Trump’s effusive praise for PM part of strategy to keep disagreements private — sources

December 31, 2025

Source: The Times of Israel

US President Donald Trump is intent on avoiding a public spat with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even when there are gaps between the pair on key policies regarding the Middle East, a US official and a Republican source familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel on Tuesday.

Trump currently believes that public disagreements with Netanyahu will serve neither his political nor strategic interests, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where he aims to announce a transition to phase two of his peace plan within weeks, the two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“While some of us working for the president have gotten frustrated with Bibi and feel he has been dragging his feet on phase two of the Gaza deal, the president has intentionally been shielded from those conversations,” the US official said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

For full article: The Times of Israel

Mid-East Tidbits

Analysis in Turkey: The U.S. and Israel Are Operating in Syria While Turkey Is Being Pushed to the Margins

Turkish journalist Arslan Bulut argues that recent developments in Syria illustrate a clear axis of cooperation between the United States and Israel, while Turkey finds itself increasingly constrained on the ground.

According to Bulut, Washington continues to operate in Syria through local forces, including the SDF, which is affiliated with the PKK, and uses them as a direct lever of pressure on Ankara.

Bulut notes that despite past public confrontations between Erdoğan and Israel, security relations have been maintained behind the scenes. Even today, he claims, Turkey effectively aligns its actions with the American-Israeli framework—in Libya, in Egypt, and especially in Syria.

He further argues that while U.S. forces operate freely in northern Syria, the Turkish army is restricted in its ability to move southward, which in his view indicates an erosion of Ankara’s regional standing.  (Turkey Today) Turkey is still one to watch in the Middle East, Erdogan still believes he could be the last Mahadi (world Islamic leader), at least he has a vision of that.  They still want in on the Gaza peace force.  Israel says no. Rh

Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump will discuss another strike on Iran – against the backdrop of growing concern in Israel about the pace of recovery at the nuclear sites and the Iranian missiles that were damaged in the 12-day war.  (NBC). Just as suspected, the Israeli/American military was not finished in Iran.  Force and complete defeat is all the tribes there understand.  Iran may be harmed, but a desperate animal can do lots of damage.  Will have to be dealt with soon.  Rh

DNI Tulsi Gabbard says the greatest threat to freedom is Islam: 

“The greatest near and long term threat to our freedom is the threat of Islamist ideology.”  Pleasantly surprised she may be the best of all Trump’s cabinet picks, no flowery political speech from her. Rh

This is huge news on The Third Temple in Israel.

Israel Today is reporting that “Israelis of priestly descent practice their biblical duties at a scale model of the Temple altar, at a facility near Maaleh Adumim on the eastern outskirts of Jerusalem.”  Big news on the prophetic front here.  We know in the middle of the Tribulation the anti-christ sets himself up as God in the 3rd temple in Jerusalem.  That will cause a new turn toward Jehovah God for the Jews.  Some will flee to a place in the wilderness where God will protect them in safety.  Probably Petra. (Revelation 12:6,14).  Things are moving fast as we speak.  Acceleration?  God’s timing?  Look up our redemption draws near. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).  Rh

Vice President Vance in an interview:

“99% of Republicans – and, I believe, probably 97% of Democrats – do not hate Jews because they are Jews. What is actually taking place is a genuine backlash against the long-standing consensus in American foreign policy. We need to have this conversation rather than attempt to silence it. Most Americans are not antisemitic, will never be antisemitic, and we should focus on the real debate. 

“May I say your are wrong Mr. Vice President, your “idea” and premise is wrong.  If that were so, the antisemitism attacks here in America and the degenerate podcasters  who push Israel blood libels etc would not have such a huge following.  Sir your friend Tucker Carlson has had holocaust deniers and himself has spoken evil and hatred toward the Jews just because of who they are.  Christian Conservatives hear you, and will remember come 2028.  Our foreign policy is NOt the issue, it is those who hate the Jews.”  Rh

When disinformation and conspiracy theories spread unchecked, the poison is already in the system – and doubt inevitably follows.

Israel can – and will – survive without America.

Those are not my words; they are God’s Word. Read Ezekiel 38.

The real question is not whether Israel can survive without America, but whether any nation can survive without standing with Israel.

Read Zechariah 14 again – especially its latter portion – and then draw your conclusion.

Israel was, is, and never will be a perfect nation.

Yet the God of Israel has never sought anyone’s approval for why He continues to use them in such a powerful way. He works in mysterious ways so that He alone receives the glory.

