This issue looks at new biblical evidence, more U.S. pressure on Israel while cutting funding, the assassination attempts on Israeli officials,and more.
OUR ISRAELI CONNECTION

Evidence for the Bible uncovered in Ashdod
David Zauber reports: Giv’at Yonah (the Hill of Jonah) in Ashdod is so named because it is the traditional burial place of the biblical prophet Jonah, and recent archeological finds have confirmed that there was indeed human settlement there corresponding to the First Temple Period. Ruins there include massive walls more than 1 m wide were found that are dated to the late 8th century and early 7th century BC. Although there are other possibilities and more research will have to be done, Sa’ar Ganor, the Ashkelon District Archaeologist of the Israel Antiquities Authority said that it was possible “that Josiah, king of Judah, occupied the fort at the time, who we know conquered territory from the Assyrians and controlled Ashdod-Yam in the seventh century BCE.”

Obama Administration Steps up Pressure on Israel
One Jerusalem reports: On June 8, 1968, the United States naval vessel Liberty was accidentally attacked by Israel. The incident could easily have spiraled into an unpleasant confrontation between Israel and the United States. After all, American lives had been lost. But, Lyndon Johnson, President of the United States, made sure that the incident did not cause a rift between America and its ally Israel. Johnson knew that attack on the Liberty was a mistake and not an act of war. Compare Johnson’s tempered response to the current tensions being inflamed in a seemingly deliberate campaign to paint Israel into a corner. After three years of a failed policy centered on talking to the madmen in Tehran, the Obama Administration is expending most of its energy on deterring any military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities. In an unprecedented move, Secretary of Defense Panetta told the world that if Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear labs it will take place in the spring. What kind of ally gives out sensitive military secrets to Iran? Read more.

Ehud Barak Escapes Assassination Attempt
The Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak escaped an assassination attempt during his Asian tour this week when a Hezbollah terrorist squad was arrested by Singapore authorities before the attack, the Kuwaiti Al-Jarida newspaper reported. The report quoted Israeli sources saying an Iranian-Hezbollah hit team had detailed information on Barak’s itinerary during his current trip to Asia and planned to kill him at his hotel. Israeli security officials notified the authorities in Singapore and the members of the terrorist cell were arrested. Read more.

IT’S NEWS TO ME

New Poll: Stop Iran Now, Even if it means War
Joel Rosenberg reports: No American wants to see another war in the Middle East. I certainly don’t. But a new poll finds that Americans say: stop Iran now, even if that means war, but under no circumstances let Iran’s Radical Muslim leaders get nuclear weapons. “The public supports tough measures – including the possible use of military force – to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons,” reports a new Pew Research Center poll. “Nearly six-in-ten (58%) say it is more important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even if it means taking military action. Read more.

SAT-7 Bearing Fruit
SAT-7 reports: New survey results tell us that over 9 million kids watched SAT-7 KIDS during 2011! A viewer in Iran wrote:

“I like your programs a lot. And I started to read the Bible but I am not a very literate person and I do not understand some parts of the Bible. I do not know any other Christian in our city. Can you please introduce me to some more Christians so that I can know more about Christianity and be in touch with others?”

News from the Jerusalem Prayer Team
Iran already has billions of dollars’ worth of conventional weapons aimed at Israel, and now in addition to its nuclear program, Iran is rapidly and massively increasing its military forces. Now official news sources within Iran have confirmed the start of nearly two dozen new weapons programs, including several aimed at striking US or other naval forces in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. This follows the very disturbing news last week that Iran has placed a satellite into orbit. The technology to launch a satellite is exactly the same technology that launches long-range nuclear warheads.

Now a news report following high-level meetings in Washington involving Mossad chief Tamir Pardo has revealed that Israel stopped sharing military intelligence with the United States for months because of the Obama Administration’s positions. Now we’re learning that President Obama’s new budget proposal cuts funding for Israel’s missile defense program by nearly 7%!

Muslim Brotherhood Emblem

The United States has provided billions of dollars to prop up Egypt’s struggling economy since the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty was signed. Now the new Muslim Brotherhood-dominated government is warning Washington not to stop the handouts…or else. The decision by an Egyptian court to bring criminal charges against more than a dozen Americans (including the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood) who were in Egypt to train candidates for the elections has sparked outrage in Congress. Leaders of both parties have threatened to cut off U.S. aid to Egypt in response. The Muslim Brotherhood doesn’t just hate Israel, they hate America too…but they still want our money!

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

I was arrested after my therapist suggested I take something for my kleptomania.