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?"
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Trump ends CIA arms support for anti-Assad Syria rebels
The Trump administration has decided to halt the CIA's covert program to equip and train certain rebel groups fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, two U.S. officials said, a move sought by Assad ally Russia.
Turkey Leaks Secret Locations of U.S. Troops in Syria
In the latest display of Turkish anger at U.S. policy in Syria, the state news agency has divulged the locations of 10 U.S. military bases and outposts in northern Syria where the U.S. is leading an operation to destroy the so-called Islamic State in its self-styled capital of Raqqa.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Temple Mount tensions spark fourth day of clashes
Clashes between Muslim protesters and Israeli police erupted Wednesday at one of the entrances to Jerusalem’s Old City for the fourth day in a row over new security measures at the Temple Mount following a recent terror attack.
US urges world pressure to halt Hezbollah arms buildup
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Wednesday accused Lebanon’s Hezbollah of amassing weapons and said the world must turn its attention to the actions of the powerful terror group.
Palestinian Authority’s 2017 Budget Shows ‘Huge Increase’ in Funding for Terror Payments
The Palestinian Authority’s 2017 budget shows a “huge increase” in the funding of salaries for imprisoned terrorists and the families of “martyrs,” an Israeli research institute revealed on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Fmr. U.N. Amb. Power Emerges As Central Figure In Obama Unmasking Investigation
Former United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power's involvement in the unmasking by former Obama administration officials of sensitive national security information is raising red flags over what insiders view was an attempt by the former administration to undermine President Donald Trump and key figures on his team, according to current and former U.S. officials familiar with the situation.
Senate holdouts 'optimistic' after late meetings to revive Obamacare replacement bill
Senate Republicans late Wednesday moved to revive legislation to repeal and replace parts of Obamacare, offering changes to the bill in a two-hour meeting with moderate and conservative holdouts that lawmakers said brought them closer to consensus.
Snopes examines lies and misleading claims made by media against Trump
Snopes.com is sometimes derided by conservatives as a liberal news operation disguised as a fact-checking site. But this month, Snopes put out a report favorable to President Trump, concluding that, yes, he is the victim of lies in the news and in social media. In a way, the report bolsters Mr. Trump’s Twitter rants against “fake news.”
Trump to GOP senators: Cancel your recess
President Trump told GOP senators at the White House on Wednesday that they should cancel their August recess and not leave town until acting to repeal ObamaCare.
Sen. John McCain diagnosed with malignant brain tumor
U.S. Sen. John McCain revealed Wednesday evening that he has a brain tumor.
Christian News
Nearly Killed by ISIS Cellmates, God Had a Purpose for VOM Worker Imprisoned in Sudan
For years he served the persecuted church with The Voice of the Martyrs. Then at the end of a trip to Sudan, Czech national Petr Jasek was arrested and charged with espionage.
Around the World
Trump ends CIA arms support for anti-Assad Syria rebels
The Trump administration has decided to halt the CIA's covert program to equip and train certain rebel groups fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, two U.S. officials said, a move sought by Assad ally Russia.
Turkey Leaks Secret Locations of U.S. Troops in Syria
In the latest display of Turkish anger at U.S. policy in Syria, the state news agency has divulged the locations of 10 U.S. military bases and outposts in northern Syria where the U.S. is leading an operation to destroy the so-called Islamic State in its self-styled capital of Raqqa.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Temple Mount tensions spark fourth day of clashes
Clashes between Muslim protesters and Israeli police erupted Wednesday at one of the entrances to Jerusalem’s Old City for the fourth day in a row over new security measures at the Temple Mount following a recent terror attack.
US urges world pressure to halt Hezbollah arms buildup
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Wednesday accused Lebanon’s Hezbollah of amassing weapons and said the world must turn its attention to the actions of the powerful terror group.
Palestinian Authority’s 2017 Budget Shows ‘Huge Increase’ in Funding for Terror Payments
The Palestinian Authority’s 2017 budget shows a “huge increase” in the funding of salaries for imprisoned terrorists and the families of “martyrs,” an Israeli research institute revealed on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Fmr. U.N. Amb. Power Emerges As Central Figure In Obama Unmasking Investigation
Former United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power's involvement in the unmasking by former Obama administration officials of sensitive national security information is raising red flags over what insiders view was an attempt by the former administration to undermine President Donald Trump and key figures on his team, according to current and former U.S. officials familiar with the situation.
Senate holdouts 'optimistic' after late meetings to revive Obamacare replacement bill
Senate Republicans late Wednesday moved to revive legislation to repeal and replace parts of Obamacare, offering changes to the bill in a two-hour meeting with moderate and conservative holdouts that lawmakers said brought them closer to consensus.
Snopes examines lies and misleading claims made by media against Trump
Snopes.com is sometimes derided by conservatives as a liberal news operation disguised as a fact-checking site. But this month, Snopes put out a report favorable to President Trump, concluding that, yes, he is the victim of lies in the news and in social media. In a way, the report bolsters Mr. Trump’s Twitter rants against “fake news.”
Trump to GOP senators: Cancel your recess
President Trump told GOP senators at the White House on Wednesday that they should cancel their August recess and not leave town until acting to repeal ObamaCare.
Sen. John McCain diagnosed with malignant brain tumor
U.S. Sen. John McCain revealed Wednesday evening that he has a brain tumor.
Christian News
Nearly Killed by ISIS Cellmates, God Had a Purpose for VOM Worker Imprisoned in Sudan
For years he served the persecuted church with The Voice of the Martyrs. Then at the end of a trip to Sudan, Czech national Petr Jasek was arrested and charged with espionage.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Trump lets Iran deal live, but signals he may not for long
President Donald Trump was eager to declare Iran in breach of the nuclear deal but was talked out of it by national security aides who rushed to the Oval Office to persuade him as a midnight deadline approached, administration officials say.
Magnitude 7.8 earthquake strikes off the coast of Russia
The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said Monday evening that a magnitude 7.8 earthquake had occurred off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
'Day of Rage' Called for by Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Israel
Security forces in Israel and the West were on high alert Wednesday, with mass civil disobedience expected after Palestinian leaders called for a "Day of Rage" after Israel imposed increased security measures on the Temple Mount after a terror attack killed two policemen on Friday.
Knesset marks 120 years since first Zionist World Congress
The Knesset on Tuesday marked 120 years since the First Zionist Congress was held in Basel, convened and chaired by Theodor Herzl, who is considered to be the father of modern political Zionism.
Inside the United States
House panel OKs $1.6 billion as down payment for Trump wall construction
The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday approved $44.3 billion in spending for the Department of Homeland Security - including $1.6 billion down payment on the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border.
McConnell's New Obamacare Repeal Lacks GOP Votes to Pass
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s new proposal to simply repeal Obamacare appears to already be dead, less than 24 hours after he dropped his replacement plan for lack of support among fellow Republicans.
House Unveils Budget That Balances, Achieves $9 Billion Surplus, Increases GDP to 2.6%
The House Budget Committee unveiled its Building A Better America 2018 budget Tuesday, which is balanced and achieves a $9 billion surplus in 10 years and increases GDP growth to 2.6 percent.
Don't look now, but major bills are stalled in the House, too
On the same day, Senate Republicans admitted they're out of ideas on how to pass a healthcare reform bill, it became clear that House Republicans are having their own difficulties finding GOP votes for the 2018 budget, which is the legislative vehicle for tax reform and other bills.
Watchdog Group Sues for Voter Registration Data Under National Voter Registration Act
Judicial Watch, a watchdog group, filed a lawsuit today in order to access voter registration lists in Maryland when it was discovered that the Montgomery County had more registered voters than citizens over the age of 18.
ICE chief: 80% jump in illegal targets, readies national 'Sanctuary' crackdown
Empowered by a president who has "taken the handcuffs off of law enforcement," the nation's chief immigration official revealed Tuesday that deportation targets have surged and that he's planning to deploy more agents and resources to "sanctuary cities" to arrest illegal criminals.
Christian News
Pastor in Punjab State, India Shot Dead
A pastor in northern India’s Punjab state was shot dead in front of his church premises two months after Hindu extremists took offense at a gospel event celebrating his church’s 25th anniversary, sources said.
Evangelical Pastors: Oval Office Prayer Time Not 'Heresy'
Evangelical pastors who prayed for President Trump in the Oval Office last week say they were fulfilling a Scriptural command (1 Timothy 2:1-3) to pray for government leaders and not engaging in something that "borders on heresy."
Around the World
Trump lets Iran deal live, but signals he may not for long
President Donald Trump was eager to declare Iran in breach of the nuclear deal but was talked out of it by national security aides who rushed to the Oval Office to persuade him as a midnight deadline approached, administration officials say.
Magnitude 7.8 earthquake strikes off the coast of Russia
The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said Monday evening that a magnitude 7.8 earthquake had occurred off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
'Day of Rage' Called for by Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Israel
Security forces in Israel and the West were on high alert Wednesday, with mass civil disobedience expected after Palestinian leaders called for a "Day of Rage" after Israel imposed increased security measures on the Temple Mount after a terror attack killed two policemen on Friday.
Knesset marks 120 years since first Zionist World Congress
The Knesset on Tuesday marked 120 years since the First Zionist Congress was held in Basel, convened and chaired by Theodor Herzl, who is considered to be the father of modern political Zionism.
Inside the United States
House panel OKs $1.6 billion as down payment for Trump wall construction
The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday approved $44.3 billion in spending for the Department of Homeland Security - including $1.6 billion down payment on the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border.
McConnell's New Obamacare Repeal Lacks GOP Votes to Pass
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s new proposal to simply repeal Obamacare appears to already be dead, less than 24 hours after he dropped his replacement plan for lack of support among fellow Republicans.
House Unveils Budget That Balances, Achieves $9 Billion Surplus, Increases GDP to 2.6%
The House Budget Committee unveiled its Building A Better America 2018 budget Tuesday, which is balanced and achieves a $9 billion surplus in 10 years and increases GDP growth to 2.6 percent.
Don't look now, but major bills are stalled in the House, too
On the same day, Senate Republicans admitted they're out of ideas on how to pass a healthcare reform bill, it became clear that House Republicans are having their own difficulties finding GOP votes for the 2018 budget, which is the legislative vehicle for tax reform and other bills.
Watchdog Group Sues for Voter Registration Data Under National Voter Registration Act
Judicial Watch, a watchdog group, filed a lawsuit today in order to access voter registration lists in Maryland when it was discovered that the Montgomery County had more registered voters than citizens over the age of 18.
ICE chief: 80% jump in illegal targets, readies national 'Sanctuary' crackdown
Empowered by a president who has "taken the handcuffs off of law enforcement," the nation's chief immigration official revealed Tuesday that deportation targets have surged and that he's planning to deploy more agents and resources to "sanctuary cities" to arrest illegal criminals.
Christian News
Pastor in Punjab State, India Shot Dead
A pastor in northern India’s Punjab state was shot dead in front of his church premises two months after Hindu extremists took offense at a gospel event celebrating his church’s 25th anniversary, sources said.
Evangelical Pastors: Oval Office Prayer Time Not 'Heresy'
Evangelical pastors who prayed for President Trump in the Oval Office last week say they were fulfilling a Scriptural command (1 Timothy 2:1-3) to pray for government leaders and not engaging in something that "borders on heresy."
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Britain and EU 'get to work' on Brexit
Britain and the EU said they would get to the 'heart of the matter', as the second round of talks were kicked off on Monday (17 July) in Brussels.
To undercut Iran, Russians pressure Assad to cut Syria’s longtime ties to Hezbollah
The Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah and the Syrian government have enjoyed a close, fruitful relationship for nearly 40 years. But six years into the Syrian civil war, there are signs that battle fatigue and diverging strategic visions are fraying their alliance.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn U.S. against terrorist designation, new sanctions
A senior commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned the United States on Monday that if it designated the group a terrorist organization and applied new sanctions its action could be perilous for U.S. forces in the region.
Fighting intensifies between US-backed Syrian forces and IS in Raqqa
Intense clashes have broken out between US-backed Syrian fighters and Islamic State militants in the heart of Raqqa - the extremist group's self-styled capital.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas and Islamic Jihad threaten 'escalation of the Intifada' over Temple Mount
Palestinian militant groups Hamas and the Islamic Jihad called for an escalation in violence amid new Israeli security measures on the Temple Mount.
Israel may need to take out Iranian bases in Syria
Israel may need to take military action to prevent Iran or Hezbollah from setting up permanent bases in Syria, former National Security Council head Yaakov Amidror said on Monday.
Prepare the world for Hezbollah's next war
Hezbollah is Iran’s proxy, designated as a terrorist organization by the US, the EU, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Israel, Canada, Australia and others. The very reason for Hezbollah’s existence is to give Iran – an apocalyptic radical Islamic regime – a way to directly attack Israel, something its leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, believes is obligatory and necessary for Muslims.
Clashes erupt in Jerusalem amid Temple Mount unrest
Dozens of Muslims protesters clashed with police outside of Jerusalem’s Old City on Monday amid continued tensions over new security measures put in place at the entrance to the Temple Mount after Friday’s terror attack.
Temple Mount terror attack meant to spark religious war
On Friday, three gunmen shot and killed two police officers at the most volatile spot on Earth, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Embroiled in Russia crisis, Kushner presses on with Mideast peace
On July 10, hours before The New York Times first revealed that Donald Trump Jr. had memorialized a June 2016 meeting with Russian government associates by email, Jason Greenblatt arrived in Jerusalem for a critical series of meetings.
Inside the United States
HealthCare Bill Collapses, GOP Refocuses on Repealing Obamacare
Having failed to come together on healthcare, Senate Republicans are back to square one: resurfacing a 2015 bill vetoed by former President Barack Obama that would repeal portions of Obamacare but lay no framework for a replacement plan.
Senate Republican Bill Replaces Obamacare Mandate With 'Coverage Requirement'
The new plan to repeal and replace Obamacare that the Senate Republican leadership released last week would replace Obamacare’s requirement that individuals buy health insurance or face a tax penalty with a requirement that individuals buy health insurance or face a six-month government-mandated ban on their ability to buy health insurance.
Mike Pence says God had a hand in creating State of Israel, pledges to move embassy to Jerusalem
Mike Pence said that God had a hand in creating the state of Israel, as he heaped praise on the Jewish state while addressing the evangelical group Christians United for Israel last night.
23 Republicans Help Defeat Amendment to End Tax-Funded Transgender Surgeries in the Military
On Thursday, 23 House Republicans joined 190 Democrats to vote down the Hartzler Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would have stopped the Pentagon from using taxpayer dollars to pay for gender reassignment surgeries.
Susan Rice no longer planning to testify Tuesday before House panel
Susan Rice is no longer expected to visit Capitol Hill on Tuesday for a meeting with the House committee probing allegations she unmasked President Trump associates in Russian meddling probes.
Christian News
Christian Grandma Florist Fined for Not Working Gay Wedding Takes 'Last Stand' at Supreme Court
Barronelle Stutzman, also known as the Christian grandma florist, is now asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear her appeal to reverse a Washington court's decision earlier this year that found her guilty of discrimination for refusing to provide flowers for a gay wedding.
Survivor of ISIS massacre says Christians were told to renounce their faith but women refused
One of the survivors of the massacre of 29 Egyptian Christians in Minya in May said that the Islamic State extremists forced the women off the bus and ordered them to renounce their faith in Christ, but the Copts refused.
Around the World
Britain and EU 'get to work' on Brexit
Britain and the EU said they would get to the 'heart of the matter', as the second round of talks were kicked off on Monday (17 July) in Brussels.
