good vs. evil coin, the IDF continues to be very busy in all of Gaza. In the Rafah region alone, Givati forces have killed more than 100 terrorists in recent days.
Lebanon
The tensions throughout the north of Israel increase daily. Many countries have pulled officials from Lebanon in preparation for a war between Israel and the terrorist group, Hezbollah. The U.S. government says that it has plans to evacuate up to 100,000 citizens from the nation.
Last Friday, Hezbollah launched a massive barrage of rockets and missiles toward the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee. Since October 8, the terrorist group has launched more than 7,500 missiles and 200 drones at Israel which killed 43 Israelis, 19 of whom were soldiers, and wounded 271 more. These projectiles also started 790 fires which have burned 40,000 acres of land.
In preparation for a possible attack, Israel has increased intelligence measures over the skies of Lebanon and Iran. The strikes by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) have been well-planned and persistent as it seeks to soften the capabilities of Hezbollah prior to full-blown war.
The ground of northern Israel shook Tuesday when, just across the border in Kfarkela, Lebanon, the IAF dropped three MK-84 bunker buster bombs from an F-35 jet. This was the first time since the beginning of hostilities that these munitions were used.
Syria
Syria experienced a 5.0 earthquake on Monday, and a 4.5 on Tuesday. Maybe if God can’t get ahold of the Syrians’ attention through guns and bombs, He’ll choose to shake them up another way.
West Bank
The battle against terrorism is not just to the north and south of Israel. It is within the country. Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) all have active fighters in the West Bank.
Wednesday, in a rare instance of the IDF, border police, the Israel Prison Service’s elite Metzada Unit, and Shin Bet all operating together, five terrorists were eliminated in operations against cells in Tubas, Tamun, and the Far’a refugee camp. Four Israeli troops were wounded in the operation when an IED exploded near their light armored vehicle.
Jordan
Last week, it was reported that Jordan said no to both Israel and Iran using their airspace in an attack. A couple days later, Jordan amended their statement saying that Israel would be allowed to fly over the nation if it was to defend itself against an Iranian barrage. Immediately, they were harshly criticized by many in the Islamic world.
So, they took it back and said again that neither country could fly across their borders. What both Jordan and Israel understand, however, is that there is a gap between public denials and what Jordan will actually allow Israel to do.
Iran
A report from Iran International yesterday said that Tehran has begun, for the first time, active secret development and testing on an explosive device for the warhead of a nuclear weapon. This is greatly concerning. Unfortunately for the ayatollahs, they may have a hard time paying for the research.
Yesterday also saw a major cyberattack against the Central Bank of Iran and other banking institutions. It caused a major disruption in the system and could be the largest attack ever against Iranian infrastructure.
The Temple and Tisha B’Av
Tisha B’Av, the remembrance day for the destruction of both the Solomonic and Herodian temples, was observed last Monday night and Tuesday. Despite warnings and threats, nearly 3000 Jews visited the Temple Mount to mourn the loss of the holy sites. Last year, the number was only about 1900.
The United States
Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved a deal Tuesday that will supply to Israel F-15 fighter jets and other materiel worth almost $19 billion. In addition, other agreements were made that would supply $774 million worth of shells and $583 million worth of vehicles.
Unfortunately, with the U.S. it is always a blessing and a curse. They willingly send the war materiel, then ask Israel to promise not to use it without their approval.
While that was taking place in Washington, in Los Angeles on Tuesday a group of antisemitic, pro-Palestine protesters decided to block the 405 Freeway. Nine people were arrested, and, surprisingly for California, no one was run over.
Russia/Ukraine
Recently, there has been an incursion of Ukraine into Russia’s Kursk region continues. Since it began last week, Ukraine has taken 74 villages and small towns, even swapping some of the Russian road signs with Ukrainian.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, the alert level has been raised and the number of police has been increased in fear of infiltration of Ukrainian special forces into the city.
This is following Sunday’s swarm of Ukrainian drones which struck Moscow and a nearby airfield. For his part, President Vladimir Putin has officially ended all peace talks with Ukraine, which is disappointing because they were going so smoothly before!!!
