Israel

They Said It: Reactions To Prime Minister Netanyahu’s UN Speech

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Friday, 9/26/25, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly. Several UN members staged a walk-out as Netanyahu began his speech.

Here are some other reactions from world figures after the speech.

The Anti-Bibi

Taher al-Nunu (Hamas media adviser): “Boycotting Netanyahu’s speech is one manifestation of Israel’s isolation and the consequences of the war of extermination.” The Times of Israel

Adel Atieh (PA, European affairs dept.): “This speech showed neither vision nor perspective: it only reflected growing isolation, a headlong rush forward, and the anxiety of a power that knows it stands on the wrong side of history.” The Times of Israel

Yair Lapid (Israeli opposition): “Instead of stopping the diplomatic tsunami — Netanyahu today worsened Israel’s situation.” Reuters

Izzat al-Rishq (Hamas political bureau): “He had been left with ‘nothing but a chorus of cheerleaders who entered the UN hall only to clap in support of genocide.’” The Times of Israel

    The Pro-Bibi

    Bezalel Smotrich (Israeli Finance Minister, coalition ally) “He laid down once again necessary and clear principles, both morally and practically: We will not stop until Hamas is defeated and the hostages are returned. And we will never agree to a Palestinian state.” The Times of Israel

    Donald Trump (former U.S. President) “I think we have a deal on Gaza … It’s going to be a deal that will get the hostages back. It’s going to be peace.” Fox News

    Netanyahu (referring to critics in his U.N. speech, used in reactions) “We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and antisemitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.” ABC

    Opposition reaction summarizing pro-Netanyahu praise “Great speech by PM Netanyahu, shattering these blood libels and false accusations against Israel.” The Times of Israel

    Watchdog Alert: Israeli-Gaza War

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    “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)

    Much of what our Lord was prophesying here had to do with the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple, which would happen within 40 years or so of this prophesy and his imminent death and resurrection.

    However there is no reason not to consider that he was also making a double prophecy, which is fairly common in the Bible, extending the meaning here to also warn of the time immediately preceding the Final Judgement.

    As watchdogs living in this time and place we should always keep our ears tuned to ‘rumors of wars’ and be aware of the seasons of God’s plans and purposes.

    Here’s the latest from the conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.

    Ground offensive launched in Gaza City
    Israel has initiated a major ground operation into Gaza City, stepping up its military campaign. The assault includes air, sea, and ground strikes targeting what Israel describes as Hamas infrastructure. Thousands of Palestinian civilians are fleeing the area despite severe constraints. AP News

    Evacuations and displacement
    Israel has ordered mass evacuations of civilians from parts of Gaza City. Given warnings and fighting, many civilians are moving south or west, often under dire conditions. However, large numbers remain, limited by lack of resources, safe routes, or housing. AP News

    Human toll and humanitarian crisis

    • Significant civilian casualties are reported, notably among children and women. AP News
    • Famine or severe food insecurity continues, with deaths attributed to hunger rising. Reuters
    • Infrastructure damage is substantial: residential buildings, roads, mosques, and other civilian structures have been destroyed or heavily damaged. Reuters

    UN commission report – genocide accusation
    A U.N. independent commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, citing evidence such as killings, displacement, blockade of aid, and destruction of infrastructure (including a fertility clinic) as consistent with attempts to “destroy, in whole or in part, Palestinians in Gaza.” Israel firmly rejects these findings. The Guardian

    International response and pressure

    • UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation as “horrendous” and “morally, politically and legally intolerable.” The Guardian
    • The European Union is discussing or preparing new sanctions or trade restrictions on Israel, citing the worsening humanitarian situation. Reuters
    • United Nations and human rights bodies are calling for cessation or serious pause in hostilities. There is also mounting global concern over violations of international humanitarian law. The Guardian

    Timeline given for Gaza City control
    Israeli military officials have indicated the Gaza City offensive is expected to take several months to conquer fully. They say that the city’s entrenched infrastructure makes operations slower and more complex. The Guardian

    Watchdog Alert: UN Endorses Two-State Solution

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    Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on events from around the world of interest to people of faith and brings that content to our readers.

