Why so many women are converting to Catholicism

While American women are leaving organized religion at faster rates than men, some women are instead entering. 

Ask an evangelical what separates them from Rome, and they’ll likely mention Mary. Ask a Catholic convert why she crossed over, and she might say the same thing. Nothing divides evangelical Protestants from Catholics quite so visibly as Mary.

But beneath that divide lies deeper questions about authority, tradition, worship and what it means to belong to the Church.

Over the past year as a writer and podcast host, I’ve spoken extensively with Protestant women who converted to Catholicism, as well as academics and those studying the forces behind this shift.

The conversion pattern is real: Catholic dioceses across the country have reported striking increases in converts, with some seeing their numbers rise by 70% to nearly 90% in a single year. (Read More)

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 Senior Researcher Brad Myers Comments:

Do you know that millions of Muslims, mostly women, visit Marian shrines in Egypt, Pakistan, Lebanon, India, Turkey, etc., and pray to Mary, known as the "Queen of Heaven," for things like peace, physical healing, and relief from financial and marital hardships?  

Are you aware that Pope Leo XIV frequently entrusts his prayers for global peace to Mary rather than directly to Jesus Christ? What does God think about all these prayer requests, global attention, and praise being directed toward a deceased human being instead of going to Him? (Isaiah42:8, Hebrews 7:25)  

An interesting passage is found in Daniel 11:37 concerning the end times:

 "He will have no respect for the gods of his ancestors, or for the god LOVED BY WOMEN, or for any other god, for he will boast that he is greater than them all." (NLT) Bible scholars John Peter Lange and G.H. Pember in their commentaries believed that Daniel 11:37 refers to a goddess. During the Tribulation Period, the man of lawlessness known as the Antichrist will exalt himself and magnify himself above EVERY god, including the god loved by women.

 There are many Bible expositors who believe Daniel 11:37 refers to the desire of ALL godly Jewish women to give birth to the Jewish Messiah. The vast majority of these Christians do not know that there is no historical evidence of this desire of Jewish women at the time the book of Daniel was written or is later found in the Jewish writings in the Talmud or Midrash.

Who is the "god" that is LOVED BY WOMEN that the Antichrist feels he must say that he is greater than in the future? Is Daniel the prophet giving us a clue that this, "god" loved by women, could actually be a goddess in the eyes of the Lord? In the future, is it possible that one goddess could arise out of all of the other goddesses of the past and capture the love, attention, and praise of the world's religious faiths with future signs and lying wonders in the first half of the Seven-Year Tribulation Period?

Dr. Bill Salus “The Catholic Church in the Tribulation Period

In this teaching video, Bill Salus explores the prophetic applications of the letter to the Church of Thyatira in Revelation 2:18-29, with the Catholic Church. Revelation 2:22-23 says, "Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works."

Israel to shut down UK consulate in Jerusalem in response to sanctions on Israeli settlements in West Bank

United Kingdom Britain’s dramatic crackdown on Israeli settlements sparks fierce response as US blowback looms

The United Kingdom unveiled sweeping new measures targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank on Tuesday, triggering an immediate diplomatic rupture with Israel and a sharp warning from a senior Trump administration official.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval, that Israel would close the British Consulate in Jerusalem and impose a series of countermeasures in response to the U.K. sanctions.

The Israeli measures also include removing British representatives from the International Gaza Support Center in Kiryat Gat, ending British activities training Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank and denying entry to 12 British elected officials and other British nationals whom Israel accused of antisemitic or anti-Israel activity.

"Measures against Israel will not go unanswered," Sa’ar said. "Whoever acts against Israel, Israel will act against them, and they will lose their influence and relevance in the region."

The escalation came hours after Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told Parliament that Britain would ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements, target companies and individuals facilitating settlement expansion, and refuse licenses for arms and other exports that materially contribute to the occupation.

The move is part of a coordinated push with France, Canada and other European partners amid what the governments described Tuesday as "unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion" in the West Bank, including Israel’s E1 project, which they argue threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state. The measures come just weeks before world leaders gather for the U.N. General Assembly in New York and less than two months before Israel’s Oct. 27 election, adding diplomatic and political stakes to an already strained relationship between Israel and several of its traditional Western allies. (Read More)

UK foreign secretary announces sanctions on trade with Israeli West Bank settlements

IRGC confirms Iran attacked Jordanian US military base following Kharg Island strikes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran on Tuesday that the US would continue to strike Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for attempted attacks on US warships.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a statement on Iranian media on Wednesday that it had attacked a US base in the eastern Jordanian city of Al Azraq with ballistic missiles in retaliation for earlier US attacks on Iranian oil tankers.