Consider how Romans 11 concludes:

“Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.” AMIR TSARFATI

The Unsettled Middle East

As always it seems the chaos of the Middle East leads my concerns for the upcoming weeks. Israel is still trying to consolidate their victories, U.S. still seems to be reaching toward the Arabs, Muslim etc. for deals and investments. Not sure I would want to get in bed with radicals. Trump seems not to notice their bad behavior. Deals made, but no money yet? All eyes will continue to be on Jerusalem that, as Bible prophecy indicates, is a stone of stumbling for the nations. Iran’s still a threat, Hezbollah still not disarmed, and Hamas still playing the same old games. Will we never learn? No, I don’t think so. Deals with deceit will never work. Time to unleash the firepower and finish the job. We are almost back where we started. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Content below taken from http://www.billkoenig.com

Trump, Netanyahu, the UN, and Iran: A High-Risk Week for Israel

This was one of the most geopolitically consequential weeks of the year for Israel, marked by unusual U.S. messaging, UN momentum against Israeli sovereignty, and large-scale military posturing by Iran. As the region reconfigures itself politically and militarily, Israel faces a tightening strategic environment that will require clarity, resolve, and decisive policy judgment.

Trump Pushes for Netanyahu Pardon — While Warning Israel on Syria

Former U.S. President Donald Trump continued publicly calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be pardoned of all charges related to his ongoing corruption trials in Israel. Trump framed the cases as politically motivated, urging closure for the sake of Israeli stability and unity.

However, the tonal contrast of the week was unmistakable.

Even as Trump advocated for Netanyahu’s legal relief, he personally warned Israel not to intervene militarily inside Syria, signaling that Washington does not want Israeli action disrupting sensitive regional balances — particularly where Russian, Iranian, and Syrian forces intersect.

This dual posture — unconditional rhetorical support for Netanyahu as an individual, paired with caution toward Israeli military activity — reflects Trump’s realpolitik approach: transactional, flexible, and often unscripted. For Israel, it presents both opportunity and risk.

Strong backing for Netanyahu is politically valuable, but a U.S. administration urging operational restraint in Syria could create strategic handcuffs precisely when Iran is embedding itself deeper across the northern theater.

UN Empowered Through Gaza Deal — and Moves Against Golan Heights

Trump’s Gaza stabilization plan has effectively re-elevated the United Nations into a central role in Gaza administration and long-term conflict architecture. The UN, after years of diminished influence, is suddenly positioned again as a gatekeeper for post-conflict arrangements.

The consequences were immediate.

This week, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for Israel’s withdrawal from the Golan Heights — one of the most strategically vital security buffers Israel possesses. The timing could not be more significant:

• A UN empowered by the Gaza framework

• A UN resolution targeting sovereignty over the Golan

• An international system once again conditioned to pressure Israel

For decades, the Golan Heights has been Israel’s northern shield — the high ground preventing Syrian and Iranian forces from threatening Galilee. A UN-backed withdrawal demand signals that international campaigns to erode Israel’s territorial legitimacy are escalating again.

Trump’s deal may have been designed for stabilization, but its practical outcome is that the UN now possesses renewed authority to define territorial questions, which historically has not favored Israel.

The Strategic Danger of Non-Ideological Foreign Policy

Unlike administrations with clearly defined pro-Israel ideological foundations, Trump’s foreign policy operates on pragmatic deal-flow, not doctrinal alignment. That flexibility can generate agreements — Abraham Accords proved that — but it also risks exposing Israel to rapid shifts in U.S. posture.

Non-ideological diplomacy means alliances are fluid, conditional, and transactional.

This week demonstrated that fluidity. Support for Netanyahu’s pardon suggests closeness. Warnings on Syria and a UN-empowering Gaza framework signal distance. Together, these create uncertainty — and uncertainty is a battlefield advantage for Iran, Hezbollah, and the UN diplomatic bloc.

Israel is entering a moment where the greatest threat may not be military — but diplomatic isolation combined with strategic ambiguity from its closest ally.

Iran Simulates War — and Threatens 2,000-Missile Barrage

Iran, sensing the moment, staged large-scale military exercises in the Gulf of Oman, firing ballistic and cruise missiles at simulated targets designed to reflect wartime conditions.

Just weeks ago, Iranian officials warned that if war with Israel erupts, Tehran would unleash 2,000 missiles at the same time — a saturation attack intended to overwhelm Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and the multilayer missile defense grid.

The 12-day war already demonstrated what smaller barrages can achieve. Two thousand simultaneous launches would represent a magnitude beyond anything Israel has ever faced.

Iran is signaling capability, intent, and confidence.

