This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
JERUSALEM – The United Nations, which has found ways – almost daily – to cover itself in ignominy, succeeded yet again when it passed three recent non-binding resolutions related to Israel, highlighting again it has an unhealthy obsession with the Jewish state.
On December 3, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution for Israel to unilaterally withdraw from Judea and Samaria, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. In doing so, it perfectly mirrored maximalist Palestinian demands… short of getting rid of the whole of the State of Israel entirely. The resolution also implemented the establishment of a June 2025 conference, whose sole purpose is to "urgently chart an irreversible path toward" a Palestinian state.
Reut Shapir Ben-Naftaly, Israel's U.N. political coordinator, called the measures a "reckless disregard for the truth" and declared that "the U.N.'s entrenched anti-Israeli bias has been laid bare for all to see," according to the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.
In addition to this resolution, the UNGA also decreed Israel has no business being on the Golan Heights and passed a motion saying it should withdraw. There is much about this resolution that is truly astonishing. The U.N. estimates Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is currently fighting a rearguard action – along with his Russian and Iranian backers – to repel the advance of Sunni Muslim jihadists – has killed some 300,000 people in the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. Other estimates put the more likely figure at double that; it is interesting to note the U.N. will accept inflated casualty figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, i.e. Hamas, about allegedly entirely non-combatants "indiscriminately killed by a genocidal army," but will massively underplay the number of deaths when Israel is not involved. Additionally, the war has displaced – both internally and externally – approximately half of Syria's pre-war population of 20 million people.
Furthermore, this ignores returning U.S. President Donald Trump's unilateral acknowledgement of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in March 2019, which the country seized in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, which it annexed in 1981, and which was won at an extremely high cost in terms of men and materiel. Israel only has control of about seven percent of the Golan Heights' area; Syria still controls the vast majority – although not the part where they would be able to more easily fire directly into Israel's Galilee, including the fertile Jezreel Valley. Considering the instability sweeping throughout Syria, the UNGA's decision seems irrational at best, unless one takes the view it would like to either a) prop up the Assad regime and/or b) allow jihadists easier access to Israeli targets.
WATCH: Trump formally recognizes Israel's annexation of Golan Heights
The third and final piece of this puzzle was the move to fund a division dedicated to pushing the Palestinian agenda. The division oversees the International Day of Solidarity With the Palestinian People, which has featured speakers at U.N. events calling for the elimination of Israel, and UNISPAL, a body dedicated to disseminating pro-Palestinian information.
There is also a deep irony that on Wednesday, the United Nations unveiled a new photographic exhibit that includes entries from so-called journalists who embedded themselves with Hamas fighters who broke into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and witnessed some of the worst of the massacres. It would be one thing if they were merely recording events for posterity, however, one has to question a tweet, which crowed, "We have sex slaves," followed by a laughing emoji.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Not just in America, but in many nations around the world, business operators can choose the products they wish to offer consumers. If they assess the market correctly, they'll succeed. If not, they close down.
But California.
That's not what is happening in California, where authorities now are demanding consumers file reports on retailers if they don't have an adequate "gender-neutral" selection of children's toys.
A report in PJMedia accused the state of going "full Stasi," a reference to the East German ministry for state security during the decades after World War II.
The report explains, in a section dripping with sarcasm, "There's a great feeling you get when reporting on your fellow citizens to the state. It's a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing you've done the state a valuable service. There's a rush of pride when you realize that it was your action that resulted in a citizen or business being punished for a transgression."
The report explains, "Why does California Attorney General Rob Bonta want citizens to report on retail stores that aren't carrying 'enough' toys and clothes that are 'gender neutral'? A law passed in California in 2022 requires stores to carry a 'reasonable' number of gender-neutral toys and children's products in their aisles. The editorial board of the Los Angeles Times said the legislation 'represents nannyish overreach' at the time. Bonta disagrees."
Bonta's officer recently explained, "Does your department store have a gender-neutral children section? As of January 1, 2024, large retail department stores that sell childcare items or toys must maintain a gender-neutral section for these items."
The law actually states, "Retail department stores that have physical locations in California and 500 or more employees across all California locations must maintain a gender-neutral section, where a reasonable selection of the childcare items and toys for children that they sell must be displayed, regardless of whether these products are traditionally marketed for boys or girls."
Then Bonta provides "painfully explicit instructions" to snitchers.
"If you do not see an adequate gender-neutral product section in a large retail department store in California that you believe is covered by this law, you may take pictures, document, and file a complaint with our office."
A link is provided to report offenders.
