Tag: Middle East

Elections

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Israel Analysis

Elections

By Jim Fletcher copied from Koenig World Watch Daily

You can almost smell the desperation of Netanyahu’s political enemies to upend his political career. Rarely in my lifetime have I seen a more hated politician. I believe this is essentially due to the Netanyahu threat to globalism and Leftist pro-terrorism policies. I won’t fall into the left-wing trap of first listing his bad qualities. No quantifying things here.

I will focus on the things he’s accomplished for his people in the last 40 years. Fifty years ago, his older brother Jonathan fell at Entebbe, as hostages were rescued from terrorists and the Ugandan army. Bibi has said this is what drove him to politics. All three Netanyahu brothers served in the elite counter-terrorism unit, Sayeret Matkal.

Beginning in the early 80s, Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu began what would become a robust political career. His perfect English, practiced in American schools, was the perfect match for his intellect and quick-study traits. Starting in the Israeli embassy, he networked heavily among Western diplomats and politicians. Combining humor and charm with sober-minded vigilance, he set out to make sure Israel stayed safe.

That was no small order back then, or now. Israel’s situation from a human perspective was always precarious. Bibi also at least understands the biblical issues. He and Menachem Begin are the only Israeli prime ministers to hold Bible studies at the residence in Jerusalem.

His father, Benzion, was a renowned history professor and fierce Zionist. Good for him. Unapologetic, he stood for Israel’s right to self-determination his whole life, and he knew early Zionists like Ze’ev Jabotinsky. The three Netanyahu brothers, growing up in a Jerusalem suburb, learned Zionism around the family dinner table.

Bibi won his first premiership in 1996, fending off Shimon Peres, who had lost his way by embracing disingenuous “peace” partners. He fell into the trap of thinking a robust economy would turn the “Palestinians” away from their thirst for Jewish blood. Nothing will, and some understood this. Charles Krauthammer once famously wrote about Peres’ vision for a “Maginot Line of five-star hotels” in Arab lands. Meaning, the “Palestinians” don’t care about no stinking robust economy. They remain committed to wiping Israel off the earth.

All this to say, we are now hearing from the usual suspects in Western media that Israel is ready to move on from Netanyahu in the upcoming October elections. He has served as prime minister for 19 of Israel’s modern 78 years. Remarkable.

His successes have infuriated his enemies, of whom there are many. I suspect the media reports of his political demise—which have been trotted out for years—are largely bogus. They are even now using Trump’s alleged movement away from Netanyahu in much the same way Clinton and Obama sent their goons to Israel to interfere in Israeli elections.

But the Israeli people, even those who dislike him, know that Netanyahu has held off the genocidal terrorists. Notwithstanding October 7—which was inevitable—Netanyahu has held the killers at bay for 30 years. Never pleasing everyone, he has retained his Zionism against political realities. I predict he will win again.

Until he does, he has some interesting foes. Recent polling (I rarely trust this form of propaganda, which is intended to persuade the masses, many of whom can’t think for themselves) suggests that Netanyahu’s chief rival is Gadi Eisenkot, a former general and chief of general staff. Allegedly, as of this week, his party, Yasher, holds a lead over Likud. Remember, Israeli elections depend on the party, even over the candidate.

Eisenkot, born in Eilat, has a glittering resume. He has a post-graduate degree from Haifa University and was a member of the elite Golani Brigade. 

He also advocates for a two-state solution and draft exemptions for a percentage of the haredim.

In other words, he’s a typical heroic IDF man that becomes dumb when he enters politics.

A two-state solution? 

Are you daft, man?

Israel, especially after 10/7, can never agree to give those devils a state. To do so is to commit suicide. This is the non-starter issue.

Also, a Wikipedia entry for Eisenkot says this:

“Eisenkot advocates for a state rooted in national-Jewish values but with equal rights for all citizens. He supports a two-state solution with the Palestinians, prioritizing the Jordan Valley and settlement blocs, and advocates a long-term ceasefire and demilitarization in the Gaza Strip.

“He views Syria, Lebanon, and Iran not as existential threats, but rather emphasizes the internal challenge of domestic polarization in Israel. Eisenkot advocates for a two-state solution with the Palestinians to maintain a Jewish-democratic state and avoid a bi-national state, but insists on retaining portions of the occupied West Bank, including the Jordan Valley and settlement blocs.”

Is he serious? Syria, Lebanon and Iran are not existential threats? 

This can’t be a serious candidacy. Do you really think Israelis would entrust their security to such a person?

I don’t. 