This came following reports of missiles being launched from 12 different cities across Iran in the heaviest barrage since the end of Operation Roaring Lion, Army Radio reported late Tuesday night, citing Iranian media.

At least 35 missiles were launched towards Jordan, according to Israeli news outlets, activating sirens in the country's US military base.

Jordan's state news agency, citing armed forces, reported that 20 ballistic missiles had been launched from Iranian territory, 18 of which were destroyed by Jordanian air defense systems. Two missiles fell in unpopulated areas, and there were no casualties, the news agency cited Jordan's military as saying. (Read More)

UAE Warning to Netanyahu Sparks Controversy

Veteran Middle East correspondent says Haaretz report claiming Emirati president warned Israeli PM about Sinwar's plans puts Abu Dhabi in difficult position with Arab world.

Veteran Middle East journalist Jackie Hugi responded Tuesday to a Haaretz report claiming that United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before October 7 that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a major operation that would ignite the Middle East.

According to Hugi, the publication of such information places Abu Dhabi in an extremely awkward diplomatic position. "This morning's report about the bin Zayed-Netanyahu conversation has put Abu Dhabi in an embarrassing situation," Hugi said. "In Arab consciousness, this act borders on betrayal. An Arab ruler passing confidential intelligence to Israel's prime minister and attempting to save him from an attack, this echoes how King Hussein is remembered in Arab memory as a collaborator with the Zionists after he went to Golda Meir on September 25, 1973, and revealed the coordinated Egyptian-Syrian attack." (Read More)

Iran Claims Capture of US Submarine

Revolutionary Guards say they seized an American unmanned underwater vessel in the Strait of Hormuz following an intelligence operation, promising to release additional details.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Tuesday that it successfully captured an unmanned American submarine in the Strait of Hormuz, pledging to provide further information about the incident in the coming hours.

According to the Iranian statement, the underwater vessel was seized following what they described as a lengthy and complex intelligence operation. The capture occurred Tuesday morning at the entrance to the strategic waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and serves as a critical passage for global oil shipments.

Iranian officials characterized the seized vessel as "one of the most advanced smart unmanned submarines" supplied to the U.S. Navy in 2025. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with recent reports indicating that American forces have conducted a four-month operation to neutralize mines in the Strait of Hormuz using commando units, reportedly without Iranian knowledge. The Iranian claim appears to be a response to those activities.

The claim has not been independently verified, and Washington has neither confirmed nor denied losing an unmanned platform in the area. (Read More)

Disney Introducing New (Controversial) Supernatural Teen Drama Series!

Once again, Disney embraces the world of witches, warlocks, and sorcery while filling young minds with secular worldviews that reflect the current culture. This original teen drama AKA “teen soap opera,” follows Disney’s storyline of three teenage witches and a warlock as they wield their supernatural powers in the halls of an elite magic boarding school.

 Coven Academy uses New Orleans as its backdrop, where teen witches and warlocks are caught up in what Disney describes as “supernatural wars, forbidden love interests, and influential, dangerous desires.”

The series trailer includes teens with anger issues, encourages witch sisterhood, teen romance, vampires, and much more. The teaser trailer features the song “Brutal” by avid Planned Parenthood supporter, Olivia Rodrigo.

The Bible tells us clearly in Isaiah 8:19-22 that there is a spiritual realm that is not of God. It warns us not to take part in witchcraft or consult with mediums but to call on God. Deuteronomy 18:10-11 also warns us to avoid witchcraft in all forms.

Rated PG-V, this dark series premieres October 1 on Freeform channel; the full season will be available the next day on Disney+, Hulu, and Freeform on Demand. (Read More)

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Sharing the views expressed in this srticle does not necessarily represent our endorsement.

Senior researcher Brad Myers comments:

Why has the number of people claiming to be witches, Wiccans, or modern pagans worldwide increased substantially over the last few decades? Why is witchcraft, which includes Wicca, Paganism, and New Age beliefs and practices, becoming one of the fastest-growing spiritual paths in the world in 2026?

