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
Hundreds Of Egyptians Protest Against Government, Demand Sisi Resignation
Rare antigovernment protests have broken out in several Egyptian cities, with demonstrators calling for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to step down.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard ready for 'any scenario' as tensions escalate
Iran will hit back against any aggressor and seek to destroy it, the elite Revolutionary Guard warned Saturday.
Hong Kong Protesters Trample Chinese Flag and set Fires
Protesters in Hong Kong trampled a Chinese flag, vandalized a subway station and set a fire across a wide street on Sunday, as pro-democracy demonstrations took a violent turn once again.
Hezbollah says Iran would destroy Saudi Arabia in any war
Lebanon's Hezbollah warned Saudi Arabia on Friday against betting on a war against Iran because it would destroy the kingdom and said Riyadh and the United Arab Emirates should halt the conflict in Yemen to protect themselves.
Iran Says It Will Hold Naval Drill With Russia, China ‘Soon’
Iran said it will stage a naval drill with Russia and China in international waters after the U.S. announced plans to send troops to the Middle East, according to Tasnim, a semi-official news agency.
After US sends troops to Mideast, Rouhani warns foreign forces to ‘stay away’
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that the presence of foreign forces creates 'insecurity' in the Gulf, after the US ordered the deployment of more troops to the region.
White House mulling military options against Iran ranging from cyberattacks to war
A White House meeting Friday will see Pentagon officials present President Trump with 'a broad range of military options' targeting Iran, AP reports.
Pentagon to send troops to bolster Saudi defenses after attack
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday approved sending American troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities, which Washington has squarely blamed on Iran.
Saudi Arabia drone attacks - Johnson refuses to rule out military action
Britain has formally identified Iran as being behind drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabian oil fields, raising the chance of the UK joining military efforts in the Middle East.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
'Deal of the Century' to be significantly delayed
In the weeks before the elections, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other senior officials estimated that the so-called 'Deal of the Century', as the US peace plan for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) has come to be known, will be published very close to election day.
Syria Ups Military Presence Along Israeli Border
The Syrian army sent military reinforcements consisting of tanks, vehicles, soldiers, ammunition, and weapons to the towns of Jamlah and Aabdyn near the Syrian border with the Israeli Golan Heights for unknown reasons, reported the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) on Saturday.
Israel begins cutting Palestinian electricity in West Bank, citing debts
Israel’s national electric company said Sunday it has begun reducing power supplies to Palestinian areas of the West Bank due to a financial dispute.
Rivlin to complete talks with parties ahead of decision on designated PM
President Reuven Rivlin on Monday will finish his round of consultations with representatives of all newly elected Knesset parties, after which he will have to make a decision on whom to task with forming the next government.
Inside the United States
U.S. Army banks on artificial intelligence to beat China and Russia
A key piece of the Pentagon’s plan to beat China and Russia in the high-stakes artificial intelligence race lies inside a research facility along the Allegheny River here, where a small but select U.S. Army team has been tasked with creating the weapons, vehicles and sensors needed for 21st-century combat.
Alabama High School Students Defy Prayer Ban, Recite Lord's Prayer at Football Game
The Christian student population at an Alabama high school is fighting back against an atheist group after complaints were made about a pre-game prayer amplified through a loudspeaker.
'Jesus Loves You': Federal Judge Rules for Student Who Gave Out Valentines with Bible Verses
A federal judge has ruled in favor of a student who passed out valentines to fellow students and staff featuring Bible verses with inspirational messages and was told by the taxpayer-funded state college, she must stop because she had defied school policy.
Christian News
Pastor escapes Eritrean prison camp to tell of hardships facing believers
An escapee of Eritrea’s prison camps and pastor recently spoke with persecution relief agency Barnabas Fund about the horrible conditions facing imprisoned believers there.
Wheaton students sue Chicago for undermining free speech, evangelism
Four Wheaton college students are protesting a decision by the city of Chicago to restrict free speech and put a stopper in their evangelism.
Trump to give 'historic' religious freedom speech at United Nations; evangelical leaders invited
The White House announced that President Donald Trump will give a speech on religious freedom next Monday at the United Nations headquarters in New York City and will host a special event to be attended by evangelical leaders and religious freedom advocates.
