Key Scriptures

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Jeremiah 6:14	Further Study
Ezekiel Chapters 38 & 39	Further Study
Daniel 9:27	Further Study
Zechariah 12:2-3	Further Study
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3	Further Study
Revelation 6:3-4	Further Study

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Current Events

Iran's Rafsanjani suggests nuclear attack on Israel

Dec. 19, 2001 - Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said that if Islamic states becomes capable of nuclear warfare, an attack against Israel would destroy them, but " the same thing would just produce damages in the Muslim world."

Analysts told the Iranian Press Service that Rafsanjani's speech marks the first time a prominent leader of the Islamic Republic had openly suggested the use of nuclear weapon against the Jewish State.

Rafsanjani said that a holy war in the region "might fan flames of World War III."

Source:World Tribune

Israel cuts ties with Arafat

Dec. 13, 2001 - Palestinians attacked a bus at a Jewish settlement, killing at least 10 people. Israeli retaliation was immediate, with F-16 warplanes and helicopters carrying out raids on Gaza and the West Bank. In addition, the Israeli government cut off all communication with Yasser Arafat, accusing him of doing too little to stop terrorism. The decision also brings to a halt the US peace initiative being led by special envoy Anthony Zinni.

Source:BBC

EU: Arafat must dismantle Hamas, Islamic Jihad

Dec. 11, 2001 - In an unprecedented demand from the European Union, a statement was issued calling on the Palestinian Authority to put an end to the activity of two terrorist organizations. The statement said:

"The following pledges must be given by the Palestinian Authority: the dismantling of Hamas's and Islamic Jihad's terrorist networks, including the arrest and prosecution of all suspects; a public appeal in Arabic for an end to the armed intifada,"

Source:Jerusalem Post

IDF offensive to continue

Dec. 5, 2001 - Yesterday's attack by Israeli Defense Forces was just the beginning of a prolonged response to Yasser Arafat's terrorism. IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Ron Kitrey explained:

"It is aimed at creating pressure on the PA and its leadership, which will make them finally deal with what they are responsible for, the war on terror."

Source:IDF offensive to continue

Israel steps up missile strikes

Dec. 4, 2001 - In addition to the Israeli strikes on Gaza City, Yasser Arafat’s office was attacked in Ramallah while he was inside. Arafat was not hurt, but the targets were all related to him. They have effectively grounded the Palestinian leader in Ramallah.

The air strikes came just hours after Israel’s Cabinet branded Arafat’s government a supporter of terrorism and singled out two organizations affiliated with the Palestinian leader as terror groups — the Tanzim militia and Force 17, a branch of the Palestinian security forces.

Source:MSNBC

Israel Begins Its Own War against Terror

Dec. 3, 2001 - Israel has responded to a wave of terror attacks that have killed at least 26 Israelis, and left more than 200 injured in just 12 hours. Israeli helicopters launched missiles at, or near, the Gaza City headquarters of the Palestinian Authority, destroying buildings and Yasser Arafat's personal helicopters. Arafat himself was not in the area at the time.

Israeli Prime Minister Sharon cut short a meeting with President Bush to return to Israel. He had told Bush that Israel must respond to terror in its own way. It appears that the U.S. President agreed with his position.

Sources:

Israeli Armed Forces missiles hit Arafat's helicopters - Jerusalem Post

We'll fight terror our way, Sharon tells Bush - Jerusalem Post

Israel launches strikes on Gaza - BBC

15 killed in Haifa suicide bus bombing - Jerusalem Post

Israeli helicopters attack Gaza City - CNN

Sharon to tell Bush: "If Iraq attacks us, we will respond"

Dec. 1, 2001 - Israel warns everyone, including the U.S., that, if they are attacked by Iraq, they will respond in kind. This is different from the stance they agreed to take during the Gulf War. In that conflict, they did not strike back even though Saddam Hussein sent Scud missiles into Israel. Lately Iraq has been saying that if the U.S. attacks them, they will fight back, and also attack Israel.

