Middle East on fire

23:52 Israeli troops fire flares over southern Lebanon (DPA)

01:54 Secret deal with treasury boosts Defense Ministry budget to NIS 51.5 billion (TheMarker)

Israel boosting it's defense budget...

06:09 Israel imposes closure on West Bank Palestinians until Wednesday (Army Radio)

Yeah and the west bank palestinians are free eh?

U.S. Officials: It is Unclear if Syria Transferred Scuds to Hizbullah but 'Intent is There'
Intent is there eh? So you're just making stuff up along the way and expect us to believe you?

[edit on 18-4-2010 by Vitchilo]

Vitchilo, I just wanted to say thanks for keeping this thread going.

It's nice to know there's somewhere to go to that dredges through all the news from different sources and puts it in a nice collection.

You should rename this thread "the Drudge report for Israeli war".

Syria, Iran and Hezbollah are preparing for large-scale armed confrontation with Israel. This is the intent for the supply of missiles in Lebanon extended range, according to Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai.

Source in Hezbollah confirmed such intentions, saying war with Israel "does not cause doubts. And they noted that the fighting will be conducted exclusively in the territory of Israel.

Note that this is Al-Rai's first published information about the secret transfers of Syrian Scud militants of Hezbollah. Then, stressed that the deployment of weapons was mandated by the trilateral summit in Damascus attended by Syrian President Bashar Assad and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the secretary general of Hezbollah, Sheik Ahmad Nasrallah.

According to russian newspapers, at a meeting of the parties approved a strategy of "resistance to the Zionist entity" and agreed on joint action against Israel. In particular, it was noted that the Israeli attack on Lebanon, in Syria, would enter the war immediately, and if it is subjected to shock - that the war will enter Iran.

Hezbollah emphasizes that a possible war with Israel would be "fateful" and as a result, someone will be routed to the ground. The Islamists believe that this time it will be Israel.

More news...

14:22 Iran plans war games to simulate `strong enemy attack` (DPA)

Preparing for an attack...

10:46 Iran to export 2 million tons of wheat to Oman, Egypt, and UAE (Reuters)

+1

09:56 Ahmadinejad: Israel is a corrupt microbe on its way to collapse (Haaretz)

Hopefully a collapse without nuclear war.

09:13 `Israeli minister said Syria will return to stone age if Hezbollah attacks Israel` (Ch. 10)

Aka Israel saying to Syria that they gonna wipe them off the map...which they can carry out with their nukes, in contrast to Iran... of course no MSM will talk about those threats, but they will talk about the made up iranian threats 24/7...

08:37 Ahmadinejad calls on U.S. to withdraw troops from region (DPA)

+10 many americans want that.

04:38 Report: U.S. has no clear strategy for curbing Iran nuclear drive, Gates warns (Reuters)

Are they pushing Israel to go to war or what?

Israel to turn Islamic burial site into hotel
More Israeli provocation so the arabs attack them...


Upcoming events..

April 19 : Israel anniversary

Interesting times we live in.

"Hizbullah sources confirmed on Thursday that the group had received a shipment of Scud missiles from Syria, the Kuwaiti paper Al-Rai reported."

According to Al-Rai, Israel sent warnings to Syria through Turkey and Qatar that it would “bomb Lebanese and Syrian targets in case the missiles crossed the border and reached Hizbullah.” link

On Saturday, Reuters quoted US officials as saying that while the "intent" to transfer ballistic missiles to Hizbullah existed, it was doubtful such a transfer had actually taken place. link

The question is,do they have the scud's or don't they.Surely if Syria had transferred scuds to Hizbullah the US and therefore Israeli intel would know about it,same for the SA-2 sam.So i'm asking my self why don't they (US/Israel) either confirm or deny the transfer?why the grey area?
A scud is not a small weapon system,neither is the SA-2, doubtful they could be moved around one of the worlds most closley watched potential war zones unnoticed.

IMO it doesn't matter who has the scuds since it will end up at the same place. So Israel should stop their BS because they know this too.

Hizbullah MP Hasan Fadlallah: Lebanon is no longer an exposed arena. U.S. concerns are a reflection of Israeli concerns.

Indeed.

17:06 Ahmadinejad extols Iran`s military might during an annual army parade (AP)

OOoo we're scared now! NOT!

16:06 Air Canada cancels flight to Israel due to volcanic ash cloud over Europe (Haaretz)

So will the ash reach Israel and shutdown their airforce? Killing their air superiority? Maybe...