Northern Front — Israel vs. Hezbollah

In the shadow of Iran’s drills, Israel continued striking Hezbollah infrastructure inside Lebanon, targeting launch sites, weapons depots, and command channels. Hezbollah is relentlessly working to reconstitute its arsenal and precision-missile capacity, seeking parity or superiority in a future war.

Israel, fully aware of this trajectory, is racing to degrade Hezbollah faster than Hezbollah can rebuild.

This is a detention-attrition cycle — but one inch away from a regional ignition point.

Prophetic News Updates

Below are a few articles of interest. I hope you enjoy and have a wonderful blessed day in the Lord. Remember you were born for such a time as this. Maranatha!

White House

Fox News Host Laura Ingraham Clashes With Trump in Fiery Interview

November 11, 2025

Source: Daily Beast

Host Laura Ingraham repeatedly butted heads with President Donald Trump in a fiery interview on Fox News.

Trump, 79, appeared on Fox’s The Ingraham Angle on Monday, but did not get the usual easy ride he might expect on the conservative network. Before the interview had even aired, it wasn’t looking good for the president.

Ingraham previewed the episode with a video posted on her Facebook page at 5 p.m. Monday, filmed with Trump in the Oval Office. Referring to his beloved gold embellishments, the host asked, “So these aren’t from Home Depot?”

For full article: Daily Beast

Turkey issues ‘genocide’ arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials

November 7, 2025

Source: CNN

Turkey on Friday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and dozens of other Israeli officials on “genocide” charges.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said it has issued warrants against 37 people. Besides Netanyahu, warrants target Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and military chief Eyal Zamir, among others.

The warrants charge the Israeli officials with “crimes against humanity” and “genocide” committed in Gaza and against the flotilla carrying aid to the enclave, according to the prosecutor’s office. That flotilla was intercepted by Israeli authorities last month.

For full article: CNN

—-

Ukraine

Major corruption scandal engulfs top Zelensky allies

November 12, 2025

Source: BBC

Ukraine’s energy and justice ministers have resigned in the wake of a major investigation into corruption in the country’s energy sector.

President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko’s removal on Wednesday.

On Monday anti-corruption bodies accused several people of orchestrating a embezzlement scheme in the energy sector worth about $100m (£76m), including at the national nuclear operator Enerhoatom.

Some of those implicated in the scandal are – or have been – close associates of Zelensky’s.

For full article: BBC

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Prophetic News – Hostage Release

Copied from Amir Tsafati

President’s 20 point plan, which Israel has accepted permits the resumption of war if Hamas refuses to disarm. This two year bloody war was not just :one more round” with Hamas

Israel will NOT agree to let Hamas remain armed or in power – which is precisely why it continues to control more that 50% of the Gaza Strip.

Once our hostages are no longer in Gaza, the task of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Strip – if it must be carried out by Israel – will become much easier.

IMO – Hamas can’t help themselves, reports are that they have already started to make plans to continue the fight! Rh

Trump wants this peace treaty to expand across the Middle East. “Stop the war, stop the fighting. the whole region wants peace.” Trump. Hope he is right, but as Reagan said “trust, but verify.” Rh

Interesting thought on Daniel 9:27. We know Trump wants peace throughout the Middle East, probably unattainable, but possible. God is in control.

Daniel 9:27 describes a figure who will “confirm a covenant with many.” The wording is striking — not “create,” but “confirm.” The Hebrew implies strengthening or enforcing an existing agreement.

We are Living in Prophetic Times.

Trump: “The choice of the Palestinians is clear, whether they continue with terror and hatred or with construction and rehabilitation.

Trump: “The whole region supports disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip.”

It appears that Netanyahu will fly to Egypt with President Trump on Air Force One.” That my friends is a big deal. All the antagonist and despot who hate Israel will be there. Oh to be a fly on the wall of that meeting! Rh

Never Forget 10/7/23 They Will Survive

Today marks the anniversary of the horrible attack on the state of Israel.  A demonic attack against non-combatants who were peacefully enjoying life.  Hamas and its terror sponsors Iran and Qatar were responsible.  Both rouge nations have given millions, if not billions over the past decade to fund terror against Israel.  

The carnage was horrific, and sadistic.  Babies were burned, women were raped and tortured, older people in their homes were tortured and killed.  The entire Gaza Strip celebrated this action taken from the pit of Hell.  Hostages were taken and are still being held. Some have died in captivity.  

What was the world’s reaction?  First shock and then as the months wore on a call for peace requiring Israel to stop the fighting as they always have been ordered to do by some far away non authoritative body.  Pressure mounts today.  Even sadly from our own White House calls to stop the fight are growing.  Peace?  How can Israel have peace when the terrorists have vowed to destroy you?  You can’t, the only solution is to take over the land and run out the terror groups.

