Prophecy News Watch - December 9, 2021

Around the World
Video: ‘Britain’s PM Staff Violate COVID Rules With Christmas Party’
Victims of strict coronavirus measures lashed out at Britain’s prime minister after reports that his staff held a lavish Christmas party while strict social distancing orders were in place.
Indonesia President To Rebuild As Volcano Kills Dozens
Indonesian President Joko Widodo vowed that his government would help rebuild communities after the eruption of one of Indonesia’s active volcanoes killed at least 34 people and left thousands homeless.
Germany’s New Chancellor Olaf Scholz Facing Challenges
Center-left leader Olaf Scholz has been sworn in as Germany's ninth chancellor since World War Two, but he faces significant challenges.
Billionaires’ share of global wealth soars as pandemic widens inequality gap
The share of global wealth of the world’s richest people soared at a record pace during the COVID pandemic, a report on inequality showed Tuesday.
Pentagon warns China is preparing for military campaign to take over Taiwan
China’s military is actively preparing for a potential attack against Taiwan and the Pentagon is working closely with the island’s military to deter a direct assault and develop asymmetric weapons to fight off Beijing, senior Biden administration officials told Congress on Wednesday.
Iran, Syria to take center stage when Russian FM arrives in Israel next week
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to visit Israel on Sunday, marking the official's first such excursion in three years.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
58% of Israeli Jews back striking Iran’s nuke program without US consent
A significant majority of Jewish Israelis, 58%, would support a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities even without a green light from Washington, according to an Israel Democracy Institute report published Wednesday.
Report: Israel to launch major exercise this spring simulating strike on Iran
The Israel Defense Forces will hold a large-scale exercise over the Mediterranean in the spring with dozens of aircraft simulating a strike against Iran’s nuclear program, according to a report Wednesday.
Mossad chief, Gantz in DC to urge tougher stance on Iran
Mossad head David Barnea and Defense Minister Benny Gantz took rearguard action in Washington to try to change the West’s approach to negotiations with Iran, as they were set to resume in Vienna on Thursday.
Israel Completes Massive High-Tech Fence Along Gaza Border
Israel on Tuesday announced the completion of its new 40-mile-long concrete security barrier along the Gaza border designed to confront threats from above and below.

Inside the United States
US Senate Blocks Biden’s Vaccine Mandate
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted to block President Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine and testing mandate for large employers in a warning to the White House ahead of turbulent mid-term elections next year.
Biden’s COVID measures lose favor with voters as courts reject vaccine mandates time and again
President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates have been rejected time and again in the federal court system, leaving little chance for their survival. At the same time, Americans are steadily losing confidence in Biden’s handling of the pandemic as well as his presidency overall.
Wave of 40 earthquakes in 24 hours rocks northwest
Oregon experienced a series of more than 50 earthquakes all ranging in magnitude this week, but experts say the seismic activity is nothing to be alarmed about.
Supreme Court Poised To Deliver Victory for School Choice in Religious Vouchers Case
The Supreme Court looked likely on Wednesday to strike down a Maine law that excludes religious schools from a voucher program, strengthening parental rights to use taxpayer dollars at faith-based schools.
US, Israel to discuss military drills for Iran scenario
US and Israeli defense chiefs are expected on Thursday to discuss possible military exercises that would prepare for a worst-case scenario to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities should diplomacy fail, a senior US official said.
California Plans to Be Abortion Sanctuary if Roe Overturned
the OK next year, California clinics and their allies in the state legislature on Wednesday revealed a plan to make the state a safe place for those seeking reproductive care, including possibly paying for travel, lodging and procedures for people from other states.

Christian News
India Hindu Militants Seek More Attacks Against Church
Hindu militants threatened more attacks against a Christian congregation in India’s southern state of Karnataka if it continues services ahead of expected “anti-conversion” legislation.
Freed Nigerian Christian Boy Praised For Bravery In Hostage Crisis
The head boy of a Christian school in northern Nigeria, who was freed by suspected Islamic gunmen for health reasons, was praised for showing bravery and leadership during more than 150 days of captivity in the bush.