ISRAEL NEWS JULY 2008

News and commentary about the Middle East and the coming war in West Asia.

1 Jul 08 ISRAEL backtracking on truce? http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1214726165713&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Hamas adopts tough stance on Shalit talks. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080701.WORLDREPORT01-2/TPStory/TPInternational/Africa/ ISRAEL GAZA borders closed over attacks as PM Olmert says ceasefire will be " very short". http://en.rian.ru/world/20080701/112713725.html FRANCE takes over the European Union Presidency for the next six months today. CRISIS in the EU over the Lisbon Treaty deepens. Germany delays ratification pending court challenges. The Czech Republic and Polish Presidents refuse to ratify the treaty; their signatures are required to ratify the agreement. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7482660.stm EU SUMMIT on Oct 15 to decide on future of EU. http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1213984922.97 HAMAS to reconsider truce if Israel does not open borders. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/01/content_8471464.htm PM OLMERT threatens to invade Gaza with full force if more missiles launched. Shalit talks deadlocked, as Hamas refuses to negotiate further until Israel starts fulfilling ceasefire conditions by opening borders as agreed. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/30/content_8465596.htm

2 Jul 08 SHALIT talks halt, as new demands made. http://www.debka.org/headline.php?hid=5399 PALESTINIAN kills three Israelis in Jerusalem. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1214726186987&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://www.debka.org/headline.php?hid=5401  KADIMA to set date for primaries at it's July 10 meeting. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1214726181480&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull HEZBULLAH agrees to prisoner swap. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iatuVoER7W-Sl8MaejLD25doFXNgD91LSJV00

4 Jul 08 ISRAEL keeps Gaza borders closed as more missiles fired yesterday. HAMAS officially suspends Shalit talks. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-07-04-voa44.cfm and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1214726212846&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull THE New Moon has been observed this evening, making tonight the beginning of the FOURTH Biblical month.

5 Jul 08 Vice Admiral William Gortney becomes new commander of Fifth Fleet ( Arabian Sea). He commanded Naval Operations during the invasion of Iraq. http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=62676&sectionid=351020101 ISRAELI Defense Minister and Chief of Staff to travel to Washington. This comes after a stream of senior US military officials visited Israel during the last two weeks. A question and answer regarding the stopping of the Daily Sacrifice has been added to the FAQ page. USS RONALD REAGAN ends typhoon refief effort in Philippines and sets sail on 3 Jul 08. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20080705-9999-1m5reagan.html ISRAEL opens Gaza border Sunday as pressure on ceasefire mounts. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1214726217695&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

6 Jul 08 ISRAEL shoots across border at Gaza farmers. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/06/content_8499441.htm ONE Palestinian sniper fires into Israel. IN two seperate incidents, Israeli gunboats fire at Gaza fishermen. ISRAEL-HEZBULLAH exchange to take place on 20 July if Hezbullah agrees to a new list of Israeli demands. Demands not yet made public. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/999329.html HAMAS rejects Egyptian invitation for Shalit talks, citing ceasefire concerns. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/06/content_8500138.htm  SCHEDULE for September Papal Lourdes trip. http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=59469   BIG Brother is watching. YOUTUBE ordered to provide logs of EVERY visitor to the site to US government authorities. ISRAEL begins preparations for Hezbullah swap. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330876193&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

7 Jul 08 MORTAR fired from Gaza today as Israel closes school, hospital and charities on West Bank linked to Hamas. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330882589&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull ISRAEL appears to be preparing an offensive against Hamas, Islamic Jihad people on West Bank. IF this comes, it will probably end what is left of Gaza truce. GALILEE SEA level drops to lower red line. Pumping no longer allowed as pollution levels concentrate in shrinking body of water. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330884009&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull THE London Telegraph reports that Iran has begun work on advanced centrafuges. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/999720.html Violence erupts on Georgia Abkhazia borders. EUROPEAN media report that the Columbian rescue operation was a hoax designed to cover up the payment of a $20 million ransom. http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=9514 THE UNITED STATES prepares to fight Iran in the straits of Hormuz. http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=62915&sectionid=351020104 ISRAEL closes Gaza borders again. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330889870&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

