Abu Dhabi Blast – An explosion caused panic in Abu Dhabi due to all the recent terrorist activity by Houthi rebels and proxy militias. Although the city’s civil defense attributed it to a gas cylinder blowing up, there are still those who are questioning the truth of the statement. The US embassy issued warnings to their people immediately following the blast, but later walked them back citing recent security incidents. You can watch my Breaking News update regarding the episode here.
US Lifts Iran Sanctions – In a quiet Friday afternoon move that clearly illustrates this US President’s attitude of appeasement when it comes to Iran, Washington has moved to ease a significant number of sanctionsrelated to the terrorist country’s nuclear program. Iran had previously refused to return to the negotiating table as long as the sanctions were in place, and US leadership caved to their demands. Following the announcement, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted, “Biden lifting sanctions on Iran. Iran giving nothing in return. Ayatollah seeing weakness. Israel more at risk. This looks like desperation and Americans will pay the price.” Even Biden’s candidate for commander of CENTCOM could see the downside of this move, saying, “There is a good chance that the lifting of sanctions in Iran will lead to Iran investing more money in terrorist organizations.” If the US gets Iran back to the table, it still may be too late. Reports are that Iran will reach the necessary amount of 60% enriched uranium by next week and 90% enrichment in two weeks.
The Khaybar Breaker – Yesterday, Iran unveiled its new missile, the Khaybar Breaker, which can travel up to 1450 KM (covering all of Israel) and has a more rapid preparation and launch time. The missile is named after the town where in AD 628Muhammad massacred the Jewish population.
Israel Issues Seizure Order – In a move directed at Hezbollah’s precision missile project, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Sunday issued an administrative seizure order against three Lebanese businesses. This sanction will greatly hamper the companies’ ability to assist the terrorist organization and will hopefully lead to the trio permanently shutting their doors.
Israel Catches Ammunition Smugglers – On Monday, suspicious border officials looked deeper into a shipment carrying what appeared to be domestic utensils. Upon closer inspection, they discovered over 10,000 rounds of rifle and pistol ammunition. The bullets were being smuggled from Gaza into Israel.
Airstrikes on Syria – Israel launched airstrikes in and around Damascus early Wednesday morning. An anti-aircraft missile fired at one of the returning Israeli Air Force jets crossed the Syrian border and exploded on its own in Israeli airspace Wednesday morning causing no damage other than a minor brush fire ignited by the shrapnel. In response, the IAF returned to strike Syrian radar and air defense batteries. One Syrian soldier was killed during the IAF mission and five were wounded. Russian condemnation of Israel’s actions was swift and strongly worded.
Preparing for a Winter War – While most of Israel was enjoying the rare snow fall last week, the Israel Defense Forces decided to take advantage of the weather. They quickly mobilized and ran drills in order to prepare for the potential scenario of a winter war. Those with cold weather battle experience know that snow and ice can greatly affect equipment, particularly when it comes to armor.
Russia vs. Ukraine – All eyes remain on the border between Russia and Ukraine. While there is still room for the possibility of a diplomatic solution, the rising tensions between the two countries seem to make that eventuality more remote with each passing day. US officials warn that if Russia does attack, Kyiv could fall within the first 48 hours.
An even greater concern is that if Ukraine is taken, it could be just the first of multiple dominoes to fall to a Russian juggernaut. This continues to fit very snugly into an Ezekiel 38 last days scenario.