You see Israel, in their mind should not exist.  They should be pushed into the sea.  But God!  They will survive!  God has his hand on this small nation and according to His promise to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob they will flourish. They have been dispersed, killed, gassed and left for dead, but because of God’s eternal covenant, they will survive!

If Hamas laid down their weapons, there would be peace.  If Israel laid down their weapons, a mouse would attempt to annihilate them. That my friends is the difference between the two groups, Hamas is a terror group that is filled with hate and wants to kill, steal, and destroy.  On the other hand, Israel is a democratic nation that wants peace, and to live peacefully in their land.

And that is the rest of the story. Sorry for being a day late, but I was traveling yesterday. Rh

Tony Blair:

One of the Bottlenecks in an Impossible Deal

By Tania Curado Koenig

Washington, D.C. — Oct. 1, 2025

This deal seems to be an establishment scheme to pour $ into Gaza rather than a true peace effort. Billions are at stake! Once again Tania has knocked it out of the park. Rh

Among the many bottlenecks in the Trump framework for Gaza, one is glaring: the sudden return of Tony Blair. His name was written into the plan as co-chair of the ‘Board of Peace.’ But the world’s reaction shows why this appointment is a liability, not a solution.

Credibility questions immediately surface. The Guardian called his proposed role ‘laced with fatal flaws,’ noting the failures of his tenure as Quartet envoy. AP reminded readers that Blair carries heavy baggage from Iraq and previous Middle East ventures that achieved little.

Perceived bias further erodes legitimacy. Palestinians and Arab commentators see him as aligned with Israel and Western interests. The Financial Times reports Arab and European officials fear the Gaza plan is already skewed toward Israeli priorities, lacking Palestinian legitimacy.

Economic focus over politics is also Blair’s hallmark. His style is development, investment, and oversight. But economic fixes without true sovereignty or political empowerment have never brought peace. They usually collapse.

Palestinian rejection is fierce. Hamas officials explicitly say, ‘Blair has no role here.’ A Gazan displaced by war told AP, ‘This man has the blood of Iraqis on his hands.’ Mustafa Barghouti compared his reappearance to returning British colonialism. Mahmoud Habbash, adviser to Mahmoud Abbas, insisted: ‘The only side that can administer Gaza is a Palestinian government.’ Even West Bank PA officials said no plan can be imposed externally.

At home, Blair is divisive. In the UK, his name still triggers controversy. Labour MPs and activists condemn his Iraq legacy. His reappearance in the Middle East stirs opposition in his own country.

This is more than an irritant — it is a structural bottleneck. A plan that inserts figures already rejected by Palestinians, mistrusted by Arabs, and controversial at home reveals its own fragility. It risks being seen not as peace, but as foreign guardianship dressed up as governance.

1. Why Blair, despite all the baggage?

• Gravitas to outsiders: For Washington and Europe, Blair still carries a former-PM aura. Even if he is toxic to Palestinians, his name signals ‘serious statesmanship’ to Western publics.

• Economic entry point: Blair’s strength is not political reconciliation, but economic reconstruction and private capital mobilization. If Trump wants Gulf billions to flow into Gaza, Blair’s networks with banks, development funds, and corporations are useful.

• Cover for Trump: By putting Blair as ‘chair’ beside himself, Trump shifts optics — he is not alone, but backed by an ‘international statesman.’ This cushions accusations of unilateralism.

• Foil for rejection: If the plan collapses, Blair can be the fall guy. Trump walks away saying, ‘We tried, even Blair was there, but Hamas/Palestinians refused.’

2. The deeper Trump method

• Every clause is leverage. He doesn’t expect Hamas to fully comply (72-hour hostages, disarmament). These are traps designed to force Hamas and Qatar into an impossible corner.

• Every figure is a signal. Blair isn’t about Gaza legitimacy; he is about signaling to Gulf/European donors: ‘Your man is at the table, so you should pay.’

• Every failure is still a win. If Hamas refuses → Israel gets legitimacy, Arab bloc blames Hamas, Trump gets credit for ‘trying.’ If Hamas accepts partially → Trump claims history, Blair can take operational heat, and Trump drives normalization.

3. What this could mean later

• Blair as bridge to Saudi funds: Riyadh has long liked ‘technocratic committees’ and international faces to mask normalization. Blair’s presence could make Saudi/UAE more comfortable committing billions while keeping PA language alive.

• Blair as disposable pawn: If Palestinian rejection becomes loud, Blair can be dropped without the plan collapsing — Trump stays central, Blair vanishes.