8 Jul 08 ISRAEL agrees to open Gaza borders after a special Egyptian request. In an effort to expedite the Shalit talks; Israel is bowing to the fact that Hamas is trying hard, but cannot control the actions of every individual. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330892223&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull ISRAEL calls Security Cabinet meeting to discuss Hezbullah and UNSC resolution 1701 which is up for renewal next month. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3565829,00.html Iran completing war preparations in Persian Gulf. http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=63064&sectionid=351020104 US withdraws the supercarrier Abraham Lincoln from Persian Gulf as protection measure from Iranian missiles. US Congressional Resolution 362 and Senate Resolution 580 calling for a blockade of Iran in Section 3, fast tracked. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=hc110-362

9 Jul 08 KADIMA to conduct primary on 14-18 Sept. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3566276,00.html

10 July 08 HAMAS calls for uprising on West Bank to resist Israeli actions there. Shalit talks remain suspended. http://www.debka.org/headline.php?hid=5421 UNSC Resolution 1701 must be renewed in Aug. Israel is declaring it a failure due to the rearming of Hezbullah and is expected to demand that new clauses be added to force the disarming of Hezbullah. This is unlikely to be agreed to by Lebanon and Hezbullah or by the UNIFIL contributory nations who will have to fight Hezbullah. If Israel persists, the future of the Resolution is in doubt. RESOLUTION TEXT: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4785963.stm THE USA vows to defend Israel from Iran. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/10/world/main4246891.shtml TWO missiles fired from Gaza after Israel kills alleged mental patient wondering border area.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1416187.php/Militants_fire_rockets_on_Israel_after_first_truce_fatality__Roundup_
SENATE confirms Gen David Petraeus as new CENTCOM Commander in 95 to 2 vote. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3566787,00.html JERUSALEM Post reports that the Israeli Defense Forces are preparing to invade Gaza. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330928848&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

11 July 08 LEBANON finally forms government. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news/international/Lebanon_strikes_unity_deal_with_Hezbollah.html?siteSect=143&sid=9322073&cKey=1215785293000&ty=ti ISRAELI Cabinet expected to meet next Tuesday to make Execute Order for Hezbullah swap, expected to take place next Wednesday. ISRAELI officials are now warning Western Negev Communities to prepare for a resumption of missile barrages from Hamas. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126797 ISRAELI Defense Minister to travel to Washington on Monday, IDF Chief of Staff to make the trip, one week later. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330934694&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

12 Jul 08 AFTER three months of intense training, Israel conducts successful military exercise simulating invasion of Lebanon-Syria. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1001006.html KEY radar-air defense base set up in Lebanon. http://www.debka.org/article.php?aid=1357

13 Jul 08 CANADIAN soldiers of 1 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1PPCLI) board the USS Bonhomme Richard at Pearl Harbour. REPORTS that the US has given Israel permission to prepare for an Iran strike appear irrelevant and just a propaganda exercise. Israel and the US have both been working on preparations for years. AFTER Israel opened the Gaza borders on 8 July, Shalit talks have been going on in private.

14 Jul 08 HEZBULLAH-ISRAEL prepare for prisoner swap to take place at 9 am Wednesday. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330959063&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull ISRAEL backs away from Shalit agreement and says negotiations must now start from scratch again. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126833 HAMAS complains bitterly about Israel's failure to open commercial borders or act to implement agreed ceasefire obligations. It seems that the next few weeks are critical for both Gilad Shalit and the ceasefire. ISRAEL threatens to attack Lebanon over new air defense station commanded by Iranians. http://www.debka.org/headline.php?hid=5434