Buried in the defense bill: The US-Israel provision dividing Washington

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by David Brody

They’re fighting about Israel again in Washington. What else is new?

Tucked deep inside Congress’ annual defense authorization bill this week is a provision that has generated fierce debate.

The debate centers on what’s known as the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative. It’s included in both the House and Senate versions of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The House and Senate approach the issue somewhat differently, and the proposal has produced one of Washington’s most unusual political coalitions. The legislation would direct the Pentagon to expand cooperation with Israel in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, missile defense, cybersecurity, biotechnology, defense manufacturing, research and development, and defense supply chains.

Supporters argue that Israel has become one of America’s most innovative military technology partners and that closer collaboration benefits U.S. national security as much as Israel’s.

They stress that this isn’t about giving Israel more military aid and that the provision inside the bill doesn’t create a joint military command or transfer operational control over U.S. forces. They say instead that by partnering with Israel, American troops will have access to cutting-edge battlefield technologies. In short, they say this is simply a commonsense effort.

Critics say hold on a minute. They complain this is a step toward permanently institutionalizing U.S.-Israel defense cooperation in ways Congress has never done before. Essentially, they argue that Congress is creating a permanent Pentagon bureaucracy whose mission would be to continually deepen military cooperation with Israel regardless of which administration occupies the White House. The critics say closely intertwining with Israel is a bridge too far.

It should be noted that the House version – at least at this point – is more restrained. It directs the Secretary of Defense to designate a Pentagon executive agent responsible for coordinating U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation.

It also softens some of the original language by referring to the “potential integration” of Israeli technologies into American defense programs. It wouldn’t be automatic integration. In addition, the language is softer, stating that a list of coordinated activities with Israel “may” be pursued rather than “shall” be pursued.

The Senate version appears broader at this point and seems to be a more formal bilateral framework for long-term defense technology cooperation.  Normally, Israel divides Republicans and Democrats. This time, the fault line is different.

On one side are many traditional national security Republicans, pro-Israel Democrats (a dwindling group to be sure) and organizations like AIPAC. 
On the other side is a growing coalition of far-left, anti-Israel Democrats and the non-interventionist anti-Israel wing of the “America First” movement that is represented in Congress.

This side argues that Congress should not require deeper ties with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government at a time when there is a growing chorus of criticism directed at Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza. 

So far, there’s been an attempt to strip the provision out of the underlying bill on the House side. Anti-Israel Republican Rep. Thomas Massie joined anti-Israel Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna in introducing an amendment to remove the provision, but the amendment was blocked before reaching the House floor, so the language currently remains in the bill.

Massie’s objections, however, come from a very different place than those of progressive Democrats. His concerns reflect the growing America First, non-interventionist wing of the Republican Party, which argues the United States should avoid permanently embedding itself in the military affairs of any foreign nation – even close allies. This contingent believes this is not traditional defense cooperation but rather an expansion of military integration. 

The progressive left echoes some of the sentiment of the America First Right, but they also worry about tying America more closely to Netanyahu’s government.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has not publicly commented in detail on the specific NDAA provisions now under debate in Congress, but his broader view of the U.S.-Israel security relationship has been consistent. While he has strongly advocated for expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries, Netanyahu has also argued in recent years that Israel should gradually reduce its dependence on American military aid.

Following the October 7 attacks, he reiterated that Israel ultimately must be able to defend itself by itself, and has suggested that as Israel’s economy and defense industry continue to grow, the country should work toward greater self-sufficiency rather than relying indefinitely on U.S. assistance.

What this current debate over the measure shows is that Israel is not going to escape close scrutiny by those in Congress. While the majority still supports Israel, the growing faction of far-left Democrats and woke right America-first conservatives create a substantial problem for Israel. It comes at the worst possible time.

I am a total supporter of this bill. The alliance between Israel and the U.S. government is one that benefits us even more than Israel. They buy our weaponry, enhance many of our military systems and give us valuable intel that we could not attain without their help. Rh

Syrian President Meets With Trump

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Once again the bromance between Trump and the Syrian President throws a monkey wrench into Israeli security. Trump desperately wants to be a statesman, but leaving Netanyahu alone to do what is best for Israel would be the proper call. Reposted from All Israel News. Rh

President Donald Trump asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remove Israeli troops from Lebanon and Syria in a recent phone call, Axios reports.

“They don’t want you there. You should redeploy,” Trump reportedly told Netanyahu in a phone conversation last Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke with Axios.

According to Israel Hayom, Trump conveyed the Syrian demand for the withdrawal of IDF troops from its territory, but did not present it as an American demand.

The phone call between the two leaders came a day after Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey.

Read the full story 👇

https://allisraelnews.com/trump-tells-netanyahu-to-remove-israeli-troops-from-lebanon-syria-report

Our Trust Is In The Lord

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Stepping back from the disastrous Iran deal, I turn my eyes toward the Lord. He is our sufficiency and in Him I trust. Disappointed and heart broken for all the Iranian lives that have been lost throughout the years with a radical Islamist regime in power.

I never thought Trump would be the one to fall on his knees and capitulate, but he did. Just a few days away from victory against Hamas and Iran, he stopped!, Why? The Bible says ‘can two walk together unless they are in agreement”. Was the Qatari money and the new Presidential plane just too much for a greedy old man with thoughts of grandeur in his heart? Maybe.

It is very interesting that only after a visit, which should have been postponed, to China did Trump seem ready for a deal at any cost. His rhetoric never did match what was happening on the ground. For those who thought DJT was playing three D chess, think again. He lost, America will survive of course, but the relationship with Israel may not, and that my friends is serious.

A learned man once said “Iran has never won a war, but has never lost a negotiation”. Well Mr. Trump your very own words stare back at you.

For those of us who study Bible prophecy, it is God who protects Israel, not the ranting of a prideful man. Yes one day when the next big war breaks out it could be the Ezekiel war of Chapter 38. Iran was never to be totally destroyed, but now, Israel and their God Jehovah must fight for them.

Please be in prayer as a new Middle East is forming. Not sure if America will like it, but it is our doing. Your legacy Mr. Trump that you are so fond of, just took a direct hit. You stand in a long line of failed Presidents when it comes to the MIddle East.

Final note who is out front leading the charge for this deal? Vance not Rubio, very telling. That my friends says it all. Rh

Inside Israel Analysis

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Forwarded from Amir Tsarfati, a Messianic Jew, author and former IDF soldier. Great take on the supposed deal with Iran. Enjoy the read. Rh

After several hours of confusion and uncertainty, it’s time to bring some order to the situation.

What exactly did Trump agree to?

The agreement rests on two very lean principles:

“The Strait of Hormuz must remain open to free navigation, and Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.”

Trump has insisted in nearly every other post that Iran will not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, while simultaneously pushing to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to unrestricted maritime traffic at any cost.

But why was Trump so eager to reach such a minimal agreement? Why did he pressure Israel not to interfere, even at the cost of merging the various fronts and exposing soldiers to greater danger? Why did J.D. Vance, who has opposed military intervention, suddenly move to the forefront while Rubio faded into the background? And why has no one managed to offer a convincing explanation beyond references to the World Cup, birthdays, the midterm elections, and other superficial reasons for this apparent obsession?

Most importantly: What does Trump intend to do with Iran during the 60-day ceasefire he has effectively bought for himself?

It is possible – and I emphasize that this is an informed analysis of events, not verified information—that the answers lie in what took place in Beijing during the visit held last month (May 13–15, 2026).

Trump arrived in China after not meeting President Xi for nine years. Over the previous year, he had reshaped the global economic landscape through tariffs, supply chains, and trade routes in an effort to reduce China’s dominance and push it into a corner. He had even postponed the visit for a month because of the operation against Iran.

However, Trump arrived in Beijing in a weaker position than he had planned. He had hoped to come as the victor over Iran and force China to accept new trade oversight mechanisms, agreements on rare earth minerals, and AI cooperation that would secure American leadership of the global economy.

But the Chinese did not cooperate.

Instead, they threatened escalation and even the possibility of a wider global conflict, particularly through pressure on Taiwan. They were also deeply concerned about the loss of cheap Iranian oil supplies that the United States had disrupted.

As is often the case between great powers, the talks did not collapse. Some significant deals were reached – most notably Boeing’s sale of 200 aircraft to China. But the joint statement was remarkably brief, containing only one key sentence:

“The Strait of Hormuz must remain open to free navigation, and Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.”

Those are precisely the same principles that now define the agreement with Iran.

Trump is persistent and determined to continue building what he sees as a new global order under American economic leadership. After encountering Chinese resistance to broader agreements, he may have settled for a simpler bargain: oil in exchange for a non-nuclear Iran.

Like a businessman honoring a deal, he returned determined to fulfill his part of the bargain.

From that perspective, everything became acceptable: pressuring Israel to lower its profile, allowing Qataris, Pakistanis, and Saudis to serve as mediators, and bringing in J.D. Vance – whom the Iranians and Pakistanis reportedly trust more than Rubio or Witkoff. The overriding objective was simply to secure signatures and an agreement.

If this theory is correct—and if Trump did not simply turn against Israel in favor of Qatar and Pakistan – then Iran itself is not his primary concern, despite the fact that it allegedly tried to assassinate him only two years ago.

Instead, he will use these two months to complete his side of the understanding with China: ensure that Iran remains non-nuclear, after which Israel, America’s exemplary ally, will return to the position it has occupied over the past year and a half.

As for a formal nuclear agreement: if it succeeds, all the better. By Amir Tsarfati

Deal Was Made: A Bad Deal Uninforceable

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President Trump: The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! President DONALD J. TRUMP

As Churchill wrote to Lord Moyne right before the Munich agreement:

“We seem to be very near the bleak choice between War and Shame. My feeling is that we shall choose Shame, and then have War thrown in a little later on even more adverse terms than at present.”

Americas chose shame

War will come a little later Amir Tsarfati

For whatever reason, Trump cowered. Mark my words, this war is not over. The West is ceding democracies all across Europe and even in the U.S. The rise of Islam is here. J. D Vance, Kushner and Witkoff are the instigators of this defeat. The art of a bad deal!

Very sad day in America. Rh

Follow The Money Trail

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We have seen how European Union has fallen to the Islamic immigration policies allowed by the various nations in Europe. Here in America we too have allowed our values to be put under attack as well. Our main source of invasion has been a money trail to collages and universities. Training and influencing young skulls full of mush, as Rush Limbaugh used to say. Below is a link to a fascinating article week worth the long read. Please enjoy Rh

Mapping Qatar’s $400 billion footprint in the US

For the full FFD Commentary click here

Why has a country of just 330,000 citizens that is half the size of New Jersey anda leading patron of the Muslim Brotherhood plowed $400 billion dollars into the United States? This amounts to approximately $1.2 million per Qatari citizen — an enormous sum.

FDD’s Natalie Ecanow has labored for more than a year, collecting the receipts for these Qatari transactions, most of which have taken place over the past decade. But as Natalie notes, $400 billion is a lowball estimate. She erred on the side of caution. If you take the word of Qatari government estimates or even the White House, the total number may exceed $1.2 trillion.

Some Americans may welcome the generosity of the Qatari regime. After all, one could argue that a great many of these investments — spanning energy, defense, biotech and other important sectors — serve to benefit the U.S. economy and U.S. citizens. One could also argue that Qatar, like Japan, Canada, or other countries that sink billions in the United States, simply seeks return on investment.

But Qatar is different. There are more than a few reasons to question the largesse of the Qatari government. At the end of the day, Qatar is ruled by an Islamist, autocratic regime; Freedom House consistently ranks the country as “Not Free” in its annual Freedom in the World survey.1 And Doha’s failure to guarantee the rights of its citizens is not the biggest problem. Rather, it is the country’s tendency to support jihadi causes in the Middle East that raises significantly more concern. The country’s horrific track record in this regard distinguishes Qatar from other Gulf states that spread their wealth in America.

Though the U.S. government has delineated Qatar as a “Major Non-NATO Ally” and has positioned its Combined Air Operations Center at the Al-Udeid base in Qatar, this regime may qualify as a “State Sponsor of Terrorism.” The regime has sheltered Al-Qaeda.2 It was a patron for the Taliban before the group recaptured Afghanistan, ending America’s intervention there.3

The government is a longstanding patron of Hamas, the terrorist group that plunged the Middle East into violence on October 7, 2023.4 Finally, it is the primary patron of the Muslim Brotherhood, a global network of violent and nonviolent Islamist groups that seek the downfall of the West.5 Several branches of this network have recently been sanctioned by the U.S. government.

Beyond that, the regime in Qatar has been embroiled in other scandals that should give Americans pause. Qatar bribed its way to hosting the World Cup in 2022. Later that year, the scandal known as “Qatargate” rocked the European Union when Qatari bribes to European parliamentarians were exposed.6 The bribes were reportedly designed to buy influence to rehabilitate Qatar’s image amid reports that more than 6,500 migrant workers had died during the construction of the country’s World Cup stadiums.7

To whitewash these and other offenses, the Qataris wield the Al-Jazeera Media Network, which broadcasts in multiple languages and multiple formats, to spread the regime’s messages.8 Al Jazeera’s U.S.-based affiliate, AJ+, has defied U.S. law for over five years by failing to register as a foreign agent.9

It is for these reasons, and perhaps others, that Qatar’s massive investments in the United States should be scrutinized. Some of these investments include naked influence-peddling — from sponsorship of the annual congressional baseball game to annual White House correspondents’ dinner parties.10 The Qataris spend an enormous amount on lobby groups and public relations, which helps ensure that their investments continue with minimal scrutiny.

Perhaps most disturbing is the massive amount this small Islamic state has invested in American education. Qatar has half as many citizens as Washington, DC, has residents. Yet somehow, it has surpassed China as the largest foreign funder of American colleges and universities. This is baffling. It is safe to say that the regime in Doha is not a stalwart champion of traditional liberal arts education curricula. Even more disturbing: the regime is funding public K-12 schools, engaging American children in the classroom at a young age.

Secretary of State Rubio

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Marco Rubio says the U.S. will not give sanctions relief to Iran in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

If Iran wants to be able to move its oil again through the strait, they will have to reopen the straits.

If they refuse to do so, then we have other options available to us, but we would prefer to negotiate the opening of this.

Marco Rubio says there are indications that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and becoming increasingly involved in decision-making.

A final thought from Mark Levin. Don’t always agree with Mr Levin, but he is right on this post. I totally agree. Rh

Mark Levin criticized President Trump’s demand from Israel to halt attacks on Hezbollah in Beirut:

WHAT IF HEZBOLLAH WAS A MEXICAN DRUG CARTEL FIRING MISSILES INTO OUR COUNTRY?

Simple questions:  What would we do if Mexican drug cartels fired thousands of missiles into our country, depopulating the Southwestern part of the United States?  Would we limit our response to defensive military action?  Would we halt attacking their main location because it was near a city?  What would we do?

Diplomacy By Peddlers

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Trump is making the biggest mistake of his Presidency by allowing one failed, (Witkoff) and one connected (Kushner) real estate peddler to conduct foreign policy in the Middle East.  They have no clue to the mindset of the radical Islamist.  They don’t want money to rebuild their country. They can’t be trusted, they only stall and re-arm.  They lie and promise to compromise only to gain time to strengthen their position.

These two carpetbaggers negotiated the deal of the century with Hamas.  Really?  Now we see the same Barney Fife like mentality exhibited with Iran.  We call it a deal when we stop (supposedly) fighting to talk?  Evidence is clear that Iran has already started re-building some of the previously destroyed missile launching facilities.  We have pictures.   The art of the deal is not the important part, the actual deal is the primary issue.  There is no deal, none that Iran will actually agree to and most certainly none they will abide by.  Marco Rubio, where are you? We need an adult in the room.

We will once again leave a country in the Middle East the same as before.  Nothing changes.  Regime change needs to happen, but who?  The Middle East is a quagmire and always will be.  Age-old customs, rivalries, and religious wars have dominated the region.  I feel for the Iranian people who have been subjected to such horrors over the last 40 years.  Their plight is worthy of much prayer.  There is a revival happening in Iran now!  But can it overcome the evil power embedded in the elite?  Probably not.

The Biblical perspective is Iran will never be completely destroyed, because they play an integral part in prophecy.  Russia, Turkey and Iran will lead an axis of evil to attempt to destroy Israel in the future.  We don’t know exactly when, the Bible only gives us limited information.  We do know it will be at a time that Israel is living in some sort of peace and will seemingly be surprised by the invasion attempt. Peace and safety is the only clue the Almighty gives us in Ezekiel 38.  

God will fight for Israel to make his name known to all the world at that invasion, and then Iran will meet its day of destiny.  It won’t happen in this action, but someday…. Rh

Yemen’s internationally recognized government has announced the creation of a new naval force to challenge Houthi control of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

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▪️ The force is backed primarily by Saudi Arabia, with political support from the United States and other Western countries.

▪️ Its mission is to secure shipping lanes, combat weapons smuggling, and restore government authority along Yemen’s western coast and key islands.

▪️ The Houthis and Iran have condemned the move, warning of escalation and threatening maritime traffic if pressure on them increases.

▪️ For Israel, the development is strategically significant because it directly challenges the Houthi maritime threat to Red Sea shipping and the route to Eilat.

▪️ A stronger pro-government Yemeni presence could help weaken Iran’s regional influence, reduce Houthi smuggling operations, improve freedom of navigation, and lessen the need for direct Israeli military involvement in the area.

▪️ In short, Israel has a clear interest in seeing this force succeed, as it serves as a counterweight to both the Houthis and Iran while helping keep the Red Sea open and secure.

(Nziv. Net)

Nothing is ever easy in the Middle East. Rh