Daily Brief: Monday, July 24, 2017

Daily Brief: Monday, July 24, 2017 (Short Form)

1. US State Department Blames Israel's "Settlements" for Palestinian Terrorism - Breaking Israel News

In its annual report on terrorism, the US State Department blamed Palestinian violence on Israel, using language even more anti-Israel than was used in last year's report submitted by Obama's Secretary of State, John Kerry. On Wednesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson submitted the annual "Country Reports on Terrorism" to Congress. The section dealing with Israel began well, referring to Israel as "a committed counterterrorism partner" and recognizing Israel's many threats.

But when it came to citing the cause of Palestinian violence, the report placed the blame entirely on Israel.

"Continued drivers of violence included a lack of hope in achieving Palestinian statehood, Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank, settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, the perception that the Israeli government was changing the status quo on the Haram Al Sharif/Temple Mount, and IDF tactics that the Palestinians considered overly aggressive."

Conservative Review compared this to the same report submitted last year by John Kerry. "Last year's report under Obama said the Palestinians argued that terrorism is sometimes caused by frustration over 'occupation'," the Conservative Review reported. "But that report was much less accusatory because it makes clear that the position is reflecting the views of Palestinian officials, and not the U.S. government."

The State Department's report went on to list the many threats and some of the actual attacks from the past year. The report praised the Palestinian Authority (PA) for its, "continued counterterrorism efforts in the West Bank". The report noted US assistance in training the Palestinians in these efforts. PA President Mahmoud Abbas was praised for "his commitment to nonviolence, recognition of the State of Israel, and pursuit of an independent Palestinian state through peaceful means." (Read more)
- Lord God Almighty, reach out Your hand over the US State Department and forgive them for these false statements that they have brought against the Israeli government. History proves who the culprit is regarding the settlements and the trouble therein. God, we ask that You dispatch angels to go into Israel and war against the evil forces causing the terrorist attacks and defeat them. Protect all the Israelis who live in the West Bank and Samaria by the mighty hand of God. Let truth prevail, Lord. And fight for Israel by the strong hand of the Lord God. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "And God said, I will bless Israel and will curse him that curses them: and in Israel shall all families of the earth be blessed. And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto your seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him." (Genesis 12:3, 7)

2. WH Communications Director Wants to 'De-Escalate' Media Bias so Trump's Message Can Get Through - CNSNews.com

Incoming White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci said Friday during a televised White House press briefing that there is "a little bit of media bias" and that he hopes to "de-escalate that" and turn it around so the president's message can get out to the American people.

Case in point, Scaramucci pointed to the erroneous reporting of CNN.

Scaramucci, a Wall Street investor and former Trump campaign fundraiser, forced CNN to print a retraction after the news outlet published a story on June 22 saying that congressional investigators were looking into his meeting with Kirill Dmitriev, the head of a Russian investment fund, days before Trump was inaugurated.

Scaramucci warned CNN before the story was published that it was wrong. He said he ran into Dmitriev while in Switzerland at a business dinner and they spoke briefly but never talked about the U.S. lifting economic sanctions against Russia.

In addition to issuing a retraction, CNN accepted the resignations of three journalists involved with the story. (Read more)
- Father God, we pray that You will take all the news coverage regarding President Trump and remove all fake news, distorted news, or lies being reported. We ask that a holy cover from God be upon every word published about him. We pray God will de-escalate media bias so Trump's message can get through. In the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.

- "The fear of man brings a snare: but whoso puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe." (Proverbs 29:25)

3. Meet Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trump's New Press Secretary Who Has Long Defended Bombastic Conservatives - Newsweek

On Friday afternoon, newly appointed White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders walked to the lectern in the West Wing's briefing room and calmly began to talk about "Made in America" Week. It was a little disconcerting for some observers.

If Sanders was faking her confidence as she stood before the nation's press on Friday, she didn't show it. She ignored that crush of breaking news and jostling microphones to stay on message. Relentlessly. She was ready for this-after all, as the daughter of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, she's been defending bombastic conservatives her entire life. (Read more)
- Father, we do lift up Sarah Huckabee Sanders as she formally steps into this new role to serve the President. We pray for her family on the home front -- her husband and her three young children -- that they will find grace to balance family responsibilities and time with each other in the midst of "mom's" demanding new job. We ask Your hand of blessing to rest now upon Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in Your name, amen.