15 Jul 08 ISRAEL'S Cabinet completes ratification of Hezbullah prisoner swap. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330974358&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull ISRAEL warns citizens to leave Sinai immediately after arresting seven Hamas people in West bank. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126854  and    http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3568737,00.html

16 Jul 08 ISRAEL has received and identified the bodies of it's two missing soldiers. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3569092,00.html SWAP progresses, Israeli's deeply disappointed and angry. US envoy Burns to meet with Iranians in a one off encounter in Geneva this weekend. CANADA deports the first American deserter who had requested asylum. About 200 American deserters have requested asylum in Canada with hundreds more living underground. HEZBULLAH-ISRAEL swap completed. HAMAS ups stakes in Shalit talks. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330991223&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

17 Jul 08 ISRAEL deploys it's warships off Lebanon and drastically increases overflights of Lebanon.

http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=5440 WASHINGTON visit of Israeli Defense Minister postponed indefinitly.

19 July 08 EU talks with Iran have begun in Geneva with the #3 US Diplomat Burns observing. Iran is still refusing to give up it's legal right to enrichment. HAMAS vows; no concessions in Shalit talks. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3570242,00.html THE US threatens Iran; give in or face confrontation. http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Iran-Rules-Out-Discussion-On-Freezing-Uranium-Enrichment-After-Internation-Nuclear-Talks/Article/200807315047044 HAMAS threatens to end ceasefire and take more hostages. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331023050&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull SUN Myung Moon founder of the CIA linked Unification Church, commonly called Moonies, was injured in a helicopter crash in Korea today. Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary General, is closely linked to this group. THE Sunni Block has re-entered the Iraqi Parliament after boycotting for nearly a year. IRAN given two weeks to comply with the EU proposal or face new sanctions. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/151/story/44819.html THE US will push very hard for heavy sanctions, backed by Congressional Resolution 362. ISRAEL pushes to renew Shalit talks this week. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331023050&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull HAMAS says Shalit talks on hold. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1003465.html

ISRAEL's Chief of Staff leaves for one week visit to the United States. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3570247,00.html BRITISH PM Brown visits Israel.

20 Jul 08 ISRAEL'S Intelligence Chief warns Cabinet of re-start of Hezbullah war. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1003710.html

21 Jul 08 SHALIT negotiations nearing completion. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3570931,00.html US B52 crashes at exercise RIMPAC 08 at sea near Guam. Six crewmen missing. GORDON Brown calls for a two state solution with Jerusalem the capitol of both. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331041261&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull ISRAEL preparing to bow to Hamas demands over Shalit. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126911 BRITISH, FRENCH and AMERICAN Navies launch ten day exercise in Atlantic in preparation to enforce Iran blockade. On Saturday, the EU and the US gave a two week ultimatum to Iran to cooperate and stop enriching uranium or face consequences. This is backed by Congressional Resolution 362 which is expected to pass very soon. The resolution demands that Pres Bush embargo all refined petroleum products to Iran. Link to Resolution text at 8 July entry. OF course this will be an "ACT OF WAR" if it is carried out. http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=5452 THE matter could be expected to be presented to the UNSC in early Aug and either carried out with the Security Council blessing, or with diplomacy being declared exhausted. It is also possible that Iran might take a page from George Bush's book and preempt the action. EVENTS in Lebanon and Gaza might also alter the equation. FOR ships in OPERATION BRIMSTONE. http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=138322 THIS exercise will also feature submarine defense. http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/navy_jtfex_072108w/

22 July 08 HAMAS sowing mines and traps in Gaza. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331054823&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull HAMAS-Israel place blackout on Shalit talks as Ofer Dekel Israel's chief negotiator, travels to Cairo this week. SECOND bulldozer attack in Jerusalem injures 17. KADIMA ruling Council approves early primary to pick new leader.

