VFI News Jul 30, 2021

Defense Minister Benny Gantz gave an interview Tuesday, saying that Israel is taking action against Iran’s nuclear program and that the nuclear deal with world powers must be changed if it is to bring stability.

“We have capabilities and methods that I cannot elaborate about, and we are in high preparedness to ensure Iran doesn’t get nuclear weapons,” Gantz said, adding that Israel reserves the right to take independent action.

Regarding the ongoing — albeit stalled — talks to renew the 2015 nuclear deal, he said: “It has weak spots that must be fixed so that it is tight and brings stability. We need a deal that is stronger, longer, and more comprehensive.”

On Sunday, the Kan public broadcaster reported that Gantz, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and other Israeli officials had recently warned US officials that Iran was closer than ever to attaining nuclear weapons.

Nuclear talks between world powers and Iran — attended indirectly by the US — went on for months in Vienna, but have stalled in recent weeks. (INN / VFI News)

“God, we ask you to protect your people from nuclear weapons and the threat of 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.

A cache of top-secret documents, allegedly written by Iranian intelligence, show Tehran is building a bank of potential targets for cyberattacks.

The files, screenshots of which were published by Sky News, the UK news outlet, show plans for attacks that could sink a cargo ship or blow up a fuel pump at a gas station.

They also include researched details about satellite communication devices used by the international shipping industry, as well as computer-based systems controlling the lights, heating, and ventilation in smart homes.

The documents were said to have been written by “Intelligence Team 13,” and each begins with a quote by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: “The Islamic Republic of Iran must become among the world’s most powerful in the area of cyber.”

However, the documents appeared to be based on open sources and internet searches rather than privileged information.

Iran’s embassy in London declined to comment on the report. (TOI / VFI News)

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. - Matthew 10:28

Lockheed Martin and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will work together to develop a ground-based laser weapon for Israel, the companies announced on Tuesday.

Israel’s Defense Ministry has been working on laser technology and has made several breakthroughs in the development of the system that can intercept a variety of aerial threats, including rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The method of airborne interception using a powerful laser has many advantages, including a low cost per interception, the ability to effectively intercept long-range threats at high altitudes regardless of weather conditions, and the ability to defend vast areas. (JPost / VFI News)

“Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” - Psalm 82:4

The INS (Israeli Navy Ship) Magen, the Israeli Navy’s most advanced Sa’ar 6 corvette missile ship, docked in Haifa’s port in December but the ship still smells new and is still being fitted with all its weapons systems.

“It’s making history,” said Lt.-Col. Omer Karmi. “The whole ship is new, in every single way. Even some of its technology is completely new to the Navy.”

The 90-meters long 2,000-ton ship is one of four Sa’ar 6 corvettes that will form the backbone of the Israeli Navy for the decades to come. It is expected to be operational next year.

The new ships mark a transition in the Navy’s combat doctrine that is geared towards the ever-changing regional threats that face the Jewish State and will play a greater role in detecting and destroying enemy targets and threats.

“Lord, we ask You to protect Your people, on land, on the sea, and in the air.”

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Following a 27-hour filibuster, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s governing coalition succeeded in passing an amendment to Basic Law: The Government that guarantees a rotation in the Prime Minister's Office.

The law now sets August 27, 2023, as the date when Bennett will be replaced by Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid, whose term is set to end on November 11, 2025.

The legislation sets rules to ensure parity between the right- and left-wing blocs in the coalition.

If the state budget does not pass or MKs rebel and vote to disperse the Knesset, the changeover can happen earlier. But in a display of trust, a clause that would make Lapid prime minister if Bennett tried to join a government led by another MK was removed.

The law also permits Bennett to appoint a second deputy in the Prime Minister’s Office in addition to Yamina MK Abir Kara. This clause is intended for Ra’am (United Arab List) leader Mansour Abbas, but he is not expected to take the post immediately. (JPost/ VFI News)

"Lord, we ask that you would give Israel's leaders wisdom to lead the people in peace and prosperity".

Saeid Mollaei, a former Iranian judoka now representing Mongolia, took home the silver medal in the men’s 81-kilogram division, losing the gold to Takanori Nagase of Japan.

It was the first Olympic medal for Mollaei, two years after he left his native Iran, revealing that his national team coaches had ordered him to lose in the semifinals of the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo to avoid facing Israel’s Sagi Muki in the final. Mollaei subsequently moved to Germany and then acquired Mongolian citizenship.

Mollaei told the Israeli Sports Channel that he was thankful for the support he’s received from Israel over the years.

“Thank you to Israel for the good energy. This medal is dedicated also to Israel,” he told the network. “I hope the Israelis are happy with this win.”

He added in Hebrew: “Todah” (thank you). (TOI / VFI News)

“God, we ask you to look over the athletes representing Israel in the 2021 Olympics.”

Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who was the first person in Israel to be vaccinated, has been urgently pushing for a third booster shot after recently discovering his level of coronavirus antibodies had dropped.

Netanyahu was vaccinated in December last year while serving as premier. Recently he conducted a serological test, which found his antibody count significantly dropped some eight months after being vaccinated.

Netanyahu has recently been urging Israel’s new government to begin administrating the third vaccine dose to the elderly, despite many experts saying such a move is unnecessary at this time. (TOI / VFI News)

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. - 3 John 1:2

Jewish billionaire Michael Lewis, 61, has married Lady Kitty Spencer, 30, niece of the late Princess Diana.

Lewis was born in South Africa and has an estimated net worth of £80 million ($110 m.). He is the chairman of the South African listed Foschini Group.

British media reported in early 2020 that Lady Spencer was converting to Judaism for her betrothed. Friends of the couple reported that she was taking preparatory classes at the time. She has been seen attending synagogue with Lewis.

The two were wed in Rome this past weekend. Lewis will be the first Jewish member of the royal family. Previous members who have joined via marriage have been baptized into the Church of England, such as Meghan Markle. (JPost/ VFI News)

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8

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

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