Does it make sense that these worldwide spiritual beliefs and practices embraced by Wiccans, Pagans, and New Age adherents will not be destroyed by the Antichrist and his ten kings in Revelation 17:16, but could actually form part of the one-world religion of the Beast in Revelation 13, who will claim divinity and most likely offer mankind supernatural abilities in exchange for worship and receiving his mark? Just food for thought.

 

Beware! China is rapidly developing humanoid robot soldiers

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Houthis strike Saudi Arabia: 73 civilians wounded in overnight attacks

Houthi missiles and drones strike four southern Saudi cities, wounding 73 civilians, as Yemeni government forces report advances on several fronts.

Dozens of civilians were wounded in Houthi missile and drone attacks on southern Saudi Arabia overnight, as fighting between the Iranian-backed terrorist group and Yemeni government forces continued to intensify on several fronts. A Saudi statement issued Tuesday morning said that the Houthis targeted four cities in southern Saudi Arabia - Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran - leaving 73 civilians wounded, including women and children. 

Saudi authorities said that all necessary measures would be taken to deter the Houthis and defend the kingdom's sovereignty.he Houthis said Tuesday that they had launched drones and missiles toward southern Saudi Arabia. The attacks came amid some of the heaviest fighting in Yemen in years. Since Thursday, the Houthis have carried out a ground offensive alongside missile and drone attacks against areas along the Red Sea coast and near Taiz, as they seek to advance toward territory close to the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait that remains under government control.

Dozens of people on both sides have been killed or wounded during several days of fighting. Meanwhile, Yemeni government forces expanded their operations against the Houthis on Monday, reporting advances on several fronts alongside intensified airstrikes and ground fighting. In Al Jawf, Yemeni forces began entering areas that had previously been controlled by the Houthis following strikes against Houthi positions. The Yemeni military also targeted the Al Yatmah area with rocket launchers ahead of an expected advance by government troops and local tribes. (Read More)

Houthis announce 'broad operation deep into Saudi territory,' claim attack on Aramco facilities

"The coalition will take all necessary operational measures to deter this terrorist militia and resolutely confront its hostile approach," Colonel Turki al-Malki said in a statement on X/Twitter.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis said on Tuesday they attacked with drones and ballistic missiles Saudi energy sites belonging to oil giant Aramco in southern areas, with the group's military spokesperson calling it "a broad operation." The Saudi-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen's spokesperson vowed to respond firmly to the latest outbreak of hostilities. The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen and much of the north, have been launching attacks towards Saudi Arabia since they declared a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, with strikes targeting its vessels in the Red Sea.

The latest escalation was "dangerous," as the Houthis attacked civilian and economic entities in the world's largest oil exporter and de-facto OPEC leader, the spokesperson of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said on Tuesday." The coalition will take all necessary operational measures to deter this terrorist militia and resolutely confront its hostile approach," Colonel Turki al-Malki said in a statement on X/Twitter.

The Houthis launched attacks on targets in the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran, it added. Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said that a number of energy facilities and utilities in the kingdom's southern region had been attacked by Yemen's Houthis, causing fires at several sites and temporarily halting some operations. (Source)

US-Saudi nuclear deal ‘glide path’ to bomb, senior House Dem tells JNS

The U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement could put the kingdom “on a glide path to have a nuclear weapon in 10 to 15 years,” Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) told JNS on Thursday. Sherman, who reviewed the agreement after the Trump administration submitted it to Congress last month, is one of the first members of Congress to object to the “alarming” deal that he said “clearly envisions enrichment and reprocessing” of uranium without inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. “From that standpoint, it’s worse than the JCPOA,” Sherman said, referring to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The administration signed the agreement with the Saudis in July and submitted it to Congress, as required by law, in a letter dated Aug. 24.

Chris Wright, U.S. energy secretary, stated at the time of the signing that “these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while relying on the world’s best nuclear technology and scientists, designed right here in the United States.” The terms of the deal, which according to Sherman include both classified and unclassified sections, have not been released to the public. JNS has not reviewed them. The Jewish congressman, who is the second-ranked Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated on Wednesday that the agreement “explicitly allows uranium enrichment on Saudi soil under certain conditions.”