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Two rockets were fired from Jordan at Israel's Red Sea resort of Eilat on Thursday but landed in Jordanian territory, apparently without causing any injuries, Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported on its website.

Rockets coming from Jordan...

03:11 Obama: Our alliance with Israel serves our national security interests (Haaretz)

We know.

02:53 James Jones: United States` commitment to Israel`s security is unshakable (Haaretz)

We know.

00:40 China has proposed changes to a U.S.-drafted Iran sanctions resolution (AP)

We'll see if those changes make the sanctions weaker or stronger..

Washington has warned that "all options" are on the table if Syria supplied Scud missiles to Hizbullah but defended its pursuit of dialogue with Damascus.
All options including war..

[edit on 22-4-2010 by Vitchilo]

More news after a big break... there was plenty of news but I was too lazy to post them.

Turkish Air Defense System Deployed to "Defend Syria, Iran against Israel Raids"

High-ranking sources in the Israeli Foreign Ministry expressed displeasure with Turkey over deploying anti-aircraft batteries along the Syrian border in the Iskenderun district.

The Turkish daily Hurriyet meanwhile, quoted a military source as saying that this move aims at repelling a US or Israeli attack against Iran or Syria.

If this is true, this is quite big... Turkey is in NATO after all.

Russia to sell Syria warplanes, air defense systems

Russia has signed deals with Syria under which it will sell it warplanes, anti-tank weapons and air defense systems, Itar-Tass news agency quoted a senior Russian arms trader as saying on Friday.

So not much...warplanes.. MIG-29...those are of the level of F-16 and F-15..so equal to Israeli warplanes. But the difference is the TRAINING.

Second the Pantsir-S1 anti-air missiles... which is able, but not fantastic...this ain't S-300s...

Anti-tank missiles, which are almost useless because of the new Trophy system that Israel has installed on it's tanks and is installing now...

So no game changers per say. After all, Russia ain't giving them Iskanders.

The most interesting this is this :

and oversaw talks on Russia's possible assistance in building a nuclear power plant in Syria.

Russia could help Syria build a nuclear power plant... that would sure be interesting if the deal goes through.

Iran, Tajikistan to boost defense ties

Obama to fund Israel's missile system
Also reported on Haaretz.

For once I agree with him. Funding a missile shield is way cheaper in money and in lives than starting a war in the middle-east.

14:38 Russia warns U.S. against unilateral Iran sanctions (Reuters)

Lebanon daily An-Nahar cancels World Newspaper Conference, citing Israel war threat (AP)

Interior Minister: Israel never agreed to freeze construction in Jerusalem (Army Radio)

Human Rights Watch: Israel wantonly destroyed homes, industry in Gaza war (DPA)

Jordan to buy an undisclosed number of attack helicopters from Boeing (DPA)

Seven firms with Iran ties have received U.S. contracts in recent years (Reuters)

Diplomats say Iran expands enrichment facility (AP)

Israeli gov't official: Syria can't afford to pay for Russia's sophisticated weaponry (Reuters)

Damn right, Iran will pay for it.

U.S.: Negotiations on Iran sanctions UN resolution 'making good progress' (AP)

That's enough for today.

[edit on 14-5-2010 by Vitchilo]

New British government unified with U.S. on Iran (DPA)

Let's hope it's just on sanctions...and that the UK won't push for a war.

Clinton: Iraq bombings won't affect withdrawal plans (AP)

SURE...

U.S., Russia say 2014 is deadline for abolishing nuclear weapons (AP)

Smoking good crack I see?

Medvedev to Assad: Israel intends to use nuclear weapons on Syrian cities

Russian President Medvedev handed Syrian President Bashar Assad, an Israeli Warning
- Israel intends to use nuclear weapons on Syrian cities if it will be attacked.

Moreover, Russian President Medvedev made it clear that currently there is a silent agreement between the major powers, Russia, USA, France, Britain and Germany, and Israel, that in a Total war, Israel will get all the breathing space it will need to Overpower the Arab world. The message from Jerusalem to Damascus was in these words: "Israel has made it clear that in a total war it will strike Iran, Lebanon and Syria, without pause and without mercy until they beg a cease-fire."

Well this is just confirming what many analysts said...in the next war, Israel will have to use it's ballistic missiles and probably nukes.

Obama threatens to 'impose' Palestinian state
Even if the source is really bias, if Obama does that, it will probably be not fair for palestinians...

