The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jeremiah 31:33)
1. Arab League denounces Fatah Islam group - Jerusalem Post
The Arab League denounced Lebanon's Fatah Islam group, calling it a terrorist organization on Wednesday. In a statement released in Cairo, the Arab League said that it had full support in the Lebanese Armed Forces' ability to restore calm in the region.
2. IDF: Hamas behind drop in Qassam attacks - Ynet News
The drop in Qassam attacks against Israel in recent days isn't due to the IDF but rather internal tactical decisions within Hamas -- said military sources on Wednesday.
3. Israel arrests Palestinian minister of education - Ynet News
IDF troops conducted a large-scale arrest operation against Hamas leaders in the West Bank early Thursday morning, arresting 33 Hamas members including the minister of education for Palestinian Authority, four mayors and municipality chairmen and three members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
4. In "amazing turnaround," Olmert OKs spending of billions for Gaza gas - Israel Insider
The Times reports that British energy firm BG Group is poised to agree the terms of an historic $4 billion deal to supply gas to Israel from a discovery off the Gaza coastline. The deal is the result of a decision by PM Olmert to abandon the objections of former PM Sharon and buy energy from the Palestinians after giving away control over Gaza and its resources. BG Group had reportedly threatened to pump the gas to Egypt.
5. Messiah mystery follows death of mystical rabbi - WND
A controversy is raging in Israel, in evangelical circles in the U.S. and on kabbalah web forums worldwide following the posthumous release of what a revered Sephardic rabbi claimed to be the name of the Messiah.