More than 30 countries around the world operate civilian nuclear power plants, but according to the International Panel on Fissile Materials, only 12 have operational uranium enrichment facilities, excluding Iran, the status of whose enrichment sites is unknown. Eight of those countries have nuclear weapons. “There’s supposed to be a two-year process for evaluating whether the Saudis should move forward with enrichment and reprocessing, but it could be a two-year process or it could be a two-day process,” Sherman said. “It’s an essential element of the deal, but not one on which Congress gets any input,” he told JNS. “Only President Trump, not Congress, will determine if those vague conditions have been met,” he said.

He added that the terms of the presidential approval process were unclear and consisted of consultation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crown prince, widely known by the moniker MBS, is the de facto ruler of the country on behalf of his 90-year-old father. In a 2018 interview with CBS, the crown prince said that “without a doubt if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.” Other Saudi officials have made similar statements, including Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, who said in a 2018 interview with CNN that the kingdom would seek to match Iran’s nuclear program. “If Iran acquires a nuclear capability, we will do everything we can to do the same,” al-Jubeir said. Sherman told JNS that a Saudi nuclear weapons program should be as concerning as the Iranian one. (Read More)

Iran's ex-president Rouhani urges public say on ending war, prompting calls for arrest

“We must, in accordance with the overwhelming majority of the people, end the war with honor so that we can rebuild the country, so that we can compensate for the damage done,” Hassan Rouhani said.

Hassan Rouhani called for the Iranian regime to allow the public to decide whether to end the war if a ceasefire agreement met Iranian demands, according to footage of the speech shared by the former Iranian president. Rouhani, who reportedly made the comments over the weekend at a gathering of former provincial governors, criticized the small minority “who now hold the megaphones and are making noise,” in an apparent reference to hardliners who have opposed concessions aimed at ending the war.

“It is very important that the framework of our national goals is clear to ourselves first, and then we present it to the people,” he said. “We say to the people: our plan is to fight the world’s big powers for another 20 years. If the people say they accept it, very good, let’s continue. But if the people do not accept it and show us another way, do we not want to accept that?”

Rouhani called for the war to end “honorably” and in accordance with “the overwhelming majority of the people.” “We must, in accordance with the overwhelming majority of the people, end the war with honor so that we can rebuild the country, so that we can compensate for the damage done,” he said. The former president also criticized Iran’s state broadcasters, claiming that the media stations had become a “center for division.” (Ed note: President Hassan Rouhani (2013-2021) was not considered a hardliner, instead, he was widely classified as a moderate or pragmatist within Iran’s establishment.) (Read More)

IDF Strikes Hamas Target in Gaza City

Palestinian media report aerial attack in western Gaza City. The IDF has intensified operations against Hamas operatives involved in the October 7 massacre in recent weeks. Palestinian media outlets are reporting an Israeli airstrike in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in western Gaza City. 

Details regarding the identity of the target and whether the strike was successful have not yet been released. The Israel Defense Forces typically waits at least 24 hours before publicly confirming the identities of eliminated targets. In recent weeks, the IDF has accelerated its campaign of targeted strikes against Hamas terrorists and commanders who participated in the October 7 massacre in communities surrounding Gaza. (Source)

UK set to ban trade with Israeli settlements in West Bank on Tuesday, 'Post' learns - exclusive

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told the House of Commons last week the UK needs “a comprehensive reset of our policy” when it comes to the West Bank.

The United Kingdom will announce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank on Tuesday, sources told The Jerusalem Post on Monday. The news is not exactly unexpected: Foreign Minister Ed Miliband already stated on August 19 that he would be setting out a comprehensive set of measures in "the coming weeks." Nevertheless, the timing of the expected announcement, just days before Jewish New Year, may shock British Jews.

Tuesday's announcement in Parliament is likely to take place in the afternoon, after a 9:30 a.m. debate on Jewish safety in Westminster Hall. The new measures will likely include a ban on goods produced in the settlements and targeted sanctions on British institutions and individuals. Jewish groups, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, have expressed concerns that the sanctions could further damage the UK-Israel relationship and have a harmful impact on UK Jews. UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the UK government’s intended sanctions will be "counterproductive and even endanger such a vision of peace.”

The chief rabbi added that many in the community view the measures with deep dismay, warning they risk spiraling into a de facto boycott of Israel and threatening the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Palestinian workers. Mirvis also noted that “these measures will also disproportionately affect British Jews because of our close religious, family, charitable, and educational ties to Israel." New Shadow Foreign Secretary Tom Tugendhat warned in The Telegraph on Sunday that damaging diplomatic relations with the Jewish state could lead to harm for British citizens. He said terrorist attacks on British soil had been foiled by the UK’s security services as a direct result of Israeli intelligence sources sharing information with their British counterparts. (Read More)

Florida congressman warns: British companies could face boycott over Israel sanctions

Florida Congressman Randy Fine warns Britain that companies complying with Israel sanctions could be barred from doing business with Florida governments.

