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
Iran says Israeli involvement in Gulf naval mission would be ‘disastrous’
Iran’s defense minister said Thursday that the formation of a US-led flotilla in the Gulf would 'increase insecurity' and any Israeli involvement would have 'disastrous consequences' for the region.
Turkey headed towards ‘Russian-Chinese axis’ after ejection from F-35 program
The Trump administration’s decision to eject Turkey from the F-35 fighter-jet program in July has significant implications for NATO, Israel and the Middle East.
2 million expected in Mecca for hajj pilgrimage, a pillar of Islam
The annual hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia’s city of Mecca is one of five pillars of Islam that all Muslims who are able to are expected to complete at least once.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
2 Hamas Terror Cells Discovered in 2 Months in Israel, Netanyahu Praises ‘Long Arm’ of Israeli Security
A 22-year-old Palestinian university student was arrested in June for planning bombings against both Israeli and Palestinian Authority targets in the Gaza Strip.
US slaps Hezbollah financier with 5-year prison sentence, $50m. fine
A Lebanese businessman designated by US authorities as an important financial supporter of Hezbollah was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to forfeit $50 million, the Justice Department said Thursday.
Inside the United States
U.S. labor market strong; second-quarter GDP growth expected to be revised down
The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting the labor market remains strong even as the economy is slowing.
White House drafting executive order to tackle Silicon Valley’s alleged anti-conservative bias
The White House is circulating drafts of a proposed executive order that would address allegations of anti-conservative bias by social media companies, according to a White House official and two other people familiar with the matter -- a month after President Donald Trump pledged to explore 'all regulatory and legislative solutions' on the issue.
DOJ releases FBI documents on Bruce Ohr interviews about Trump dossier author Christopher Steele
The Justice Department released the heavily redacted notes from a dozen FBI interviews with Bruce Ohr, the DOJ official who met with dossier author Christopher Steele numerous times, including after the bureau cut the former MI6 agent off as a source because of improper leaks to the media.
Trump names counterterrorism chief as acting director of national intelligence
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Joseph Maguire, the current chief of the National Counterterrorism Center, will become the acting director of national intelligence.
Christian News
'Defenseless’ Indonesian State Caves to Islamist Pressure as Pentecostal Church Shut Down
A controversial government decree on the construction of places of worship has led to the closure of a Pentecostal church in Indonesia.
‘Avowed Contempt for Human Rights’ Leads Philippine Government to Scrutinize, Harass Christian Aid Workers
Christians in the Philippines are coming under increasing pressure from the Rodrigo Duterte administration for their involvement in human rights work.
Iran says Israeli involvement in Gulf naval mission would be ‘disastrous’
Iran’s defense minister said Thursday that the formation of a US-led flotilla in the Gulf would 'increase insecurity' and any Israeli involvement would have 'disastrous consequences' for the region.
Turkey headed towards ‘Russian-Chinese axis’ after ejection from F-35 program
The Trump administration’s decision to eject Turkey from the F-35 fighter-jet program in July has significant implications for NATO, Israel and the Middle East.
2 million expected in Mecca for hajj pilgrimage, a pillar of Islam
The annual hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia’s city of Mecca is one of five pillars of Islam that all Muslims who are able to are expected to complete at least once.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
2 Hamas Terror Cells Discovered in 2 Months in Israel, Netanyahu Praises ‘Long Arm’ of Israeli Security
A 22-year-old Palestinian university student was arrested in June for planning bombings against both Israeli and Palestinian Authority targets in the Gaza Strip.
US slaps Hezbollah financier with 5-year prison sentence, $50m. fine
A Lebanese businessman designated by US authorities as an important financial supporter of Hezbollah was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to forfeit $50 million, the Justice Department said Thursday.
Inside the United States
U.S. labor market strong; second-quarter GDP growth expected to be revised down
The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting the labor market remains strong even as the economy is slowing.
White House drafting executive order to tackle Silicon Valley’s alleged anti-conservative bias
The White House is circulating drafts of a proposed executive order that would address allegations of anti-conservative bias by social media companies, according to a White House official and two other people familiar with the matter -- a month after President Donald Trump pledged to explore 'all regulatory and legislative solutions' on the issue.
DOJ releases FBI documents on Bruce Ohr interviews about Trump dossier author Christopher Steele
The Justice Department released the heavily redacted notes from a dozen FBI interviews with Bruce Ohr, the DOJ official who met with dossier author Christopher Steele numerous times, including after the bureau cut the former MI6 agent off as a source because of improper leaks to the media.