• Blair as buffer for Trump: Any failure or unpopular measure gets blamed on Blair’s ‘management,’ preserving Trump’s stature.

4. What we must hold 

• Trump doesn’t waste moves. Blair is not there to solve Gaza politically — he is there to give Trump cover, Gulf comfort, and donor access. In the covenant reality, it will not ‘divide the land,’ but politically it allows Trump to say: ‘I built the widest coalition ever — even Blair, even the Gulf, even Europe stood with me.’

One more bottleneck, one more reason this deal cannot stand. ‘They shall not divide the land’ (Joel 3:2).

Is Trump’s ‘Board Of Peace’ A Foreshadowing Of Daniel’s End-Times Covenant? 

Let me be clear, Trump is not the anti-christ!  but could something like this be a foreshadowing of what is to come.  I think possibly.  Let’s be watchful on the world stage.  For now though, I don’t see this peace treaty or time of peace negotiated as ever truly coming to pass.   Hamas never wants peace.  Their own legitimacy revolves around a war mentality that comes from centuries ago.  Eternal hatred of the Jewish people.  IMO. Rh

https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=8888

Trump 21-point plan’ to end Gaza war presented to Arab states, Israel

The proposal includes the prompt release of the remaining hostages and the temporary transfer of power in the Strip to an Arab security force.

JNS STAFF

Sept. 27, 2025 / JNS)

Negotiations with Arab states and Israel regarding the future of Gaza are underway, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday night, speaking in the wake of reports of an ambitious 21-point peace plan put forth by Washington to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“We are having very inspired and productive discussions with the Middle Eastern Community concerning Gaza,” Trump said via Truth Social.

“All of the Countries within the Region are involved, Hamas is very much aware of these discussions, and Israel has been informed at all levels, including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu,” he continued.

“Everyone is excited to put this period of Death and Darkness behind them. It is an Honor to be a part of this Negotiation. We must get the Hostages back, and get a PERMANENT AND LONGLASTING PEACE!”

On Tuesday, the Trump administration presented a 21-point plan to Arab leaders on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly annual general debate in New York, which would see a prompt release of all the remaining hostages, the transfer of power in the Strip to an intermediary Arab-led government, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian enclave, according to CNN.

Saudi-based broadcaster Al Arabiya said it obtained a copy of the plan, citing several clauses from it on Friday.

These include:

  • An immediate end to the war in Gaza.
  • The unconditional release of all hostages.
  • The release of thousands of Palestinian terrorists, including 100 to 200 prisoners with blood on their hands.
  • The resumption of unrestricted aid delivered into Gaza by international organizations and the U.N., including the closure of the U.S.-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
  • The disarmament of Hamas by an international, Arab security force within a time-bound framework. Hamas terrorists who agree to these terms will receive safe passage to exit the Strip.
  • The international force will temporarily administer civilian issues in Gaza, with the Palestinian Authority eventually taking over.
  • The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip over a five-year time span, led by an international and Arab consortium.
  • The United States will have guarantees in place that Israel does not apply sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, with both Israeli and Palestinians agreeing to resume negotiations over a peace agreement that would end the decades-old conflict.

The Washington Post also reported that it obtained a copy of the plan, providing additional details in its Saturday article. These include the destruction of all Hamas’s offensive weaponry, the release within 48 hours of all 20 living hostages and the bodies of the more than two dozen captives believed dead, and the freezing of “battle lines in place.”

According to the Post, the plan states: “Once all the hostages have been released, Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences plus 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.”

Further details include an Israeli promise to launch “no further attacks on Qatar.” The plan acknowledges “the important role Qatar has played as a mediator in this conflict,” noting that it was Washington and Jerusalem that first asked Doha to host Hamas negotiators.

Other reports stated that the plan would move ahead even if Hamas rejects its terms, with the majority of the 21 points proceeding in terror-free zones conquered by the Israel Defense Forces.

The plan moreover reportedly emphasizes the de-radicalization of the Palestinian population, with the Palestinian Authority undergoing significant reform.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Wednesday that “We had a very productive session,” referring to a meeting of an American delegation with Arab leaders in New York, according to CNN.

“We presented what we call the Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Mideast, in Gaza,” Witkoff added.

“I think it addresses Israeli concerns, as well as the concerns of all the neighbors in the region,” he continued. “And we’re hopeful, and I might say even confident, that in the coming days, we’ll be able to announce some sort of breakthrough.”

Netanyahu is slated to visit the White House on Monday. Discussions on the plan are expected to be high on the agenda.

Reprinted from JNS by permission

The Monday meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is of vital importance to both countries. Israel’s sovereignty and America’s continued blessings from God. Rh