Israel’s Water Authority published a report on Sunday showing that the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) and several smaller lakes, streams and tributaries throughout the Land of Israel are reaching their lowest levels since records began to be kept as the country endures the fifth year of a severe drought. The report projects that the drought will linger and perhaps intensify in the years to come, prompting spiritual leaders to implore those who love Israel to pray for a wet, rainy winter in 2018-2019.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrapped up his four day trip to Lithuania on Sunday with remarks to the press in which his said, among other things, that European leaders should show more gratitude to Israeli intelligence services which have broken up several major terrorist attacks in Europe. He also thanked his Lithuanian hosts for being helpful to Israel in international forums like the UN and EU, “and for standing up for the truth, a constant effort, constantly nurtured.”

Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Iranian-backed Lebenese Shi’ite terror militia Hezbollah, gave a speech over the weekend in which he said, among other things, that “The Israeli army has developed significantly, but it cannot avoid defeat, ” Nasrallah said. “The Zionist enemy is experiencing a crisis in the recruitment of combat soldiers…the youth will not sacrifice themselves.” His speech came as Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami arrived in Damascus for a visit to demonstrate Teheran’s determination to use Syria as a launching pad for attacks against Israel.

Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub was slapped with a fine of 20,000 Swiss francs (20,340 USD) and barred from attending FIFA sponsored games for a year in a ruling handed down by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on Friday. The ruling stems from Rajoub’s public statements threatening the Argentinian Football Association with violent acts, including encouraging fans to burn jerseys and pictures of star player, Lionel Messi, over the Argentinian team’s planned friendly match against Israel last summer. The Argentinians eventually cancelled the match over the threats, and on Friday Rajoub was found guilty of violating article 53 (inciting hatred and violence) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The Canadian Conservative Party (CCP) issued a statement over the weekend at their party convention in Halifax that they recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel. The announcement, which also calls on the government of Canada to follow the lead of the US in moving Canada’s embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, was applauded by Jewish and Christian groups in Canada.

Israeli officials reacted with sadness Saturday to the death of US Senator John McCain. “The State of Israel salutes John McCain,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, adding that he had been a “great American patriot and a true friend of Israel. His consistent support for Israel flowed from his faith in the principles of democracy and freedom.” These sentiments were echoed by other Israeli officials and public figures from across the political spectrum.

Examination of several issues on the agenda between the US and the Gulf states, and Saudi Arabia in particular, indicates that both sides have found it difficult to live up to the high expectations regarding their relations created by the election of Donald Trump. A mutual sobering in this context requires them to reassess their ability to shape a policy that promotes their aims.

Read Biblical teachings by ICEJ leaders on subjects ranging from the Appointed Times and Feasts of the Lord to the importance of prayer, the connection between the Jewish People and the Land of Israel and more.