    Here’s some of the latest from UN action on issues in Israel and the Middle East.

    Reuters reports that, “The United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly voted to endorse a declaration outlining “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” towards a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of a meeting of world leaders.”

    The declaration was proposed and advocated for by France and Saudi Arabia according to a previous report from Reuters.

    Watchdog Alert: Israeli-Hamas Conflict

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    Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the end times. But also encouraging them to ‘see that ye be not troubled’.

    “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)

    Recent news from the Middle East:

    “Israel kills 62 today as Gaza aid seekers, ‘safe zones’ attacked” – Al Jazeera

    • Summary: Israeli forces targeted a residential building in Gaza City—housing dozens of displaced Palestinian families—after issuing forced evacuation orders. At least 37 of the 62 fatalities occurred in Gaza City as the assault continued into the early hours.
      Al Jazeera

    “Israel expands operations in Gaza City; tells famine-stricken residents to move to safe zone” – CBS News / AP

    • Summary: As operations intensify in Gaza City, Israel urged starving residents to relocate to a designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza—Muwasi—equipped with field hospitals, water, food, and tents. Aid groups warned that mass evacuation would only deepen the humanitarian crisis.
      CBS News

    “Escalating Israeli offensive in Gaza City will have catastrophic and irreversible consequences for Palestinians” – Amnesty International

    • Summary: Amnesty condemned Israel’s full-scale assault on Gaza City, warning it will devastate civilian life and exacerbate a famine largely caused by Israel’s blockade. Displacing hundreds of thousands, Amnesty called the campaign a likely war crime under international law.
      Amnesty International

    “More than 7,000 under-fives in Gaza put in malnutrition recovery in two-week period” – The Guardian / UNICEF data

    • Summary: Over 7,000 children under five were admitted to UNICEF malnutrition recovery programs in just two weeks in August; projected numbers for the month may exceed 15,000—more than seven times higher than February figures. A famine has been declared in Gaza City and is spreading south. Families survive on minimal food, and overcrowded designated zones lack basic services.
      The Guardian

    They Said It: Alva McClain On The Kingdom Of Heaven

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    I’m finishing reading and studying The Greatness of the Kingdom by Alva McClain. Highly recommended as a master class on what Yeshua meant when he repeatedly said, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

    It’s not possible to understand the ministry of Yeshua, the plan of God, the role of Israel, or the overall theme of God’s Word and plan for His creation if you don’t understand what the phrase “the kingdom of heaven” means.

    Here are some quotes from McClain on the topic:

    The Universal Kingdom

    “In the universal and providential sense, the kingdom of God has already come and the will of God is being done on earth. This rule of God, in fact, has always existed and has never been abrogated or interrupted. … On the basis of blood-redemption it will put down at last all rebellion with all its evil results, thus finally bringing the kingdom and will of God on earth as it is in heaven. When this purpose has been accomplished, the mediatorial phase of the kingdom will finally disappear as a separate entity, being merged with the universal kingdom of God.” From LifeCoach4God

    Biblical Continuity with Prophecy

    “In announcing the approaching advent of ‘the kingdom of heaven,’ Jesus had in view the very kingdom which the prophets had foretold.”
    From LifeCoach4God

    Present and Spiritual Expression

    “Thus, as Christian believers, we actually enter the kingdom prior to its establishment on earth, something so remarkable that it is spoken of as a translation (Col 1:13).”
    From LifeCoach4God

    Restoration to Israel

    “Therefore, until Israel is where he ought to be, both religiously and politically, there can be no thorough and permanent solution of the international problems.”
    From Goodreads

    They Said It: Four Famous Quotes On The Founding Of Modern Israel

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    Regardless of what one my think about the purity of the Jewish bloodline today, the founding of the modern state of Israel in 1948 was a remarkable historic event.

    Here are some quotes from some of the leaders of the time who witnessed and were part of that history.

