Hezbollah To Open ‘New Front’ In Golan Heights

 

Beloved Prayer Warriors ,

we are sending this prayer alert due to the fact that things are becoming increasingly hot on the northern border of Israel and the Golan could become engulfed in the war ! Read the articles and pray accordingly for the Head nation Israel! Pray also for the believers in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and Syria 

Iran has convinced Syria to allow Hezbollah to open a “new front” against Israel in the Golan Heights, the London-based Arabic-language newspaper al-Hayat reported Wednesday.

Tehran, seeking to prevent the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government, asked Damascus if Hezbollah could set up a new military front against Israel in the Golan.

“All Arabs and Muslims” are requested to join the fight against Israel, Tehran said, according to Israel Radio.

The report comes a week after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed to respond to Jerusalem’s ostensible aggression against Syria with the help of Syria’s advanced “game-changing” weapons. The next stage, he warned during a speech, would be opening up a front on the Golan Heights.

The Palestinian newspaper al-Quds also reported Wednesday that Tehran had persuaded Damascus “to open the door to jihad” in the Golan Heights in an effort enable Arab and Muslim fighters to unite and confront Israel, so that they’re “ready” if Israel strikes Syria again.

According to unnamed Israeli and American sources, Israeli planes struck sites outside Damascus twice during the first weekend in May, targeting weapons transfers from Iran to Hezbollah. The Syrian regime warned a few days later that it would retaliate immediately to future Israeli attacks on its soil.

The al-Quds website wrote that Iran also discussed the issue with other Arab leaders, namely Jordan’s King Abdullah, who expressed his own “concerns” about the surge of radical Islamist groups, such as the Jabhat al-Nusra, in Syria.

The Lebanese daily al-Akhbar suggested last week that Iran had “reached a final decision” to respond to Israel’s reported strike on Syria by “turning the Golan into a new Fatah-land. The front has become open to Syrians and Palestinians and anyone who wants to fight Israel.”
Earlier this week, the Syrian government announced that it reserves the right to invade the Israeli-held Golan Heights at any time, and accused Jerusalem of violating the terms of the 1974 ceasefire that ended the Yom Kippur War.

During a speech in Damascus, Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi accused Israel of attacking sites near the Syrian capital, allowing rebel groups to operate in the demilitarized zone separating Israeli and Syrian forces on the Golan Heights, and letting those groups kidnap UN observers on multiple occasions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow Tuesday in what was described as a bid to prevent Moscow from selling the cutting-edge missile defense system, the S-300, to Damascus. Jerusalem fears that the advanced weaponry could fall into the hands of Hezbollah, Syria’s key ally in neighboring Lebanon.

Prayer Points : HE who watches over Israel does not slumber nor sleep ! Ps.121:4:

Ps.83: Isa.49:1-3: Isa.41:8-13

Prophetic Declaration Over Israel

He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings:6:16

Pray in the Spirit and with understanding

 

We thank you very much for praying, may you and your families be blessed as you bless us by your prayers

“For Sion sake, I will not keep silent “

Kad Esh Map Team. 

 

Russian Chess in the Middle East – Part IV

This is the last of a four-part series on Russian maneuvering in the Middle East, and how it affects Israel. If you have not done so already, we recommend first reading Russian Chess in the Middle East – Part I, Russian Chess in the Middle East – Part II and Russian Chess in the Middle East – Part III

“The discrepancy of approaches [in Russia’s dealings with Israel] is explained by the split inside the Kremlin,” said Zvi Magen, an expert specializing in Russia’s foreign policy at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). “The government is divided into those who call for tighter cooperation with the Islamic states (like Syria and Iran), and those – the so-called mainstream – who advocate good ties with all the regional players as part and parcel of Russia’s multi-vector foreign policy,” he argued.

As the Middle East once again becomes a ground for a US-Russian confrontation, Moscow views Syria and Iran as its last frontier, the fall of which would hurt Russia’s national interests and undermine any hope of restoring its past glory as a superpower.

