Note from Bill:
Over the years there has been a direct land connection to either record rains or extreme drought in Israel. When Israel’s leaders participate in peace talks, there are extended periods of drought (sometimes with fires) and when the leaders acknowledge Israel’s right to their covenant land, abundant, record-setting rain follows.
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After Likud win, Netanyahu vows to ‘finalize borders,’ get US to back annexation – December 27, 2019
https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-thanks-trump-vows-us-recognition-of-israeli-sovereignty-in-west-bank/
In a victory speech on Friday morning, Dec. 27, 2019, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed his “final and sweeping” win in the Likud primary on Thursday, thanking US President Donald Trump and vowing to bring US recognition of Israeli sovereignty in West Bank settlements — a move tantamount to annexation.
“First, we will finalize our borders; second, we will push the US to recognize our sovereignty in the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea; third, we will push for US recognition of our extension of sovereignty over all the communities in Judea and Samaria, all of them without exception; fourth, we will push for a historic defense alliance with the US that will preserve Israeli freedom of action; fifth, stop Iran and its allies decisively; and sixth, push for normalization and agreements that will lead to peace accords with Arab countries,” Netanyahu said.
“The opportunities are within reach,” he added.
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Netanyahu: I won’t let settlements be uprooted in any diplomatic plan – Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020
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Israel breaks 50-year record for most rainfall – Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-breaks-50-year-record-for-most-rainfall-613693
The heavy rains that have swept the nation over the last two weeks are expected to continue through Friday, according to meteorologist reports.
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Eye to Eye: Trump’s “peace envoy” in Israel as Puerto Rico impactedby mostdamaging earthquake in over a century.
We are thankful that President Trump has gone much further than any previous U.S. president in his bold public support of Israel in the following ways:
- He moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem
- He signed a resolution acknowledging Israel's right to the Golan Heights.
- He stated that Israel's settlements are not illegal.
- He refused to commit to a Palestinian state.
- He eliminated Iran's General Soleimani.
- He withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal.
However, at the time of the Trump administration’s “deal of the century” peace talks and meetings, five recording-setting hurricanes hit the United States or the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. Those storms — Harvey, Irma, Maria, Florence and Michael — had their names retired because of their catastrophic impacts.
On Monday and Tuesday, Trump’s envoy to Israel, Berkowitz, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, the leader of the Blue and White Party. At the time of the meetings, Puerto Rico had a 6.4 earthquake off its coast, producing the most damaging earthquake in over a century. On Thursday, two-thirds of the island was still without power.
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Berkowitz meets Netanyahu over potential Trump peace plan rollout; to meet with Gantz – Monday and Tuesday
https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Avi-Berkowitz-meets-with-Netanyahu-to-discuss-Trumps-peace-plan-613379
US Special Envoy Avi Berkowitz is in Jerusalem discussing the possible release of the Trump Administration's peace plan prior to the Israeli election in March.
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This morning’s 6.4 earthquake off the southern coast of Puerto Rico is likely the island's most damaging earthquake in over a century. - Tuesday
https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/puerto-rico-earthquake-01-07-2020/index.html
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Puerto Rico earthquake: Roughly two-thirds of island without power amid dozens of aftershocks – Wednesday
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/08/us/puerto-rico-earthquake-wednesday/index.html
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Most Puerto Ricans still without power, many sleeping outdoors after quakes - Thursday
http://news.trust.org/item/20200109005149-tln25