The fine for a first-time violation is $250, which goes to $500 for a second offense.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Fani Willis, a local prosecutor in Atlanta, Georgia, who assembled her claims of an organized crime scheme against now President-elect Donald Trump and other defendants with the help of a paramour she put on a taxpayer-funded salary, now is in more trouble.
Her case, hanging on by a threat at an appeals court, is essentially the only case remaining against Trump after he was elected last month and multiple other lawfare cases were dismissed.
But now, Judicial Watch confirms that she's been found by a court in default after refusing to comply with the Georgia Open Records Act.
Judicial Watch had sought, through the state's legal process regarding records, to obtain information about Willis' coordination with "special counsel" Jack Smith, appointed by the Department of Justice to carry that part of the Democrat Party's lawfare against Trump, cases that now have been dismissed.
Also, records were sought about Willis' coordination with ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's partisan January 6 investigating committee, which concealed exculpatory information about President Trump's involvement that day, and tried to portray the events as an actual insurrection against the U.S., when in fact it was a protest that turned into a minor riot with most of the aftermath involve repairs of vandalism.
Judge Robert C.K. McBurney in Fulton County Superior Court said Willis had a number of options in responding to the records case, but did "none of that."
"Plaintiff is thus entitled to judgment by default as if every item and paragraph of the complaint were supported by proper and sufficient evidence. O.C.G.A. § 9-11-55(a). Here, this means Plaintiff has established that Defendant violated the ORA by failing to either turn over responsive records or else notify Plaintiff of her decision to withhold some or all such records. In its complaint, Plaintiff sought the following relief: 1) a declaration that Defendant has violated the ORA; 2) an order for Defendant to search for all records responsive to Plaintiff's request without further delay; 3) an injunction ordering Defendant to cease withholding non-exempt public records responsive to the request; 4) an award of attorney's fees and costs pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-73(b); 5) a writ of mandamus, ordering Defendant to provide the requested records; and 6) any other relief the Court deems proper."
The judge wrote, "By finding Defendant in default, the Court has in effect declared that she has violated the ORA. The Court also hereby ORDERS Defendant to conduct a diligent search of her records for responsive materials within five business days of the entry of this Order. Within that same five day period, Defendant is ORDERED to provide Plaintiff with copies of all responsive records that are not legally exempted or excepted from disclosure. If Defendant is required or decides to withhold all or part of a requested record, she should follow the procedures set forth in the ORA (see O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(d)). If the records are stored electronically, they may be produced electronically in a commonly used format such as PDF. The Court expects that such production will include the correspondence identified by Plaintiff in its complaint. If it does not, Defendant is further ORDERED to provide an explanation why such correspondence does not exist in Defendant's records (or why it is being withheld)."
Judicial Watch's request for fees and costs will be addressed during a Dec. 20 hearing.
Judicial Watch said its lawsuit, dating back to last March, came after Willis denied having any records responsive to the request for communications with Jack Smith and more.
The New York Post reported only days ago Willis' case against Trump isn't likely to survive much longer.
It noted her claims against Trump, accusing him alleged election interference in Georgia, likely will vanish soon.
The report said Willis "has remained defiant and ignored a subpoena in September from a special senate committee looking into the case, refusing to show up for a hearing when was supposed to testify. Last week, a Georgia appeals court abruptly canceled oral arguments scheduled for next month in the case and Trump's lawyers are likely cite the federal end to the election interference charges against him to get the Georgia case thrown out."
One Post source said, 'I would be shocked if it wasn't (dismissed) but Fani has an ego bigger than the entire state so who knows."
Willis appointed her then-paramour Nathan Wade as a special prosecutor in her case against Trump – and paid him hundreds of thousands of tax dollars.
He was ordered to leave the case earlier when a judge cited the appearance of impropriety in Willis' workings.
"Fani Willis is something else. We've been doing this work for 30 years, and this is the first time in our experience a government official has been found in default for not showing up in court to answer an open records lawsuit.," Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said.
"Judicial Watch looks forward to getting any documents from the Fani Willis operation about collusion with the Biden administration and Nancy Pelosi's Congress on her unprecedented and compromised 'get-Trump' prosecution."
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
JERUSALEM – Middle East/Israel Morning Brief
Amsterdam mayor nixes Christians for Israel rally because city 'cannot guarantee safety'
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema announced in a meeting with pro-Israel groups in the Netherlands who asked to hold a rally against anti-Semitism in the country scheduled for Thursday that it could not take place in Dam Square since the city couldn't "guarantee the safety of attendees at that location."
Frank van Oordt, director of Christians for Israel in the Netherlands, said the rally must take place. "We believe the rally must proceed, even if at a different location. We considered legal action but determined there wasn't enough time to pursue it effectively," he said.
