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
Putin-Trump call focuses on coronavirus, arms control, oil
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed progress in combating the coronavirus pandemic along with arms control issues and oil prices in a phone call Thursday, the White House and the Kremlin said.
US moving Patriot anti-missile systems from Saudi Arabia as Iran tensions ease
The United States will be relocating four Patriot missile batteries from Saudi Arabia that were deployed amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Naikon, Group Tied to China's Military, Deploys Debilitating New Cyberattack Tool
On the morning of Jan. 3, an email was sent from the Indonesian Embassy in Australia to a member of the premier of Western Australia’s staff who worked on health and ecological issues. Attached was a Word document that aroused no immediate suspicions, since the intended recipient knew the supposed sender.
Hungary Rejects Treaty On Violence Against Women
Rights group Amnesty International has condemned the Hungarian parliament's rejection of an international treaty to combat violence against women amid a coronavirus pandemic. "This decision is extremely dangerous," said David Vig, Amnesty's Hungary director. "It comes at a time when reported domestic violence incidents in Hungary have doubled since the start of the [new coronavirus] COVID-19 lockdown" to halt the virus outbreak.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US promise of Israeli sovereignty in Judea, Samaria enrages Palestinians
Comments by U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman on Wednesday to Israel Hayom sparked mixed reactions even among Israel’s Right. Not surprisingly, Palestinian leaders were furious.
Israel demands major changes in UN peacekeeping in Lebanon
Israel’s U.N. ambassador said Wednesday that his government is demanding major changes in the way the U.N. peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon operates on the ground and has support from the United States.
Inside the United States
Nearly 3.2 million new jobless claims across U.S. drives tally during outbreak to 33.5 million
Even as a handful of states have made tentative steps back to normalcy in recent days, new jobless claims continue to flood in across all 50 states, driving the number of unemployment claims to 33.5 million over the past seven weeks.
US Lawmakers Fail to Check Trump on War-Making Power With Iran
The U.S. Senate failed to override a White House veto Thursday, bringing an end to a four-month congressional effort to limit presidential power to unilaterally take the United States into war.
US Justice Department dropping Michael Flynn’s criminal case
The US Justice Department on Thursday said it was dropping the criminal case against President Donald Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, abandoning a prosecution that became a rallying cry for the president and his supporters in attacking the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation.
Biden says insurance companies should treat genital reconstruction surgery as necessary
The presumptive Democrat presidential nominee Joe Biden has stated insurance companies should treat genital reconstruction surgery as a medical necessity for transgender people, the Washington Examiner reports.
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Nuns In Contraceptives Case
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether nuns could be forced to facilitate abortion-causing drugs and other contraceptives such as sterilizations. Its first liberty case began Wednesday involving the Little Sisters of the Poor organization, which has been supporting the poor and dying since 1839.
Christian News
America’s Unique Bond with Israel on This National Day of Prayer
Today, May 7th is the National Day of Prayer in the United States, a tradition that began as early as 1775. In 2019, President Donald Trump proclaimed “Our Nation's honored tradition of prayer has sustained us and strengthened our trust that God will continue to watch over and accompany us through the best of times and the darkest hours. May we as Americans never forget the power of prayer and the greatness of our Creator. On this National Day of Prayer, let each of us, according to our own faiths, call upon God for His guidance and express our gratitude for the love and grace He bestows on us and our country.”
Federal Judge upholds California ban on church service gatherings
California Gov. Newsom’s executive order banning in-person church services during the COVID-19 pandemic has been upheld by a federal judge, the Washington Examiner reports. The Cross Culture Christian Center near Sacramento had filed a lawsuit stating the governor’s lockdown order violated their First Amendment right to free assembly.
Samaritan’s Purse among volunteer health workers required to pay New York income tax for helping during pandemic
Having been asked to come to New York City to help with the COVID-19 crisis, disaster relief organization Samaritan’s Purse (SP) has been told it must pay state taxes for the time it spent running its free-of-charge field hospital in Central Park.