Florida Congressman Randy Fine (R-FL) warned Britain on Monday that companies complying with reported British sanctions targeting Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria could be barred from doing business with state and local governments in Florida. "As the British government considers forcing British companies to boycott portions of Israel, it should be aware that a Florida law that I passed as a member of the Legislature would ban any British company forced to comply from doing business with any state or local government in Florida," Fine wrote on social media.

He added that the legislation "would also end any British business participating in that boycott from doing any business in Florida if it needed any official interaction with state or local government to operate (permits, tax collection)." Fine stated that the potential consequences for Britain would be substantial. "Florida is one of Britain’s largest trading partners. They should understand that their vanity project in support of Muslim terror could cost them billions of dollars," he wrote. "And for those who doubt the power of this policy," continued Fine, "it was this same law that broke Airbnb’s misguided effort to boycott portions of Israel in 2019. They realized that this law would have bankrupted their company." "Florida has made it clear. Any company - or nation - that boycotts Israel is boycotted by Florida," he concluded.

Fine was responding to a report in The New York Times that Britain is preparing to announce expanded economic measures against Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. The reported measures could include prohibiting trade in goods produced in the communities and imposing sanctions on companies involved in construction there. Three officials cited by the newspaper said Britain is also considering sanctions against companies that assist construction in Jewish communities. Such steps would broaden previous British sanctions related to Judea and Samaria, which have largely targeted individuals. (Read More)

Smotrich calls for expulsion of UK ambassador after 'Post' report of planned settlement trade ban

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also responded to the reports of the settlement trade ban by calling for Israel to recognize the Falkland Islands as "Argentine territory under occupation."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the United Kingdom's ambassador to Israel to be ejected from the country on Monday night, following reports that the UK was planning to announce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank on Tuesday. "Expel the British ambassador tonight!" Smotrich posted on X/Twitter. "The British Mandate in the Land of Israel is over." Smotrich added that Israel would not be "a doormat trampled by an antisemitic government," and called the UK "a country conquered by radical Islam, trying to save itself from economic and social decline by attacking Jews and the State of Israel."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also responded to the reports of the UK's settlement trade ban by calling for Israel to recognize the Falkland Islands as "Argentine territory under occupation." He also called upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentina's sovereignty over the islands, and to impose sanctions on Britain "as long as the occupation continues."

Earlier on Monday, sources told The Jerusalem Post about the UK's plan to announce the ban on trade with settlements. Tuesday's announcement in Parliament is likely to take place in the afternoon, after a 9:30 a.m. debate on Jewish safety in Westminster Hall. The new measures will likely include a ban on goods produced in the settlements and targeted sanctions on British institutions and individuals. (Source)

More than 20,000 make aliyah to Israel as Western applications surge

Russia, France and the US sent the most new immigrants in Hebrew year 5786; 35% were ages 18-35 and 414 were doctors, while aliyah applications jumped in several Western countries ahead of ynet Global’s Sept. 8 Aliyah Live Summit.

More than 20,000 new immigrants from over 100 countries moved to Israel during the past Hebrew year despite the country’s prolonged security challenges, with Russia, France and the United States accounting for the largest groups and new figures showing a sharp rise in interest in aliyah across several Western countries. The figures, released by the Aliyah and Integration Ministry and the Jewish Agency for Israel ahead of Rosh Hashanah, cover the period from Sept. 23, 2025, through Sept. 3, 2026.

They show that 5,685 immigrants arrived from Russia, followed by 4,364 from France and 3,333 from the United States. Another 975 came from Britain. Other countries sending significant numbers of new immigrants included Ukraine with 797, Belarus with 491, Canada with 440, Australia with 247, Argentina with 243, Georgia with 241, South Africa and Germany with 210 each, and Brazil with 200.