Turkey
No matter how much you dislike the grumpy President, sometimes he does something that will make you smile. On Saturday, the sons of the now defunct Hamas political bureau leader, Ismail Haniyeh, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who offered his condolences.
However, according to reports, what he didn’t offer them was their father’s $3 billion that is stored in Turkish banks. That kind of money can come in handy to a country whose economy has been failing. The last thing the grumpy dictator was heard saying to the empty-handed brothers as they walked away mumbling was, “And stay off my lawn, too!”
by Tim Buck | Aug 1, 2022 | Iran, Russia, Tim's Articles, Ukraine
Iran – Russia Summit
EU’s Shameful Appeasement of Iran
8/1/22 by Tim Buck
Fotet.org
The lame-duck Biden administration has left a vacuum urging bad actors to rise in the world. They smell blood against America and her allies and are beginning to rise.
As soon as President Biden returned from the Middle East, Vladimir Putin made a visit to Iran. A rare trip! As a result, a deal was struck with the Iranian regime giving its backing and full support to Russia’s military offensive against Ukraine.
This is an alarming expansion in Iran’s military ambitions beyond the Middle East and into Europe.
The most alarming comment during the visit was the Ayatollah’s call for Iran and Russia to increase what he termed “reciprocal cooperation” between the two countries to counter the threat of Western sanctions: a veiled admittance to the emerging military cooperation between Russia and Iran.
Biden’s confused position on Iran has recently been exposed by the head of Britain’s MI6 intelligence agency, who told this month’s Aspen Security Forum that, in his view, Iran had shown little interest in negotiating a new nuclear deal. Imagine that! Biden’s policy on Iran has become completely untenable.
Iran is partnering with Russia. Now what will Europe do? Appeasement isn’t working!
In the last month Iran has delivered numerous loads of military equipment, armaments, and drones to Moscow to assist the Russian military in the defeat of Ukraine. Iran’s deepening involvement in supporting the Russian war effort against Ukraine should serve as a wakeup call to Western and U.S. leaders.
While European leaders continue to beg and bribe Iran for some kind of renewed nuclear deal, Russia is cutting off Europe’s energy and Iran is stabbing the Europeans in the back by rebuilding Russia’s war chest.
While in Tehran, Putin met with key figures including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and the country’s hardline president, Ebrahim Raisi.
The summit ended with Khamenei praising Putin for launching his invasion of Ukraine, and claiming that Russia would have been the victim of NATO aggression if he had not made the first move.
Since the summit, there has been a marked escalation in Tehran’s involvement in the Russian-Ukraine war.
Russia and Iran signed a $40 billion energy memorandum of understanding between the Russian energy giant Gazprom and the National Iranian Oil Company.
Russia and Iran have already been cooperating on energy issues, with Tehran offering to help Russia avoid Western sanctions imposed following the Ukraine invasion by making available its global oil-smuggling network.
US officials have reported that a team of Russian military experts have twice visited an airbase in central Iran to make a detailed assessment of Iranian-made drones.
This follows a report by the US National Security Council that Iran has provided hundreds of drones to aid Russia’s war effort.
Iran’s very public displays of support for Russia certainly undermine the false assumption of the Biden administration and European policymakers that the Iranian threat, allowing Iran unlimited nuclear weapons, relates only to the Middle East — and specifically against Israel.
This belief is one of the reasons that Britain, France and Germany, the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal, have given their backing to the Biden administration’s efforts to revive the agreement.
Iran’s active support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, which is receiving military backing from NATO, completely refutes that argument.
The expanding military partnership between Russia and Iran is bad news for the world. It’s also bad news for the Biden administration, which has invested all his political capital in reviving the nuclear talks, but now finds itself trying to negotiate with a country that is actively supporting its adversary in the Ukraine conflict.
Just as Europe disregarded Trump’s warnings that relying on gas from Russia would leave them open to Russian blackmail, they are again ignoring warnings that a nuclear Iran will leave them open to Iranian blackmail.
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