A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon came into effect at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, bringing an end to almost 14 months of Hezbollah-initiated fighting across the northern border, which began the day after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror onslaught in southern Israel.
Ted Cruz 'deeply disturbed' by Obama-Biden officials' pressure on Israel to accept ceasefire
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement Tuesday, in which he criticized the Biden administration for being "pathologically obsessed" with undermining Israel. Further, he wrote he was "deeply disturbed both by reports that Obama-Biden officials exerted enormous pressure on our Israeli allies to accept this ceasefire and by how those officials are characterizing Israel's obligations."
Biden takes credit for Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, says 'peace is possible'
"I applaud the courageous decision made by the leaders of Lebanon and Israel to end the violence. It reminds us that peace is possible," Biden said in a hopeful speech from the White House Rose Garden in which he announced that the deal would come into effect at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday morning.
Hamas intimates willingness to talk truce deal after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire
A high-ranking Hamas official has told French news agency AFP Wednesday that the terror group is prepared to enter into a ceasefire arrangement mirroring the recent agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Though the source did not specify ceasefire terms, Hamas has maintained its demands for a permanent cessation of hostilities, backed by international guarantees and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
IDF fires warning shots at suspected Hezbollah operatives encroaching on border
IDF forces on Wednesday morning responded to a ceasefire violation by the Hezbollah terrorist group.
During the incident, Hezbollah terrorists neared the Lebanese village of Kfarkela, which overlooks the northern Israeli town of Metula. Spotting the terrorists, the Israeli forces fired warning shots.
Reports emerged Wednesday that the three Uzbek nationals wanted for their alleged perpetration of the murder of Moldovan-Israeli Chabad emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan in Abu Dhabi last week, were apprehended in Turkey and promptly extradited to the United Arab Emirates.
Former N.Y. Gov. Cuomo joins Dershowitz's legal 'dream team' to fight ICC arrest warrants
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo – who is potentially eyeing up a run for New York City mayor – has joined forces with Harvard professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz on a so-called legal dream team to challenge the recently issued International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
Former Justice Minister: ICC decision breaches own foundational principles
Prominent human-rights lawyer and former Canadian justice minister Irwin Cotler, about whom it was recently revealed he has an Iranian bounty on his head requiring a 24/7 security detail, said in an interview the International Criminal Court's issuance of warrants for the arrest of Israel's Prime Minister and former defense minister Yoav Gallant went against the body's own foundational principles. "To me, that was a breach of his own principle of cooperation, let alone also the principle of complementarity," he said.
Netanyahu agrees to ceasefire after quid pro quo with France over ICC arrest warrants
France indicated that it may ignore the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants issued for Israeli officials, a statement from the Élysée Palace said on Wednesday.
The statement reiterated that France would respect its international obligations and understood that the Rome Statute requires full cooperation with the ICC. However, it noted, "A State cannot be required to act in a manner inconsistent with its obligations under international law concerning the immunities of the States not party to the ICC."
IDF names Druze soldier killed in northern Gaza fighting
The Israel Defense Force released the name of the 13th Druze soldier to be killed in the Swords of Iron War – Sgt. Tamer Othman. He fell in a clash between Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya during a raid in the area and became the 806th Israeli military fatality since Oct. 7, 2023.
UNRWA announces closure of its East Jerusalem HQ
UNRWA has announced the closure of its East Jerusalem headquarters, following recent Israeli legislation severing ties with the organization. Palestinian employees have been notified that their positions at the Sheikh Jarrah (Shimon HaTzadik) facility will be terminated.
UNRWA's presidential office in Sheikh Jarrah houses the organization's legal department, which oversees the agency's legal matters across all areas of operation. The facility also includes the agency's spokesperson's office and its central communications department.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
JERUSALEM – Middle East/Israel Morning Brief
Thousands of Jews flock to Hebron to the tomb of biblical patriarchs and matriarchs
This past weekend, Jews around the world read the Torah portion of Chayei Sarah – the fifth portion of the Book of Genesis. As is customary, thousands of Jews – organizers estimated some 20,000 (which was a restricted number this year because of the security situation) flocked to the Judean town of Hebron to pay their respects to the tomb of the patriarchs and matriarchs, in particular Sarah, Abraham's wife.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, will be forced to open its books and reveal its sources of funding after a defamation suit it filed against a former employee completely backfired.
U.S. Magistrate Judge David Schultz ruled Monday that CAIR's donors, funding sources – including potentially foreign ones – and any assets owned by the group are all within the "scope of permissible discovery" as part of former chapter leader Lori Saroya's lawsuit against the controversial Muslim rights group.