Hundreds Of Egyptians Protest Against Government, Demand Sisi Resignation
Rare antigovernment protests have broken out in several Egyptian cities, with demonstrators calling for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to step down.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard ready for 'any scenario' as tensions escalate
Iran will hit back against any aggressor and seek to destroy it, the elite Revolutionary Guard warned Saturday.
Hong Kong Protesters Trample Chinese Flag and set Fires
Protesters in Hong Kong trampled a Chinese flag, vandalized a subway station and set a fire across a wide street on Sunday, as pro-democracy demonstrations took a violent turn once again.
Hezbollah says Iran would destroy Saudi Arabia in any war
Lebanon's Hezbollah warned Saudi Arabia on Friday against betting on a war against Iran because it would destroy the kingdom and said Riyadh and the United Arab Emirates should halt the conflict in Yemen to protect themselves.
Iran Says It Will Hold Naval Drill With Russia, China ‘Soon’
Iran said it will stage a naval drill with Russia and China in international waters after the U.S. announced plans to send troops to the Middle East, according to Tasnim, a semi-official news agency.
After US sends troops to Mideast, Rouhani warns foreign forces to ‘stay away’
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that the presence of foreign forces creates 'insecurity' in the Gulf, after the US ordered the deployment of more troops to the region.
White House mulling military options against Iran ranging from cyberattacks to war
A White House meeting Friday will see Pentagon officials present President Trump with 'a broad range of military options' targeting Iran, AP reports.
Pentagon to send troops to bolster Saudi defenses after attack
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday approved sending American troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities, which Washington has squarely blamed on Iran.
Saudi Arabia drone attacks - Johnson refuses to rule out military action
Britain has formally identified Iran as being behind drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabian oil fields, raising the chance of the UK joining military efforts in the Middle East.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
'Deal of the Century' to be significantly delayed
In the weeks before the elections, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other senior officials estimated that the so-called 'Deal of the Century', as the US peace plan for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) has come to be known, will be published very close to election day.
Syria Ups Military Presence Along Israeli Border
The Syrian army sent military reinforcements consisting of tanks, vehicles, soldiers, ammunition, and weapons to the towns of Jamlah and Aabdyn near the Syrian border with the Israeli Golan Heights for unknown reasons, reported the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) on Saturday.
Israel begins cutting Palestinian electricity in West Bank, citing debts
Israel’s national electric company said Sunday it has begun reducing power supplies to Palestinian areas of the West Bank due to a financial dispute.
Rivlin to complete talks with parties ahead of decision on designated PM
President Reuven Rivlin on Monday will finish his round of consultations with representatives of all newly elected Knesset parties, after which he will have to make a decision on whom to task with forming the next government.
Inside the United States
U.S. Army banks on artificial intelligence to beat China and Russia
A key piece of the Pentagon’s plan to beat China and Russia in the high-stakes artificial intelligence race lies inside a research facility along the Allegheny River here, where a small but select U.S. Army team has been tasked with creating the weapons, vehicles and sensors needed for 21st-century combat.
Alabama High School Students Defy Prayer Ban, Recite Lord's Prayer at Football Game
The Christian student population at an Alabama high school is fighting back against an atheist group after complaints were made about a pre-game prayer amplified through a loudspeaker.
'Jesus Loves You': Federal Judge Rules for Student Who Gave Out Valentines with Bible Verses
A federal judge has ruled in favor of a student who passed out valentines to fellow students and staff featuring Bible verses with inspirational messages and was told by the taxpayer-funded state college, she must stop because she had defied school policy.
Christian News
Pastor escapes Eritrean prison camp to tell of hardships facing believers
An escapee of Eritrea’s prison camps and pastor recently spoke with persecution relief agency Barnabas Fund about the horrible conditions facing imprisoned believers there.
Wheaton students sue Chicago for undermining free speech, evangelism
Four Wheaton college students are protesting a decision by the city of Chicago to restrict free speech and put a stopper in their evangelism.
Trump to give 'historic' religious freedom speech at United Nations; evangelical leaders invited
The White House announced that President Donald Trump will give a speech on religious freedom next Monday at the United Nations headquarters in New York City and will host a special event to be attended by evangelical leaders and religious freedom advocates.
