By Alon Ben-Meir NEW YORK — The Iraqi Kurdish referendum vote for independence, scheduled for September 25, is more than likely to pass by an overwhelming majority of the Kurdish population. Sadly, however, not a single country (with the exception of Israel) expressed its support for the Kurds’ impending historic decision to finally realize their […]
Iraqi Kurds’ Freedom Long Overdue Read More »
Alon Ben-Meir, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Among the matters being argued by the Jews of Israel is their Supreme Court. Somewhere in the noise are the classic questions about democracy. What is it? What’s enough? What’s too much? and Who is the best guardian? Commentators are describing a series of instances that have upset, altered or challenged
The Knesset vs. Israel’s Supreme Court Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastTEHRAN — A man was hanged in front of cheering crowds in Iran on Wednesday after being convicted of the rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl which had outraged the nation. The execution of 42-year-old Esmail Jafarzadeh was shown in an amateur video shared on the state broadcaster’s website. Get The Times of Israel’s
Crowd cheers as Iran hangs man for rape, murder of young girl Read More »
Middle EastNEW YORK — Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday derided US President Donald Trump as a “rogue newcomer” and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the leader of a “rogue and racist regime,” and vowed that Tehran would respond “decisively and resolutely” if the Iran nuclear deal is remade or canceled. In an address to the
Calling Trump ‘rogue newcomer,’ Rouhani vows tough response if nuke deal ditched Read More »
International, Middle East, USAThe IDF has officially expunged the term “Temple Mount,” choosing instead to refer to Judaism’s holiest site as “behind the Kotel,” NRG reported. In a pamphlet given to soldiers going on a tour of Jerusalem, the guidebook given to soldiers says that the famous Binding of Yitzhak (Isaac) occurred “behind the Kotel,” using that term
IDF guides rename Temple Mount Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastBernie Sanders was among seven Jewish senators who sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday urging him to implement an agreement to expand an egalitarian prayer plaza at the Western Wall. Netanyahu’s cabinet put a hold in June on the deal passed in 2016, drawing the ire of American Jewish leaders.
Sanders, 6 other Jewish US senators urge PM to implement Western Wall deal Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East, USAUNITED NATIONS — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had little to say about prospects for peace with the Palestinians — but plenty to say about the Iran nuclear accord, which he vehemently opposes. Netanyahu, addressing the General Assembly on its opening day Tuesday, called Iran’s nuclear ambitions a “dark shadow” and said its rulers “vow
Netanyahu to UN: Iran is a menace and nuclear deal a mistake Read More »
International, Middle EastPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday met with Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in New York in the first-ever public sit-down between the two leaders. Netanyahu and Sissi were in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Get The Times of Israel’s Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up
Netanyahu meets with Egypt’s Sissi in first public talks Read More »
International, Middle EastThe IDF announced on Tuesday that it will put in place a closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, ahead of the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, which starts Wednesday evening. The closure, a routine procedure during Israeli and Jewish holidays, is expected to last
Israel announces West Bank, Gaza closure for Rosh Hashanah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East[youtube:2033070] In the run-up to the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin recorded a video message to Jewish communities around the world wishing them a happy and healthy New Year. In his message, the President noted the importance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a time for reflection and soul searching,
President Rivlin’s Rosh Hashanah message to world Jewry Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastThe board of New York’s Center for Jewish History is defending its recently installed executive director over calls from right-wing groups for his dismissal. A campaign against David Myers, formerly a prominent academic at UCLA, centers on his urging Israel to end its occupation in the West Bank. Get The Times of Israel’s Daily Edition
Center for Jewish History board backs new head after right-wing attacks Read More »
Middle East, USAFor the first time in history, the United States on Monday established an official, permanent military base in Israel: an air defense base in the heart of the Negev desert. Dozens of US Air Force soldiers will call home the new base, located inside the Israeli Air Force’s Mashabim Air Base, west of the towns
In first, US establishes permanent military base in Israel Read More »
Middle East, USABy Steve Kramer ALFE MENASHE, Israel — I’ve written numerous times about the danger of Iran controlling a swath of the Middle East through Iraq and Syria (and/or Lebanon) to the Mediterranean Sea. Prime Minister Netanyahu should be commended for steadfastly reminding the world, the UN, and even the US Congress, of the disastrous consequences
Is Israel vs. Iran war on the horizon? Read More »
Middle EastUS President Donald Trump again expressed his hopes for a peaceful settlement to the Middle East crisis Monday as he met Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu was the first leader to have a one-on-one with Trump at the US president’s first United Nations General Assembly, an annual week of high-level diplomacy. The conversation in
Trump touts peace hopes at Netanyahu meeting Read More »
Middle East, USA