    David Ben-Gurion, May 14, 1948 (Declaration of Independence):
    “The State of Israel will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel.”

      Chaim Weizmann, 1948 (first President of Israel):
      “Miraculously, the Jewish people have survived through the centuries, and now, with the establishment of the State of Israel, we have returned to our rightful home.”

        Harry S. Truman, May 14, 1948 (U.S. recognition of Israel):
        “I had faith in Israel before it was established; I have faith in it now. I believe it has a glorious future before it—not just another sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of the great ideals of our civilization.”

          Golda Meir (reflecting on 1948):
          “When peace comes, we will perhaps in time be able to forgive the Arabs for killing our sons, but it will be harder for us to forgive them for having forced us to kill their sons.”

          Watchdog Alert: The Latest Biblical Archaeology News

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          Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on discoveries and news from the world of biblical archaeology and brings it to our readers.

          Rare gold coin of Queen Berenice II found in Jerusalem (Aug 20, 2025)
          Archaeologists in the City of David uncovered a ~2,200-year-old pure-gold quarter-drachma depicting the Ptolemaic queen Berenice II (3rd c. BCE). It’s the first of its type found in a controlled excavation in Jerusalem and sheds light on Hellenistic-period Jerusalem’s economy and connections with Egypt.
          The Times of Israelעיר דוד

          “For the Redemption of Zion” revolt coin near the Temple Mount (Jul 31, 2025)
          A rare bronze coin minted in Year Four of the Great Jewish Revolt (69–70 CE) was discovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority at the Jerusalem Archaeological Garden–Davidson Center. The coin’s paleo-Hebrew inscription shifts from earlier “Freedom of Zion” issues to “Redemption of Zion,” reflecting besieged Jerusalem’s mood shortly before the Temple’s destruction.
          The Times of Israelעיר דוד

          Temple Mount bulla with biblical-era personal names (Jul 30, 2025)
          The Temple Mount Sifting Project announced a 2,600-year-old clay sealing (bulla) reading “Belonging to Yed[a]yah son of Asayahu,” names that appear in the Hebrew Bible. Though found in sifted soil (not an in-situ context), it adds to epigraphic evidence for First Temple–period Jerusalem’s administrative activity. OmnesArchaeology

          Dead Sea Scrolls redated using radiocarbon + AI (Jun 4, 2025)
          A peer-reviewed PLOS ONE study combined new radiocarbon testing (after removing 1950s castor-oil contamination) with an AI handwriting model (“Enoch”). Results suggest many scrolls—some biblical—are older than previously thought, with two fragments potentially contemporary with their presumed authors. This recalibrates timelines for script development and Second Temple-era texts.
          Live Science

          Watchdog Alert: Wars

          Rick TryonLeave a comment

          Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the end times. But also encouraging them to ‘see that ye be not troubled’.

          “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)

          Russia–Ukraine Conflict

          “Ukraine hit by multiple Russian strikes amid US-led push for end to war”
          Multiple Russian strikes — the largest this month — struck Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic efforts spearheaded by the U.S. following meetings between President Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders.
          From Al Jazeera

          “Russia-Ukraine exchange fire after Trump-Zelenskyy meet: Moscow launches biggest attack on Kyiv in August; Volgograd governor says oil refinery on fire”
          After a Washington summit between Trump and Zelenskyy, intense exchanges of fire ensued. Moscow launched its most significant August assault on Kyiv, and an oil refinery in Volgograd reportedly caught fire amid the clashes.
          From The Times of India

          “In Donbas, Ukrainians hold out as Russia besieges, bargains for their land”
          Despite relentless Russian pressure in eastern Donbas, Ukrainian defenders and civilians remain fiercely resistant to ceding territory. Even after setbacks, such as the fall of Chasiv Yar, key strongholds like Kramatorsk and Slovyansk hold firm, underscoring both tactical resilience and deep national resolve.
          From The Washington Post