Putin-Trump call focuses on coronavirus, arms control, oil
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed progress in combating the coronavirus pandemic along with arms control issues and oil prices in a phone call Thursday, the White House and the Kremlin said.
US moving Patriot anti-missile systems from Saudi Arabia as Iran tensions ease
The United States will be relocating four Patriot missile batteries from Saudi Arabia that were deployed amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Naikon, Group Tied to China's Military, Deploys Debilitating New Cyberattack Tool
On the morning of Jan. 3, an email was sent from the Indonesian Embassy in Australia to a member of the premier of Western Australia’s staff who worked on health and ecological issues. Attached was a Word document that aroused no immediate suspicions, since the intended recipient knew the supposed sender.
Hungary Rejects Treaty On Violence Against Women
Rights group Amnesty International has condemned the Hungarian parliament's rejection of an international treaty to combat violence against women amid a coronavirus pandemic. "This decision is extremely dangerous," said David Vig, Amnesty's Hungary director. "It comes at a time when reported domestic violence incidents in Hungary have doubled since the start of the [new coronavirus] COVID-19 lockdown" to halt the virus outbreak.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US promise of Israeli sovereignty in Judea, Samaria enrages Palestinians
Comments by U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman on Wednesday to Israel Hayom sparked mixed reactions even among Israel’s Right. Not surprisingly, Palestinian leaders were furious.
Israel demands major changes in UN peacekeeping in Lebanon
Israel’s U.N. ambassador said Wednesday that his government is demanding major changes in the way the U.N. peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon operates on the ground and has support from the United States.
Inside the United States
Nearly 3.2 million new jobless claims across U.S. drives tally during outbreak to 33.5 million
Even as a handful of states have made tentative steps back to normalcy in recent days, new jobless claims continue to flood in across all 50 states, driving the number of unemployment claims to 33.5 million over the past seven weeks.
US Lawmakers Fail to Check Trump on War-Making Power With Iran
The U.S. Senate failed to override a White House veto Thursday, bringing an end to a four-month congressional effort to limit presidential power to unilaterally take the United States into war.
US Justice Department dropping Michael Flynn’s criminal case
The US Justice Department on Thursday said it was dropping the criminal case against President Donald Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, abandoning a prosecution that became a rallying cry for the president and his supporters in attacking the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation.
Biden says insurance companies should treat genital reconstruction surgery as necessary
The presumptive Democrat presidential nominee Joe Biden has stated insurance companies should treat genital reconstruction surgery as a medical necessity for transgender people, the Washington Examiner reports.
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Nuns In Contraceptives Case
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether nuns could be forced to facilitate abortion-causing drugs and other contraceptives such as sterilizations. Its first liberty case began Wednesday involving the Little Sisters of the Poor organization, which has been supporting the poor and dying since 1839.
Christian News
America’s Unique Bond with Israel on This National Day of Prayer
Today, May 7th is the National Day of Prayer in the United States, a tradition that began as early as 1775. In 2019, President Donald Trump proclaimed “Our Nation's honored tradition of prayer has sustained us and strengthened our trust that God will continue to watch over and accompany us through the best of times and the darkest hours. May we as Americans never forget the power of prayer and the greatness of our Creator. On this National Day of Prayer, let each of us, according to our own faiths, call upon God for His guidance and express our gratitude for the love and grace He bestows on us and our country.”
Federal Judge upholds California ban on church service gatherings
California Gov. Newsom’s executive order banning in-person church services during the COVID-19 pandemic has been upheld by a federal judge, the Washington Examiner reports. The Cross Culture Christian Center near Sacramento had filed a lawsuit stating the governor’s lockdown order violated their First Amendment right to free assembly.
Samaritan’s Purse among volunteer health workers required to pay New York income tax for helping during pandemic
Having been asked to come to New York City to help with the COVID-19 crisis, disaster relief organization Samaritan’s Purse (SP) has been told it must pay state taxes for the time it spent running its free-of-charge field hospital in Central Park.