On Israeli assurance to Lebanon, Jumblatt says: Don’t trust it

He also recalled that despite Israeli assurances in 1982, “Israel invaded Lebanon and reached Beirut under the pretext of an attempt to assassinate the Israeli ambassador in London.”

Well you can't trust Israel now since there's an army building around it.

TIME: 'The Next Lebanon War'

A report by TIME Magazine this week warns that "the next Lebanon War" is on the horizon, but contends that although the Hizbullah terrorist organization and Israel are both fully prepared for war, neither side is looking forward to the eventuality.

But I think chances of war are low at that point since Israel is continuing it's funding of the missile shield and new sanctions are about to be passed against Iran. So unless a false-flag happens, no war for the next few weeks at least.

Thing is, when it's gonna go, it's gonna go big. Minimum tens of thousand will die.

[edit on 15-5-2010 by Vitchilo]

# 15:00 Iranian cleric wants creation of 'Greater Iran' (AP)

Ooo ...

Greater Iran includes those regions that have a ``persian culture``...

Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, half of Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, part of Kyrgizstan, part of China, part of Iraq, part of Syria, part of Turkey, Azerbaidjan, Armenia and parts of Georgia.

Yeah good luck with that. Iran have agreements and good relations with most of those countries. So no way they start a war to annex territory. This cleric is a nutjob.

In Israel too, the Likud party supports Greater Israel...

Annexation of the Palestinian territories (the West Bank and Gaza Strip) is part of the platform of the Israeli Likud party, and of some other Israeli political parties.

Greater Israel on wiki

Currently in Israel, in the debate relating to the borders of Israel, "Greater Israel" is generally used to refer to the territory of the State of Israel and the Palestinian territories, the territory of the former British Mandate of Palestine.

And of course the nuttier ones want a Greater Israel that includes about half of Iraq, eastern Egypt, north of Saudi Arabia, all of Lebanon, a part of Kuwait and about 3/4 of Syria.

# 17:26 Iran says conditions right for nuclear fuel deal (Reuters)

DO THE DEAL, PRONTO.

War with Iran from the Trilateral Commission?

“We are deciding the future of the world,” Slobodovsici said. “We need a world government,” he said, but, referring to Iran, said “we need to get rid of them.”

Clearly, it was a TC war call. Many of the TC’s billionaires and millionaires are heavily invested in manufacturing, and wars produce huge profits.

More news...

IDF drills takeover of Palestinian city

Palestinian city or Syrian city or Lebanese city?

Trurman Strike Group to leave Friday

The Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, includes Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 10; the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW) 3; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 26 (CDS 26); the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71) and the German Frigate FGS Hessen (F221).

This whole thing participated in the Iraq War bombardment except those four :
The USS Normandy helped in the Desert Storm and Desert Shield operations.
USS Winston S. Churchill : Captured a pirate vessel in the Indian Ocean
USS Ross : helped in the Afghan mission, will be upgraded with SM-3 anti-missile next year
German Frigate FGS Hessen : For air defense

Israel has its eyes on Hezbollah

Tehran's prime retaliatory capability against Israel in the event of an attack on Iran lies with the thousands of medium- and longer-range missiles massed in Lebanon under the control of Iran's proxy, Hezbollah. It is no secret that a significant number of senior Israeli officers favor pre-emptive action in Lebanon.

Assad: Peres promised open peace talks if Syria cuts Iran ties

Israel offered to engage in direct peace talks with Syria, provided Damascus cut ties with Iran and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Syrian President Bashar Assad said Tuesday.

So yesterday Israel said that Israel offered the GOLAN HEIGHTS in exchange for cutting ties, now it's only peace talks? Give me a break. Why would Syria put itself in such a position for failed and failed again peace talks with Israel?

Erekat: We hope the U.S. will force Israel to stop 'provocations' (DPA)

Yeah good luck with that.

Mubarak: Terror will spread if Israel fails to discuss core peace issues (DPA)

Indeed but they do not care.

Iran FM surprised by draft sanctions resolution agreed to by world powers (Reuters)

We'll see UNTIL THE FINAL VOTE...

Report: Abbas would accept NATO presence in a Palestinian state (Israel Radio)

That would sure piss off Israel.

Turkey: Iran would be on its own if it doesn't deliver uranium within one month (Reuters)

Good.

More news...

One carrier group gone...
The aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman and thousands of Norfolk-based sailors will deploy on Friday for the Middle East.

