Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
’Azerbaijan Kills 11 Captured Armenian soldiers, 70 Detained’
Eleven Christian Armenian prisoners of war have been killed by their Azerbaijani captors in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, despite the presence of Russian peacekeepers, aid workers told Worthy News.
In Response To Kremlin, U.S. Reiterates Proposed Extension Of New START Treaty
The United States has responded to Russia’s call to continue negotiations on the New START arms-control treaty by reiterating a U.S. proposal and saying the Russians have "rejected" attempts to restart the talks.
Antarctic shaken by tens of thousands of tremors over 3 months
The characteristically stable Antarctic continent has been shaken by an unprecedented spate of 30,000-50,000 tremors in the last three months, Israel365 News reported Monday. According to a report by the University of Chile’s National Seismological Centre, the wave of tremors was concentrated in the 60 miles wide Bransfield Strait which extends 300 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula in a north-easterly direction.
Five officers injured, 29 arrested in London anti-lockdown protests
Five police officers were injured and 29 people were arrested during anti-lockdown protests in Britain on Saturday, ITV reports. Demonstrators had gathered in London to protest against tough new COVID-19 restrictions being imposed to combat a mutant variant of the coronavirus that is believed to be more contagious than the earlier form.
Hungary’s Opposition Unites Against Autocratic Prime Minister
Six Hungarian opposition parties say they unite to oust the increasingly autocratic Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has suffered in the polls amid ongoing corruption scandals.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu, Gantz said to agree on imposing 3rd national virus lockdown
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz have agreed to impose a third national lockdown to curb a surge in new COVID-19 infections, Israeli television reported Tuesday.
100 doctors protest Israel’s COVID-19 restrictions
Over 100 doctors in Israel have signed a letter of protest against the government’s COVID-19 lockdowns and its alternative restrictions such as the closure of schools, the Times of Israel (TOI) reported Sunday. The physicians’ protest was made as the number of daily coronavirus cases in Israel surged to nearly 3,000 Tuesday through Friday last week, and as a new wave of restrictions looked likely.
Israel bans foreigners from Dec. 23 for at least 10 days
Israel’s COVID-19 cabinet approved a decision Monday to ban all foreigners, including those with current visas, from entering the country starting December 23, the Jerusalem Post reports. Aimed at slowing Israel’s current surge in coronavirus cases, the ban will be in place for at least 10 days, with the option to extend as needed.
Inside the United States
Trump Demands Different Coronavirus Package
Washington was in turmoil late Tuesday after U.S. President Donald J. Trump threatened not to sign a coronavirus stimulus package saying struggling Americans deserve much better.
President Pardons Convicted Supporters
U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday pardoned 15 people, but he did not extend amnesty to death row people.
Special counsel Durham investigation ‘making good progress,’ Barr says
Special counsel John Durham is "making good progress" in his investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe, Attorney General William Barr said this week.
Study finds 84% fewer hospitalizations for patients treated with controversial drug hydroxychloroquine
A peer-reviewed study measuring the effectiveness of a controversial drug cocktail that includes hydroxychloroquine concluded that the treatment lowered hospitalizations and mortality rates of coronavirus patients.
’Azerbaijan Kills 11 Captured Armenian soldiers, 70 Detained’
Eleven Christian Armenian prisoners of war have been killed by their Azerbaijani captors in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, despite the presence of Russian peacekeepers, aid workers told Worthy News.
In Response To Kremlin, U.S. Reiterates Proposed Extension Of New START Treaty
The United States has responded to Russia’s call to continue negotiations on the New START arms-control treaty by reiterating a U.S. proposal and saying the Russians have "rejected" attempts to restart the talks.
Antarctic shaken by tens of thousands of tremors over 3 months
The characteristically stable Antarctic continent has been shaken by an unprecedented spate of 30,000-50,000 tremors in the last three months, Israel365 News reported Monday. According to a report by the University of Chile’s National Seismological Centre, the wave of tremors was concentrated in the 60 miles wide Bransfield Strait which extends 300 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula in a north-easterly direction.
