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Watchdog Alert: Middle East Updates

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Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events in the Middle East. That is not to say that we are watching for any fulfillment of biblical prophecy there, we keep our eyes and ears open to news that affects people of faith from every region around the world.

The Holy Land is of particular interest for three reasons:

  • It is a geographical crossroads, referred to by some the “Center of the Earth”.
  • It is also the historical birthplace of the two largest religions of the world; Christianity and Islam, as well as the ‘Father’ of both those religions – Judaism.
  • It is of major military and strategic importance because of oil production and logistics.

Are the biblical prophecies focusing on geographical locations in the Middle East, especially in and around current-day Israel, relevant to the Church in our times today?

Or will those prophecies only come to pass and be revealed in some future time after the destiny of the Church has been realized? This is a subject Bible Rebel will be exploring in some depth going forward. Stay tuned.

For now, here’s the latest from the Middle East.

Israel Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace

Israel conducted an airstrike near Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus, targeting the new Islamist-led government under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The strike aimed to signal Israel’s commitment to defending the Druze minority amid escalating sectarian violence in Syria.
From Reuters

US attacks Yemen port again; Houthis launch missiles at Israel

The Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV media outlet has reported that seven US strikes hit the Ras Isa oil port in al-Salif district in Hodeidah in the last few hours, where a US strike at the same port last month killed at least 80 people and wounded 150 in one of the deadliest attacks on the country by US forces.

Earlier Friday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching two missiles towards northern Israel, targeting the Ramat David military airbase and the Tel Aviv area, as the group continues its military pressure in solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli fire.
From Al Jazeera

U.S.-Iran Talks Postponed

A fourth round of talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to take place in Rome, has been postponed. An Iranian official stated that the new date depends on the U.S. approach, citing contradictory behavior and provocative statements from Washington.
From Reuters

Netanyahu calls defeating Israel’s enemies the ‘supreme objective,’ not freeing hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that defeating Israel’s enemies is more important than securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

While the prime minister acknowledged that freeing the 59 remaining hostages is a “very important goal,” he described Israel’s fight against its enemies as the “supreme objective” of the war.

“We have many objectives, many goals in this war. We want to bring back all of our hostages,” Netanyahu said. “That is a very important goal. In war, there is a supreme objective. And that supreme objective is victory over our enemies. And that is what we will achieve.”
From CNN

Watchdog Alert: Wars And Rumors Of Wars

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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.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Brigade Behind Deadly Missile Attack

Ukrainian forces have reportedly targeted a Russian brigade responsible for a recent missile strike that killed civilians. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Russia and the U.S. continue, though peace talks remain challenging. – From Sky News

As Anti-Hamas Protests Gather, Christians Stay Away

“In a rare show of defiance, thousands of Gazans took to the streets of the northern city of Beit Lahia and other cities in the past few weeks, demanding Hamas step down and end the war.
Videos from the protests, which started two weeks ago, show protesters chanting, “Out, out, out! Hamas get out!” and carrying banners with the words “Hamas does not represent us.” Demonstrations lasted three days before scattered protests resumed last week.“
From Christianity Today

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Warns of Global Security Threat Amid Russia’s War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns that Russia’s ongoing invasion could escalate into a broader global conflict. He emphasized that the security of the entire world is at stake if Ukraine and its allies do not stand firm against Russian aggression.
From CBS News

Watchdog Alerts: Iran Nuke Talks And More

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More A‑10 Warthogs Deploy to the Middle East

From Task & Purpose – The U.S. Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing is sending several A‑10 Thunderbolt II aircraft—and more than 300 airmen—into the CENTCOM area of responsibility. This deployment, set for a 180‑day period, underscores the U.S. military’s intensified buildup in the region as it responds not only to renewed hostilities with Houthi forces in Yemen but also to ongoing counter‑ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria. The surge is viewed as part of broader efforts to maintain readiness amid escalating tensions and frequent missile threats toward U.S. Navy assets.

Iran and the U.S. to Hold Nuclear Talks via Oman

From Al Jazeera – In a noteworthy diplomatic development, Iranian officials have confirmed that indirect negotiations with the United States will take place in Oman focusing on Iran’s contentious nuclear program. Though the talks are set against a backdrop of long‑standing mistrust—with U.S. leadership at times casting doubt on Iran’s motives—this move is being seen as an opening for dialogue and possibly a fresh start to addressing nuclear non‑proliferation concerns. The arrangement highlights the complex interplay of diplomacy and strategic interests in the region.

Arrests in Lebanon Following Rocket Attacks on Israel

From The Independent – Lebanese security forces have detained three individuals—two Lebanese nationals and one Syrian—over their alleged involvement in rocket attacks launched from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory. While militant groups such as Hezbollah have denied direct involvement, the arrests underscore the volatile environment along the Lebanese border and the persistent threat of cross‑border attacks that continue to heighten regional insecurity.

Middle East Watchdog Alert

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Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on world events, here’s the latest from the Middle East.