Trump names counterterrorism chief as acting director of national intelligence
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Joseph Maguire, the current chief of the National Counterterrorism Center, will become the acting director of national intelligence.
Christian News
'Defenseless’ Indonesian State Caves to Islamist Pressure as Pentecostal Church Shut Down
A controversial government decree on the construction of places of worship has led to the closure of a Pentecostal church in Indonesia.
‘Avowed Contempt for Human Rights’ Leads Philippine Government to Scrutinize, Harass Christian Aid Workers
Christians in the Philippines are coming under increasing pressure from the Rodrigo Duterte administration for their involvement in human rights work.
Around the World
Pakistan Downgrades Ties With India as Tensions Rise Over Kashmir
Pakistan says it is expelling India's high commissioner to Islamabad, just hours after downgrading diplomatic and trade ties with New Dehli for stripping the disputed Kashmir region of its special status, as bilateral relations continue to deteriorate.
Turkey, US Agree to Form Joint Operation Center for Syria Safe Zone
Turkey and the United States said they agreed on Wednesday to establish a joint operation center in Turkey to coordinate and manage a planned safe zone in northern Syria.
Iranian President Warns of ‘Mother of All Wars’ If US, Britain Continue to Trifle with Iranian Oil
Iran on Tuesday declared its intention to further disrupt oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, announcing a naval drill to take place with Russia later this year in the disputed waterway.
US carrier sails into disputed South China Sea waters amid new flare-ups
A U.S. aircraft carrier sailed through the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday in the latest show of America’s military might amid new territorial flare-ups involving China and three rival claimant states.
Trump administration to seek Britain trade deal after Brexit
The Trump administration will pursue a free-trade agreement with Britain as soon as possible after it leaves the European Union, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday as the country’s new foreign secretary made his first official visit to the United States.
NATO chief says alliance must prepare ‘to address the rise of China'
China’s efforts to establish economic and even military influence far beyond its borders are pushing NATO to develop new plays for the Indo-Pacific, the security bloc’s civilian chief says.
Russian Military Unveils Stealth Drone’s Maiden Flight
A new Russian military drone equipped with stealth technologies has taken flight for the first time, according to footage published by Russia’s Defense Ministry.
500 Arrests Made During Clampdown in Indian-Ruled Kashmir, Report Says
A petition was filed Thursday in India’s top court challenging the communications blackout and security clampdown in Indian-controlled Kashmir, where people remained holed up in their homes for a fourth day.
Zimbabwe: A third of population faces food crisis, says UN
More than five million people in Zimbabwe - about a third of the population - need food aid, with many coming close to starving, the UN says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel seeks to change the face of the battlefield with AI-powered autonomous armored vehicles
The Israel Defense Forces unveiled plans this week for armored combat vehicles, with features normally seen in fighter planes.
Palestinian leaders express outrage at Jewish calls to visit Temple Mount
The London-based Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the 'extremist Jewish 'Union of Temple Organizations' called for Jews to storm the Aqsa Mosque on the occasion of Tisha Be'Av, which runs into the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha this year.
Foreign Minister: Israel Has Joined US-Led Coalition to Secure Gulf From Iran Threats
Israel is playing a role in a US-led coalition to secure the Persian Gulf from the threats posed by Iran, the Jewish state’s foreign minister revealed on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Let the 2020 Race Begin: Evangelicals, Pastors Set To Mobilize, Change America
Roughly 400 pastors and faith leaders will descend on Lynchburg, Virginia later this week as two major evangelical forces unite together in the beginning efforts of a 2020 national ground game aimed at restoring Judeo-Christian principles across the country and mobilizing an evangelical army of pastors to lead the way.
Puerto Rico gets third governor after supreme court clears the way
Puerto Rico got its third governor in less than a week on Wednesday just hours after the bankrupt U.S. territory’s supreme court ruled that Pedro Pierluisi’s assumption of the office was unconstitutional and ordered him to leave.
FBI opens domestic terror investigation into Gilroy, Calif., mass shooting
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has opened a domestic terrorism investigation into a California mass shooting by a 19-year-old gunman who killed three people at a food festival last week, an official said on Tuesday.