Source:Israel Insider

Powell Speech Injects New Urgency In Ending Intifada

Nov. 21, 2001 - Speaking at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, Secretary of State, Colin Powell emphasized the U.S. commitment to bringing peace to the Israel/ Palestinian conflict. He restated the President's recent assurances of an eventual Palestinian state, but he warned the Palestinians that their violence must end before progress can continue.

"Palestinians need to understand that however legitimate their claims, they cannot be heard, let alone be addressed, through violence... Terror and violence must stop, and stop now."

Source:Worthy News

Powell promises 'no surprises' in Mideast speech today

Nov. 19, 2001 - Secretary of State Colin Powell will speak today at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. It is expected that he will reiterate President Bush's declaration of support for a future state of Palestine, but in keeping with the already existing recommendations of the Mitchell Committee.

. In a gesture to Israel, he is expected to say that the future of Jerusalem and the rights of Palestinian refugees need to be resolved as part of final-status talks.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Peres to tell UN: Two states for two peoples

Nov. 15, 2001 - Foreign Minister Shimon Peres is expected to tell the U.N. General Assembly that there is already widespread support among Israelis for two states for two peoples - Israel alongside a demilitarized Palestinian state.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Bush: I hope Israel and Palestine will live side by side

Nov. 13, 2001 - President Bush has gone further than his predecesors by referring to plans for the separate state of Palestine. He has refused to meet with Yasser Arafat, but is pushing for peace in Israel.

"The American government stands by its commitment to a just peace in the Middle East," Bush said. "We are working toward the day when two states - Israel and Palestine - live peacefully together...."

Source:Ha'Aretz

Anthrax-tipped missiles now on Israel's radar screen

Nov. 6, 2001 - Israel is not prepared for the possibility of a possible desparate attack by Saddam Hussein's Iraq if they should decide to use Anthrax in the tip of their missiles.

Source: World Tribune

'Post' Poll: American support for Israel at all-time high

Oct. 26, 2001 - A survey of 1000 Americans last week indicated that nearly three quarters of them expressed strong support for Israel and its struggle against terrorism. The Jerusalem Post poll was co-sponsored by The Chicago Sun-Times.

When asked whether the United States should continue to support Israel, nearly three-fourths (73%) of Americans said yes, 15% said no, and 12% were either undecided or refused to answer.

Source:Jerusalem Post

PM plans to offer Arafat a state - if he stops the violence

Oct. 25, 2001 - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is offering to grant statehood to the Palestinians, even before a final agreement is reached. But Yasser Arafat would have to stop the violence before this arrangement would be made. If he is not able to do so, he would not be considered a legitimate partner in the ongoing peace process.

Sharon has promised the United States that he does not intend to topple the PA, nor harm Arafat personally. But it appears that the prime minister wants to reach an understanding ... to step up the pressure on the Palestinians.

Source:Ha'aretz

Hizbullah may be next in war on terror

Oct. 24, 2001 - President Bush has said that, once the effort against the Taleban is finished, the U.S. will turn its attention to other groups of "global reach." Three of the most wanted terrorists belong to Hizbullah , an Iranian-backed group responsible for much of the terrorism in Israel.

President George W. Bush yesterday told Foreign Minister Shimon Peres he defines Hizbullah as a terrorist group of "global reach," making clear for the first time the Iranian-backed group would be targeted in the next phase of the US-led war on terrorism.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Arafat has week to extradite Ze'evi killers, bans PFLP military

Oct. 19, 2001 - Prime Minister Sharon of Israel has demanded that Yasser Arafat's organization surender the people responsible for the murder of Rehavam Zeevi within the next seven days. His cabinet declared that they will wage a harsh war against the PFLP, which has taken responsibility for the assassination. They also hold Arafat's Palestinian Authority responsible unless they outlaw terrorist groups and extradite the suspects.

The cabinet announced that "If the Palestinian Authority does not answer these demands, there will be no choice but to view the PA as an entity supporting terror and to act against it."

Source:Ha'Aretz

David Hocking was there!

Tustin radio minister witnesses Israeli death

Oct. 18, 2001 - David Hocking was on the same floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel when Israel's Minister of Tourism was shot! He is in Israel at this time leading a tour group.