Northern Israeli officials, hostage families unhappy over proposed ceasefire
"A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon that does not include an arrangement to ensure the security of the communities along Israel's northern border would be a disaster," Moshe Davidovich, head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council, said on Tuesday.
"If a ceasefire agreement is signed between Lebanon and Israel and it does not include a significant arrangement to restore the security of the residents of the front-line communities before they return home — including a buffer zone near the border with a strong international force and the removal of Hezbollah beyond the Litani River — it will be a disaster for generations," he stated.
Defense Ministry advances plan to build border fence along entirety of border with Jordan
The Defense Ministry says it has begun "detailed engineering planning" to establish a fence along the entire border with Jordan to prevent infiltrations into the country — an expensive undertaking that has made little progress in the past.
Gorka: 'No such thing as Palestine'
Sebastian Gorka, Donald Trump's pick as his senior director for counter-terrorism, has made several statements in favor of Israel recently, including that "Palestine" doesn't exist and that IDF generals should forget about diplomacy and focus on defeating terrorists militarily.
U.N. fires special advisor on Prevention of Genocide for refusal to label Israel's actions in Gaza as 'genocide'
"Can anyone with integrity survive at the U.N.?" the Wall Street Journal's editorial asked on Tuesday, arguing that the U.N. was refusing to renew the contract of Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu due to her determination that Israel's actions in Gaza could not be defined as "genocide."
Israel approves multi-billion shekel defense procurement package
Under the agreement, the Defense Ministry will purchase five advanced Reshef corvettes from Israel Shipyards to replace the aging Nirit-class corvettes, which will be taken out of service after four decades. Production of the ships in Israel will provide jobs to hundreds of workers in the north.
"The Zionists have crossed the red lines of the Islamic Republic. Iran will never tolerate aggression against its territory and will not leave it unanswered," Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri said on Tuesday.
Islamic Republic's work on pharmaceutical based agents
Multiple Iranian security complexes have been preparing production of fentanyl and medetomidine based incapacitating and lethal agents. These complexes have been working on pillars of producing those weapons: large-scale cost-efficient synthesis of the compounds with maximum potency, evaluating a stable chemical mixture based on those agents that can be aerosolized using a propellant, and developing the delivery of the agents through grenades, bullets, or drones.
Three suspected Uzbek murderers of Chabad rabbi in UAE could face death penalty
The Emirati Ministry of Interior confirmed on Monday that the three suspects arrested for the murder of Chabad-Lubavitch emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan are Uzbek nationals.
Security authorities identified the suspects as Olimpi Toirovich, 28, Makhmudjon Abdurakhim, also 28, and Azizbek Kamlovich, 33. The ministry circulated pictures of the three men in custody.
Additionally, the ministry announced the initiation of legal proceedings against the suspects, with reports indicating the defendants could face the death penalty.
IDF soldier gravely injured in Oct. 7 battles, succumbs to his wounds
Sergeant First Class Yona Betzalel Brief, aged 23, from Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, died Tuesday morning after being severely injured in combat on Oct. 7, 2023.
Brief served as a combat medic in the Duvdevan Unit, Commando Brigade, and was severely injured during combat in the communities near the Gaza Strip. He becomes the 805th IDF soldier to be killed since Oct. 7.
Israel Police thwarts huge ammo transfer to Samaria terrorists
Officers of the Israel Police's Northern District over the weekend seized a shipment of more than 20,000 bullets intended for "terrorist elements in Judea and Samaria," the police announced in a statement on Sunday.
Two residents of Ma'ale Iron, a local council that consists of five Arab Israeli villages near Megiddo, were arrested.
IDF troops reach banks of Litani river for first time since 2000>
The IDF's 91st Division has reached the Litani River in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon, as well as the Wadi Saluki area, and the military says troops located dozens of Hezbollah weapons and sites in both areas.
It is the first time since 2000 – when Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon – that IDF troops have reached the Litani River.
Israel's gov't rubber-stamps Leiter appointment as Israel's ambassador to U.S.>
Israel's government on Sunday unanimously approved the appointment of Yechiel Leiter as ambassador to the United States.
Leiter will replace Michael Herzog – the outgoing ambassador and older brother of the Israeli president – on Jan. 24, four days after the Trump administration takes office.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
JERUSALEM – The prospect of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is generating intense discussions across diplomatic, political, and military channels.
Reports suggest significant progress has been made in the negotiations, spearheaded by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. However, the situation is fraught with challenges, as various actors within the continuing drama express conflicting priorities.