Around the World
UN experts say South Sudan peace deal is at risk
UN experts are concerned South Sudan’s peace deal is at risk because unity government partners are arguing about security and resources instead of implementing the terms of the 2018 agreement, VOA News reports. A panel of experts on South Sudan reported to the UN Security Council last week that “selective and incomplete implementation” of agreed security arrangements threatened peace and stability in the country.
World Rushing To Find Vaccine After $8 Billion Pledge
Donors have pledged 7.4 billion euros ($8 billion) for developing a vaccine against the new coronavirus disease COVID-19. But after the online-meeting with world leaders, banks and organizations, officials warned more money might be necessary.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Strikes attributed to Israel hit Iran-linked defense labs, Shiite militia bases
Airstrikes presumed to be Israeli targeted Iran-linked arms warehouses east of Aleppo in northern Syria and militia bases in Deir Ezzor in the east of the country late Monday night, a Syrian war monitor said.
High Court dismisses petitions against Netanyahu-led government
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's indictment on corruption charges does not disqualify him from forming a government, Israel's top court ruled unanimously on Wednesday, paving the way for the veteran leader to remain in power.
Pompeo said planning Israel visit next week to meet with Netanyahu, Gantz
S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Israel next week and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz, several Hebrew media outlets reported Wednesday.
Israel Claims Potential COVID-19 Treatment
Israel says its leading biological research laboratory has made a “significant breakthrough” toward a possible treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inside the United States
National debt surpasses $25 trillion amid coronavirus pandemic
On Wednesday, the national debt soared above $25 trillion as Congress continues to approve massive spending projects to alleviate consequences resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
House to vote on massive new round of economic aid 'as early as next week'
A top Democrat said Wednesday the House could return next week to pass a major economic aid bill aimed at providing more than $1 trillion in local aid, bonus pay for front-line workers, and a bailout of U.S. Postal Service debt.
Trump vetoes resolution limiting war powers against Iran
President Trump condemned Democrats after vetoing a resolution that would have limited his ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval.
High Number of Background Checks for Firearms Purchase in April
The FBI recorded 2.9 million background checks for the purchase of firearms in the month of April, the Washington Examiner reported. Under US federal law, all gun distributors must run background checks with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to ascertain buyers have no criminal record preventing them from owning a gun.
Christian News
Israel Threatens To Ban Evangelical TV Channel
Israel's government has threatened to close down an evangelical television channel broadcasting in Hebrew if it violates laws on proselytizing and missionary activities. Tuesday's announcement came after global network GOD TV launched Shelanu ("Ours") to spread "the gospel of Jesus Christ into the homes and lives and hearts of the Jewish people."
UN experts say South Sudan peace deal is at risk
UN experts are concerned South Sudan’s peace deal is at risk because unity government partners are arguing about security and resources instead of implementing the terms of the 2018 agreement, VOA News reports. A panel of experts on South Sudan reported to the UN Security Council last week that “selective and incomplete implementation” of agreed security arrangements threatened peace and stability in the country.
World Rushing To Find Vaccine After $8 Billion Pledge
Donors have pledged 7.4 billion euros ($8 billion) for developing a vaccine against the new coronavirus disease COVID-19. But after the online-meeting with world leaders, banks and organizations, officials warned more money might be necessary.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Strikes attributed to Israel hit Iran-linked defense labs, Shiite militia bases
Airstrikes presumed to be Israeli targeted Iran-linked arms warehouses east of Aleppo in northern Syria and militia bases in Deir Ezzor in the east of the country late Monday night, a Syrian war monitor said.
High Court dismisses petitions against Netanyahu-led government
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's indictment on corruption charges does not disqualify him from forming a government, Israel's top court ruled unanimously on Wednesday, paving the way for the veteran leader to remain in power.
Pompeo said planning Israel visit next week to meet with Netanyahu, Gantz
S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Israel next week and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz, several Hebrew media outlets reported Wednesday.