And three others almost ready to go.
USS Enterprise (CVN 65) successfully completed flight deck certification May 14 pushing itself one step closer to its 21st deployment.

George Washington Carrier Strike Group Departs for Carrier Qualifications

The George Washington Carrier Strike Group centered on the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73), departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan May 18 to conduct carrier qualifications in preparation for its upcoming annual deployment cycle.

Upon successful completion of sea trials, Ronald Reagan's PIA will officially conclude and the ship will rejoin the operational fleet.

Getting ready for something?


Israel prepares for protest flotilla

9 ships plan to break the Gaza Strip blockade next week.

Turkish leader tells organizers he supports efforts to 'break oppressive siege on Gaza Strip'

Now we'll see what happens... Israel on one side and Turkey on the other...

Israeli cabinet to discuss Ghajar withdrawal

NOW Lebanon correspondent Amal Shehadeh reported on Thursday that Israel’s inner cabinet will discuss the EU’s request for Tel Aviv to withdraw from the northern part of the Ghajar Village in South Lebanon.

An unnamed Israeli official said that Tel Aviv will agree to the pull out as long as the EU guarantees that UNIFIL troops will be stationed along the border

That would be nice.

U.S. State Department Denies Change in Policy toward Hizbullah

Israeli Troops Preparing for Mass Evacuations in Case of Hizbullah Rocket Strike

Russian Atomic Official: Iran Nuclear Plant to Start by August

IAF strikes targets in southern, northern Gaza strip (Haaretz)

Obama: Talks to continue on Iran sanctions resolution at UN (Reuters)

Hamas official: Yes to a state within 1967 borders, no to recognizing Israel (Israel Radio)

U.S. Congress approves Obama funding for Iron Dome defense system

Funding this is cheaper than war.

[edit on 20-5-2010 by Vitchilo]

India snubs US, hails Iran's N-plan

I know it's debka but...since it's true that at least 4 carrier strike group are preparing to deploy...
Obama starts massive US Air-Sea-Marine build-up opposite Iran

debkafile's military sources report a decision by the Obama administration to boost US military strength in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf regions in the short term with an extra air and naval strike forces and 6,000 Marine and sea combatants. Carrier Strike Group 10, headed by the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, sails out of the US Navy base at Norfolk, Virginia Friday, May 21. On arrival, it will raise the number of US carriers off Iranian shores to two.

Our military sources have learned that the USS Truman is just the first element of the new buildup of US resources around Iran. It will take place over the next three months, reaching peak level in late July and early August. By then, the Pentagon plans to have at least 4 or 5 US aircraft carriers visible from Iranian shores.

China didn't build an anti-ship missile factory in Iran for nothing.

Iran is China's pawn. China hopes the US will attack Iran and they hope that Iran will sink a few US aircraft carrier. That would hurt the US in power projection and money.

China doesn't care if Iran is wiped out. China would see this as a victory, as long as the US suffers major damage doing so.

China's CNPC Buys Stake in Shell's Syria Unit

The deal gives CNPC a 35 percent stake in Syria Shell Petroleum Development (SSPD),

That means an attack on Syria-chinese owned infrastructures = war or at least reparation to China...

Jet's bombing Gaza...



www.haaretz.com...

From Gaza to Golan, IDF soldiers are being trained for war
The exact shape of the next confrontation in the north remains unclear, but few in the Israel Defense Forces believe we're likely to see tanks clashing in the Golan Heights.

The exact shape of the next confrontation in the north remains unclear, but few in the Israel Defense Forces believe we're likely to see tanks clashing in the Golan Heights. During the last decade, the bulk of Syrian military investment went into missiles - both anti-tank and accurate, limited range and surface-to-surface - and a confrontation with Hezbollah will also include missile barrages from Lebanon against the Israeli rear.

www.haaretz.com...

Hezbollah mobilizes thousands in South for Israel drill

Hezbollah mobilized thousands of its members in southern Lebanon on Friday in response to week-long Israeli defense exercises set to kick off on Sunday, an official from the party told AFP.

"The Hezbollah fighters have [been instructed] to be completely ready to confront Israeli maneuvers on Sunday," Nabil Qaouk said.

"Thousands of our fighters will not go to the polls [for municipal elections on Sunday] and will be prepared from today" for any eventuality, he added.

Peres Says Israel Not Threatening Lebanon, Accuses Syria of Aiming Missiles at Jewish State

Israeli President Shimon Peres has stressed that the Jewish state is seeking peace and poses no threat to Lebanon or Syria despite attempts by Damascus to arm Hizbullah.

