NETANYAHU: IRAN NUCLEAR SANCTIONS A POSITIVE STEP:  PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the fourth round of UN Security Council sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program was a "positive" step, but expressed hope it would lead countries to take broader economic and diplomatic measures, including sanctions on the Iranian energy sector.  Israel and the US on Wednesday hailed a UN vote to impose a fourth round of sanctions on a defiant Iran, which immediately vowed to continue with its nuclear program. "The UN Security Council resolution passed today is a positive step," Netanyahu said. "The resolution made clear to Iran that the world's leading powers oppose its nuclear program." (Ha’aretz)

LEBANESE THREATEN MASS MARCH ON ISRAELI BORDER: The anti-Israel flotilla has turned the tide of world opinion against Israel, Fatah leaders in Lebanon say, and the time is ripe for a mass civilian charge against Israel’s border.  Mounir Al-Makdah, a leading Fatah leader in Lebanon, says plans are being made for a mass charge against Israel’s northern border. “What can Israel do,” he asks, “kill the entire Palestinian nation?  And even if they kill all those who take part in the march, the number of remaining Palestinians will still be more than all the Jews in the world.” Al-Makdah said the plans for the march are being made via letters to thousands of “Palestinians” living around the world inviting them to take part. (Arutz-7)  “Though armies besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me even then will I be confident.” Ps 27:3

BLAIR SIDES WITH ISRAEL ON GAZA INSPECTIONS: Israel has the right to inspect what goes into Gaza, Middle East mediator Tony Blair told an Israeli television station. Blair, the Quartet representative to the Middle East, met Tuesday in Jerusalem with PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak. They discussed fallout from last week's interception by Israel of a Gaza-bound flotilla that resulted in the deaths of nine passengers. "There's no question there are rockets fired from Gaza and that there are people in Gaza who want to kill innocent Israelis," Blair said Tuesday night. "When it comes to security, I'm 100% on Israel's side. Israel has the right to inspect what goes into Gaza." (JTA)

PRO ISRAEL RALLIES CONTINUE: Some 600 people rallied outside the Israeli Embassy in New York on Wednesday to show their support for the Jewish State against criticism of its interception of a Turkish ship trying to break the Gaza naval blockade.  Demonstrators waved signs saying “Israel has a duty to defend its citizens from terror” and “Peace activists don't use knives & clubs.” Other demonstrations took place in Brussels and Hamburg. (INN)

POLL: ISRAELIS VIEW TURKEY AS ENEMY STATE:  Some 78% of Jewish Israelis now view Turkey as an enemy nation, according to a poll published Thursday.  Only 13% favor an international inquiry into the flotilla raid, while 71% prefer an internal Israeli inquiry. Some 91% believe Israel should stop future flotillas trying to breach the Gaza blockade. (AFP)

OBAMA’S APPROVAL DROPS, DESPITE GESTURES TO ARAB WORLD:  US President Obama shows lower approval ratings in Arab countries in 2010 than he did in 2009, despite overtures to the Arab world.  A Gallup poll showed approval of Obama’s performance dropping in Egypt, Algeria, Mauritania and Lebanon.  Approval was lowest in the Palestinian Authority at just 16%. (INN)

ISRAELI AUTHOR AWARDED PEACE PRIZE: Israeli author David Grossman has been awarded a “peace prize” at the world's largest book fair in Frankfurt, Germany. Judges chose Grossman unanimously, saying he presented an important voice on the Mideast conflict to people around the world. (Arutz-7)

TAU SCIENTISTS: STOPPING THE SPREAD OF CANCER CELLS: Researchers at Tel Aviv University may have found the mechanism that controls the process of metastasis in cancer. The research team identified a “switch” that can turn on cell growth in plants – actually a fat molecule that modulates a group of proteins called ROPs.  Proteins that are very similar to ROPs exist in humans, and broadcast chemical signals telling cancer cells when to metastasize. “When these proteins are turned 'on,' they can initiate cell division and growth,” says Professor Yalovsky. “Through our genetic engineering, these proteins could be manipulated in humans to speed up tissue healing, or turned off to slow or stop the growth of tumors.” (INN) “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.” 1 Chron 29:12

IF YOU ARE VISITING ISRAEL SOON: Tour groups coming to Israel are kindly asked to bring a Ziploc bag of new toiletries which can be distributed to the poor and needy recipients in Israel. If it is a significant amount with a group then we can come pick it up from your hotel but not for an individual bag. Also, all groups are welcome to visit the Joseph Storehouse from Sundays to Thursday. Call us in Jerusalem at: (02) 570-4010.

YOUR DONATIONS ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED: Please continue to enable us to assist terrorist victims, entire households suffering from poverty, the elderly and others in need in Israel. Your donations are needed and welcomed at www.visionforisrael.com  Make your online donation today. For residents in the UK and outside North America you can visit www.josephstorehouse.co.uk 

Blessings from Jerusalem,
Barry Segal with the Editorial Staff