That’s why, according to Magen, Russia is clinging not to the regime of Assad but rather to Syria as a strategically important location. “Determined to maintain its positions in the region, Moscow is willing to hold talks with all the parties to the conflict, be it the government or the opposition, while trying to reach a consensus with the West,” he explained.

Addressing the potential split of Syria, Magen is certain that if it does take place, Russia will try to establish ties with the various resulting cantons to promote its interests.

When it comes to Iran, Magen thinks that Moscow will not want to see a nuclear Iran at her borders because that would enable Iran to “…leverage nuclear weapons to position itself as a superpower with all of the geopolitical ramifications this has for the region, including damage to Russia’s standing.”

Additionally, an atomic bomb in the hands of the Islamic Republic could trigger a regional arms race, which would destabilize international security.

Nevertheless, the pundit believes Moscow has an interest in keeping Iran’s anti-American regime in power to use it as a “bargaining chip” in its negotiations with Washington.

Perhaps this is the reason behind the Kremlin’s growing concern with the economic sanctions that have been imposed on Iran since 2006. “The regime of US and EU sanctions could finally topple the government in Tehran, depriving Russia of an ally in its anti-western bloc. That’s why Russia is actively mediating between the West and Iran, trying to find a way out of the stalemate,” argued Magen.

Commenting on the Israel-Russia ties, Magen, who served as Israel’s ambassador to Russia in the late 1990s, argued that the two states have much in common.

“First of all, there is a natural affinity due to the strong spiritual, historic, cultural and political ties, coupled with impressive bilateral trade that was primarily achieved thanks to Israel’s big Russian-speaking community that bridges between the countries,” he argued.

Moreover, following the upheavals in the Arab world, Russia and Israel found themselves in the same boat, facing a common challenge: radical Islam. Combined with a looming Turkish threat — as Ankara ‘bares its teeth’ to Moscow and Jerusalem amid attempts to pursue its hegemonic ambitions — the two countries seem willing to consider closer ties on security, military and strategic levels.

“Even though Israel is indeed considered to be the client of the US, and it seems unlikely that the Jewish state would be willing to turn its back on Washington in favor of Moscow, one can’t exclude the possibility that Israel might be interested in adding Russia to its circle of allies as part of Israel’s own multi-vector foreign policy,” concluded Magen.

 

Russian Chess in the Middle East – Part III

Putin he may be Russia’s most pro-Jewish leader, says expert, who suggests Russians have great sympathy for Israel, which may lead to greater cooperation in the future

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 | Elizabeth Blade – israeltoday.co.il

This is part three of a four-part series on Russian maneuvering in the Middle East, and how it affects Israel. If you have not done so already, we recommend first reading Russian Chess in the Middle East – Part I and Russian Chess in the Middle East – Part II

Dmitri Trenin, Director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, a think tank focused on Russian domestic political affairs and foreign policy voiced a more “mainstream” opinion concerning recent Middle East developments.

US-Russian confrontation:

Referring to the battle between Russia and the US over the title of superpower, Trenin said “Moscow withdrew from geopolitical competition in the Middle East against the United States in 1990, at the time of the first Gulf War, and has not re-entered the race since then…”

Addressing the fears that the turmoil in the Arab world might grip Russia and China, the expert argued that the developments were not connected but conceded that the revolts might grip other countries in the region. “It is not so much a rehearsal as setting the stage for a wider regional confrontation. This stage is widening to include Lebanon, Bahrain, Iraq and even Saudi Arabia’s Eastern province,” he stressed.

Syria:

According to the expert, the collapse of the current Syrian regime won’t mean the end of Russia’s influence in the country. “Russian interests in Syria are important, but far less than vital. If Syria indeed slides into chaos, it will cease to be a commercial partner for Russia… The civil war has already taken on a sectarian dimension. The Alawites will fight on, with Assad or without him,” he explained.

Iran:

The expert argued that Russia won’t support a US strike on Iran but conceded that Moscow might be willing to “cooperate on the diplomatic track, which might include pressure. For now, however, Moscow thinks new sanctions will only empower the wrong people in Iran, and disempower the more sensible groups,” Trenin told Israel Today.