Israel Claims Potential COVID-19 Treatment
Israel says its leading biological research laboratory has made a “significant breakthrough” toward a possible treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inside the United States
National debt surpasses $25 trillion amid coronavirus pandemic
On Wednesday, the national debt soared above $25 trillion as Congress continues to approve massive spending projects to alleviate consequences resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
House to vote on massive new round of economic aid 'as early as next week'
A top Democrat said Wednesday the House could return next week to pass a major economic aid bill aimed at providing more than $1 trillion in local aid, bonus pay for front-line workers, and a bailout of U.S. Postal Service debt.
Trump vetoes resolution limiting war powers against Iran
President Trump condemned Democrats after vetoing a resolution that would have limited his ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval.
High Number of Background Checks for Firearms Purchase in April
The FBI recorded 2.9 million background checks for the purchase of firearms in the month of April, the Washington Examiner reported. Under US federal law, all gun distributors must run background checks with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to ascertain buyers have no criminal record preventing them from owning a gun.
Christian News
Israel Threatens To Ban Evangelical TV Channel
Israel's government has threatened to close down an evangelical television channel broadcasting in Hebrew if it violates laws on proselytizing and missionary activities. Tuesday's announcement came after global network GOD TV launched Shelanu ("Ours") to spread "the gospel of Jesus Christ into the homes and lives and hearts of the Jewish people."
Around the World
Iran Cancels Annual 'Death to Israel' Rallies Because of COVID-19
Iran officially called off its annual anti-Israel al-Quds Day rallies due to the coronavirus outbreak.
U.S., Britain to begin post-Brexit trade negotiations
The United States and Britain will begin negotiations Tuesday on a post-Brexit free-trade agreement.
'Mind boggling' 122 million jobs lost in India, says think tank
The world’s biggest lockdown forced 122 million people out of jobs in India last month, according to estimates from a leading private sector think tank.
Trump administration blaming China for COVID-19 pandemic
President Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have each said in recent days that there is significant evidence COVID-19 originated in a lab in China’s Wuhan province. At the same time, the Trump administration says it is looking into the cause of the coronavirus outbreak and has not published the evidence referred to. China has vehemently denied the allegations.
U.S and UK Navy vessels sail into the Arctic, near Russia
In the first such operation since the Cold War of the 1980s, U.S and British Navy vessels sailed into the Arctic Barents Sea Monday, between the northwest coast of Russia and Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. The US military said Russia had been given prior notice of the operation in order to avoid any “inadvertent escalation.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian, Iraqi Fighters Reported Killed In Israeli Air Strikes In Syria
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Syria have killed 14 Iranian and Iraqi fighters, a group monitoring the Syrian war says.
Likud, Blue and White agree to revise coalition deal after High Court criticism
The Likud and Blue and White parties on Tuesday agreed to revise a number of clauses in their agreement to form a new government, after the High Court of Justice signaled they could be struck down.
Israel extends coronavirus cell phone surveillance by 3 weeks
A parliamentary panel on Tuesday authorized Shin Bet security service to continue using mobile phone data to track people infected by the coronavirus until May 26, prolonging an initiative described by critics as a threat to privacy.
Western Wall reopens to worshipers after coronavirus restrictions relaxed
The Western Wall Plaza reopened to worshipers on Tuesday morning.
Inside the United States
Two-thirds of people question accuracy of US coronavirus death toll: Survey
A poll from Axios and Ipsos found 67% of respondents do not believe the COVID-19 death toll, which as of Monday stood at around 69,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, including data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Consumer debt hits new record of $14.3 trillion
Consumer debt hit a fresh record high to start 2020, even as credit card balances declined while Americans adjusted to the coronavirus pandemic.
Christian News
Israel Threatens To Ban Evangelical TV Channel
Israel's government has threatened to close down an evangelical television channel broadcasting in Hebrew if it violates laws on proselytizing and missionary activities. Tuesday's announcement came after global network GOD TV launched Shelanu ("Ours") to spread "the gospel of Jesus Christ into the homes and lives and hearts of the Jewish people."
