Security guards outside the Knesset apprehended an Israeli-Arab man Tuesday afternoon as he attempted to enter the building with the apparent intention of physically attack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Exiting a taxi near the entrance to the building and walking toward the gate, he was asked why he was there by a security guard and responded “I want the Prime Minister.” When searched, a note was found in his pocket saying he wished to be a “Shaheed” which is an Arabic word meaning “martyr.”

Speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a summit in Tokyo, US President Donald Trump told reporters that there is a growing likelihood that Iran will return to negotiations with Washington over the future of its renegade nuclear program. Japanese diplomats have been visiting Teheran in recent days, giving rise to speculation about back room agreements which could ease tensions and lower the risk of war between Iran and the US.

IDF units on Israel’s northern border were on high alert Tuesday morning following an incident late Monday in which an anti-aircraft missile battery controlled by forces loyal to Syria’s Assad regime attempted to shoot down an Israeli plane and was subsequently destroyed by an Israeli strike. Israeli Prime Ministre Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement Monday evening in which he declared “Our policy is clear: we will not tolerate any aggression against us, and we will respond to it with force and firmness.”

The movement to Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) Israel suffered more defeats on Monday as Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp announced that it will soon launch an office in Tel Aviv to explore opportunities for cooperation with and investment in Israel’s vibrant hi-tech scene. Also on Monday, American agritech investor Finistere Ventures, Israeli capital venture platform OurCrowd and Israeli manufacturing conglomerates Tnuva and Tempo Beverages announced a joint venture to increase investments in Israeli food and agricultural technologies.

Representatives of Israel’s Arab communities visited the Presidents Residence on Monday, telling their host, President Reuven Rivlin, that the problem of violent crime in Arab villages is getting worse and could potentially become a threat to the entire country. “Arab society is bleeding and the innocents are screaming ‘save us,'” a spokesman for the group said. “Only the government can bring about change, because we don’t have the resources.”

The ongoing international neglect of the plight of the Christians under PA rule could lead to the disappearance of Christianity in the place where it emerged. This issue has received very little media coverage in Israel or anywhere else.

Much ink has been spilled over how Washington is handling Iran, but just as important is how the Islamic Republic and neighboring governments will respond to the situation. What are Tehran’s calculations about the risks and advantages of pushing the Trump administration? And how do U.S. allies like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates regard the unfolding developments? To discuss these issues, The Washington Institute recently hosted a Policy Forum panel to discuss these issues.

Since the early 1980s, the ICEJ has helped nearly 145,000 Jews immigrate (make “Aliyah”) to Israel. From launching protests outside Soviet embassies worldwide to sponsoring charter flights, the ICEJ continues to play a key role in the Jewish people’s return “home.” We invite you to partner with us in this Prophetic work.