Current News & Events

Operation Midnight Hammer And Beyond

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Here is a brief summary of Operation Midnight Hammer carried out by the U.S. over the weekend.

Last night he U.S. executed coordinated precision strikes targeting the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites in Iran, which President Trump described it as a “spectacular military success”.

The mission involved the first operational use of the 30,000‑lb GBU‑57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker‑buster bomb, dropped by seven B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers.

About 125 U.S. aircraft participated—including escort fighters, tankers, support planes—undertaking an 18‑hour mission from Whiteman AFB to Iranian airspace. The mission used a deceptive tactic – some B‑2s flew west toward Guam as decoys while the main strike group flew east.

In addition a U.S. Ohio‑class submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at Isfahan’s above‑ground infrastructure.

Last week, before Operation Midnight Hammer, I posted my opinion on what an appropriate level of engagement by the U.S. in the ongoing Israel/Iran conflict should be, and this remains view today:

“Limited U.S. airstrikes with bunker-busters to take out Iran’s Natanz or the Fordow underground nuclear facility? – YES.

Defending American troops overseas and responding with devastating lethal force if even one of our people is attacked or killed over there? – YES! YES! YES!

U.S. boots on the ground in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!

U.S. led push for regime change in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!

Nation building after the war between Israel and Iran? – NO! NO! NO!”

Watchdog Alert: Latest From Israel/Iran War

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Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the times before 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)

Here’s the latest from the Israel-Iran war as of 6/20/25:

Iran Refuses Nuclear Talks Amid Ongoing Israeli Attacks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced that Tehran will not enter discussions regarding its nuclear program as long as Israel continues its military strikes. The comments came during a Geneva meeting with European diplomats, which also ended without tangible diplomatic progress. Iran insisted diplomacy must wait until Israeli “aggression stops”.

Bloody Exchanges Continue as War Enters Second Week

A week into the conflict, both sides have carried out substantial airstrikes—Israel targeted missile and nuclear sites in Iran, while Iran responded with missile attacks inside Israel. One notable Iranian strike hit Haifa, injuring at least 19 people, and another hit Beersheba. Civilian casualties continue to rise amid escalating hostilities .

Soroka Hospital Struck by Iranian Missile

On June 19, Iran fired a Sejjil missile that directly hit the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. Although the facility had been partially evacuated, the strike resulted in numerous injuries and structural damage, prompting Israeli officials and hospital workers to condemn it as a war crime .

Europe’s Diplomatic Push Yields No Breakthrough

European foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU met with Iran’s FM in Geneva to press for nuclear restrictions and de-escalation. While Iran expressed openness to diplomacy conditional on an end to Israeli attacks, talks concluded without resolution. The U.S. issued a two-week window for Iran to respond before potential involvement .

U.S. Involvement In Israel/Iran War? Simple

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Limited U.S. airstrikes with bunker-busters to take out Iran’s Natanz or the Fordow underground nuclear facility? – YES.

Defending American troops overseas and responding with devastating lethal force if even one of our people is attacked or killed over there? – YES! YES! YES!

U.S. boots on the ground in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!

U.S. led push for regime change in Iran? – NO! NO! NO!

Nation building after the war between Israel and Iran? – NO! NO! NO!

ISRAEL vs IRAN — What Should Christians Think?

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Editors note: the following was noticed on a FB page and we received permission to copy and paste it for publication here.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is all over the news right now—and a lot of people are wondering what to make of it, especially from a Christian perspective.

Some say it’s part of Bible prophecy unfolding. Others feel Jesus would never support this war.

What do you think?

Here are a few questions to get the conversation going:

• Do you think this conflict has anything to do with end-times prophecy?

• Is modern-day Israel the same “Israel” we read about in the Bible?

• Could this be setting the stage for Christ’s return—or are we overanalyzing?

• Should churches talk about stuff like this on Sundays?

• Can you support Israel as a nation but still disagree with some of its actions?

Let’s talk. Be respectful and share what you believe.

Is Modern Israel The ‘Apple Of God’s Eye”?

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Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

The conflict between Israel and Iran is definitely heating up, and many observers in the faith community believe that the modern Jewish state of Israel is the subject of much Old Testament prophecy. Some even believe that current events in the Middle East are a precursor—perhaps even an immediate precursor—to the biblical Armageddon.

On the other hand, there are many sincere Christians with deep knowledge of the Bible who argue that today’s modern Israel, as constituted since 1948, is not the “apple of God’s eye” as it was in ancient times. They contend that, since the destruction of the Temple and the razing of Jerusalem in 70 AD—and the resulting Jewish diaspora—Jews today are not the same bloodline as the children of God’s covenant with Abraham.

It’s an interesting argument and one worth considering, but here’s where the rubber meets the road: Does America (and the rest of Western Christendom) have an obligation to spend our blood and treasure defending Israel simply because they are considered by some to be “God’s chosen people”?

In my opinion, the answer is no.

But here’s the big “but”: America should be ready to defend and support Israel with weapons and intelligence because she is our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East. Our obligation to Israel stems from modern geopolitical realities, not verses from the Old Testament.

Furthermore, our involvement in the current conflict should be limited to intelligence and material support—not boots on the ground. Israel is fully capable of handling the military personnel side of the equation, and there is no reason for American young people to fight and die in another Middle East killing ground.

Watchdog Alert: Israel & Iran On The Brink?