The data offer a snapshot not only of who is moving to Israel, but also of a potentially significant shift in where future aliyah, Jewish immigration to Israel, may come from. While Russia remains the largest single source of new immigrants, the number of people beginning the aliyah process has risen substantially in several Western countries. That trend will be among the issues in focus Tuesday, Sept. 8, when ynet Global holds its Global Aliyah Live Summit, a special international live broadcast devoted to both the decision to move to Israel and the practical challenges that begin after arrival. (Read More)

Israel Retaliates Against UK Sanctions

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar outlined a series of countermeasures following Britain's decision to impose trade restrictions on products from Judea and Samaria.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced Tuesday a package of retaliatory measures against Britain, responding to the UK's decision to join 11 other countries in imposing sanctions and trade restrictions on products originating from Judea and Samaria (the West Bank).

In a statement, Sa'ar said he had decided on "a series of Israeli countermeasures in response to a new wave of sanctions announced by the Labour government." He characterized accusations leveled against Israel in the British Parliament as "outrageous and false," while emphasizing that Israel harbors no grievance against the British people themselves. "We know we have many friends in Britain, but the hostile Labour government has left us no choice," he stated.

Sa'ar described the British move as "morally distorted and constituting blatant interference in the affairs of a sovereign state." He drew a historical parallel to the White Paper era, referencing what he called the antisemitic statement by a British Mandatory commander who sought "to punish the Jews by hitting them in their pockets." (Read More)

IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces struck Hezbollah infrastructure across Southern Lebanon overnight on Sunday after the Iranian-backed terrorist organization launched two explosive drones at IDF troops in the security zone, the military said on Monday. The suicide drones targeted soldiers operating in the area of the Ali al-Taher Ridge, the army said. No Israelis were injured. In response, the IDF attacked several Hezbollah sites, including a weapons storage facility, it said. The military said it also struck several terrorists it identified transferring weapons near Kfar Reman, northeast of Nabatieh, to remove a threat to its soldiers. Separately, the IDF struck in the Nabatieh area, eliminating several Hezbollah operatives, it announced.

“Prior to the strikes, steps were taken to mitigate harm to uninvolved individuals, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance,” the military said. “The claim that several uninvolved individuals were harmed as a result of the strikes is being reviewed. “The IDF will not allow the Hezbollah terrorist organization to harm Israeli civilians or IDF soldiers and will continue to operate to remove threats while remaining committed to the ceasefire agreement,” it added. On Sunday morning, the IDF said it was striking in Southern Lebanon after Hezbollah launched two drones toward soldiers operating in the security zone. Troops downed one of the drones, the IDF said. No injuries were reported in the attack.

The statement called the incident “a blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement with Beirut. Soldiers “will continue to operate in the security zone in order to remove any threat toward Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers,” the military said, adding that it would act “with determination against Hezbollah’s repeated attempts to harm IDF soldiers.” Also on Sunday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the United States and the international community to “urgently” intervene after the Israeli strikes in Southern Lebanon. Overnight Friday, the IDF also carried out strikes on Hezbollah terrorists and infrastructure in Southern Lebanon in response to a drone launched earlier in the day at soldiers operating in the security zone. The drone attack constituted a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF said. (Read More)

Kushner: Israeli elections hinder progress

Trump's Middle East envoy says U.S. and Israel agree on Gaza endgame but election pressures make decision-making "a little irrational" Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, offered pointed remarks about Israel's political climate during a visit to Ukraine, saying that while Washington and Jerusalem agree on the ultimate vision for Gaza, Israel's election cycle is interfering with rational policymaking "I think we agree with the Israelis on the end state for Gaza," Kushner said. "They have crazy elections, and that makes them a little irrational in certain aspects."

Kushner was in Ukraine as part of White House efforts to broker an end to the war there. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky one day after holding a three-hour meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Israel is currently in the midst of its election season, which has historically created political pressures that can complicate long-term strategic decision-making.  Kushner's comments come amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Israeli government over implementing the peace plan for Gaza. According to reports, the White House has been pressing Israel to move forward with Hamasdisarmament and infrastructure reconstruction in the coastal territory.

Last month, Kushner held a four-hour meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the peace initiative. The two sides reached an agreement that no reconstruction would proceed in Gaza without complete disarmament of Hamas, with the first step being the surrender of all weapons for destruction under international supervision. (Ed note: Does anyone else see Jared as a taller version of National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. Another presidential envoy who was more than willing to throw Israel under the bus.)   (Read More)

'Beyond your comprehension': US only beginning to understand Gaza militarization, Kushner says

The United States has only begun to grasp the scale of Gaza's current level of militarization, US envoy Jared Kushner told reporters in Kyiv on Sunday.“We’re now starting to understand the scope of the militarization of Gaza,” Kushner said. “It is beyond your comprehension, and so demilitarizing it is not going to be easy.” He also said that the US had worked with Hamas for more than four months, and that the terror group had signed an agreement committing to demilitarization.