Around the World
Pentagon To Brief Trump On Potential Military Responses To Attack On Saudi Oil
The Pentagon is set to present a wide range of military options to President Donald Trump as he considers how to respond to an attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry that many in the administration have blamed on Iran.
Iran Envoy Warns of 'All-Out War' if Hit for Saudi Oil Facility Attack
Any attack on Iran by the U.S. or Saudi Arabia will spark an 'all-out war,' Tehran’s top diplomat warned Thursday, raising the stakes as Washington and Riyadh weigh a response to a drone-and-missile strike on the kingdom’s oil industry that shook global energy markets.
Saudi defense ministry: Attacks "unquestionably sponsored by Iran"
The Saudi defense ministry presented evidence Wednesday that Iran was behind an attack over the weekend on its largest oil facility, though it said a launch point had not yet been determined.
Saudi-led coalition launches operation near Yemeni port city Hodeida
Saudi state media said that the Saudi-led military coalition launched the operation against 'remote controlled' boats early Friday near Hodeida.
Bird populations plummet in the US and Canada
Bird populations dropped 29% since the 1970s in the US and Canada, scientists reported on Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Both Netanyahu and Gantz refuse to concede Israeli election
The two major parties in Israel’s Knesset are jockeying to form a ruling coalition after election results nearly mirrored April’s stalemate.
Committee publishes ‘almost final’ results; Blue and White lead Likud 33-31
The Central Election Committee published early Friday what it said were the 'almost final' results from Tuesday’s election, with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White centrist party maintaining a two-seat lead over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud.
Results aren’t even official, but already nightmare 3rd election scenario looms
These are early days indeed to try to make sense of what government may emerge from the migraine-inducing complexity of Israel’s elections. We haven’t even gotten the final results yet. But the outcome everybody professes to want to avoid is already starting to loom in the distance.
Inside the United States
2nd '500-Year Rainfall' in 2 Years Will Cause $6 Billion to $8 Billion in Damages, AccuWeather Predicts
AccuWeather estimates the total damage and economic loss caused by Imelda will be $6 to $8 billion, according to the company's Founder and CEO Dr. Joel N. Myers, based on an analysis of damages expected from major flooding caused by heavy rainfall over eastern Texas and far southwestern Louisiana.
Border wall, Iran, Space Force among hurdles for $700 billion U.S. defense bill
Disputes between U.S. Republicans and Democrats over President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall, Space Force and his ability to launch a war with Iran are among the biggest obstacles Congress faces in passing a massive annual defense policy bill.
Federal judge blocks California from enforcing tax return law aimed at Trump: report
A federal judge on Thursday barred California from enforcing, at least for now, a new state law aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump that would require all candidates in state nominating contests for the presidency to release their tax returns, the Los Angeles Times reported.
House Democrats call for stripping tax-exempt status from 60 ‘hate groups’
House Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee said on Thursday that over 60 alleged hate groups, mostly socially conservative organizations, anti-immigration entities, and religious groups should be stripped of their tax-exempt status.
Christian News
Chinese government surveils communities with eye to catching believers
China is increasing its surveillance apparatus with a special focus on believers.
Pentagon To Brief Trump On Potential Military Responses To Attack On Saudi Oil
The Pentagon is set to present a wide range of military options to President Donald Trump as he considers how to respond to an attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry that many in the administration have blamed on Iran.
Iran Envoy Warns of 'All-Out War' if Hit for Saudi Oil Facility Attack
Any attack on Iran by the U.S. or Saudi Arabia will spark an 'all-out war,' Tehran’s top diplomat warned Thursday, raising the stakes as Washington and Riyadh weigh a response to a drone-and-missile strike on the kingdom’s oil industry that shook global energy markets.
Saudi defense ministry: Attacks "unquestionably sponsored by Iran"
The Saudi defense ministry presented evidence Wednesday that Iran was behind an attack over the weekend on its largest oil facility, though it said a launch point had not yet been determined.
Saudi-led coalition launches operation near Yemeni port city Hodeida
Saudi state media said that the Saudi-led military coalition launched the operation against 'remote controlled' boats early Friday near Hodeida.
Bird populations plummet in the US and Canada
Bird populations dropped 29% since the 1970s in the US and Canada, scientists reported on Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Both Netanyahu and Gantz refuse to concede Israeli election
The two major parties in Israel’s Knesset are jockeying to form a ruling coalition after election results nearly mirrored April’s stalemate.