Five officers injured, 29 arrested in London anti-lockdown protests
Five police officers were injured and 29 people were arrested during anti-lockdown protests in Britain on Saturday, ITV reports. Demonstrators had gathered in London to protest against tough new COVID-19 restrictions being imposed to combat a mutant variant of the coronavirus that is believed to be more contagious than the earlier form.
Hungary’s Opposition Unites Against Autocratic Prime Minister
Six Hungarian opposition parties say they unite to oust the increasingly autocratic Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has suffered in the polls amid ongoing corruption scandals.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu, Gantz said to agree on imposing 3rd national virus lockdown
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz have agreed to impose a third national lockdown to curb a surge in new COVID-19 infections, Israeli television reported Tuesday.
100 doctors protest Israel’s COVID-19 restrictions
Over 100 doctors in Israel have signed a letter of protest against the government’s COVID-19 lockdowns and its alternative restrictions such as the closure of schools, the Times of Israel (TOI) reported Sunday. The physicians’ protest was made as the number of daily coronavirus cases in Israel surged to nearly 3,000 Tuesday through Friday last week, and as a new wave of restrictions looked likely.
Israel bans foreigners from Dec. 23 for at least 10 days
Israel’s COVID-19 cabinet approved a decision Monday to ban all foreigners, including those with current visas, from entering the country starting December 23, the Jerusalem Post reports. Aimed at slowing Israel’s current surge in coronavirus cases, the ban will be in place for at least 10 days, with the option to extend as needed.
Inside the United States
Trump Demands Different Coronavirus Package
Washington was in turmoil late Tuesday after U.S. President Donald J. Trump threatened not to sign a coronavirus stimulus package saying struggling Americans deserve much better.
President Pardons Convicted Supporters
U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday pardoned 15 people, but he did not extend amnesty to death row people.
Special counsel Durham investigation ‘making good progress,’ Barr says
Special counsel John Durham is "making good progress" in his investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe, Attorney General William Barr said this week.
Study finds 84% fewer hospitalizations for patients treated with controversial drug hydroxychloroquine
A peer-reviewed study measuring the effectiveness of a controversial drug cocktail that includes hydroxychloroquine concluded that the treatment lowered hospitalizations and mortality rates of coronavirus patients.
Around the World
EU-UK post-Brexit trade talks remain at standstill
Post-Brexit trade talks between Britain and the European Union remained grid-locked Sunday evening, even as there remain just days to go before the official transition period comes to an end on December 31, the Associated Press reports. In the event no agreement is reached by the end of the year, the two parties will default to trading on World Trade Organization terms, with all the tariffs and barriers that this will entail.
US nuclear submarine transits Strait of Hormuz amid tensions
An American nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine traversed the strategically vital waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula on Monday, the U.S. Navy said, a rare announcement that comes amid rising tensions with Iran.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel’s marijuana industry prepares to expand as country moves toward legalizing recreational cannabis
Israel is progressing with moves to legalize recreational marijuana in the next few months, while its burgeoning cannabis industry looks to expand its manufacturing, production and export capabilities, Ynet News reports.
Election prevention bill fails, Israel headed to elections on March 23
A bill proposed to avoid Knesset dispersal and the fourth elections over the last two years has failed to pass on Monday night, sealing Israel's fate.
Bennett: Goal ‘to replace Netanyahu,’ won’t back bill to let PM avoid legal woes
Yamina leader Naftali Bennett said Monday that his goal was to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and would not support legislative efforts to help the premier avoid his corruption charges.
Knesset rejects bill to delay budget deadline, sends Israel heading to elections
The Knesset overnight Monday-Tuesday narrowly rejected a bill that would have deferred a Tuesday midnight deadline for passing the 2020 state budget, and thus set Israel on an almost certain course to its fourth general election in two years.
Israeli submarine reportedly crosses Suez Canal in ‘message’ to Iran
An Israeli submarine openly crossed the Suez Canal last week, in a show of force against Iran, the Kan public broadcaster reported Monday night.
