NEWS FROM RUSSIA

• Putin orders Russian army to become second largest after China’s at 1.5 million-strong
• Russia, China kick off joint military exercises, challenging US-led coalition
• Putin draws new red line on long-range missiles
• Moscow says Kyiv could become ‘giant melted spot’ if long-range weapons used
• NORAD says it continues to track more Russian military planes near Alaska’s air space
• U.S. sounds alarm on Russian aircraft over Alaska as tensions rise over nuclear tests

THE KINGS OF THE EAST

• China the top challenge in US history: senior diplomat
• China launches intercontinental missile into Pacific in rare test
• China insists nuclear stance defensive after ‘routine’ ICBM launch
• North Korea’s Kim vows to put his nuclear force ready for combat with US
• North Korea’s Kim vows to increase nuclear weapons arsenal
• North Korea claims it tested ballistic missile with ‘super-large’ warhead
• North Korea releases images of uranium enrichment facility for first time
• North Korea’s top diplomat heads to Russia as military cooperation grows
• US, UK concerned Russia may be assisting Iran with nuclear weapons program — report

FAITH FOR THE FINAL HOUR

• Pastor Alistair Begg Says a Return to “Serious Engagement with the Bible” Is Necessary

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

• ‘Sodom and Gomorrah’: Christians slam 2024 Paris Olympic opening ceremony
• Muslim Father Burns Daughter for Turning to Christ
• New Survey Reveals Evangelicals Make Up Smaller Portion of U.S. Population than Expected

RUSSIA AND THE KINGS OF THE EAST

• Russia-China partnership ‘yielding results’, Putin says
• China’s ‘growing authoritarianism’ won’t stop with Taiwan: Lai
• China says US has ‘no right to intervene’ in South China Sea disputes
• North Korea could create a ‘nuclear domino’ effect in Asia: Seoul
• North Korea warns South Korea, Japan will be nuclear ‘cannon fodder’

NEWS FROM ISRAEL

• Pro-Palestinian Protesters Outside DNC Want Israel Destroyed — and Target Jews

ISRAEL VS. HEZBOLLAH

• IDF Spokesman Hagari: ‘Hezbollah attempted to harm Israel, but was met with an iron fist’
• Nasrallah asserts Hezbollah attack was success, reserves right to strike again
• IDF launches ‘extensive’ strikes against Hezbollah in 10 areas of southern Lebanon
• PM says strikes on Hezbollah ‘not end of story’ as allies warn against escalation
• ‘IDF prepared for all possibilities – including widescale war’

ISRAEL VS. HAMAS

• Iranian media report that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was eliminated in Tehran. Hamas confirms the report
• Killing of Haniyeh restores Israel’s threat of deterrence to Iran, Iranian-Israeli journalist says
• Report: Hamas considering avenging Haniyeh by killing Israelis abroad

ISRAEL VS. IRAN

• Report: Iran’s Khamenei Orders Direct Strike on Israel
• Impatient Ayatollah Khamenei Warns ‘Divine Wrath’ Will Strike if Iran ‘Retreats’ on Israel
• Netanyahu warns of preemptive attack as Tehran speaks of Israel’s annihilation
• Iran rejects calls for restraint
• Britain, France, and Germany Warn Iran to Not Attack Israel, Meanwhile U.S. Sends Nuclear Submarine
• Iran Praises Genocidal Hamas Chief for Furthering ‘Extinction’ of Israel, Vows Revenge

WORLD WAR III?

• Biden’s Exit Brings Us Closer to World War in the Middle East
• ‘Our enemies are your enemies’: Regional alliance needed to combat Iran, Netanyahu says

ISRAEL AT WAR

• Iranian general says itching to carry out another direct missile attack on Israel
• Iran’s UN mission threatens ‘obliterating war’ if Israel launches Lebanon offensive
• Nasrallah warns: ‘If Israel attacks Lebanon it won’t have any tanks left’
• Hezbollah ups the ante up north by striking communities previously untouched

NEWS FROM IRAN

• Iran’s president-elect reaffirms policy toward Israel
• Khamenei and Iran’s Military Lock Arms with ‘Moderate’ President-Elect, Signaling Little Hope for Change