23 Jul 08 IRANIAN President rejects changes to nuclear program. http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=5459

ANNOUNCING the opening of the FELLOWSHIP FORUM CHAT ROOM. This page may be found directly below the HOME page in the directory at the left of your screen. The FORUM is for those who share a common love for the Father and His Christ; and ALL their commandments. Including the seventh day Sabbath (sunset Friday to sunset Saturday) and the annual festivals. Because visitors from many different time zones may choose to visit, the FORUM will be open 24/7. Scheduled sessions will be held from 6 to 9 pm Pacific Time, Fri, Sat and Sunday. If you don't find anyone at the FORUM, please try again.

25 Jul 08 THE United States to publish new intelligence report in Nov declaring that Iran has restarted a nuclear weapons program. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1005338.html WATER crisis deepens in Israel especially in West Bank where Israel charges Palestinians up to four times as much for water as Israelis. http://www.newstatesman.com/society/2008/07/water-israel-area-villages ISRAEL and the Palestinian Authority to hold talks with Rice in Washington on 30 July. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1005544.html

26 Jul 08 ISRAEL'S Chief of Staff returns home. HAMAS arrests 160 Fatah people after bombing in Gaza. FATAH gives Hamas twelve hours to stop actions or it will retaliate on the West Bank. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/27/content_8777550.htm ISRAEL carries out Civil Defense exercise to prepare for ceasefire collapse in the South. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3573443,00.html

27 Jul 08 ISRAEL kills a senior Hamas person in West Bank. Hamas vows a swift response. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331109723&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull ISRAELI Defense Minister leaves for previously postponed trip to Washington. ISRAEL to convene Security Cabinet on Gaza when he returns. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331114949&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull SEVENTY Taliban killed crossing Afghan-Pakistan border by NATO.

28 Jul 08 SHAUL Mofaz to join Ehud Barak in Washington on Wednesday. Mofaz is a former Sec of Defense and is now Sec of Transportation, a vital portfolio during conflict. ISRAEL-SYRIA start fourth round of talks as Israel tries to pry Syria away from Iran. PAKISTAN Prime Minister meets George Bush to discuss Taliban. ROGUE elements in the Pakistan Intelligence Community and the Army are trying to disrupt plans against the Taliban by provoking tension with India. Today Pakistan soldiers crossed the Indian border under a sign of truce and then attacked Indians. Yesterday's bombings in India may also be traced back to Pakistan. This should be seen as attempts by militant elements in Pakistan to impede the coming offensive against the Taliban by turning attention to a new crisis on the India border. PALASTINIAN Authority continues to round up anyone connected with Hamas in the West Bank. This may solve Israel's security problem in the West Bank when they invade Gaza. PM OLMERT says that an agreement will be reached on all issues except Jerusalem , this year. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331122720&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull It might fall to the Son of Perdition, who exalts himself above all that is called God, with the Primacy of Peter blasphemy (see THE ETERNAL IS GOD page), 2 Thes 2:4 to resolve that issue.

29 Jul 08 MILITARY and air defense buildup increases in South Lebanon. http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=5476 IRAQI and American forces launch a major operation to clear and secure Diyala Province between Baghdad and Iran. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7530473.stm

30 Jul 08 PM OLMERT will address Israeli nation at 8 PM local time today. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1007051.html PM OLMERT announces that he will not run in Kadima leadership primaries and will resign when a new leader is elected. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331146843&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull KADIMA primary on 17 Sep with potential runoff on 24 Sep. CLOSING date to declare candidacy is Aug 24. OF course if circumstances change, Olmert might change his mind. He is backing away now to avoid the accusation that he might start a war to avoid his political and legal problems. THIS way any conflict will be free of such taints and have a much more legitimate status with Israelis.

31 Jul 08 IF PM Olmert does not change his mind and still resigns, he will still remain on as caretaker PM until a new government is formed. The new leader has 30 days to form a government. If he fails, a 90 day extension is granted. If he still fails, then a new election is called and the process repeats. In short he could still change his mind and if not, he could remain as caretaker for many months.