Israel:

Unlike Safarov, who speaks out against working with the Jewish state, Trenin voiced a more mainstream view, suggesting that the two countries might actually see eye-to-eye on some acute issues. “Most Russians feel a genuine affinity towards Israel,” argued the pundit, who points out that — apart from personal, cultural and economic ties — many Russians sympathize with Israelis, who are subject to the constant threat of terrorism.

“As for President Putin, he may be Russia’s most pro-Jewish leader,” explained the expert, referring to the appointment of Mikhail Fradkov – whose father is Jewish – as the head of Russia’s foreign security service and, years earlier, the first Jew to serve as prime minister.

Check back for the continuation of this important story.

 

Russian Chess in the Middle East – Part II

Israeli experts believe Russia and the US are in a major tug-of-war over Iran, with Moscow fearing that a regime change there would tighten the American Middle East noose around Russia

Monday, August 27, 2012 | Elizabeth Blade – israeltoday.co.il

 

 

This is part two of a four-part series on Russian maneuvering in the Middle East, and how it affects Israel. If you have not done so already, we recommend first reading Russian Chess in the Middle East – Part I

 

 

 

US-Russian confrontation:

Dr. Rajab Safarov, the director of the Center for Modern Iranian Research (a pro-Iranian think tank based in Moscow) hints that the Kremlin’s stance might originate in Russia’s objection to America’s attempts to reconstruct the Middle East.

“The US managed to organize the chaos that followed the Arab Spring, creating a region that has no place for Russian influence,” argued the pundit, pointing out that the Kremlin lost its foothold in Libya – including billions of dollars in energy and infrastructure deals – after the Gaddafi regime was hastily replaced with elements favoring Washington.

According to the expert, US attempts to limit Russian influence began back in the early 2000s after a series of non-violent revolutions (a.k.a. the “color revolutions”) toppled governments in several former Soviet republics as well as some Balkan states. “Color revolts were just a rehearsal. Now Washington is trying to apply the same strategy to the Middle East,” he reasoned.

Apart from hegemonic ambitions, the expert said US actions have always been dictated by the strong appetite for the region’s rich energy resources.

“To secure the stable flow of oil, Washington tries to establish local regimes, faithful to their masters. In exchange for loyalty, the US is ready to turn a blind eye to numerous violations of human rights and abuse of women,” charged the expert. “Saudi Arabia – one of the main exporters of terrorism – is just one of such examples,” he added.

Syria:

Referring to the developments in Syria, Safarov explained that Damascus’ only fault is that it’s not ready to dance to the tune of the US State Department, provoking Washington’s ire. Therefore, no matter what reforms President Assad implements, they won’t suit the American government, which hopes to replace the current regime with more West-friendly puppets,” he added.

Addressing the issue of what’s going to happen next, Safarov said: “The ouster of the Syrian president will push the country into chaos and destruction, potentially leading to a civil war. Syria could fall apart into small states that would be difficult to control, while the US will encounter serious hardships in appointing a new leader.”

Iran:

However, the replacement of the current regime in Syria is far from Washington’s main objective. “Syria is a gateway to Iran,” said Safarov, explaining that the fall of the regime in Damascus will weaken Tehran and its regional allies (like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip) and will get the US closer to the footsteps of Russia and China.

“If Iran falls, Washington will tighten the noose around the neck of the Russian regime. Pro-western Iran will put an end to the stability inside Russia. The country will be surrounded by US military bases and will be forced to spend billions of dollars on security, trying to protect itself from potentially hostile neighbors. The economy will sink, as Washington will control energy-rich areas and vital transportation routes. Moreover, by controlling Iran, the US will be able to dictate the rules of the game to China, a country that’s currently importing some 20% of its energy from the Islamic Republic,” Safarov told Israel Today, suggesting that Moscow is unlikely to support any military action against Iran.

Israel and Other Minorities:

In a bid to tackle the rising challenges, secure its interests, and restore its shattered reputation (after losing the support of the Arab street following Russia’s backing of Assad’s government), the Kremlin seems to be working to establish ties with some minorities of the region.