UK Christian Fostering Agency Downgraded by Government for Unlawful Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples
An independent Christian adoption and fostering agency in England has been downgraded by a government regulator for “unlawful discrimination against same-sex couples” in that it only places children with opposite-sex Christian couples. The agency is seeking Judicial Review of last year’s decision and the case will be heard in Leeds High Court on Wednesday and Thursday.
China Church Members Injured In Attacks, Properties Damaged
Christians in south-eastern China were recovering of serious injuries Tuesday after suffering attacks during a Sunday service amid a government crackdown on unregistered churches, rights activists told Worthy News. Church properties were also damaged in the May 3 violence against Xingguang Church in Xiamen city in China's Fujian province, added advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
Iran Cancels Annual 'Death to Israel' Rallies Because of COVID-19
Iran officially called off its annual anti-Israel al-Quds Day rallies due to the coronavirus outbreak.
U.S., Britain to begin post-Brexit trade negotiations
The United States and Britain will begin negotiations Tuesday on a post-Brexit free-trade agreement.
'Mind boggling' 122 million jobs lost in India, says think tank
The world’s biggest lockdown forced 122 million people out of jobs in India last month, according to estimates from a leading private sector think tank.
Trump administration blaming China for COVID-19 pandemic
President Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have each said in recent days that there is significant evidence COVID-19 originated in a lab in China’s Wuhan province. At the same time, the Trump administration says it is looking into the cause of the coronavirus outbreak and has not published the evidence referred to. China has vehemently denied the allegations.
U.S and UK Navy vessels sail into the Arctic, near Russia
In the first such operation since the Cold War of the 1980s, U.S and British Navy vessels sailed into the Arctic Barents Sea Monday, between the northwest coast of Russia and Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. The US military said Russia had been given prior notice of the operation in order to avoid any “inadvertent escalation.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian, Iraqi Fighters Reported Killed In Israeli Air Strikes In Syria
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Syria have killed 14 Iranian and Iraqi fighters, a group monitoring the Syrian war says.
Likud, Blue and White agree to revise coalition deal after High Court criticism
The Likud and Blue and White parties on Tuesday agreed to revise a number of clauses in their agreement to form a new government, after the High Court of Justice signaled they could be struck down.
Israel extends coronavirus cell phone surveillance by 3 weeks
A parliamentary panel on Tuesday authorized Shin Bet security service to continue using mobile phone data to track people infected by the coronavirus until May 26, prolonging an initiative described by critics as a threat to privacy.
Western Wall reopens to worshipers after coronavirus restrictions relaxed
The Western Wall Plaza reopened to worshipers on Tuesday morning.
Inside the United States
Two-thirds of people question accuracy of US coronavirus death toll: Survey
A poll from Axios and Ipsos found 67% of respondents do not believe the COVID-19 death toll, which as of Monday stood at around 69,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, including data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Consumer debt hits new record of $14.3 trillion
Consumer debt hit a fresh record high to start 2020, even as credit card balances declined while Americans adjusted to the coronavirus pandemic.
Christian News
Israel Threatens To Ban Evangelical TV Channel
Israel's government has threatened to close down an evangelical television channel broadcasting in Hebrew if it violates laws on proselytizing and missionary activities. Tuesday's announcement came after global network GOD TV launched Shelanu ("Ours") to spread "the gospel of Jesus Christ into the homes and lives and hearts of the Jewish people."
UK Christian Fostering Agency Downgraded by Government for Unlawful Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples
An independent Christian adoption and fostering agency in England has been downgraded by a government regulator for “unlawful discrimination against same-sex couples” in that it only places children with opposite-sex Christian couples. The agency is seeking Judicial Review of last year’s decision and the case will be heard in Leeds High Court on Wednesday and Thursday.
China Church Members Injured In Attacks, Properties Damaged
Christians in south-eastern China were recovering of serious injuries Tuesday after suffering attacks during a Sunday service amid a government crackdown on unregistered churches, rights activists told Worthy News. Church properties were also damaged in the May 3 violence against Xingguang Church in Xiamen city in China's Fujian province, added advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).