- "My grace is sufficient for thee." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

4. Speaker Ryan Pressed for Quick Vote on Residency to Help British Baby Charlie Gard - CNSNews.com

As times ticks closer to when a London hospital may remove a baby's ventilator and let the child die, at least 49 members of Congress have sent a letter asking the House GOP leadership to quickly bring existing legislation to the floor for a vote that would grant the baby and his parents residency in the United States, where they can freely seek the medical treatment they want for their child -- something the British health care system is denying them.

In a July 20 letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), 49 members of Congress said, "We write regarding legislation that will secure residency for Charlie Gard and his parents. As you know, this is a time-sensitive issue related to a child's fight for his life and the right of his parents to seek care for his condition."

"We urge you to bring legislation to the floor for a vote before the House of Representatives adjourns for the month of August," wrote the congressmen. (Read more)
- Lord God, we pray healing for this innocent little baby and ask that all the muscles in its lungs and chest will be strengthened by the healing power of the Blood of Jesus who provided healing through His suffering on the Cross. Raise this baby up and out of the danger of dying under the subjection of a hospital. Thank You, Jesus, for we pray in Your matchless and powerful Name.

- "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the Cross, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed."
(I Peter 2:24)

5. Evangelical Advisory Board Pressured Trump Admin to Not Deport Iraqi Christians - Christian Post

Members of President Donald Trump's evangelical advisory council have directly voiced their concerns to the administration about its efforts to deport over 100 Iraqi Christians back to a nation in which they could face persecution for their faith in Christ.

Members of Trump's evangelical advisory board who took part in an all-day meeting told The Christian Post that the gathering lasted from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Throughout the day, members of the administration would come in and give briefings and generate discussion around certain issues. The evangelical leaders, who act as informal advisers to the president and administration, discussed a number of issues and raised concerns with administration officials over certain issues.

Among the issues discussed by the group was the administration's attempt to deport Iraqi Christian and other Iraqi immigrants with unauthorized status back to Iraq, an issue that prominent evangelicals and humanitarians have called "disturbing."

"It was brought up during the work day and discussed openly and a number of us disclosed that this decision - that we know was not a White House decision but a mid-level decision at the Department of Homeland Security - was a decision that we had received a lot of criticism for," Moore, a CP senior editorial advisor, said. "We talked about it openly and we talked about it with administration people in the room." (Read more)
- Almighty God, we trust that You will guide President Trump regarding the deportation of the Iraqi Christians and give him peace in his heart after he makes the God-given decision. And Father, we trust that the 1400 nationals will receive serious consideration in this matter. Protect America, Lord. Protect the American people, Father. In the Name of Jesus we trust and pray.

- "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your children may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19)

6. U.S. judge halts deportation of Iraqi immigrants - Reuters

A U.S. judge on Tuesday ruled that the government cannot immediately deport nearly 200 Iraqi immigrants arrested last month who argued they would face persecution if they were removed from the country. U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith in Michigan said he had the authority to order the government to keep the Iraqis in the county while their deportation cases were reviewed by the courts.

In his ruling, Goldsmith said sending the Iraqis back now would expose them to a "substantiated risk of death, torture, or other grave persecution before their legal claims can be tested in a court."

Many of the 199 Iraqis detained - largely in the Detroit area but also in Tennessee, New Mexico and California - were Chaldean Catholics and Iraqi Kurds. Both groups said they could be targeted for attacks in Iraq because they are visible minorities. The government is seeking to deport over 1,400 Iraqis across the country, the ruling said.

The actions are part of Trump administration efforts to increase immigration enforcement and make countries take back nationals ordered out of the United States. The Iraqis arrested by immigration authorities had outstanding deportation orders and many had been convicted of serious crimes, ranging from homicide to weapons and drug charges, according to the U.S. government.

In a statement, Michigan Rep. Sander Levin, a Democrat, applauded Goldsmith's ruling, saying it would give courts time "to learn all of the facts related to these individuals." Goldsmith scheduled a hearing for Thursday on the next steps in the litigation. (Read more)
- Father God, we praise You that these Iraqis have been at least temporarily spared the dangers of returning to a country that will most certainly persecute them for not being Moslem. We pray that this reprieve will be permanent and that they will live lives here as upright citizens. We lift up a prayer that those who have committed crimes and paid for them will be allowed to stay. We pray that they will all be saved and live lives of repentance in line with the Judeo-Christian values of our country.

- "Lord, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death," (Psalms 9:13)

7. US lawmakers want fresh sanctions on Hezbollah - YnetNews

Republican and Democratic US lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday seeking to increase sanctions on Hezbollah, accusing the powerful Shi'ite Muslim political group of violence in Syria and amassing rockets along Israel's border. The bill, an amendment to existing sanctions on the group, seeks to further restrict its ability to fundraise and recruit, increase pressure on banks that do business with it and crack down on countries, including Iran, that support Hezbollah.

The bill, an amendment to existing sanctions on the group, seeks to further restrict its ability to fundraise and recruit, increase pressure on banks that do business with it and crack down on countries, including Iran, that support Hezbollah.

Among other things, it would bar anyone found to be supporting the group from entering the United States, require the president to report to Congress on whether Iranian financial institutions are facilitating its transactions and impose blocking sanctions on the group for criminal activities. (Read more)
- Dear Lord, we thank You for this bi-partisan legislation that will further restrict Hezbollah in its ability to harm Israel and carry out its terrorist activities. We pray for swift passage through Congress for this bill so it can be implemented right away. Lord, we pray for You to move against the evil activities of this group and cause them to run into hindrances at every turn. Arrange for laborers to bring them to salvation in You, Father.

- "Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name forever and ever." (Psalms 9:5)

8. Networks Spend 55% of Time Covering Russia-Trump, But Only 6% of Americans Say It's 'Top Issue' - CNSNews.com

A new Bloomberg poll shows that health care is the top issue for Americans, even though network newscasts have relentlessly hammered viewers with coverage of Democrats' accusations about Russia and President Donald Trump.

The Bloomberg National Poll reveals that 35 percent of Americans say "Health Care" is the top issue today - nearly three times the 13 percent who cite "Unemployment/Jobs."

Only six percent cited "Relationship with Russia" as the most important issue. (Read more)
- Father in heaven, close the mouths of those who are hammering the media to levy an accusation against President Trump. They are fighting a losing battle and their motive is based on lies. Cut the chain between this false story and the truth regarding President Trump. Tie the hands that would attempt to reach out and cause constant warfare against him. Free him from their entanglements forever. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." (I Peter 3:12)

9. Thousands of firefighters battle California blaze, now at 48K acres - UPI

More than 3,000 firefighters are now battling the Detwiler Fire near California's Yosemite National Park -- which has grown to more than 70,000 acres, officials said Thursday. Cal Fire said nearly 71,000 acres have burned so far and that the blaze, which started Sunday and is spreading quickly, remains only 10 percent contained. Forty-five structures have been destroyed and six damaged, with hundreds more threatened. The fire is also endangering power lines leading to Yosemite National Park, officials added.

"Firefighters faced high temperatures along with dry and drought stressed chaparral and grass. Steep and inaccessible terrain continues to challenge control lines," a Cal Fire statement said. "The fire encroaches on culturally and historically sensitive areas."

Firefighters are dealing with flames up to four feet, with some flares about 25 feet, Jeff Marshall, a fire behavior analyst told the Los Angeles Times. Officials said smoke from the wildfire can be observed as far away as Idaho, and is affecting visibility and health in California's Sierra Nevada, Yosemite and foothill communities. Cal Fire said 3,175 fire fighters, 413 fire engines, 9 air tankers and 14 helicopters are trying to extinguish the fire -- which is currently among 37 active large fires in a dozen western U.S. states.

Earlier Wednesday, the town of Mariposa was evacuated -- an order that extended to the towns of Coulterville and Greeley Hill by the end of the day. At least 5,000 people have been ordered out of the area so far. (Read more)
- Merciful Lord, we join our voices together to ask that You would supernaturally cause this destructive fire to be able to be controlled and put out for good in a short time. We pray for the safety of the firemen and for the people in the path of the fire. We pray that the people affected will look to You for restoration of that which the fire has taken. We lift up our voices for quick containment of the other fires burning in California and the rest of the US.

- "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake." (Psalms 79:9)

10. Kushner to speak to Senate intelligence panel Monday as part of Russia probe -Washington Post

President Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will speak to the Senate Intelligence Committee in a closed-door session Monday as part of the panel's widening probe into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.

The interview comes as the Senate Judiciary Committee also announced its intention to have former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. testify in open session July 26. (Read more)
- Father, we lift up both of these Senate Committee hearings this week: the one today and the one on Wednesday. We ask that only the truth be revealed in Your name, amen.

- "For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth." (2 Corinthians 13:8)