Christian News
Chinese ‘Ministry of Truth’ Begins Editing God Out of Western Classics
China has introduced a new textbook with Western classics such as Robinson Crusoe, Vanka, and The Little Match Girl, but with every reference to God removed.
Study: Most churchgoers say they can walk with God alone
The majority of Protestant churchgoers believe they can walk with God without other believers — yet also say they need other believers to help them in that walk, a new study has found, highlighting the lack of discipleship in today’s churches.
Pakistan Downgrades Ties With India as Tensions Rise Over Kashmir
Pakistan says it is expelling India's high commissioner to Islamabad, just hours after downgrading diplomatic and trade ties with New Dehli for stripping the disputed Kashmir region of its special status, as bilateral relations continue to deteriorate.
Turkey, US Agree to Form Joint Operation Center for Syria Safe Zone
Turkey and the United States said they agreed on Wednesday to establish a joint operation center in Turkey to coordinate and manage a planned safe zone in northern Syria.
Iranian President Warns of ‘Mother of All Wars’ If US, Britain Continue to Trifle with Iranian Oil
Iran on Tuesday declared its intention to further disrupt oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, announcing a naval drill to take place with Russia later this year in the disputed waterway.
US carrier sails into disputed South China Sea waters amid new flare-ups
A U.S. aircraft carrier sailed through the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday in the latest show of America’s military might amid new territorial flare-ups involving China and three rival claimant states.
Trump administration to seek Britain trade deal after Brexit
The Trump administration will pursue a free-trade agreement with Britain as soon as possible after it leaves the European Union, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday as the country’s new foreign secretary made his first official visit to the United States.
NATO chief says alliance must prepare ‘to address the rise of China'
China’s efforts to establish economic and even military influence far beyond its borders are pushing NATO to develop new plays for the Indo-Pacific, the security bloc’s civilian chief says.
Russian Military Unveils Stealth Drone’s Maiden Flight
A new Russian military drone equipped with stealth technologies has taken flight for the first time, according to footage published by Russia’s Defense Ministry.
500 Arrests Made During Clampdown in Indian-Ruled Kashmir, Report Says
A petition was filed Thursday in India’s top court challenging the communications blackout and security clampdown in Indian-controlled Kashmir, where people remained holed up in their homes for a fourth day.
Zimbabwe: A third of population faces food crisis, says UN
More than five million people in Zimbabwe - about a third of the population - need food aid, with many coming close to starving, the UN says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel seeks to change the face of the battlefield with AI-powered autonomous armored vehicles
The Israel Defense Forces unveiled plans this week for armored combat vehicles, with features normally seen in fighter planes.
Palestinian leaders express outrage at Jewish calls to visit Temple Mount
The London-based Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the 'extremist Jewish 'Union of Temple Organizations' called for Jews to storm the Aqsa Mosque on the occasion of Tisha Be'Av, which runs into the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha this year.
Foreign Minister: Israel Has Joined US-Led Coalition to Secure Gulf From Iran Threats
Israel is playing a role in a US-led coalition to secure the Persian Gulf from the threats posed by Iran, the Jewish state’s foreign minister revealed on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Let the 2020 Race Begin: Evangelicals, Pastors Set To Mobilize, Change America
Roughly 400 pastors and faith leaders will descend on Lynchburg, Virginia later this week as two major evangelical forces unite together in the beginning efforts of a 2020 national ground game aimed at restoring Judeo-Christian principles across the country and mobilizing an evangelical army of pastors to lead the way.
Puerto Rico gets third governor after supreme court clears the way
Puerto Rico got its third governor in less than a week on Wednesday just hours after the bankrupt U.S. territory’s supreme court ruled that Pedro Pierluisi’s assumption of the office was unconstitutional and ordered him to leave.
FBI opens domestic terror investigation into Gilroy, Calif., mass shooting
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has opened a domestic terrorism investigation into a California mass shooting by a 19-year-old gunman who killed three people at a food festival last week, an official said on Tuesday.
Christian News
Chinese ‘Ministry of Truth’ Begins Editing God Out of Western Classics
China has introduced a new textbook with Western classics such as Robinson Crusoe, Vanka, and The Little Match Girl, but with every reference to God removed.
Study: Most churchgoers say they can walk with God alone
The majority of Protestant churchgoers believe they can walk with God without other believers — yet also say they need other believers to help them in that walk, a new study has found, highlighting the lack of discipleship in today’s churches.