Committee publishes ‘almost final’ results; Blue and White lead Likud 33-31
The Central Election Committee published early Friday what it said were the 'almost final' results from Tuesday’s election, with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White centrist party maintaining a two-seat lead over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud.
Results aren’t even official, but already nightmare 3rd election scenario looms
These are early days indeed to try to make sense of what government may emerge from the migraine-inducing complexity of Israel’s elections. We haven’t even gotten the final results yet. But the outcome everybody professes to want to avoid is already starting to loom in the distance.
Inside the United States
2nd '500-Year Rainfall' in 2 Years Will Cause $6 Billion to $8 Billion in Damages, AccuWeather Predicts
AccuWeather estimates the total damage and economic loss caused by Imelda will be $6 to $8 billion, according to the company's Founder and CEO Dr. Joel N. Myers, based on an analysis of damages expected from major flooding caused by heavy rainfall over eastern Texas and far southwestern Louisiana.
Border wall, Iran, Space Force among hurdles for $700 billion U.S. defense bill
Disputes between U.S. Republicans and Democrats over President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall, Space Force and his ability to launch a war with Iran are among the biggest obstacles Congress faces in passing a massive annual defense policy bill.
Federal judge blocks California from enforcing tax return law aimed at Trump: report
A federal judge on Thursday barred California from enforcing, at least for now, a new state law aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump that would require all candidates in state nominating contests for the presidency to release their tax returns, the Los Angeles Times reported.
House Democrats call for stripping tax-exempt status from 60 ‘hate groups’
House Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee said on Thursday that over 60 alleged hate groups, mostly socially conservative organizations, anti-immigration entities, and religious groups should be stripped of their tax-exempt status.
Christian News
Chinese government surveils communities with eye to catching believers
China is increasing its surveillance apparatus with a special focus on believers.
Around the World
Pompeo says attack was 'act of war' on Saudi Arabia, seeks coalition
The United States wants to build a coalition of European and Arab partners to deter Iran after an attack on Saudi Arabia that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described on Wednesday as 'an act of war' against the world’s top oil exporter.
Saudis Say Weapons Debris Proves Iran Behind Oil Attack, U.S. Denounces 'Act Of War'
Saudi Arabia has put on a display of drone and missile fragments that it said showed a weekend attack targeting the kingdom's crucial oil industry was 'unquestionably sponsored by Iran.'
E.U. Chief Says the Risk of a No-Deal Brexit 'Remains Very Real'
The risk of Britain leaving the European Union without a divorce deal remains 'very real,' European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker declared Wednesday as EU lawmakers debated the ramifications of a no-deal Brexit.
China reveals new supersonic drone
China’s military is rapidly developing unmanned aircraft and recently disclosed one of its newest systems: a supersonic reconnaissance drone designed to defeat air and missile defenses.
Researchers: AI Surveillance is Expanding Worldwide
A growing number of countries are following China's lead in deploying artificial intelligence to track citizens, according to a research group's report published Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to Gantz: Let’s form a unity government
The Right cannot form a coalition and there should be as a unity government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday morning, asking Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to meet.
Netanyahu cancels UN trip, forgoes meeting with Trump after failing to secure an outright victory in national elections
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his trip to New York City for the United Nations’ annual General Assembly next week after falling short of securing a parliamentary majority in Israel’s second general election in five months, his office announced Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Fed cuts interest rates, signals holding pattern for now
The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates again on Wednesday to help sustain a record-long economic expansion but signaled a higher bar to further reductions in borrowing costs, eliciting a fast and sharp rebuke from President Donald Trump.
Study finds abortion rates dropping nationwide
US abortion rates are falling across the country, according to a new study.
Trump Calls the New Border Wall a 'World-Class Security System'
President Donald Trump signed his name Wednesday on a newly constructed section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, calling it a 'world-class security system' that will be virtually impenetrable.
American Airlines mechanic accused of sabotaging plane denied bail over possible terrorist ties
A federal judge on Wednesday denied bail to a former American Airlines mechanic accused of sabotaging a jetliner in July over possible links to the Islamic State (ISIS).
Fed ups its GDP forecast for 2019 slightly to 2.2%
The Federal Reserve dialed up its growth expectations slightly while keeping its inflation projection unchanged, according to its Summary of Economic Projections.
Christian News
Archaeology Confirms Book of Genesis on Israel’s Arch-nemesis, the Edomites
A new international study of copper mining technology in the Arava Valley uproots long-held biases against the Bible’s nomadic Edomites and turns them from simple tribesmen into hi-tech engineers of an 11th century BCE 'Copper Valley.'
Moabite Altar Inscription: Earliest Reference to ‘Hebrews’?
A recently deciphered Moabite stone altar inscription may bear the earliest use of the term 'Hebrews,' according to epigraphists Adam Bean and Prof. Christopher Rollston. The inscribed incense altar was discovered during the 2010 excavations at Khirbet Ataruz (biblical Ataroth), in Jordan. The find provides additional evidence for the existence of an early Moabite nation; demonstrates a developing, independent Moabite script; reveals the nation’s cultic practices; and helps fill out the biblical account of 2 Kings 3.
Pompeo says attack was 'act of war' on Saudi Arabia, seeks coalition
The United States wants to build a coalition of European and Arab partners to deter Iran after an attack on Saudi Arabia that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described on Wednesday as 'an act of war' against the world’s top oil exporter.
Saudis Say Weapons Debris Proves Iran Behind Oil Attack, U.S. Denounces 'Act Of War'
Saudi Arabia has put on a display of drone and missile fragments that it said showed a weekend attack targeting the kingdom's crucial oil industry was 'unquestionably sponsored by Iran.'
E.U. Chief Says the Risk of a No-Deal Brexit 'Remains Very Real'
The risk of Britain leaving the European Union without a divorce deal remains 'very real,' European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker declared Wednesday as EU lawmakers debated the ramifications of a no-deal Brexit.
China reveals new supersonic drone
China’s military is rapidly developing unmanned aircraft and recently disclosed one of its newest systems: a supersonic reconnaissance drone designed to defeat air and missile defenses.
Researchers: AI Surveillance is Expanding Worldwide
A growing number of countries are following China's lead in deploying artificial intelligence to track citizens, according to a research group's report published Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to Gantz: Let’s form a unity government
The Right cannot form a coalition and there should be as a unity government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday morning, asking Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to meet.
Netanyahu cancels UN trip, forgoes meeting with Trump after failing to secure an outright victory in national elections
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his trip to New York City for the United Nations’ annual General Assembly next week after falling short of securing a parliamentary majority in Israel’s second general election in five months, his office announced Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Fed cuts interest rates, signals holding pattern for now
The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates again on Wednesday to help sustain a record-long economic expansion but signaled a higher bar to further reductions in borrowing costs, eliciting a fast and sharp rebuke from President Donald Trump.
Study finds abortion rates dropping nationwide
US abortion rates are falling across the country, according to a new study.
Trump Calls the New Border Wall a 'World-Class Security System'
President Donald Trump signed his name Wednesday on a newly constructed section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, calling it a 'world-class security system' that will be virtually impenetrable.
American Airlines mechanic accused of sabotaging plane denied bail over possible terrorist ties
A federal judge on Wednesday denied bail to a former American Airlines mechanic accused of sabotaging a jetliner in July over possible links to the Islamic State (ISIS).
Fed ups its GDP forecast for 2019 slightly to 2.2%
The Federal Reserve dialed up its growth expectations slightly while keeping its inflation projection unchanged, according to its Summary of Economic Projections.
Christian News
Archaeology Confirms Book of Genesis on Israel’s Arch-nemesis, the Edomites
A new international study of copper mining technology in the Arava Valley uproots long-held biases against the Bible’s nomadic Edomites and turns them from simple tribesmen into hi-tech engineers of an 11th century BCE 'Copper Valley.'
Moabite Altar Inscription: Earliest Reference to ‘Hebrews’?
A recently deciphered Moabite stone altar inscription may bear the earliest use of the term 'Hebrews,' according to epigraphists Adam Bean and Prof. Christopher Rollston. The inscribed incense altar was discovered during the 2010 excavations at Khirbet Ataruz (biblical Ataroth), in Jordan. The find provides additional evidence for the existence of an early Moabite nation; demonstrates a developing, independent Moabite script; reveals the nation’s cultic practices; and helps fill out the biblical account of 2 Kings 3.