Source:O.C. Register

Note: Dr. Hocking will be co-host of the Prophecy Conference in January (Jan. 11-13, 2002) at Alta Loma Brethren In Christ Church in Southern California. The conference is sponsored by Hope For Today and Prophecy Central.

Strategic fallout from Israeli assassination

Oct. 18, 2001 - The assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister, Rehavam Zeevi, will most likely result in armed Israeli retaliation against Syria and Lebanon, and even the Palestinians unless Yasser Arafat is willing and able to stop the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and other terrorist organizations. Intelligence experts are also saying that this event may change the order of U.S. attention from Iraq to Syria as a possible next target.

Thus far, the Bush government has not finalized the hard decision to launch a major offensive against Saddam Hussein. Hitting Syria or Lebanon could buy the Americans more time for this fateful decision.

Source:WorldNetDaily/DEBKA Intelligence Files

Israeli tourism minister shot dead

Oct. 17, 2001 - Just hours before his resignation as Israel's Tourism Minister was to take effect, Rehavam Zeevi was assasinated by Palestinian militants. Prime Minister Sharon, who had just announced that he would accept a Palestinian state under strict conditions, was furious and said that “everything has changed.” He has imposed new restrictions on west bank areas.

Sharon said he held Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat responsible for the killing, which was claimed by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in statements to Arab television stations.

Source:MSNBC

Sharon to Powell: Israel will defend itself

Oct. 10, 2001 - Israeli officials are watching the situation in Palestinian areas where PA police have quashed pro-bin Laden rallies, and even killed some rioters. Israel is trying to determine whether it is a sincere attempt by the Palestinians to bring about a cessation of violence, or just an effort to hide the activity from US television screens. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told US Secretary of State, Colin Powell,

that Israel will "take all actions to defend itself," and that Hamas and Islamic Jihad are continuing their attempts to launch terror attacks inside Israel. The official said there has been no change in Israel's high alert for terror attacks.

Source:Jerusalem Post

Powell defuses U.S.-Israel flap

Oct. 6, 2001 - Secretary of State Colin Powell talked twice yesterday to Israeli Prime Minister Sharon. He assured Israel of the continued support of the United States.

"Israel has no better friend than the United States. They know that, we know that," Powell said. "From time to time, we will have these little cloudbursts, but they don't affect the strength of our relationship."

Source:CNN

Italian President: eliminating terrorism can be through achieving just peace in the Middle East

Oct.5, 2001 - While Italy hosts an Islamic- Christian conference, Italian President Carlo Chambi stressed the need of holding religions and civilizations equal. He also said that elimination of terrorism can be achieved only through establishing just peace in the Middle East.

Source: Arabic News

Don't sacrifice Israel, warns Sharon

Oct. 5, 2001 - Disappointing alliances by the US with Israel's enemies, and concilliatory statements to Palestinians by President Bush are giving Israel the impression that they are standing alone in their own struggle.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon compares their situation to the World War II mistake by European countries when they gave approval to Nazi Germany's invasion of Czechoslovakia.

"We will not be Czechoslovakia," he said.

"This is unacceptable to us. From now on, we will count only on ourselves".

Source: BBC

Israel's Peres meets Palestinian leader Arafat at breakthrough truce talks

Sept. 26, 2001 - Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat met today in their long-anticipated conference to discuss a ceasefire plan, based on the so-called Tenet agreement (plan proposed by the head of the US Central Intelligence Agence George Tenet), that has three phases:

1 - Crack down on violence on both sides for seven days

2 - Four weeks of improvement: Israel would lift the blockade of Palestinian territories and open the major roads and the Gaza international airport. Palestinians would conduct trials, and jail militants accused of terrorism by Israel.

3 - Final phase with confidence-building measures aimed at instilling a favourable atmosphere for real peace talks.

Source: Yahoo

Israel reaches ceasefire with Palestinians

Sept. 19, 2001 - Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat has called for a cease-fire, and Israel has responded in kind.

"We are halting all initiated actions in order to give a chance (to Arafat's call for a ceasefire.) We won't be giving any excuses for him not to enforce this ceasefire," said Yarden Vatikai, spokesman for Ben-Eliezer. "Further steps will be made according to developments on the ground."