Several weeks ago, a Middle East subsidiary of one of Russia’s biggest energy titans Gazprom Neft sealed two oil deals with Iraq’s self-ruled Kurdish region, acquiring 40% and 80% share in two blocks, said to hold 3.6 billion barrels of crude reserves.

The contract – promising billions of dollars in revenue – was signed shortly after a visit by top-ranking Russian officials to the Kurdish capital of Erbil, where the parties discussed a series of “regional and national issues,” indicating that the move was driven by political considerations.

Yet, Safarov believes the cooperation between Russia and the Kurds won’t bear any fruit. “The Iraqi Kurdistan has signed the contract with Russia after getting the approval of Washington, which controls the area. America can call the deal off at any moment by saying that they cannot provide Russian companies with any security guarantees. This means that Russian staff can be kidnapped or even killed, a risk that no Russian company would be willing to take,” he stressed.

This leaves Moscow with limited options. As Syria shows signs of potential dissolution, the currently ruling Alawites could grow closer to Russia, fearing future persecution by the Sunni majority. Even though the creation of an Alawi state is still being debated, some reports indicate that Assad is already building the infrastructure for such a state along the Mediterranean coast. Some reports claim that he is building his fortress, deploying troops to the area, and training the region’s inhabitants to become the backbone of the Alawi state’s future army.

Israel could also become a potential ally of Russia. After President Vladimir Putin visited the country last June, Moscow cancelled the supply of S-300 surface-to-air missiles to Syria, indicating that the two countries might find a common ground for strategic cooperation.

But Safarov says the Kremlin is unlikely to side with Jerusalem, given the fact that Russia has always eyed with suspicion Israel’s close ties with the US. “This is a marriage of convenience not love,” he said, referring to the recent boost in relations. “Apart from being an American client, Israel is also helping the rivals of Russia like Azerbaijan and Georgia, destroying Russian weapons that cost millions of dollars. So even though some sort of cooperation does exist, it’s not going to be strategic,” he concluded, while pointing out that a strong pro-Israel lobby inside the Kremlin has been influencing Russian decision-makers towards greater cooperation with the Jewish state.

Check back  for the continuation of this important story.

 

Arab Rage: Putin Recognized Jerusalem’s Jewish Past

At Kotel, Russian president said “Here we see how the Jewish past is etched into the stones of Jerusalem.”

By Gil Ronen – Arutz Sheva7

Arab Muslims are enraged by remarks made by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kotel,recognizing Jerusalem’s Jewish roots.

Putin visited the Kotel Tuesday night and toured the Kotel tunnels. He also said: “Here, we see how the Jewish past is etched into the stones of Jerusalem.”

This short remark has aroused the wrath of local Arab leaders, who vehemently deny that the Temple Mount is where the Jewish Temples stood and that Jerusalem was the seat of the Hebrew monarchy for many centuries, long before Mohammed was born.

Attorney Zahi Najidat, spokesman for the Islamic Movement in “the Palestinian Interior” (i.e. – the state of Israel), denounced Putin for allegedly siding with Israel, and mentioned Russia’s support for Bashar Assad “who is slaughtering his own countrymen.”

The Al Aqsa Institute issued a statement to the press in which it said: “We tell Putin and people like him that the Al-Buraq Wall is exclusive Muslim Waqf property, is an inseperable part of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque and non-Muslims have no rights at this wall or at the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque, and all historic facts and international documents stress the fact that the Al Buraq Wall is Islamic…”

“We stress that every stone in the Al Aqsa Mosque and its buildings shows is evidence that it is Islamic and every stone in Al Quds is testimony to Al Quds’s Muslim and Arabic nature.”

Terror group Hamas’s spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri, said that Hamas rejects Putin’s statement, which he says contradicts historic facts and the Shaw Report of 1930. The Shaw Report was issued by a British delegation after the large scale Arab massacre of Jews in 1929, and said anti-Jewish hostility had resulted from the political and economic frustrations of the Arabs.