“You can’t go in if there’s guns, right? You can’t send the government into a place,” he said. Turning to Israel, Kushner said Washington and Jerusalem agree on the desired end state, but that political considerations in Israel are complicating the process. said that the talks were "very substantial," adding that they had discussed security and economic guarantees for Ukraine, as well as supplies of air-defense missiles and a winter support package.

He also hoped that trilateral talks, including Ukraine, Russia and the US, would restart soon. On Saturday, the two Americans had also visited Moscowin order to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We’re working through some political issues in Israel. I think we agree with them on the end state,” he said. “They just have a crazy election, and that makes them a little irrational in certain regards, but we’re very determined that we’re working through these things.”

Kushner, along with US envoy Steve Witkoff, had arrived in Ukraine on Sunday in order to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and discuss security and diplomacy. Zelensky said that the talks were "very substantial," adding that they had discussed security and economic guarantees for Ukraine, as well as supplies of air-defense missiles and a winter support package. He also hoped that trilateral talks, including Ukraine, Russia and the US, would restart soon. On Saturday, the two Americans had also visited Moscowin order to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Ed note: No Jared, conditions in Israel are not "complicating the process." Why hasn't Hamas been disarmed, and what are you trying to get Israel to give up now?) (Source)

Katz threatens 'all-out war' on PA over West Bank 'October 7-style attack' terror threat to Israel

Defense minister says Israel will launch 'all-out war' against senior PA officials, terror infrastructure if an October 7-style attack is planned • Statement follows stabbing attack near Kusra.

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have directed the IDF to target senior Palestinian Authority (PA) officials in an "all-out war" on terrorism in the West Bank, should Israel identify a plan to launch an "October-7 style" attack on Israeli forces and Jewish settlements. "If the security apparatuses of the Palestinian Authority and the bodies associated with them launch, or we know for certain that they are about to launch, an October 7-style terrorist attack against forces and Jewish settlements, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I instructed the IDF to prepare to launch an all-out war against senior officials and mechanisms of the [Palestinian] Authority, the bodies associated with them, and against all terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria - in order to quickly bring about their complete defeat," Katz said.

We will not allow for a return of a reality of a continued intifada spanning years, as was the case in the past," the defense ministe continued."Instead, we will launch a comprehensive campaign against the Authority and all terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria, including the elimination of senior officials, the evacuation of residents of the cities and villages from which terrorist activity will be carried out, the elimination of terrorists, the destruction of all terrorist infrastructures in place, and the remaining The IDF will be in the area to be evacuated." (Ed note: This could get serious in a hurry.) (Read More)

Zamir warns IDF must be ready for surprise attack across all fronts

IDF Chief Eyal Zamir says Israel’s military must remain ready for a surprise attack as commanders test responses to a rapidly escalating multi-front war.

IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir conducted a situational assessment on Sunday with the participation of the General Staff Forum, as part of the “Breaking Dawn 2.0" General Staff surprise exercise, which is being conducted simultaneously with operational activity in various sectors. During the situational assessment, the Chief of the General Staff examined the command headquarters’ and troops’ response to a multi-arena, rapidly developing scenario, as well as the IDF’s readiness for a variety of operational scenarios.

"We are in a tense and volatile period across all arenas, and we are preparing for the upcoming holiday period. We continue to draw lessons, and as I have defined it, the baseline posture of the entire IDF is readiness for a surprise attack," the Chief of Staff stated.

Explaining the significance of the exercise, Zamir noted that it "simulates a multi-arena war and allows us to examine the IDF’s readiness at all levels and across all formations, as well as the orders and their current applicability - from the General Staff level down to the level of units in the field." "The exercise constitutes a significant part of the IDF’s preparations for the upcoming holiday period," he added. (Source)

Hamas bomb hits IDF vehicle, Israel strikes back in Gaza

Hamas blatantly violates ceasefire, IDF engineering vehicle drives over explosive device.

Hamas has violated the ceasefire agreement again, placing an explosive device in the "Yellow Line" area in Gaza. On Sunday, an IDF engineering vehicle drove over an explosive device belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Yellow Line area in the northern Gaza Strip. No IDF injuries were reported. "This constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement by the Hamas terrorist organization," the IDF warned.