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Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

Heightened readiness and U.S. concerns

Recent U.S. intelligence and media reports indicate that Israel is preparing for a possible unilateral strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the coming days. Although no formal decision has been made, Israel appears fully prepared to act—even without direct U.S. military involvement, though Washington may still play a supporting logistical or intelligence role. In response, the U.S. has evacuated nonessential personnel from its embassies in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, tightened travel restrictions in Israel, and repositioned troops across the region to mitigate potential retaliatory threats.

Iran’s posture and potential retaliation

Iran has responded with stern warnings, pledging “forceful and destructive” retaliation—including possible strikes on U.S. bases and interests—should Israel move forward. The IAEA recently censured Iran for breaching nuclear obligations, revealing that Tehran is enriching uranium at 60% purity and planning to open a third, concealed facility. Iran has escalated military exercises and advanced air- and missile-defense drills to prepare for a potential imminent attack.

Diplomatic brinkmanship and strategic constraints

This crisis unfolds against the backdrop of renewed negotiations in Oman between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials, yet disagreements over uranium enrichment persist—dramatically raising the stakes. Analysts caution that Israel’s air campaign would be both technically demanding and risky; Iran’s facilities are deeply fortified and geographically dispersed, meaning even a well‑executed strike could fail to incapacitate the program completely—while risking a broader regional conflict. Historically, such Israeli threats often serve as leverage, pressuring Tehran ahead of critical diplomatic rounds, and may still function primarily as strategic messaging—unless American support or internal Israeli pressure tips the balance toward action

Watchdog Alert: Latest From The Middle East

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Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on national and world news and events. Here’s the latest recap from the Middle East.

UN accuses Israel of “extermination” in Gaza schools and religious sites

U.N. experts reported today that Israel has committed the crime against humanity of “extermination” by targeting civilians sheltering in schools and religious venues in Gaza. The latest findings, which will be presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council on June 17, 2025, highlight that over 90% of Gaza’s schools and universities have been destroyed. U.N. Chair Navi Pillay warned this campaign could devastate Palestinians’ cultural and educational future. – From reuters.com

U.S. military weighs options to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran

On June 10, 2025, General Erik Kurilla, leader of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told Congress the U.S. military is actively reviewing “a range of options” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He emphasized the readiness to use overwhelming force if necessary. The remarks came amid stalled diplomatic efforts and Iran preparing a counteroffer to a U.S. proposal. – From reuters.com.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg deported after Gaza-bound aid mission seized

Israel deported climate activist Greta Thunberg after its navy intercepted her charity boat—the “Madleen”—en route to Gaza with humanitarian aid. This occurred following her detention aboard the vessel, as Israeli forces continued detaining other activists on the boat. – From Middle East Eye

Hamas shifts stance amid Qatari pressure on Gaza ceasefire

Under pressure from Qatar, Hamas is reconsidering a response to the current ceasefire proposal, which is reportedly based on U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s framework. The proposed agreement would exchange the release of 10 hostages for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. From The Jerusalem Post

Watchdog Alert: SCOTUS Unanimous Ruling On Catholic Charities Tax Exemption

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Pic via Malcolm Hill pexels.com

Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission (Decided June 5, 2025)

In a unanimous 9–0 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Wisconsin violated the First Amendment by denying Catholic Charities Bureau a tax exemption granted to other religious organizations.

The state had argued that the charity’s services were too secular to qualify, as they did not proselytize or serve only Catholics. Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasized that the state’s actions showed favoritism to more overtly religious organizations, which is impermissible under the First Amendment.

The ruling allows Catholic Charities to opt out of state unemployment programs in favor of church-operated ones and may have broader implications for religious organizations across the U.S.

Watchdog Alert: Latest From The Russia-Ukraine War

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Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events around the world, but don’t be overly troubled, remember the words of our Lord in Matthew 24:6-8.

“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.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.“

Here’s the latest from the Russia-Ukraine conflict:

Germany Allows Ukraine to Strike Inside Russia

From MSN/Time – Germany has authorized Ukraine to use long-range weapons supplied by Berlin to strike targets inside Russia. This marks a significant shift in Western support for Ukraine as the war continues.

Trump Warns Putin Over Escalation

From The Standard – U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is “playing with fire” by refusing to engage in ceasefire talks with Kyiv. Trump criticized Putin for launching some of the deadliest drone and missile attacks since the war began.

Russia Prepares New Offensives

From MSN/ABC News – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that intelligence reports indicate Russia is preparing new offensive operations. He emphasized that there is no sign Moscow is seriously considering peace or diplomacy.

Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack Yet

From MSN/Zee Business – Russia carried out its biggest drone assault on Ukraine, marking a sharp escalation in the air war. Over three days, Russia launched approximately 900 drones at Ukraine, signaling a continued intensification of hostilities.

Watchdog Alert: Two SCOTUS Religious Liberty Cases

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Pic via Malcolm Hill pexels.com

Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on the U.S. Supreme Court and the impact it’s decisions make on our religious liberties so our readers can stay informed.

Oklahoma Religious Charter School Case

From ABC News – In a rare 4-4 deadlocked ruling, the Supreme Court blocked Oklahoma from creating the nation’s first taxpayer-funded religious charter school. The case revolved around whether public funds could be used to support a Catholic virtual school, St. Isidore of Seville. The court upheld the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling, stating that such funding would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin LIRC

From Religious Liberty TV – This case examines whether a religious nonprofit can be denied a tax exemption if its activities are deemed not religious enough. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that Catholic Charities Bureau’s work was primarily charitable and secular, rather than religious, and therefore not eligible for exemption. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether this violates the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause.