VFI News August 26, 2022

Behind closed doors, an Iranian assassination plot has been brewing to take out key US leadership. How did this happen and how does this affect Iran's nuclear deal? Join Barry Segal for this week's VFI News.

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Israel on Monday, August 22, urged France and the United States not to cave to Iranian terms for the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, as the European Union waited for Washington’s response to Tehran’s demands to clinch the agreement.

“Iran cannot be allowed to endlessly buy time and receive more concessions while it advances its nuclear program and spreads terror worldwide,” Prime Minster Yair Lapid said in a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Israel would not be obligated by such an agreement, he said, adding, “Israel will continue to do everything to prevent Iran from attaining a nuclear capability.” Lapid also warned that the offer to the Iranians has elements that differ from the original JCPOA and that “pave the way for significant investment to flow into Iran’s terrorist network and to strengthening the Iranian military,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The conversation came one day after Biden spoke with Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz about the Iran deal. Lapid also spoke with Scholz about the deal last week. Defense Minister Benny Gantz told the media that he was “very worried” the deal would be revived, particularly since it does not do enough to prevent Iran from enriching uranium and that it allows for resources to enter Iran that will help it strengthen its military might. (JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you protect us from ominous threats and nuclear attacks and that you make people realize the real implications of a nuclear war.”

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.

Iran must respond to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s probe against it, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement that could complicate a quick conclusion of an Iran deal.

“Iran needs to answer the IAEA’s questions,” Price told reporters in Washington. “Our position [on this] is not going to change, regardless of where we express it, in the text of an understanding on a mutual return to full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [the Iran deal], in public or elsewhere,” he added.

"We will not take one day longer than necessary to provide our response," Price said, noting that the US would have accepted a text done in March, but Iran had rejected it.

Price dismissed criticism against a return to the deal, noting that since the Trump administration exited the deal in 2018, the Iranian threat had grown rather than diminished. It is not possible to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions solely through economic sanctions, he said. (JPost / VFI News)

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” - Matthew 24:6

Senior Israeli Foreign Ministry sources said that one of China’s top diplomats last week warned Israel not to allow American pressure to harm relations with Beijing.

Liu Jianchao, the head of the Chinese Communist Party’s international affairs department, reportedly conveyed the message during a meeting with the Israeli ambassador to China, Irit Ben-Abba.

American media described the overture as the most straightforward to date that Beijing has conveyed regarding the “U.S.-Israel-China triangle.”

“This is a critical test point for the relations between China and Israel,” Liu reportedly said, adding: “The Jewish people have a lot in common with the Chinese people. There is no reason for us to hurt each other. If Israel hurts China because of external pressure, it will be making the wrong policy decision.”

Liu specifically urged Israel to avoid being “dragged” into the U.S. position that China is perpetrating genocide in Xinjiang, according to the report. Israel ratified a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council in June, criticizing China’s conduct in the region, reportedly under pressure from Washington. (I365N / VFI News)

“Lord, we ask that you help us make the right decisions so that we have reliable allies, who will assist our country in a time of need.”

Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Monday, August 22, warned Lebanon’s Hezbollah that any attack on its gas assets could spark war after the terror group threatened to “sever” Israel’s hands if it taps a disputed offshore field.

The warning came amid lengthy negotiations between the eastern Mediterranean neighbors, which do not have diplomatic relations, to settle a dispute over their maritime border.

Tensions spiked in June when a production vessel chartered by Israel arrived near the Karish offshore gas field, which Lebanon claims is within contested waters. Last month, the Israeli military shot down four unarmed Hezbollah drones flying toward Karish.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on August 9 that “the hand that reaches for any of this wealth will be severed” and over the weekend warned of an “escalation” if Lebanon’s demands aren’t met in the US-mediated maritime talks. (TOI / VFI News)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

For those living in Israel, rocket attacks from Gaza are not uncommon. But in the towns of Ofakim, Netivot, and others in the south of Israel, the lack of shelters remains a huge problem. Most of the residents don’t have access to bomb shelters or safe rooms. During the Guardian of the Walls operation, a war that went on for 11 days, more than 4,360 rockets were fired at Israel. We were urgently contacted to help provide lifesaving equipment designed for these emergencies — specifically: mobile bomb shelters. Watch as we deliver them, along with the hope of a safer future for their communities.

A final agreement in the maritime border negotiations between Israel and Lebanon over the dispute surrounding the Karish gas field could be signed as early as next month, Israeli officials assessed on Monday, August 22.

Russian state-owned media outlet reported last week that the two Middle East neighbors are closing in on an agreement that would see their maritime border clearly defined.

According to the report, a Lebanese source confirmed that an agreement is very close, adding that they will soon announce it to US mediator Amos Hochstein. This is despite threats made recently by Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Energy Minister Karin Elharrar claimed earlier this month that Jerusalem made a serious offer to Beirut, hoping to successfully bring maritime border talks to an end. “I call on Lebanon to take what is a very significant step for them towards becoming a country that produces gas, in order to solve their economic and energy crisis," Elharrar added. (JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you assist us in maintaining peace with our neighbors, and in having good diplomatic relations in general.”

On the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum last June, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said relations between the kingdom and Russia are as warm as the weather in Riyadh. This description summarizes the current state of strategic cooperation between the two countries. This state of affairs angers Riyadh’s strategic allies in the West, primarily, of course, the United States.

But it remains the best option for Saudi foreign policy in light of overall circumstances and the realities of the existing world order. Of course, everyone in the region and internationally is waiting to see the results and implications of US President Joe Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia, last month.

In particular, there were unspoken expectations or aspirations that Saudi Arabia might oblige its US partner by increasing oil production in isolation from its OPEC+ fellow members, although Riyadh has repeatedly stressed that this issue is not on the table.

The strategic vision of oil-producing countries, both within and outside OPEC, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Russia, is certainly based on an objective view of markets and the need to maintain their stability and balance. This is critical for both exporters and consumers.

Meanwhile, the US and its Atlantic allies are under tremendous domestic economic pressure from policies, that they are responsible for. They want to subordinate the policies of oil producers to those policies and use that production to isolate and punish Russia. These are things that others have nothing to do with. (JPost / VFI News)

Local filmmakers and TV studios have been shooting award-winning movies and series in Israel for decades, taking advantage of the country’s desert vistas and ancient cities.

But it’s expensive to film in Israel, which may serve as a deterrent to foreign production companies. Now, the country is marketing itself as a location for international shoots with a 30 percent rebate incentive for foreign productions. Announced jointly by the ministries of culture and sports, foreign affairs, finance, and tourism earlier this month, the two-year incentive will offer reimbursement of up to NIS 16.6 million ($4.9 million) for film and TV series shot in Israel.

“We know that Israel is known as an expensive country, but this is a country with great locations,” said Raz Frohlich, director general of the Culture and Sports Ministry. “You can access green hills, desert, history, and cities within short distances, and there’s plenty of English here. There’s lots of reasons to come here, but the [new] tax return is a big plus.” (TOI / VFI News)

Israeli artistic gymnast Artem Dolgopyat won a gold medal for his floor routine at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Munich on Sunday, August 21, despite suffering an injury to his foot a month ago.

Dolgopyat received a result of 14.966 for his performance, putting him in front of the seven other finalists. Hungary’s Christopher Masaruch took the silver medal with a score of 14.600, and Jake German from Britain won the bronze, with a result of 14.433.

“I am very, very tired now, but happy,” Dolgopyat told a German reporter and said that he had only managed to train for two weeks due to his injury. “But I did it and I am delighted. Thank you to everyone for the encouragement,” he added.

Culture and Sports Minister Chili Tropper congratulated Dolgopyat on his achievement and praised him as an “amazing gymnast and athlete.” (TOI / VFI News)

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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