Inside the United States
US Attorney-General Barr Abandoning President Trump
U.S. Attorney General William Barr has turned his back on embattled President Donald J. Trump by declining to appoint a special counsel to investigate the president’s claims of massive voter fraud during the 2020 election.
Anti-Lockdown Protesters Clash With Police At Oregon State Capitol
Anti-lockdown protesters clashed with police during a demonstration Monday at the Oregon Capitol as lawmakers met in a special session to decide on funding for coronavirus relief.
Army long-range cannon gets direct hit on target 43 miles away
The Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) system under development hit a target 43 miles away — or 70 kilometers — on the nose at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Dec. 19, using an Excalibur extended-range guided artillery shell, according to the general who is overseeing the service’s Long-Range Precision Fires modernization.
U.S. Congress Rolling Out $2.3 Trillion Rescue
Congress prepared to vote for a $2.3 trillion rescue package, the most extensive in U.S. history.
Google policy informs children that parents are monitoring their account
Google has confirmed it tells children when their parents are supervising their accounts, Just the News reported Sunday. The issue came to light when film director Robby Starbuck tweeted that his 7-year-old son had been notified by Google that his account was being supervised.
EU-UK post-Brexit trade talks remain at standstill
Post-Brexit trade talks between Britain and the European Union remained grid-locked Sunday evening, even as there remain just days to go before the official transition period comes to an end on December 31, the Associated Press reports. In the event no agreement is reached by the end of the year, the two parties will default to trading on World Trade Organization terms, with all the tariffs and barriers that this will entail.
US nuclear submarine transits Strait of Hormuz amid tensions
An American nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine traversed the strategically vital waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula on Monday, the U.S. Navy said, a rare announcement that comes amid rising tensions with Iran.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel’s marijuana industry prepares to expand as country moves toward legalizing recreational cannabis
Israel is progressing with moves to legalize recreational marijuana in the next few months, while its burgeoning cannabis industry looks to expand its manufacturing, production and export capabilities, Ynet News reports.
Election prevention bill fails, Israel headed to elections on March 23
A bill proposed to avoid Knesset dispersal and the fourth elections over the last two years has failed to pass on Monday night, sealing Israel's fate.
Bennett: Goal ‘to replace Netanyahu,’ won’t back bill to let PM avoid legal woes
Yamina leader Naftali Bennett said Monday that his goal was to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and would not support legislative efforts to help the premier avoid his corruption charges.
Knesset rejects bill to delay budget deadline, sends Israel heading to elections
The Knesset overnight Monday-Tuesday narrowly rejected a bill that would have deferred a Tuesday midnight deadline for passing the 2020 state budget, and thus set Israel on an almost certain course to its fourth general election in two years.
Israeli submarine reportedly crosses Suez Canal in ‘message’ to Iran
An Israeli submarine openly crossed the Suez Canal last week, in a show of force against Iran, the Kan public broadcaster reported Monday night.
Inside the United States
US Attorney-General Barr Abandoning President Trump
U.S. Attorney General William Barr has turned his back on embattled President Donald J. Trump by declining to appoint a special counsel to investigate the president’s claims of massive voter fraud during the 2020 election.
Anti-Lockdown Protesters Clash With Police At Oregon State Capitol
Anti-lockdown protesters clashed with police during a demonstration Monday at the Oregon Capitol as lawmakers met in a special session to decide on funding for coronavirus relief.
Army long-range cannon gets direct hit on target 43 miles away
The Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) system under development hit a target 43 miles away — or 70 kilometers — on the nose at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Dec. 19, using an Excalibur extended-range guided artillery shell, according to the general who is overseeing the service’s Long-Range Precision Fires modernization.
U.S. Congress Rolling Out $2.3 Trillion Rescue
Congress prepared to vote for a $2.3 trillion rescue package, the most extensive in U.S. history.
Google policy informs children that parents are monitoring their account
Google has confirmed it tells children when their parents are supervising their accounts, Just the News reported Sunday. The issue came to light when film director Robby Starbuck tweeted that his 7-year-old son had been notified by Google that his account was being supervised.