In response, later on Sunday night the IDF struck Hamas terrorist infrastructure sites that were used by the organization to advance terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops.

"IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any threat," the IDF stressed. (Source)

Iran, where eggs are a better bet than cash

When eggs can hold their value better than cash, an economy has entered dangerous territory. But that is exactly where Iran is. Rapidly rising prices are forcing families to think less about what they can afford next year or next month and more about what they should buy today before their money loses more value tomorrow. “If you are an average Iranian, you know what you can buy today. You might not buy tomorrow — and by tomorrow, I mean 24 hours later,” economist Ali Dadpay told Iran International’s Eye for Iran podcast. . “This is an economy that right now saving in eggs makes more sense … than saving in tomans,” he said. An egg now costs roughly 25,000 tomans. But the story is not its dollar value. It is how quickly the purchasing power of the toman is eroding. Money put aside today may buy noticeably less within days.

You have to tell people the frustration, the anger, the feeling of inability to provide for one’s family or afford healthcare services, pay for prescription drugs,” Dadpay said. Average monthly income is below $200, by his estimate, while housing consumes an increasingly large share of household earnings. Meat and other proteins are disappearing from some families’ diets. Even damaged fruit, once bought by the poorest or given to the homeless, is increasingly becoming an option for ordinary households trying to stretch their money. “We are not approaching an economic disaster,” Dadpay said. “We are in the middle of an economic disaster.”

Economic pain, political anger

The erosion of Iran’s middle class has been underway for years, but the pressure is accelerating. Saving itself has become less about building wealth than preserving purchasing power, with gold and foreign currency used to make sure today’s earnings can still pay for necessities weeks or months from now “This is an economy that has stopped to invest in its future,” Dadpay said. The political question is what happens when years of impoverishment collide with shortages, unemployment and declining public services. Iranian authorities appear increasingly concerned about that possibility. Officials have identified gasoline, unemployment and livelihoods as potential triggers for unrest.

Judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei has threatened a tougher response to renewed protests, while leaked Basij audio has exposed concerns about further unrest. Strategic forecaster Kamran Bokhari cautioned against treating economic deterioration as evidence that political rupture is imminent. Economic misery alone does not bring down governments, particularly those with an extensive coercive apparatus. “It’s a meltdown and we’re watching it in real time,” 

Bokhari said. For now, people can still adapt. Stores open, supply chains continue to function and families cut spending, change what they eat and plan around what they can afford over the next few weeks rather than the next few years. But adaptation has limits. (Ed note: Remember, with the Islamic regime, if they survive, they win. They don't care about their people, they daily hang them in the street.)    (Read More)

Iran doubles gasoline price amid fears of renewed unrest

Iran will double the price of gasoline bought outside subsidized quotas from Tuesday, pushing ahead with a politically sensitive increase as households struggle with rising prices and the country faces fuel shortages. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Sunday that the third-tier gasoline price would rise to 10,000 tomans per liter from 5,000 tomans, effective September 8. Monthly subsidized allocations will remain unchanged, with motorists entitled to 60 liters at 1,500 tomans per liter and a further 50 liters at 3,000 tomans.

Mohajerani blamed current conditions and past policies for rising consumption, saying the increase was intended to maintain the balance between supply and demand and strengthen “national resilience.” The decision comes as Iranian households contend with high inflation, a sharply weakened currency and rising costs for basic goods. President Masoud Pezeshkian had signaled the increase in late August but gave no date for its implementation. Since then, Iranians have expressed concern that higher gasoline prices could feed through into transport costs and the prices of other goods.

Shortages add to pressure

The price rise comes amid growing strains on Iran’s gasoline supply. Esmail Saqqab Esfahani, head of Iran’s Energy Optimization Organization, said last month that the country faced a daily gasoline deficit of around 14 million to 15 million liters. The gap between consumption and production predates the war, but fighting and the US blockade have added to the strain, disrupting supplies when domestic production was already failing to keep pace with demand.

Mohajerani said all additional revenue generated by the increase would be spent on supporting household livelihoods, without specifying how the money would be distributed. Hossein Samsami, a member of parliament’s Economic Commission, warned last month that raising gasoline prices under current conditions could be like a “spark in a powder keg.”    (Read More)