Ceasefire negotiations
Recent reports indicate Israel has agreed in principle to a U.S.-mediated ceasefire proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened high-level consultations with defense and political leaders to evaluate the terms on Sunday night. Preliminary approval for the agreement has reportedly been conveyed to Lebanese officials via Hochstein, though several key issues remain unresolved.
The proposal seeks to establish a cessation of hostilities – for at least 60 days – while addressing concerns from both sides. Lebanese authorities have emphasized the need for a swift withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
Simultaneously, Israel aims to ensure Hezbollah is significantly weakened and unable to resume its military activities, particularly the indiscriminate firing of rockets and launching of drones over the border. On Sunday alone, Hezbollah fired at least 350 projectiles into Israeli territory, some of them setting off incoming missile alerts across large swaths of the heavily-populated center of the country.
Domestic political reactions in Israel
The ceasefire discussions have triggered sharp criticism within Israel's political landscape. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called the potential agreement a "big mistake," arguing that it represents "an historic missed opportunity to decisively defeat Hezbollah."
He insists that Israel should continue its military campaign until Hezbollah's operational capacity is entirely neutralized. While there is certainly war fatigue in Israel, there are still tens of thousands of residents of the country's north who cannot return to their homes – and previous lives – for fear of Hezbollah attacks.
This perspective highlights the broader debate within Israel over balancing military objectives with humanitarian and diplomatic considerations. Critics of the ceasefire argue that halting the offensive now could leave Hezbollah intact and embolden the group in future conflicts – which will almost inevitably come – and likely sooner than the 17 years it took since the previous round.
They argue a ceasefire will allow the Iranian-backed terrorist proxy to resupply and also reorganize after a brutal few weeks in which the entirety of its senior leadership, including long-standing general secretary Hassan Nasrallah were eliminated in IDF strikes. Supporters of the ceasefire, meanwhile, point to the need to prevent further loss of life and avoid prolonged warfare, because of the very fatigue which has set in.
The role of the United States
The U.S. has played a central role in mediating the potential ceasefire. Hochstein has held extensive talks with Israeli and Lebanese officials, offering American guarantees to facilitate an agreement. These guarantees likely include mechanisms to monitor compliance and address violations by either side.
However, it could be these upon which there are significant sticking points. Israel and Israelis have gotten to a point where international agreements regarding peacekeeping forces – especially the United Nations International Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL – have shown themselves to be almost completely useless. Worse, some of those forces supposed to keep the sides apart have, in fact, facilitated Hezbollah's offensive actions.
The timing of the U.S. push for a ceasefire appears strategic, with Washington keen to attempt to stabilize the region and shift focus to broader geopolitical priorities, including the Ukraine-Russia arena. However, some analysts suggest that American pressure could exacerbate tensions within Israel's political system, particularly if key leaders perceive the agreement as compromising Israel's security interests, which given the Biden administration's dislike of Netanyahu and his government might be viewed as a hoped-for by-product.
Challenges and contradictions
Despite progress in negotiations, significant hurdles remain. Lebanese sources have described a dual reality where talks are advancing on one hand but face substantial obstacles on the other. Among the primary challenges is the lingering distrust between the parties. Lebanese President Najib Mikati has condemned recent Israeli strikes on Lebanese army positions, framing them as a rejection of dialogue efforts
Another contentious issue involves the terms of Hezbollah's demilitarization and whether any ceasefire can effectively enforce restrictions on its activities.
For Israel, ensuring that Hezbollah cannot rebuild its arsenal or launch future attacks is a non-negotiable priority. For Lebanon, maintaining sovereignty and avoiding a political backlash from Hezbollah supporters are equally critical concerns.
Several Lebanese X users took to the platform to effectively beg Israel to keep fighting, arguing Hezbollah would not keep up its end of the bargain and the fact there'd almost inevitably be further hostilities sometime in the near future.
Potential outcomes
If a ceasefire is finalized, it could pave the way for broader de-escalation in the region. However, the agreement's success would depend on robust enforcement mechanisms and sustained international engagement. Failure to address underlying grievances and power dynamics could lead to a temporary lull in violence, followed by renewed conflict.
The discussions also have significant implications for regional stability. A ceasefire would alleviate humanitarian crises in Lebanon and Israel's northern communities, but it could also shift focus to the unresolved tensions in Gaza and Judea and Samaria, where hostilities continue. Iran's nefarious influence in the region – which would obviously be out of the purview of any ceasefire agreement.
The context of conflict
Hostilities along the Israeli-Lebanese border have escalated sharply since Oct. 8, 2023, when entirely unprovoked, Hezbollah joined the conflict in support of Hamas, which had launched its murderous assault of southern Israeli communities a day earlier. The violence has reportedly led to thousands of casualties in Lebanon, widespread displacement, and significant destruction, particularly in southern Lebanon and Beirut's suburbs – which are Hezbollah strongholds.
The IDF has lost more than 70 soldiers since it began its ground incursion nearly two months ago. In addition, more than 40 civilians have lost their lives in Hezbollah missile attacks, including a group of 12 Druze children in one fatal incident toward the end of July.
The Israeli Defense Forces have intensified their operations in Lebanon to neutralize Hezbollah's military infrastructure, including rocket launch sites. Hezbollah, in turn, has launched sustained rocket fire into northern Israel, causing casualties and damage. Amid this backdrop, diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have gained momentum.
The possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah represents a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. While there is cautious optimism, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges. Balancing the immediate need to end hostilities with long-term security and political considerations will be central to determining whether the ceasefire can achieve lasting stability.
Both Israel and Lebanon face difficult decisions in the coming days. For Israel, the challenge lies in convincing domestic audiences that the agreement does not compromise national security. For Lebanon, navigating Hezbollah's influence and public sentiment will be equally complex. The role of external actors, particularly the United States, will be pivotal in bridging these divides and ensuring that the ceasefire has a meaningful and durable impact.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Some of the most successful people in business who head some of the most powerful financial institutions in the world are being called out over their continued business with one of the biggest adversaries facing the U.S.
During an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, Hudson Institute senior fellow and Atlas Organization founder Jonathan D.T. Ward called out U.S. executives for their disregard of China's human rights violations while they attended a business summit in Hong Kong this week.
"The city of Hong Kong, which is fully under PRC [People's Republic of China] control, is cracking down," Ward said. "To see Wall Street executives sort of proceeding with business as usual, I mean, they have to ultimately get on the right side of history, of human rights, and of U.S. national security."
The summit is currently taking place with U.S. executives while pro-democracy activist and Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai is on trial. Lai was accused by the Chinese government of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publish "seditious" material.
The Chinese government is blaming Lai, who is a British citizen, for the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests that broke out in 2019, and since 2020, Lai has been held in solitary confinement.
The U.S. executives attending the Hong Kong summit include Marc Rowan, Apollo Global Management CEO; Jonathan Gray, president of Blackstone; David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs Banking; and Jane Fraser, president of Citigroup.
Ward stated China is funding U.S. adversaries and is using Hong Kong to further push its agenda.
"There was a really important report this week published by the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission that had this to say about Hong Kong – it has a growing role as the central sanctions evasion hub, and transshipment center for illicit finance and technology to Russia, Iran, and North Korea."
Ward pointed out China backs this entire axis as it pursues its own campaign to undermine and displace the United States, but there is still a good chance the U.S. can fight back.
"There's a giant opportunity for the new Trump administration to start winning against Beijing again, to get back to where they left off at the end of Trump one, where you had this really rapid… succession of policy action against Chinese companies, against the PRC and the CCP," Ward said.
According to Bartiromo, the Hong Kong Democracy Council also called out U.S. executives and said their continued participation in doing business in China, despite warnings against it, "should be a cause for concern for the U.S. government."
Ward said Trump would have to go ahead with several policies to keep China at bay, including imposing tariffs on Chinese goods.
"You can't have Beijing earning capital in the U.S. markets and using that to finance grand strategy to build the Belt and Road Initiative, to deepen their presence in strategic industries and emerging technologies."
Ward noted China's entire rise to prominence has to do with the fact China has had access to the U.S. market. Cutting China off from those markets will cut down their surpluses, and then eventually China's growth.
"Then you have to go after the Chinese companies. I mean, there's a very long list of strategic corporations that can be hit with U.S. sanctions across the board in technology and banking… in manufacturing, and pretty much the whole state-owned sector, which spans pretty much everything. I think that's a really juicy target set for an incoming administration," Ward said.
Ward stated the U.S. can still turn the tide by being victorious through economic dominance and making sure China is unable to maintain the position it has built itself through being a trading partner for dozens of developing nations.
"That's how you begin to change the game, because the path to victory is all about American economic dominance, and making sure that China does not succeed in maintaining the position it has built as the centerpiece of global goods trade, as the dominant trading partner for… dozens and dozens of nations around the world and entire regions now, Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, they've succeeded at doing that," Ward noted.
"If we start to cut off access to our own market, and also to North America because we can't let their companies go through Mexico, you have to shut those down as well. Make sure the tariffs follow Chinese companies," Ward said, adding if this happens, Chinese diplomatic power will begin to roll back as they lose their influence.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
'Under the final months of the Biden administration, they will continue to grow in numbers and continue to expand around the country and Americans will unfortunately be targeted'
As the chaos caused at the southern border by the Biden administration spills over into small-town America, a growing threat is emerging from foreign-born prison gangs which some experts say will intentionally target Americans.
During an interview with Fox News, Former Department of Homeland Security adviser Charles Marino said American citizens should be worried about the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, which is beginning to take hold all over America.
"As Tren de Aragua becomes a greater portion of the population, so will the reports of violent interactions with this violent gang based out of Venezuela," Marino told Fox News Host Carley Shimkus, "Look, under the final months of the Biden administration, they will continue to grow in numbers and continue to expand around the country and Americans will, unfortunately, be targeted. So we will hear many more stories."
"It's simply astonishing to me… that here you have an administration under Biden that allowed, designed, and created all the conditions for this crisis to occur… and what will change is on day one, the Trump administration will change that narrative. They will have those in the country illegally, those that are committing crimes, on the run and looking over their shoulders."
Marino noted sanctuary states and cities will also experience a greater presence from federal agencies like ICE, which will be rooting out these gang members and other undocumented criminals for deportation.
"What I can tell you is ICE is also going to be focusing on where these violent gangs and criminals are going to protect them, and that will be in sanctuary cities. So what these sanctuary cities will find since they're not going to cooperate with ICE and other federal agencies, is they will see a greater representation of federal law enforcement," Marino said.
According to an internal DHS memo, originally obtained by the New York Post, Tren de Aragua, known for its violence – has swiftly expanded into 16 states across the nation during President Joe Biden's time in office, and warned the likelihood of violent gang-affiliated migrants coming across the border was "highly possible."
The gang has been identified as operating in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, California, and Washington D.C.
Incoming Trump administration "Border Czar" and former ICE Director Tom Homan, told Newsmax Tren de Aragua and other violent gangs like MS-13 are on notice, and called out elected officials who have threatened to throw up roadblocks to prevent the gang members' removal.
"President Trump has made it clear, we're gonna prioritize public safety threats and national security threats first… You don't want us to take national security threats out of your community? To me that's ridiculous, but the thing that amazes me… those who enforce the law, all of a sudden we're the bad guys," Homan said.
Homan noted he is very concerned for the safety of law enforcement when it comes time to remove dangerous gang members, which could end up in a gunfight.
"I'm very concerned, I've carried a badge and gun for 34 years, and I've buried Border Patrol agents, I've buried ICE agents which is the worst part of the job in the world… These are dangerous people, but we've got a job to do and we're gonna do it." Homan said.
U.S. Rep. Tom Nehls, R-Texas, told Sebastian Gorka during an interview the borders must be secured and Americans put first.
"I still believe that the border may have been the number one issue for America because it's killing our young, innocent people here in this country, they're terrorizing our communities. Tren de Aragua… that very violent gang out of Venezuela, just hurting people," Nehls said.
Nehls then pointed to the murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, who was savagely beaten and strangled to death by an undocumented migrant who was affiliated with Tren de Aragua while she was jogging at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
Riley's murderer, Jose Ibarra, was found guilty on all charges related to her murder and was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for his crimes.
Ibarra showed no remorse during his trial, even while the prosecution described the horrific details of her death.
Another illegal migrant and Tren de Aragua associate, Alejandro Santiago, was sentenced to 5 years in prison with 3 years of his sentence suspended. Santiago was accused of drug trafficking and sex trafficking, with at least 5 victims being rescued in February.
Brandon Simosa, a gang member and illegal migrant, was also arrested in New York City after he attacked and robbed an assistant district attorney in the hallway of her building. Samosa had at least 6 prior arrests in five months.
Lawmakers are demanding action from the Biden administration and noted its refusal to hold the Venezuelan government accountable for the timely removal of these violent criminals.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
A new research study has found surprising results – if the People's Republic of China is unable to persuade its Southeast Asian neighbors to allow it to lead the region, global dominance will be a much harder task for China to achieve.
Researchers Selina Ho and Terence Lee from the National University of Singapore conducted a survey of elites spread throughout Southeast Asian nations who were "least likely to acquiesce" to a China-led regional order. The survey gauged how they perceive China, its influence, and whether or not it has the authority to govern.
Results indicated that while China is viewed as influential by elites in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, most felt China did not have the authority to preside over the region, with the difference in political values being one of the biggest points of contention.
According to the study, China has often thought of Southeast Asia as its "periphery," but has over time attempted to use its influence to shape the Sino-centric identity in the region – which would allow China to establish itself as a leading power in a hierarchy of its own making.
China wants to be a great power and has ambitions of bringing the region to heel by shaping the foundations of regional identity, which researchers explain is similar to the U.S. in Latin America, Russia in Eastern Europe, and India in South Asia.
"They build their material capabilities and attempt to expel rival great powers, using institutions, culture, norms, and ideas to entrench their dominance. They are also likely to interfere in the domestic affairs and external policies of their neighbors to prevent rival powers from gaining a foothold in the region," the study states.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, commonly known as ASEAN, includes the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar, and Malaysia. All have different cultural practices, religious views, and political discourse. Because of this, researchers state China will struggle to establish regional order without their backing.
In order to get the full support of the region, researchers suggest China must prove its ambitions are beneficial and legitimate because China cannot be installed as a regional hegemon by force, it must be granted through negotiation.
China has already laid the foundation for its dominance around the globe through its various programs like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. These programs are mostly set up in developing countries, and don't always benefit those receiving China's "help."
An example of this would be the recent inauguration of a new mega port built and owned by China and located in Lima, Peru. Locals say they have been squeezed out of their fishing grounds by China, while the majority of the city doesn't have running water or sanitation.
Overall, 50.4% of ASEAN elites said ASEAN nations were the most influential in Southeast Asia, while 36.2% said China is the most influential, while only 9.6% see the U.S. as influential. The U.S. was unsurprisingly influential on Filipino elites, as the Philippines is a U.S. ally, and is currently at odds with China over territory in the South China Sea.
A report from the Council on Foreign Relations warned China's aggressive posturing and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's policies on China could force some smaller nations in Southeast Asia and South Asia to choose between the two most powerful economies in the world.
The report states a survey by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a think tank based in Singapore, showed the majority of respondents from Southeast Asia preferred China over the U.S., thanks in part to President Joe Biden missing the East Asia Summit two years in a row, and not focusing on the region. This has forced smaller Asian nations to seek alliances outside of their region for defense and investment.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
JERUSALEM – Israel/Middle East Morning Brief
Trump's Defense Secretary pick questions why Muslim leaders deny Judaism's connection to Temple Mount
"Muslim leaders and groups deny the temple of the Bible? Why deny history? Worse, why destroy history (as has been happening on the Temple Mount in recent years)? Because if you deny (and destroy) Jewish claims to the Temple and the old city of Jerusalem, you can justify denying Jews further influence in the city. By denying the Temple, you deny the State of Israel. By denying the Temple, you rally the outside world to see Israel as an 'occupying force.'"
U.S. envoy Hochstein says 'real opportunity' to end conflict between Israel and Hezbollah
U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein urged Israel, Lebanon, and the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah to seize the present opportunity and agree to a ceasefire that would end the war that has raged since Oct. 8 of last year.
"We have a real opportunity to bring this conflict to an end," Hochsten told reporters in Beirut, adding, "This is a moment of decision-making."
Biden/Blinken threatened Netanyahu with cutting off military aid to prevent Rafah offensive
"The U.S. had reservations and suggested that we not enter Gaza," said Netanyahu in the Knesset plenum on Monday. "It had reservations about entering Gaza City, Khan Younis, and, most critically, strongly opposed entry into Rafah."
Hezbollah rocket strike on central Israel wounds 5, one seriously
Five people were wounded in central Israel on Monday night, one of them seriously, by a rocket launched by Lebanon's Hezbollah terrorist group.
A 54-year-old woman was listed as being in serious condition, while four other people sustained moderate-to-light wounds, according to Israel's Magen David Adom emergency response organization.
IDF 'shocked' at amount of Russian-made weapons amid captured Hezbollah stockpiles
A full 60-70% of weapons found in southern Lebanon at the start of the IDF's ground invasion were Russian-made; experts were unsure whether they were taken from Syria or signaled increased cooperation between Russia and Hezbollah.
E.U., U.K. impose further sanctions on Iran over military supply to Russia; Israel calls them 'necessary steps'
The European Union and the United Kingdom announced on Nov. 18 that new sanctions were being imposed on Iranian entities due to Tehran's transfer of drones and ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, as well as to Iranian proxies around the Middle East.
IDF artillery moved to southern Lebanon for the first time since 2000
The IDF has advanced several artillery batteries into southern Lebanon in recent days, the military stated, thus improving its firepower, possibly ahead of a broadening of the IDF's maneuvers in the area.
The IDF stated on Sunday that the 282nd artillery brigade has been fighting on the northern border in recent months, attacking targets to assist the maneuvering forces with artillery fire.