Top US general in Israel for talks amid massive American military buildup in region
United States Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), who arrived in Israel earlier this week for an official visit, held an assessment with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military said Thursday. The IDF says the meeting focused on “strategic security issues across the region.”
From the Times of Israel

Israel launches air attacks on Syria’s Damascus and Hama
Israeli military aircraft have carried out attacks in Syria’s capital Damascus and in the central province of Hama, Israel’s army and local media have said, in the latest string of strikes on the war-torn country.
The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said the attacks on Wednesday targeted the vicinity of the scientific research centre in the Barzeh neighbourhood of the capital, as well as the airport in the Syrian city of Hama.
From Al Jazeera

Turkiye detains over 1,100 as Erdogan blames ‘evil’ opposition for protests
Turkish police have detained 1,113 people across the country over five days of protests as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blames the main opposition party for the unrest sparked by the detention of his main political rival.
From Al Jazeera

Netanyahu says IDF carving new corridor across Gaza to cut off Rafah, pressure Hamas
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that advancing IDF forces were carving out a new security corridor across southern Gaza that would likely cut off the city of Rafah from the rest of the Strip, as Israel seeks to pile pressure on Hamas to free the hostages.
From the Times of Israel

Watchdog Alert: War News

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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)

Some of the latest war news

Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine

After a call between Trump and Putin, Russia agreed to a limited ceasefire targeting energy and infrastructure. This step is seen as a precursor to potential full-scale peace talks, with further negotiations planned.

From USA Today – A call between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin ended with a limited agreement for Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks on energy infrastructure, but stopped short of a U.S. proposal for a temporary truce.

Violence in Syria

Hundreds of people have been killed in clashes between Syrian forces and Assad loyalists. The violence has escalated significantly, with accusations of civilian executions.

From NBC News – More than 1,300 people have been killed in an eruption of violence in Latakia and Tartus in the last 72 hours, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Electricity Cuts in Gaza and End of Ceasefire

Israel has cut electricity to the last facility in Gaza receiving Israeli power, affecting a desalination plant. This move has been criticized as part of a “starvation policy” by Hamas.

From CNN – Gaza’s fragile ceasefire was shattered early Tuesday as Israel carried out what it described as “extensive strikes” on Hamas targets. After the ceasefire ended, far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir said he would rejoin the government. Separately, several Arab nations accused Israel of violating the ceasefire.

Watchdog Middle East Alert

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Whether or not you believe that the Holy Land holds any modern day relevance in biblical prophecy, that region of the world is most definitely vitally important when it comes to global affairs and geo-politics.

Because we are always to be vigilant and aware, Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events around the world and here in America.

Here’s the latest from the Middle East.

Mass starvation looming in Sudan

“More than 600,000 people in Sudan are “on the brink of starvation” as famine stalks the war-torn country, the United Nations has warned.” – More from Al Jazeera

Hamas ready to negotiate Phase II

“Hamas said Thursday it was ready to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after a swap overnight in which it handed over what it said were the remains of four hostages in exchange for the release of more than 600 Palestinian detainees held by Israel.” – More from gwire.com

Israel underestimated Hamas’ terror intentions and abilities

“An investigation by the Israeli military has determined that Hamas was able to carry out the deadliest terrorist attack in Israeli history on Oct. 7, 2023, because the much more powerful Israeli army misjudged the militant group’s intentions and underestimated its capabilities.” – More from CBS News

Terrorist injures 13 in car attack in Northern Israel

“A Palestinian man steered his car into a crowd of people waiting at a bus stop in northern Israel on Thursday in a terror spree that left 13 people injured, including a teen hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.” – More from the Times of Israel

Latest Holy Land Updates – 12/17/24

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Israel’s Occupation of Syrian Buffer Zone

Israel has occupied a buffer zone within Syria, coinciding with ongoing Israeli military operations against Hamas in Gaza.

In Syria, the new rebel administration has expressed willingness to cooperate with the UN on humanitarian aid, and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have proposed demilitarizing Kobani to address Turkey’s security concerns. Despite these developments, efforts for a permanent ceasefire have failed. Additionally, countries like Qatar and France have reopened their embassies in Damascus, indicating a shift in diplomatic relations following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The discovery of mass graves in Syria has further highlighted the atrocities committed during Assad’s rule.

Meanwhile, Hamas remains hopeful for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza amid ongoing international efforts to resolve the conflict stemming from Hamas atrocities against Israeli citizens and the taking of hostages, including Americans, on October 7, 2023.
AP News

Discovery of Ancient Chinese Inscription in Jerusalem

Archaeologists in Jerusalem have uncovered a porcelain bowl at Mount Zion bearing the oldest-known Chinese inscription in the city. Dating back to the 16th century, likely from the Ming Dynasty, the inscription reads, “Forever we will guard the eternal spring.”

This finding underscores historical trade relations between Imperial China and the Ottoman Empire, with records indicating Ottoman delegations visiting Beijing and Chinese merchant colonies in regional cities like Beirut, Tripoli, and Jerusalem. The discovery highlights Jerusalem’s historical significance and its extensive trading connections.
New York Post

Vatican’s Nativity Scene Controversy

A Nativity scene in the Vatican featuring a manger draped with a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian identity, has garnered significant attention. Unveiled on December 7 and crafted by Bethlehem-based artisans, the scene initially included the keffiyeh. However, by December 11, both the keffiyeh and the infant Jesus were removed, aligning with Vatican tradition of placing the infant on December 24.

A Palestinian official confirmed the removal without providing an explanation. The Vatican reiterated the adherence to tradition, while the Israeli Embassy did not comment on potential complaints regarding the keffiyeh. Pope Francis has reiterated his call for peace and recognition of Palestine’s struggles and is scheduled to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican soon.
AP News