The IDF said it had received the instructions and was implementing them. Military sources said they have been instructed to show maximum restraint to Palestinian attacks in order not to give them any excuse to break the ceasefire.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Mid-East chance of peace - BBC Commentary: Maybe last week's attack against America will bring peace to Israel.

Commentators are now wondering if those who carried out last week's attacks against the United States may, unwittingly, have achieved what months of international diplomacy have failed to bring about - real progress towards a genuine ceasefire in the Middle East.

Israel evacuates embassies, Palestinians celebrate

Sept. 11, 2001 - It is reported that Israel has evacuated all of its embassies throughout the world because of today's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Meanwhile, some Palestinians in the Middle East are rejoicing about the attacks

Reports are indicating residents of eastern Jerusalem, the West Bank, and southern Lebanon are celebrating the mass terror attacks in the United States at this time.

Dozens of Palestinian youths have taken to the streets and are distributing candies on a main thoroughfare passing through eastern Jerusalem.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Americans Back Israel's Right To Target Terrorists

Aug. 28, 2001 - In a poll conducted by the America Middle East Information Network (AMEIN), Americans supported Israel's new strategy of targeting terrorists. Republicans and Democrats agree on the issue.

"This poll shows clearly that Americans, like Israelis, think terrorists should be regarded as soldiers waging war against civilians - and soldiers in a war face lethal force," said Jeffrey Pollock, whose firm assisted in the joint poll. "Also revealing is the fact that most Americans are viewing the Israelis as victims -- victims who have the right to use whatever means are necessary to defend themselves."

Source: Worthy News - from ICEJ

Israel's Arrow Can Now Intercept Shihab-3

Aug. 28, 2001 - Recent tests of Israel's anti-missile system prove that it can stop the best missiles produced in the Middle East, including Iran's Shihab-3 and Syria's Scud-D .

Source: Middle East Newsline

IDF kills PFLP leader; most senior figure 'hit' so far in Intifada

Aug. 27, 2001 - An Israeli missile struck the office of Abu Ali Mustafa, the head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine this morning. He is the most senior Palestinian to be killed by Israel since the start of the Intifada uprising 11 months ago.

An attack helicopter fired several missiles at the office of Mustafa, which is in a three-storey home in Ramallah, and is on a street that runs parallel to the street where Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat has his West Bank offices.

Source: Ha'Aretz

Also: BBC

Report: Syria moving forces towards Beirut

Aug. 20, 2001 - It is reported that some 100 trucks are moving from Syria toward the Lebanese capital of Beirut in support of possible military action against Israel.

More than half a million Syrians marched yesterday in support of Palestinians as Vice President Mohammed Zuhair Masharqah slammed Israel for surpassing "Nazi and fascist" practices.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Israel 'captures' Orient House, Abu Dis

Aug. 10, 2001 - In a direct response to yesterday's suicide bombing, Israeli forces launched rocket attacks against West Bank police headquarters in Ramallah, closed down the PLO’s east Jerusalem Orient House headquarters and nine other Palestinian buildings, and took control of Palestinian military and political headquarters at Abu Dis.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Suicide bombing in central Jerusalem pizza parlor

Aug. 9, 2001 -A suicide bombing has taken place in central Jerusalem at a pizza restaurant. It killed at least 18 people and wounded nearly 100. SIx children are among the dead.

Source:Jerusalem Post

To follow this important development, check this full coverage site:
CNN

In response to a Jerusalem Post poll, 8% of readers (as of Wednesday evening) thought that Israel should launch a massive military response to the latest suicide bombing attack.

'Moderate' Saudis now talking war

Aug. 6, 2001 - A Saudi ambassador has indicated that war with Israel is not out of the question.

In a signed article in the London daily Al-Hayat and translated today by the Middle East Media Research Institute, Ghazi Al-Quseibi, the Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom, says Arab states need to overcome their fear of a war with technologically superior Israel – a war, he says, whose result is not inevitable if the Jewish state is forced to fight on two fronts.

He says that is is not wise to let Israel think that Saudi Arabia is totally predictable and safe.

Source: WorldNetDaily

Israeli intelligence projects war in 2002

Aug. 6, 2001 - Israel is projecting the increased probability of a war with its Arab neighbors in 2002. They believe that if such a war occurs, Egypt and Jordan might also sever diplomatic links with Israel and will come under great pressure from their people to declare war against the Jewish state.

Source: World Tribune

Will water precipitate next Mideast war?

Aug. 3, 2001 - Water is the most precious resource in the desert, and Israel's hi-tech, middle-class way of life causes them to use more water than their neighbors. Even so, Israel's water is not pure, and is not plentiful. The Sea of Galilee is below the emergency level. It is even worse for Palestinians, Jordanians, and other neighbors of Israel. This adds to the current frustrations in the area and could lead to war if the water supply issues are not solved.

Source:WorldNetDaily

Sharon to Powell: Targeted killings will continue

Aug. 2, 2001 - The U.S. has criticized Israel's policy of targeting known terrorists, but they defend the practice and say it must continue in order to save lives and to keep Palestinian terrorism from escalating to the point of all-out war.

Jerusalem Post

Countdown to war in Mideast

Aug. 1, 2001 - The Israeli government has tried to exhaust all options, and practice restraint, but it has, at the same time, prepared for the probability of an all-out war in the near future.

Source: WorldNetDaily

Study: Israel would be unable to repel all-out Arab attack

July 30, 2001 - A recent study by an Amirican institute doubts that Israel could withstand a full-scale surprise attack by a united Arab war against them.

The study, which also focuses on the balance of power in the Middle East, states that Saudi Arabia is the Arab country with the most modern air force, matching that of Israel. Kurdsman claims that Israel's efforts in recent years to develop a missile defense system have been at the expense of the navy.

Iraq also figures into their studies, since they have strong military ties with Russia and China.

The study concludes that the Middle East is the most armed region in the world and that in 1997 the Arab countries spent some $20 billion on arms deals.

Source: Ha/Aretz

Iraq's war move in Jordan

July 27, 2001 - According to DEBKA sources, Saddam Hussein has secretly sent highly trained military units into Jordan, with plans to cross the country and enter the West Bank areas of Israel such as Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus and Bethlehem. If they succeed, they will fight alongside the Palestinians against Israel.

The invading units are highly trained and well-equipped commandos able to operate and survive in the field for long periods when cut off from their headquarters and sources of supply, the report says. They are still reportedly in the Jordanian desert.

Israeli intelligence detected the incursion and brought it to the attention of Jordan's King Abdullah

The king at once proclaimed a supreme state of alert in all Jordanian army units. Israel poured troops into the Jordan Valley region, deploying them along the Jordan River and Jordanian frontier to block off the West Bank to Iraqi penetration.

Source: WorldNetDaily

Poll: Half of Israelis support full-scale attack on Palestinians

July 27, 2001 - Nearly half of Israelis questioned by a Gallup Poll said that they support a large-scale attack against the Palestinians in response to attacks against Israelis. On the other hand, they were very much opposed to the use of terrorist attacks against Palestinians.

Source: Ha/Aretz

Massive suicide bombing foiled in Haifa

July 23, 2001 - A would-be bomber, with plans for a large-scale detonation in a crowded place, was apprehended by Israeli police in the port city of Haifa.

Source: Jerusalem Post

Sharon rebuffs critics, calls current policy 'the right path'

July 23, 2001 - Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other Likud Party members, have criticized Ariel Sharon's restraint, but he says it is the right way for now.

Source: CNN

US intelligence: Israel will attack

July 20, 2001 - The CIA, which has been at the forefront of efforts to stop the current cycle of violence in Israel, is now predicting that a full scale invasion by Israel is imminent. Two things appear to be holding it back at the moment. The first is the G-8 Conference in Italy, which will end Sunday, and the second is another large terrorist attack by Palestinians. If there is another such attack, it is believed that the time will be right for a massive invasion of West Bank and Gaza Strip areas. When that happens, terrorists will be targeted, and Palestian cities will be occupied for some time.

Source: Virtual New York

Older Articles: Before July 23, 2001

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Last Updated:12/19/2001
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