Around the World
3 rockets fired toward US embassy in Iraq
At least three rockets targeted the US embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone on Sunday, Iraqi security officials said, sparking fears of renewed unrest, as next month’s anniversary of the slaying of an Iranian general draws near.
Iran building at underground nuclear facility, new satellite photos show
Iran has begun construction on a site at its underground nuclear facility at Fordo amid tensions with the US over its atomic program, satellite photos obtained Friday by The Associated Press show.
Europe Countries Ban British Flights Over New Corona Strain
Authorities in several European countries banned flights from Britain on Sunday amid mounting fears over an infectious new strain of COVID-19.
Russia Returns Icon To Bosnia Amid Tensions, Elections
Russia says it will return an Orthodox Church icon, presented to the Russian foreign minister in Bosnia-Herzegovina where local elections were held in a strategic city on Sunday. The announcement came after the gift triggered a protest from Ukraine.
China Detains Journalist Amid Corona Crackdown
China has detained a prominent journalist amid an intensified clampdown by the ruling Communist authorities on independent reporting.
America Blames Russia For Massive Cyberattack
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed Russia for one of the largest cyberattacks on American government agencies and private companies in recent memory. Russia has denied involvement in the scandal.
Saudi Arabia: Significant reduction in school book anti-Semitism
A monitoring group reported Tuesday that, while there remains work to be done, Saudi Arabia has significantly reduced anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist content in its school books for the coming year, the Times of Israel reports. The Jerusalem-based Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se) published its report amid speculation that Saudi Arabia, a long-time enemy of Israel, may follow Bahrain, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates in normalizing relations with the Jewish State.
North Korea Executes Captain For Hearing U.S. Broadcasts
Authorities in North Korea have publicly executed the owner of a fishing fleet for secretly listening to broadcasts by U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia (RFA) and other media outlets, Worthy News learned Friday.
Nigeria Army Rescues Abducted Boys
Nigeria’s army said Friday it had rescued all 344 schoolboys who were kidnapped a week earlier by Islamic militants in the nation’s troubled northwest.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA, Jordan and Egypt call for resumption of peace talks
The Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Jordan on Saturday stressed the need to urge Israel to return to negotiations in order to reach a final settlement on the basis of a two-state solution to ensure the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the pre-1967 lines, with east Jerusalem as its capital.
Bethlehem To Celebrate Christmas Despite Coronavirus Crisis
Church leaders and local authorities say they are preparing Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, the Biblical birthplace of Jesus, despite a reported increase in coronavirus cases. "Bethlehem is going to celebrate Christmas. And Christmas will not be canceled," pledged Mayor Anton Salman.
Israel to issue post-vaccination “green passport” allowing citizens into public areas
Israel will be the first country to give its citizens a “green passport” — a card or mobile phone app that will allow them to enter public spaces like restaurants, shopping centers, and airplanes - once they have received the COVID-19 vaccination, All Israel News reports.
Hundreds of ancient oil lamps unearthed in Judean Hills
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Monday that archaeologists working in the Judean Hills city of Beit Shemesh have unearthed a lost cistern containing hundreds of ceramic oil lamps that are 1,600-1,700 years old, the Times of Israel reports.
Inside the United States
Trump campaign independently filing with Supreme Court over election results
The Trump campaign issued its first independent filing with the Supreme Court on Sunday, in hopes of reversing actions taken by Pennsylvania's high court.
4 Years of Pro-Life Accomplishments: VP Pence Hosts ‘Life Is Winning’ Event
Vice President Mike Pence and other members of the White House team reflected Wednesday on the many pro-life accomplishments achieved during the Trump administration.
Lawmakers have reached a deal on a coronavirus relief package
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Sunday night said that legislators have arrived at an agreement regarding a coronavirus relief package.
Only 56% Say Biden Is Their President
Many anti-Trumpers insisted throughout President Trump’s four years in office that he was not their president, and a surprisingly high number of voters feel the same way about President-elect Biden.
U.S. Approves 2nd COVID Vaccine Ahead of Christmas
The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, hours after Vice-President Mike Pence received another coronavirus jab live on television.
