The Watchman Newscast with Erick Stakelbeck

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck visits Erbil, capital of Iraqi Kurdistan and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Dalton Thomas of Frontier Alliance International takes Erick to Erbil’s ancient Citadel and shares the fascinating Biblical history of the Kurdish people and why the Kurds still have a role to play in the days to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news of another round of airstrikes against Iran-backed militias along the Syria/Iraq border. Was Israel targeting Iranian weapons shipments? Plus, Russia reportedly wants a trilateral meeting with Israel and the U.S over Syria. What is Russia's angle here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's first ever address to the UN General Assembly. Bennett said that Iran has now "crossed all red lines" with its nuclear program and strongly hinted that Israel will act alone, if needed, to stop Iran's nuclear weapons program. Plus, Israeli authorities broke up a major Hamas terror cell over the weekend that was planning imminent attacks. Will Hamas respond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by bestselling author Joel Rosenberg, who discusses his new book, "Enemies and Allies" and the possibility that Saudi Arabia could eventually join the Abraham Accords peace agreement with Israel, as both nations contend with the growing Iran threat. How would an historic Israeli/Suadi peace deal impact the region and the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the Democrats blockage of $1 billion in funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. Democrat leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives caved to pressure from the increasingly influential radical Left-wing faction of their party--led by AOC and "The Squad"--and dropped the Iron Dome support. It looks like the funding will eventually be pushed through soon by Congress but does this move by House Democrats damage the U.S/Israel relationship going forward? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news that nuclear talks between the Iranian regime and world powers--led by the U.S.--will resume once again in the coming weeks. Is the Biden White House set to abandon sanctions and--in the process-- America's leverage over Iran? And what are the three main reasons that Iran should never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the new AUKUS defense pact between the U.S., UK and Australia. How does this alliance counter the China threat in the Pacific region and why has it made France furious? Plus, Erick interviews former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the unique threat that China's communist regime poses to the U.S. and the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a move that would have major implications for the middle east, Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering buying Israel missile defense systems. According to the online magazine Breaking Defense, the Saudis are interested in Israel's iron dome system which focuses on intercepting short-range rockets as well as the Barak ER system, which intercepts Cruise missiles. The news comes as Saudi Arabia faces a continued onslaught of missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi Rebels. Will the Saudis eventually join their Gulf neighbors and sign on the Abraham Accord with Israel? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Iran and Hezbollah’s efforts to win “hearts and minds” in Lebanon by providing the beleaguered nation with fuel. The first shipment of Iranian diesel fuel arrived in Lebanon today and will be distributed by Hezbollah—in violation of U.S. sanctions. Will this move allow Iran and Hezbollah to exert even greater influence over Israel’s neighbor to the north? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a mysterious airstrike that targeted Iran-backed Shia militias along the Syria/Iraq border on Tuesday. The U.S. is denying any involvement and Israel had no comment. But did Israel take action here to once again push back Iran and it’s proxies in Syria? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down two pivotal meetings this week between world leaders and their implications for the Middle East. Russian president Vladimir Putin hosted Syria's Bashar Al-Assad in Moscow yesterday, where the two hailed Assad's victory in the Syrian civil war and took shots at the U.S. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime MInister Naftali Bennett met with Egyptian president Abdel Al-Sisi in Sinai to strengthen the growing regional alliance against the Iranian regime and its proxies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down this weekend's revelation by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz that Iran is using a base to train terrorist groups on how to use attack drones. Gantz said the terrorists hail from Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq and are undoubtedly members of Iranian proxy groups. Iran is also exporting its drone know-how to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. Will these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) play a key role in future Middle East wars? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down this week's major prison break in Israel, as six hardened terrorists escaped and are on the loose. Five of the terrorists hail from the Iran-backed terror group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Now riots in support of the escapees are increasing as Israel hunts them down before they can strike again. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is praising the Taliban as "businesslike" and "professional" as the 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks looms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Afghanistan’s new Taliban-led government—which is led by an assortment of notorious radical Islamists. That includes Sirajhuddin Haqqani—leader of the vicious Haqqani network. The Taliban named him Interior Minister, despite the fact that he is on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and the U.S. has a $10 million bounty on his head. Among the first orders of business for this new government was to announce that it will have no relations with Israel. What comes next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck interviews Todd Nettleton of The Voice of the Martyrs above the plight of Afghanistan's Christian minority living under Taliban rule--and how these courageous followers of Jesus are persevering against all odds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down last night’s Israeli airstrike on an Iranian-backed weapons factory near the Syrian capital, Damascus. Syria responded with surface-to-air missiles, one of which exploded off Israel’s Mediterranean coast, near Tel Aviv. Could prophetic events foretold in the Book of Isaiah soon unfold? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by the City of David's Ze'ev Orenstein to break down an incredible new archaeological discovery at the City of David--Ancient Jerusalem--from the First Temple Period, over 2,500 years ago. The unique artifact, called "The Weight of the Cheater" by some, shows how men struggled with some of the same failings and temptations in Bible times that they do today. For more information on how you can help with Meir Panim, go to: http://erickstakelbeck.com/meirpanim Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down what comes next now that all U.S. forces have withdrawn from Afghanistan. Will the Iranian regime--emboldened by America's Afghanistan debacle--attempt to drive U.S. forces out of Iraq and Syria as well? Erick looks back at his trip to Iraqi Kurdistan and his interview with a top Kurdish general near the Iranian to assess the next threats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down efforts by terrorist groups like ISIS to attack U.S. forces leaving Afghanistan--including a rocket attack against Kabul airport today. Plus, retired Lt. General Jerry Boykin joins us to talk about the global ramifications of the disastrous U.S. withdrawal and how America's enemies have become emboldened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the aftermath of Thursday's deadly ISIS terrorist attack outside Kabul airport--including the revelation that the Biden administration has shared intelligence and the identities of U.S. citizens and Afghan allies with the Taliban. Plus, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met today with President Biden at the White House, with Iran's nuclear program at the top of the agenda. Israel's former National Security Advisor Major General (Res.) Yaakov Amidror joins us to break down how to counter the Iran threat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down comments today by Israel's Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, warning that Iran is just two months from having the materials needed to build a nuclear weapon. Gantz also said that Israel is prepared to act alone to stop a nuclear Iran if the world refuses to act. Plus, learn why America's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan has emboldened the Iranian regime to accelerate its deadly plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the latest on the disastrous situation in Afghanistan plus its repercussions: including a collapse in America's reputation and standing in the world. On cue, three of America's main adversaries--Iran, China and Russia--have announced that they will soon conduct a joint military drill on the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes last night against Hamas targets in response to the Iran-backed terror group's continued attacks. Is war on the horizon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the possibility that Israel and Hamas may also be headed towards another war in the not-so-distant future, thanks to escalating Hamas provocations these past few days. Plus, is the situation in Afghanistan about to grow even worse, as Taliban, ISIS and Al Qaeda terrorists roam the streets of Kabul hunting for U.S. citizens? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by Reza Safa, Director of TBN Nejat, to get the inside, on-the-ground story on the dire situation faced by Afghanistan’s Christians right now. The Taliban has taken advantage of the disastrous U.S. withdrawal to threaten the country’s Christian minority. What impact will weak U.S leadership have on Christians in the Muslim world and will jihadists be emboldened to target followers of Jesus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down comments from Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah this week in which he gloated over the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan and warned Israel that it can no longer rely on U.S. support. With America's leaders showing weakness on the world stage, will Israel's enemies, like Hezbollah and its Iranian master, be emboldened to act sooner rather than later? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the likelihood that Afghanistan will once again become a breeding ground for global terror now that the Taliban is back in control, as jihadists line up to flock to the new "Islamic Emirate" and plan new attacks against the West. Plus, Israel carries out missile strikes against Hezbollah in Syria as the "war between wars" against Iran and its proxies continues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down how the biggest winners from the Biden administration's Afghanistan debacle are America's enemies. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have now both officially congratulated the Taliban on it's "victory," while Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has praised the U.S. "defeat." Meanwhile, Russia, China, Turkey and Pakistan are all thrilled to see the U.S. embarrassed and weakened. What comes next in this ongoing crisis? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the debacle of the Biden administration's withdrawal of U.S. troops. Erick lays out five immediate consequences of the unfolding disaster in Afghanistan and why what happens "over there" will impact the United States in profound ways while emboldening America's enemies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by Ze'ev Orenstein of the City of David to break down the announcement by Israeli archaeologists that they have uncovered evidence that a major earthquake which rocked the Kingdom of Judah 2,800 years ago--and is mentioned in the Biblical books of Amos and Zechariah--also hit Jerusalem. Find out why Israeli archaeologists believe this find is so significant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined in Jerusalem by General Yaakov Amidror for an exclusive interview. Amidror, who served as Israel’s National Security Advisor under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is one of Israel’s foremost authorities on the Iran threat, says that Israel must do whatever it takes to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—including military action, if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by Israel Defense Forces (Res.) Major Elliot Chodoff to break down what's become known as "Israel's Forgotten War." The War of Attrition between Israel and Egypt took place between 1968 and 1970 and cost over 1,200 Israeli lives. Then, as now, Russia was on the ground in the region and aligned with Israel's enemies. That's just one similarity that relates to Israel's security challenges today. What can this often overlooked conflict teach us right now as Israel's adversaries challenge the Jewish State? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the veritable terror summit held in Tehran last week between newly inaugurated Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and leaders from Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terror groups. Was this another sign that Iran is ready to take an even more aggressive stance towards Israel and the West? Plus, are the Lebanese people finally fed up with Hezbollah? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the terror group Hezbollah's rocket barrage today against northern Israel and what comes next. Israel is vowing a "covert and overt" military response if Hezbollah launches more rockets. And the Iranian proxy is vowing to hit Israel again should the Israel Defense Forces strike. Will the situation escalate or will the inevitable Northern War between Israel and Hezbollah wait until another day? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the inauguration of Iran's radical new president, Ebrahim Raisi, and why it is a dark day for the world. Plus, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz says Israel is "ready" to strike Iran if needed and sounds the alarm over Iran's rapidly advancing nuclear weapons program. Is war on the horizon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by Israel Defense Forces reserve Major Elliott Chodoff to break down today's rocket attack out of Lebanon that targeted northern Israel. It was the latest in a series of rocket barrages out of southern Lebanon recently--Israeli officials believe Palestinian terror groups are behind the attacks, operating under the watchful eye of Hezbollah. Erick and Elliot also discuss Iran's continued terror attacks against Israeli targets at sea and how Israel will respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's statement today that Israel would act alone against Iran if necessary, in the wake of last week's deadly drone attack against an Israeli-operated ship. Bennett also joined Israel's Foreign Ministry in slamming the European Union over its decision to send a senior representative to the inauguration this week of Iran's radical new president, Ebrahim Raisi. Is Europe prepared to appease Raisi in an attempt to revive the Iran nuclear deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the fallout from the July 29th drone attack on an Israel-operated oil tanker off the coast of Oman that killed two crew members. U.S., UK and Israeli officials all agree that Iran was behind the deadly attack and Israel is vowing a strong response. Meanwhile, Iran says it will strike back against any attack. So what comes next in the "Shadow War" between Israel and Iran? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down what appears to be a major escalation in the "Shadow War" at sea between Israel and Iran. Two crew members were killed Thursday night when an unmanned "suicide drone" struck an Israeli-operated vessel near the coast of Oman. U.S, Israeli and European officials believe that Iran--either directly or through proxy-- was behind the attack. How will Israel respond to this latest provocation by the Iranian regime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by author David Rubin in Jerusalem to discuss Rubin's important new book "Confronting Radicals: What America Can Learn from Israel." Rubin, a U.S. native who now lives in Israel's Biblical heartland, survived a brutal Palestinian terror attack along with his toddler son. He shares why appeasing radicals never works, why family and faith are key to an American revival--and why embracing socialism will lead America to ruin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the larger story behind protests that have now hit the Iranian capital of Tehran after starting in southeastern Iran last weekend over water shortages. These latest protests are yet another signal that the Iranian people are fed up with Iran's tyrannical regime, which had responded to the dissent with violent crackdowns. This comes as Ebrahim Raisi, known as the Butcher of Tehran, is eet to assume the Iranian presidency on August 5th. Raisi is notorious for leading brutal crackdowns of dissidents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that Russia is “running out of patience” with Israeli airstrikes inside Syria and is set to provide the Assad regime with advanced air defense systems to challenge them. With Trump and Netanyahu gone, Russia appears prepared to take a harder stance towards Israel in Syria: where Russia is aligned with Assad, Iran and Hezbollah, three of Israel’s greatest enemies. What comes next and are there prophetic implications? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the world’s first ever multi-nation drone drill, held by Israel this month and with the U.S., Italy, France, Germany and the UK all participating as well. Incidentally, details recently emerged that for the first time ever in modern warfare, Israel used "drone swarms" in the recent Gaza war against Hamas. Meanwhile, Iran just opened a new oil export terminal that it says will enable it to bypass the strategic Strait of Hormuz and evade U.S. sanctions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is on the Israel/Lebanon border with the Israel Defense Forces for an exclusive and rare look inside a Hezbollah terror tunnel. The tunnel was built so that Hezbollah could move its fighters into northern Israel secretly-- underground--and murder Israeli civilians. The IDF was able to neutralize the tunnel shortly before it went operational but the Hezbollah threat continues to grow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the decision this week by Ben & Jerry's ice cream to boycott what it calls "Occupied Palestinian Territories": the Biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria and eastern Jersualem. The Israeli government is not taking Ben & Jerry's move lightly and is fighting back, urging U.S. states to hold the radical left, "woke" ice cream maker accountable and calling for consumers to boycott the boycotter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a tense night in northern Israel. Overnight, two rockets were launched from Lebanon--unsuccessfully-- into the western Galilee region. The rockets came just hours after Israel conducted airstrikes against Iranian weapons depots in neighboring Syria. With Israel's northern border continuing to be a dangerous powder keg--and Lebanon on the verge of collapse--is a major war on the horizon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck goes inside an ancient building in Jerusalem's City of David to learn what life was like 2,600 years ago, when the Baylonians invaded the city. Israel just marked that dark period this weekend, as it commemorated the 9th of Av, the date on the Hebrew calendar when both the First and Second Temples were destroyed. Now archaeological discoveries are shedding new light on these two pivotal events in Israel's history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that the Israel Defense Forces are looking to increase their budget to prepare for a possible strike against Iran's nuclear program. The news comes as the Biden administration looks to re-enter the Iran nuclear deal. Learn why Israel will never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons--under any circumstances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck visits an Israeli community that lies along the Gaza border and interviews an Israeli resident to learn what it’s like to live in the constant shadow of the terror group, Hamas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down yet another incredible archaeological discovery in the Holy Land. Israeli archaeologists announced this week that they have uncovered a 3,100-year-old inscription from the time of the Bible's Book of Judges that may bear the name of the Old Testament hero, Gideon. Israeli archaeologist and tour guide Danny "The Digger" Herman joins Erick from Israel with the inside story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the chaotic situation in the nation of Lebanon, which is mired in an economic and political crisis and on the verge of collapse. How does the instability rocking its northern neighbor affect Israel? And will Iran and Hezbollah attempt to take advantage of the chaos in order to dominate Lebanon completely? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices