January 13, 2022 — Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul has blocked multiple requests to pass the legislation in the Senate, arguing that the funding should come from proposed assistance to Afghanistan – as if the Taliban jihadists deserve it more than Israeli parents seeking to protect their children.

January 12, 2022 — The list of sanctioned US leaders appeared as America and other nations involved in the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran meet in Vienna to discuss the possibility of reviving the deal, in the hope of trusting Iran not to proceed on enriching uranium to the 60 percent threshold of a nuclear weapon. Israel has reaffirmed its ability to act independently in self-defense against Iran regardless of any new deal.

January 11, 2022 — According to earlier reports, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Director Mohammad Eslami said in December that his nation has no plans to enrich uranium beyond 60 percent, even if the Vienna talks do not move forward. However, based on Iran’s ongoing rate of uranium enrichment toward 60 percent, stonewalling international inspection efforts, and apparent efforts to stall the talks while clandestinely pursuing further enrichment, the on-again-off-again Vienna talks are more reasonably seen as the Iranian Mullahs’ smokescreen covering Iran’s true nuclear ambitions.

January 10, 2022 — The building projects continue despite the drop in tourism during the pandemic. After a record 4.55 million tourists in 2019, according to the Ministry of Tourism, only 832,000 visited in 2020 after the country’s tourism was shut down in late March. The good news is that the future looks bright for the hospitality industry across Israel. The current construction seeks to develop properties for maximum potential and prepare the region for increased business in the days ahead.

January 7, 2022 — The boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement is an antisemitic movement founded by a Palestinian who opposes the peaceful coexistence of two states for two peoples, let alone the very creation of the State of Israel by the United Nations in 1947. The movement demands the so-called “right of return” of Arab “refugees” unto the fifth generation, a concept which does not exist. BDS proponents also refer to Israel libelously as an “apartheid state” – with no basis in reality and no connection to the former South African system of racial separation.

January 6, 2022 — The attacks were likely associated with the January 3 two-year-anniversary of the assassination of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani by a US drone strike at the Baghdad airport ordered by then-president Donald Trump. In 2020, US forces reportedly killed two top Iranian military commanders involved in terrorism in Iraq, in an airstrike in what analysts said was a significantly bigger deal than the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

January 5, 2022 — The hacker’s message may be connected with a video released in December that featured a simulated attack on Israel’s Dimona nuclear reactor. The video was released by the Iranian military and quickly spread across social media. The video featured rockets launched at a target with the hashtag Dimona and a quote from the Qur’an in Arabic that read, “Then on the day, we will deal you the fiercest blow. We will surely inflict punishment.”

January 4, 2022 — Indonesia has the opportunity to create massive change by joining the accords. The move would take a new mindset when it comes to working with what many in the nation have considered an enemy, but a look at the benefits among current nations like Bahrain and the UAE could help open the door for yet another nation to take a chance at the opportunity. The nation could become the seventh and largest nation to join the accords, or it can wait and watch as other nations benefit while missing out on the opportunity. Israel would certainly welcome the addition, but the agreement will take support from leaders in both nations to move forward in the days to come.

January 3, 2022 — Despite widespread US support for the State of Israel, a small contingent of Democrats continues to make both comments and policies in opposition of America’s closest ally in the Middle East. The concern will certainly not help Democrats as they face midterm election in 2022 that could shift the power of Congress back to Republicans.

December 31, 2021 — Christians have long served an important part of the nation’s people and its economy. The pandemic has caused strains on international relationships, as most travel has been limited, including Christian tourism, that serves as a vital point of connection between Israel and Christians worldwide. JWN joins with President Herzog's wish: “We miss our Christian friends across the globe and look forward to welcoming you back soon! May we all be blessed with a happy and healthy New Year.”

December 30, 2021 — Shooter John Earnest had pleaded guilty to crimes in September after he was told the death penalty would not be sought. He was previously sentenced to life without parole plus 137 years in prison. Earnest’s Poway attack near San Diego on April 27, 2019, resulted in the shooting death of 60-year-old Lori Gilbert-Kaye. His shots also injured three others, including an eight-year-old girl and her uncle, along with Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein.

December 29, 2021 — Of major concern is Iran’s repeated breaking of past agreements. The pattern does not help provide confidence as the Vienna talks seek progress, as the level of trust that Iran’s leaders will follow through on any independent inspections or other efforts remains low. Further, Israeli intelligence has noted that Iran appears to continue moving forward with nuclear weapon development despite claims otherwise.