3 rockets fired toward US embassy in Iraq
At least three rockets targeted the US embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone on Sunday, Iraqi security officials said, sparking fears of renewed unrest, as next month’s anniversary of the slaying of an Iranian general draws near.
Iran building at underground nuclear facility, new satellite photos show
Iran has begun construction on a site at its underground nuclear facility at Fordo amid tensions with the US over its atomic program, satellite photos obtained Friday by The Associated Press show.
Europe Countries Ban British Flights Over New Corona Strain
Authorities in several European countries banned flights from Britain on Sunday amid mounting fears over an infectious new strain of COVID-19.
Russia Returns Icon To Bosnia Amid Tensions, Elections
Russia says it will return an Orthodox Church icon, presented to the Russian foreign minister in Bosnia-Herzegovina where local elections were held in a strategic city on Sunday. The announcement came after the gift triggered a protest from Ukraine.
China Detains Journalist Amid Corona Crackdown
China has detained a prominent journalist amid an intensified clampdown by the ruling Communist authorities on independent reporting.
America Blames Russia For Massive Cyberattack
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed Russia for one of the largest cyberattacks on American government agencies and private companies in recent memory. Russia has denied involvement in the scandal.
Saudi Arabia: Significant reduction in school book anti-Semitism
A monitoring group reported Tuesday that, while there remains work to be done, Saudi Arabia has significantly reduced anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist content in its school books for the coming year, the Times of Israel reports. The Jerusalem-based Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se) published its report amid speculation that Saudi Arabia, a long-time enemy of Israel, may follow Bahrain, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates in normalizing relations with the Jewish State.
North Korea Executes Captain For Hearing U.S. Broadcasts
Authorities in North Korea have publicly executed the owner of a fishing fleet for secretly listening to broadcasts by U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia (RFA) and other media outlets, Worthy News learned Friday.
Nigeria Army Rescues Abducted Boys
Nigeria’s army said Friday it had rescued all 344 schoolboys who were kidnapped a week earlier by Islamic militants in the nation’s troubled northwest.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA, Jordan and Egypt call for resumption of peace talks
The Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Jordan on Saturday stressed the need to urge Israel to return to negotiations in order to reach a final settlement on the basis of a two-state solution to ensure the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the pre-1967 lines, with east Jerusalem as its capital.
Bethlehem To Celebrate Christmas Despite Coronavirus Crisis
Church leaders and local authorities say they are preparing Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, the Biblical birthplace of Jesus, despite a reported increase in coronavirus cases. "Bethlehem is going to celebrate Christmas. And Christmas will not be canceled," pledged Mayor Anton Salman.
Israel to issue post-vaccination “green passport” allowing citizens into public areas
Israel will be the first country to give its citizens a “green passport” — a card or mobile phone app that will allow them to enter public spaces like restaurants, shopping centers, and airplanes - once they have received the COVID-19 vaccination, All Israel News reports.
Hundreds of ancient oil lamps unearthed in Judean Hills
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Monday that archaeologists working in the Judean Hills city of Beit Shemesh have unearthed a lost cistern containing hundreds of ceramic oil lamps that are 1,600-1,700 years old, the Times of Israel reports.
Inside the United States
Trump campaign independently filing with Supreme Court over election results
The Trump campaign issued its first independent filing with the Supreme Court on Sunday, in hopes of reversing actions taken by Pennsylvania's high court.
4 Years of Pro-Life Accomplishments: VP Pence Hosts ‘Life Is Winning’ Event
Vice President Mike Pence and other members of the White House team reflected Wednesday on the many pro-life accomplishments achieved during the Trump administration.
Lawmakers have reached a deal on a coronavirus relief package
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Sunday night said that legislators have arrived at an agreement regarding a coronavirus relief package.
Only 56% Say Biden Is Their President
Many anti-Trumpers insisted throughout President Trump’s four years in office that he was not their president, and a surprisingly high number of voters feel the same way about President-elect Biden.
U.S. Approves 2nd COVID Vaccine Ahead of Christmas
The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, hours after Vice-President Mike Pence received another coronavirus jab live on television.