Around the World
Britain Joining U.S. In Maritime Security Mission In Gulf
Britain says it is joining the United States in an 'international maritime security mission' to protect merchant vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping line that connects the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
U.S. designates China a currency manipulator, escalating trade war
A yearlong U.S.-China trade war boiled over on Monday as Washington accused Beijing of manipulating its currency after China let the yuan drop to its lowest point in more than a decade.
Kashmir tensions intensify amid India-Pakistan skirmishes
Tensions have soared along the volatile, highly militarized frontier between India and Pakistan in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, as India has deployed more troops and ordered thousands of visitors out of the region.
China Vows 'Countermeasures' If US Deploys Missiles in Asia-Pacific
China says it will take 'countermeasures' if the United States deploys ground-based intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.
North Korea Fires Two More Projectiles: South Korea
North Korea continued to ramp up its weapons demonstrations by firing two presumed short-range ballistic missiles into the sea Tuesday while lashing out at the United States and South Korea for continuing military exercises that the North says could derail fragile nuclear diplomacy.
Trump freezes all Venezuelan government assets in bid to pressure Maduro
U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the United States on Monday, sharply escalating an economic and diplomatic pressure campaign aimed at removing socialist President Nicolas Maduro from power.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran said increasing Hamas funding to $30m per month, wants intel on Israel
Iran has agreed to massively increase its monthly payments to Palestinian terror group Hamas in exchange for intelligence on Israeli missile capabilities, an Israeli television network reported Monday.
PA vows to bolster presence in Judea and Samaria over 'Israeli aggression'
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Monday blamed Israel for violating agreements between the parties pertaining to Judea and Samaria.
Inside the United States
Trump explores executive action on guns
President Donald Trump is exploring ways to use regulatory power and executive action to curb gun violence after a pair of deadly shootings over the weekend — a move driven by his aides’ belief that Congress is incapable of coalescing around consensus legislation in a heated 2020 election cycle.
Trump promises action on gun violence after two mass shootings
President Trump said Sunday he will announce steps to stop gun violence, as top Democrats raced to blame him for fomenting two mass shootings this weekend in Texas and Ohio with a toxic stew of violence and white nationalism, and pressed him for quick action on gun control.
Britain Joining U.S. In Maritime Security Mission In Gulf
Britain says it is joining the United States in an 'international maritime security mission' to protect merchant vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping line that connects the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
U.S. designates China a currency manipulator, escalating trade war
A yearlong U.S.-China trade war boiled over on Monday as Washington accused Beijing of manipulating its currency after China let the yuan drop to its lowest point in more than a decade.
Kashmir tensions intensify amid India-Pakistan skirmishes
Tensions have soared along the volatile, highly militarized frontier between India and Pakistan in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, as India has deployed more troops and ordered thousands of visitors out of the region.
China Vows 'Countermeasures' If US Deploys Missiles in Asia-Pacific
China says it will take 'countermeasures' if the United States deploys ground-based intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.
North Korea Fires Two More Projectiles: South Korea
North Korea continued to ramp up its weapons demonstrations by firing two presumed short-range ballistic missiles into the sea Tuesday while lashing out at the United States and South Korea for continuing military exercises that the North says could derail fragile nuclear diplomacy.
Trump freezes all Venezuelan government assets in bid to pressure Maduro
U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the United States on Monday, sharply escalating an economic and diplomatic pressure campaign aimed at removing socialist President Nicolas Maduro from power.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran said increasing Hamas funding to $30m per month, wants intel on Israel
Iran has agreed to massively increase its monthly payments to Palestinian terror group Hamas in exchange for intelligence on Israeli missile capabilities, an Israeli television network reported Monday.
PA vows to bolster presence in Judea and Samaria over 'Israeli aggression'
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Monday blamed Israel for violating agreements between the parties pertaining to Judea and Samaria.
Inside the United States
Trump explores executive action on guns
President Donald Trump is exploring ways to use regulatory power and executive action to curb gun violence after a pair of deadly shootings over the weekend — a move driven by his aides’ belief that Congress is incapable of coalescing around consensus legislation in a heated 2020 election cycle.
Trump promises action on gun violence after two mass shootings
President Trump said Sunday he will announce steps to stop gun violence, as top Democrats raced to blame him for fomenting two mass shootings this weekend in Texas and Ohio with a toxic stew of violence and white nationalism, and pressed him for quick action on gun control.