          Israel–Hamas Conflict

          “Israel is evaluating a Hamas proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and partial hostage release”
          Israel is reviewing a deal from Hamas offering a 60-day truce and the release of 28 hostages (10 alive, 18 deceased) in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors. Egypt and Qatar are mediating, but Israel continues demanding full hostage release and is advancing plans for a ground offensive in Gaza City amid escalating violence.
          From Reuters

          “Qatar urges a Gaza ceasefire after ‘positive response’ from Hamas”
          Hamas has positively responded to a ceasefire proposal that includes a 60-day truce, phased hostage releases, and steps toward peace negotiations. Israel, however, has not yet replied. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with high death tolls and limited aid access.
          From AP News

          Watchdog Alert: Middle East Update

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          Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events in the Middle East and around the globe, bringing the latest news summaries to our readers.

          Iran Faces Existential Choice Between Diplomacy and Defiance

          Following a brief but intense 12-day conflict in June 2025—marked by Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites—Iran’s leadership finds itself weighing a critical decision. Internal consensus appears to be shifting toward renewed nuclear diplomacy with the U.S., deemed essential for regime survival amid economic struggles, power blackouts, and public unrest. Hardline resistance remains strong, and external threats loom if Iran resumes uranium enrichment.
          From Reuters.

          Israeli Military Plans Major Gaza Operation Amid Intensifying Conflict

          On August 13, 2025, Israel’s chief of staff approved the core strategy for a new Gaza offensive, intensifying tensions with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The conflict has escalated into Gaza City, with allegations of scorched-earth tactics and civilian casualties—at least 25 people were killed while seeking aid. Meanwhile, international debate unfolds over post-war governance: Hamas has hinted at relinquishing control to a technocratic body, while the Palestinian Authority insists on authority in Gaza conditional on Hamas’ disarmament.
          From The Guardian.

          Australia Endorses French–Saudi Peace Plan, Backs Palestinian State Recognition

          Australia has publicly supported a French–Saudi peace initiative aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict and announced its intent to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly. The plan, also backed by the UK and the Arab League, stresses disarmament of Hamas and the release of hostages. However, Saudi Arabia insists on significant Israeli concessions before normalizing relations, making implementation challenging.
          From The Australian.

          Middle East Crude Oil Benchmarks Spike Amid Russia Tensions

          Spot premiums for major Middle Eastern crude benchmarks—Oman, Dubai, and Murban—have climbed, driven by growing U.S. threats toward Russia. Markets are responding to the heightened geopolitical instability and potential supply risks, with Arab Gulf oil alternatively gaining in global value amid rising uncertainty.
          From TradingView.

          Watchdog Alert: Conflict And War Update

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          Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on wars and conflicts around the globe, bringing the latest news summaries to our readers.

          Israel Declares Plan to Reoccupy Gaza

          On August 7, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced intentions for Israel to take full military control of the Gaza Strip—marking a potential reoccupation since the 2005 withdrawal—pending Security Cabinet approval. The shift comes amid failed ceasefire efforts and escalating civilian casualties, with over 61,000 Palestinians reportedly killed since the conflict’s onset.
          From The AP

          U.S.-Brokered Peace Corridor in South Caucasus

          Also on August 7, 2025, the U.S. reached a landmark peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The deal secures exclusive U.S. development rights over a crucial transit corridor through the region, dubbed the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), and signals a move toward dissolving the Minsk Group framework.
          From Reuters

          Ukraine-Russia War: Trump–Putin Meeting Looms as Zelenskyy Excluded

          Recent developments in the Ukraine–Russia war spotlight a potential meeting between President Trump and President Putin, likely hosted in the UAE. However, the Kremlin indicated that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will not be included under current conditions—raising concerns about sidelining Kyiv in ceasefire talks.
          From The Guardian

          U.S. Pushes Lebanon to Disarm Hezbollah—Diplomatic Tensions Rise

          The U.S. is intensifying pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, prompting doubts about its effectiveness and long-term risks. Analysts warn that pressing Lebanon too quickly could undermine the fragile state-building process and lead to dangerous political repercussions.
          From The Guardian