Israeli diplomat: Taiwan turned down Iran request for diplomatic mission (AP)

Russia: Sanctions talk in UN won't affect contracts with Iran (Reuters)

Iran to send nuclear agreement to IAEA despite threat of sanctions (DPA)

Ban: I hope Turkey nuclear deal with Iran opens door to negotiated settlement (Reuters)

Mid-East talks show no progress

Troops stay prepared with series of drills in Golan

U.S. And NATO Accelerate Military Build-Up In Black Sea Region

axisoflogic.com...

In the post-Cold War era and especially since 2001 the Pentagon has been steadily shifting emphasis, and moving troops and equipment, from bases in Germany and Italy to Eastern Europe in its drive to the east and the south.

That process was preceded and augmented by the absorption of former Eastern Bloc nations into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization beginning in 1999. In one of the first nations in that category, Poland, the initial contingent of what will be over 100 U.S. troops arrived in the town of Morag this week, as near as 35 miles from Russian territory, as part of a Status of Forces Agreement between Washington and the host country ratified this February.

Also in February, the governments of the Black Sea nations of Romania and Bulgaria confirmed plans for the U.S. to deploy a land-based version of Standard Missile-3 anti-ballistic interceptors on their territory.

The U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Italy, has deployed warships to the Black Sea with an increased frequency over the past few years, visiting and conducting joint drills with the navies of Bulgaria, Romania and Georgia.

Nasrallah says Lebanese will celebrate while Israelis will hide

Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah told the Lebanese people on Friday to not fear Israeli maneuvers, adding that people in South Lebanon will be celebrating the May 23 municipal and mukhtar elections while millions in the Jewish State will be hiding in shelters as part of an Israeli military drill.

That's kinda true...

Williams Says Israel's Daily Violations against Lebanon, Hizbullah's Arms Causes for Concern

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams stressed on Friday the importance of implementing U.N. resolution 1701, noting that there are several matters hindering its full implementation.
He said after meeting Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea that Israel is impeding the resolution through its daily violations of Lebanese sovereignty, and its ongoing occupation of the southern village of Ghajar and the Shebaa Farms.

He added that on the Lebanese side, Hizbullah's arms are hindering the full implementation of resolution 1701.

The Lebanese state should just integrate Hezbollah into the army. Problem solved.

Iran protests U.S. denial of visa to Iranian deputy foreign minister (Reuters)

Nice. They gave visas to the soviets, but not to this guy... Why is the UN in the US again?

Top EU diplomat: Iran may be willing to talk on nuclear issue (DPA)

Duh.

Haredi IDF troops shoot camel belonging to Bedouin in Jordan Valley (Ch. 10)

More provocation from Israel's troops.

More news...

SECOND AIRCRAFT CARRIER ready for deployment.
Ronald Reagan Ready for Sea After Successful Sea Trials

Now 1 gone, 1 ready to go, 2 almost ready to deploy.

Hariri slams Israel over military drills planned for Sunday

Iran to hand nuclear deal letter to IAEA on Monday (Reuters)

Good.

Hezbollah inaugurates museum highlighting its 'resistance' against Israel (DPA)

They sure have good humor.

German FM says Mideast peace is a necessity for the whole world (DPA)

Yeah and we're kinda sick of hearing about Israel and Iran every single freaking day. If there was peace in the middle-east maybe it could calm the evangelists and muslims nutjobs.

Turkey PM Erdogan writes to 26 world leaders to gain backing for Iran nuclear deal (AP)

At least one person in the middle-east want peace for real.

Report: Iran to go ahead with atom fuel swap despite U.S. 'propaganda' (Reuters)

Good then.

Report: Egypt PM wants Mubarak to seek another term (Reuters)

He really wants to be overthrown doesn't he?

Chomsky: Any crime Israel commits is because of U.S. legitimization (Haaretz)

Yep. If they didn't have the US at every turn protecting them, they wouldn't be so bold in their war crimes.

US Predicted to Enter Lebanon if Iran Gets Nukes; Situation room simulation

Envoy: Russia Pleased with Iran's N. Fuel Swap Agreement
Will they vote for sanctions then?

Two big events coming up.
May 23, beginning of the big homeland security drill.
May 27, arrival of the ``peace boat`` bringing humanitarian relief to the Gaza Strip.

[edit on 22-5-2010 by Vitchilo]