To undercut Iran, Russians pressure Assad to cut Syria’s longtime ties to Hezbollah
The Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah and the Syrian government have enjoyed a close, fruitful relationship for nearly 40 years. But six years into the Syrian civil war, there are signs that battle fatigue and diverging strategic visions are fraying their alliance.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn U.S. against terrorist designation, new sanctions
A senior commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned the United States on Monday that if it designated the group a terrorist organization and applied new sanctions its action could be perilous for U.S. forces in the region.
Fighting intensifies between US-backed Syrian forces and IS in Raqqa
Intense clashes have broken out between US-backed Syrian fighters and Islamic State militants in the heart of Raqqa - the extremist group's self-styled capital.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas and Islamic Jihad threaten 'escalation of the Intifada' over Temple Mount
Palestinian militant groups Hamas and the Islamic Jihad called for an escalation in violence amid new Israeli security measures on the Temple Mount.
Israel may need to take out Iranian bases in Syria
Israel may need to take military action to prevent Iran or Hezbollah from setting up permanent bases in Syria, former National Security Council head Yaakov Amidror said on Monday.
Prepare the world for Hezbollah's next war
Hezbollah is Iran’s proxy, designated as a terrorist organization by the US, the EU, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Israel, Canada, Australia and others. The very reason for Hezbollah’s existence is to give Iran – an apocalyptic radical Islamic regime – a way to directly attack Israel, something its leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, believes is obligatory and necessary for Muslims.
Clashes erupt in Jerusalem amid Temple Mount unrest
Dozens of Muslims protesters clashed with police outside of Jerusalem’s Old City on Monday amid continued tensions over new security measures put in place at the entrance to the Temple Mount after Friday’s terror attack.
Temple Mount terror attack meant to spark religious war
On Friday, three gunmen shot and killed two police officers at the most volatile spot on Earth, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Embroiled in Russia crisis, Kushner presses on with Mideast peace
On July 10, hours before The New York Times first revealed that Donald Trump Jr. had memorialized a June 2016 meeting with Russian government associates by email, Jason Greenblatt arrived in Jerusalem for a critical series of meetings.
Inside the United States
HealthCare Bill Collapses, GOP Refocuses on Repealing Obamacare
Having failed to come together on healthcare, Senate Republicans are back to square one: resurfacing a 2015 bill vetoed by former President Barack Obama that would repeal portions of Obamacare but lay no framework for a replacement plan.
Senate Republican Bill Replaces Obamacare Mandate With 'Coverage Requirement'
The new plan to repeal and replace Obamacare that the Senate Republican leadership released last week would replace Obamacare’s requirement that individuals buy health insurance or face a tax penalty with a requirement that individuals buy health insurance or face a six-month government-mandated ban on their ability to buy health insurance.
Mike Pence says God had a hand in creating State of Israel, pledges to move embassy to Jerusalem
Mike Pence said that God had a hand in creating the state of Israel, as he heaped praise on the Jewish state while addressing the evangelical group Christians United for Israel last night.
23 Republicans Help Defeat Amendment to End Tax-Funded Transgender Surgeries in the Military
On Thursday, 23 House Republicans joined 190 Democrats to vote down the Hartzler Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would have stopped the Pentagon from using taxpayer dollars to pay for gender reassignment surgeries.
Susan Rice no longer planning to testify Tuesday before House panel
Susan Rice is no longer expected to visit Capitol Hill on Tuesday for a meeting with the House committee probing allegations she unmasked President Trump associates in Russian meddling probes.
Christian News
Christian Grandma Florist Fined for Not Working Gay Wedding Takes 'Last Stand' at Supreme Court
Barronelle Stutzman, also known as the Christian grandma florist, is now asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear her appeal to reverse a Washington court's decision earlier this year that found her guilty of discrimination for refusing to provide flowers for a gay wedding.
Survivor of ISIS massacre says Christians were told to renounce their faith but women refused
One of the survivors of the massacre of 29 Egyptian Christians in Minya in May said that the Islamic State extremists forced the women off the bus and ordered them to renounce their faith in Christ, but the Copts refused.