The Watchman Newscast with Erick Stakelbeck

On today's Watchman Newscast. host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news that a team of archaeologists has discovered the oldest piece of writing ever found in Israel--dating back some 3,500 years. The inscription was found on an ancient pottery shard at Tel Lachish, an archaeological site in south central Israel. Experts believe it may provide a missing link to the ancient alphabet in the region. Erick takes viewers on the ground to Tel Lachish to see how it became an important city in the Judean Kingdom before being destroyed by the Assyrian Empire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news that a U.S. military base in northern Iraq was struck Wednesday by an attack drone packed with TNT. Iran-backed Shia militias are suspected to have launched the drone. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia was also attacked by drones and missiles yesterday, courtesy of Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels—as Iran’s terror proxies across the region grow more bold by the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the Iranian missile strike against an Israeli cargo chip in the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday, April 13th. The MV Hyperion Ray was in a port along the coast of the United Arab Emirates when it was struck by a missile. It was the third Iranian strike against Israeli shipping in the region in the past two months alone and followed a major blast at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility just days before. In the meantime, Saudi Arabia declared today 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 shares new details about the suspected Israeli attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility and breaks down Iran's threats of revenge. How will Iran respond to this major setback and will it push the Middle East closer to an all-out war? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the massive cyberattack that struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility on Sunday, April 11th. The attack reportedly set back Iran’s nuclear program by at least nine months. Iran is blaming Israel for the attack and now vowing revenge. What comes next as the “shadow war” between Israel and Iran continues to erupt into the open? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news that Iran's regime is vowing retaliation for an Iranian ship that was hit by an explosion earlier this week in the Red Sea. An Iranian military spokesman said Iran believes Israel and the U.S. are linked to the attack. Will Iran now ook to strike back in its escalating shadow war with Israel? The latest threats from Iran come as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to visit Israel this coming week. The Iran threat--and the Biden administration's push to re-enter the disastrous Iran nuclear deal--is sure to be at the top of the agenda in his discussions with Israeli officials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the latest escalation in the ongoing "Shadow War" between Israel and Iran at sea. An Iranian military ship, the Saviz, was struck by an explosion yesterday in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen. The blast reportedly was caused by a mine planted by Israel on the ship's hull as retaliation for recent Iranian attacks against Israeli shipping. And the Saviz is no ordinary ship--it is reportedly an Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps "Mother Ship" that has provided support to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. What comes next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Monday's announcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that two Yemeni nationals on a terrorist watchlist have been apprehended near the U.S/.Mexico border in recent months. The men--who are also on a no-fly list--were arrested in two separate incidents near the Calexico border crossing in Southern California. Yemen, their country of origin, is home to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels as well as an active branch of the terror group Al Qaeda. Is America's porous southern border becoming a major national security threat? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the alleged coup attempt against Jordan's King Abdullah II, allegedly masterminded by his own half-brother, Prince Hamzah bin Hussein. Why is the stability of Jordan so important for the Middle East in the battle against the Iranian regime and radical Islamic forces in the region and how deep is Israel's relationship with its neighbor to the east? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special Good Friday edition of the Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck and Danny "The Digger" Herman visit one of the scenes of Jesus's ministry: the ancient fishing village of Magdala, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Magdala was the scene of one of the most important archaeological finds of the past century when in 2009, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a 2,000 year old synagogue where Jesus almost certainly taught. Inside, they found the Magdala Stone, featuring symbols of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Magdala is also thought to be the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the threat to Western Europe posed by Iran and its terror proxy, Hezbollah. The European Union is set to announce that it will enforce sanctions this month against Iranian regime officials for human rights abuses. The sanctions come on the heels of growing evidence that Iran poses a serious threat to Europe. An Iranian terror cell--led by an Iranian diplomat--was convicted in a Belgian court last month for plotting a terror attack in Paris. And that's just one of many examples. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck visits Jerusalem for an up-close look at the legendary "Broad Wall" of King Hezekiah. It's been called one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem's history--a massive defensive structure built by Hezekiah in 701 BC to defend against the invading forces of King Sennacherib and the mighty Assyrian Empire, as described in 2 Kings. Find out why this ancient wall still matters today--for Israel and for every believer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck break down the recent signing of a massive, 25-year strategic partnership deal between China and Iran: what is in the deal, and why America and Israel should be concerned, as China aligns itself with other rogue regimes in an effort to lead a new global order against the U.S. and the West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down another amazing archaeological discovery in Jerusalem: a rare, 2,000-year-old "Tyre coin" uncovered at the Tower of David complex, near the Jaffa Gate. Plus, Erick journeys into the tunnels beneath the Western Wall for an up-close look at the mysterious Western Stone of Jerusalem's Temple Mount. It's one of the largest building blocks in the world--weighing close to 600 tons--and is 45-feet long and almost 10 feet high. It was placed there during the reign of King Herod, some 2,000 years ago, as he rebuilt the Temple. But how did it get there? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck beaks down reports that an Israeli container ship was struck by an Iranian missile while traveling through the Gulf of Oman on Thursday, March 25th. The incident marked yet another escalation in the ongoing shadow war at sea—which has been heating up by the day—between Israel and Iran. How will Israel respond to this latest Iranian attack—as Iran grows increasingly bold with a new U.S. administration in office? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the growing partnership between Iran and China and how it poses a threat not only to the Middle East but to the West. The two rogue nations recently agreed to a 25-year strategic partnership that will see China assist Iran with its military program and infrastructure while Iran supplies China with oil. In the meantime, China's neighbor and ally, North Korea, is once again conducting ballistic missile tests and has helped Iran with its nuclear and missile programs as well. These growing alliances do not bode well for the United States, Israel and the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the emerging southern front against Israel, as Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen are amassing attack drones and missiles that could potentially be used against Israel. With this southern front, Iran has now accomplished its sinister goal of surrounding Israel with a "Ring of Fire"--terror proxies on all sides, armed to the teeth with rockets, missiles and drones and all devoted to Israel's destruction. Find out what Israel is doing to defend against this and how it has a very powerful Ally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a report that the NSA recently intercepted members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force discussing a "USS Cole-style attack" on Fort McNair army base in Washington, D.C. in order to avenge the death of Iranian terror master Qassem Soleimaini. The potential attack, details of which were revealed to the Associated Press by two senior U.S. intelligence officials, would also have targeted a top U.S. General, Joseph M. Martin, who is stationed at Fort McNair. Could Iran or its proxies strike on U.S. soil and how should the United States respond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck interviews bestselling author and Editor-in-Chief of All Israel News (allisrael.com), Joel Rosenberg, for a preview of the March 25th Israeli elections. It's Israel's fourth election in the past two years alone, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu--Israel's longest-serving PM--has been unable to build a solid and lasting coalition. Will he hold on to power--and who might be able to replace him? And what will the outcome mean for Israel, the United States and the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the disturbing visit to Moscow this week by a delegation from the terror group Hezbollah and it's meeting with top Russian officials. Why should Israel be concerned about Russia's alliance with Hezbollah and the Iranian regime and how will Russia respond to a war between Israel and Hezbollah? Plus, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi are visiting European capitals this week to deliver a message to Europe's leaders: Israel will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons or arm Hezbollah with advanced weapons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck takes a closer look at the rising Red Dragon: China. China is positioning itself as a new global superpower and America's greatest adversary. It has an eye on expanding its might and influence in Asia and globally--including in the Middle East, where it recently agreed to a 25-year strategic partnership with Iran. Then there's China's massive COVID-19 coverup, crackdown on dissidents and persecution of its growing Christian population. Top China expert Gordon Chang joins the Newscast to share why America--and the world--should be concerned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck break down three major Middle East stories this week that the mainstream media has basically ignored. 1) Israel carried out airstrikes Tuesday night against targets near Damascus International Airport. 2) Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system has been upgraded in what Israel is calling a "technological leap." It can now simultaneously shoot down "multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, missile salvoes and rockets.” 3) There was yet another rocket barrage against US personnel in Iraq on Monday. This time, Balad Air Base was targeted. The Middle East never sleeps—get the inside story on all of the latest news from the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by top Israeli tour guide and archaeologist Danny "The Digger" Herman to break down one of the most important archaeological discoveries in years. For the first time in decades, Israeli archaeologists have found a new set of Dead Sea Scrolls during a daring excavation in a remote cave in the Judean Desert. Included among the finds were fragments of 2,000-year-old Biblical manuscripts containing verses from the Biblical books of Nahum and Zechariah, written in Greek. What priceless Biblical artifacts might archaeologists find next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down important recent developments in the Middle East, including: 1) Iran says it has "the right to retaliate" to an explosion last week aboard one of its cargo ships in the Mediterranean--the latest volley in the "Tanker Wars" between Israel and Iran. 2) Israel unveils a groundbreaking new mortar called "Iron Sting" that has incredible accuracy. 3) An Israeli Major General says Hezbollah will hit Israel with 2,000 missiles and rockets per day in the next war. 4) Iran just released footage of an underground "missile city" that showed rows of cruise and ballistic missiles and "electronic warfare" equipment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that Israel has used mines to target at least 12 Iranian vessels at sea since 2019. The Iranian ships were reportedly en route to Syria to deliver oil and weapons. Israel believes that profits from oil sales could go to fund Iran's terror proxies around the region. Iran, likewise, recently targeted an Israeli cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. The latest revelations show that the covert war between Israel and Iran that continues to intensify--and in a new arena, at sea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, with the ten-year anniversary of the so-called Arab Spring upon us, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the rise and fall of empires--and "wannabe" empires--in the Middle East over the past decade. From the Muslim Brotherhood to ISIS to Iran to Turkey, rival powers have vied for regional dominance, with Russia and China looming large in the background. Where is it all heading and who will be left standing in the end? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck visits Jerusalem to get an up-close look at the work of the Temple Mount Sifting Project. In 1999, Islamic authorities illegally excavated a section of the Temple Mount--where King Solomon and Herod's Temples once stood, where Jesus taught and where the Bible says God's divine presence once dwelt. Over 9,000 tons of dirt from the Temple Mount were dumped into Jerusalem Kidron Valley, along with the untold number of ancient Biblical artifacts they contained, dating back some 3,000 years. Now a team of Israeli archaeologists, with help from volunteers from around the world, is sifting through the debris and working to recover what was lost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the increase in attacks against Saudi Arabia and its oil facilities by Iran-backed Houthi rebels--and what it could mean for your wallet. On March 7th, the Houthis launched a series of ballistic missiles and drones out of Yemen against Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura oil processing facility. Although the attack was unsuccessful, the price of Brent crude oil immediately rose to over $70 per barrel for the first time since January 2020. What would a successful attack against Saudi oil facilities do to the global economy and to the already rising price of gas in the United States? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down four major Middle East stories that developed this past weekend 1) Two US B-52 bombers flew over the Middle East in yet another message to Iran. This time, with an interesting twist--the B-52's were accompanied by fighter jets from Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 2) In a major escalation, Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked civilian sites and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones. 3) Footage has emerged of the aftermath of the bombing of an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman late last month--and the footage was provided by Iran. 4) Iran's defense minister threatened to destroy the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa. Even on the weekends, the Middle East never sleeps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that the massive oil spill that has devastated Israel's coastline was an intentional act of environmental terrorism by Iran. New evidence reveals that a vessel left Iran in January and eventually dumped hundreds of tons of crude oil off the coast of Israel before returning to Iran, where it is currently docked. The spill has shut down Israel's Mediterranean beaches, harmed wildlife and caused what some Israeli government officials are calling the worst environmental disaster in Israel's history. Is this a devastating new terror tactic and could it come to a beach near you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the latest rocket barrage against U.S. forces in Iraq. On Wednesday morning, March 3rd, ten rockets struck Ain Al-Asad airbase, which houses U.S., Coalition and Iraqi troops. Although no Americans were injured, the attack marked yet another serious escalation by the Iranian regime and Iran-backed, Iraqi Shia militias. It was the fourth such volley of rockets fired against U.S. personnel in Iraq since February 15th and comes as Pope Francis prepares to visit the country from March 5th to March 8th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that Israel is discussing the formation of an unprecedented defense alliance with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. This historic "Middle East NATO" could soon come together thanks to the growing threat of a nuclear Iran and Western leaders' failed strategy of appeasement towards the Iranian regime. As new and unlikely alliances continue to form, what will come next in the world's most chaotic and unpredictable region? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down four breaking Middle East news stories, including a mysterious attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship, more Israeli airstrikes against Iranian and Hezbollah targets near Damascus, Houthi missiles targeting Riyadh and the Iranian regime rejecting an offer of direct talks with the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahi says Iran is behind the cargo ship attack. Will Israel respond? And how can Iran be stopped from using its proxies to carry out terror and mayhem throughout the region? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the U.S. airstrike against Iran-backed militias in Syria on February 25th. The strike occurred along the Iraq/Syria border and targeted Iraq-based terror militias, including Kataib Hezbollah. At least 17 of these fighters were reportedly killed, including one Kataib Hezbollah member. The airstrike came in response to a series of rocket barrages against U.S. personnel in Iraq over the past two weeks. But will it be enough to deter the Iranian regime and its proxies from further terror attacks--and does it change Biden's desire to re-enter the disastrous Iran nuclear deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the Biden administration’s announcement that it is seeking to re-join the notoriously anti-Israel UN Human Rights Council. President Trump pulled out of the Council in 2018 due to its persistent bias against Israel. Although it purports to advance the cause of human rights around the world, the Council’s members include known human rights abusers like China, Cubs, Russia and Venezuela. Why are Biden officials so eager to re-join such a body and what impact will this have on America and Israel? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the ongoing string of rocket attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq, including a February 22nd barrage that nearly struck the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Is the Iranian regime using proxies to carry out these strikes, in order to force concessions from the Biden administration? What should the U.S. do—and not do—in response? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the strategic importance of Israel's Golan Heights region. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was non-committal recently when asked if the Biden administration recognized Israel's legal sovereignty over this crucial, mountainous area along the Israel/Syria border. Yet whoever controls the Golan controls the high ground in any future conflict between Israel and Syria (or any hostile powers, like Iran, operating from within Syria's borders). This makes Israeli control over the Golan an absolute necessity--not to mention the region's ancient heritage as a part of the Land of Israel over 2,000 years ago. Get an up close look at the Golan Heights and why it matters to Israel's last, present and future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the Biden administration's announcement that it will re-start nuclear talks with Iran, alongside Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China. Will the U.S goal of re-entering the disastrous Iran nuclear deal actually make America and the Middle East less--and not more--safe? And will Biden's appeasement strategy embolden the Iranian regime to step up its sponsorship of terror worldwide while also forcing Israel to strike Iran's nuclear weapons facilities? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the major joint naval drill held by Russia and Iran in the Indian Ocean this week. Why should America and Israel be concerned about the growing cooperation between these two regimes? Can Israel really trust Vladimir Putin's Russia? And does Bible prophecy hold an important clue about the future role of this Russia/Iran alliance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Hamas's huge weapons arsenal and how it poses a growing danger to Israel. A senior Israel Defense Forces commander said last week that Hamas has amassed thousands of rockets, plus drones, anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles to go along with tens of thousands of trained foot soldiers. Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another Iranian proxy operating in Gaza alongside Hamas, has also built a vast arsenal. Also, why is Turkey--a NATO member--providing safe harbor to Hamas operatives? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down what could be the first major foreign policy test of the Biden administration--the deadly rocket attack that struck a U.S base in northern Iraq on Monday, February 15th. One American service member and several American contractors were injured in the assault and a foreign contractor who had worked closely with U.S. forces was killed. An Iraqi Shia militia calling itself Awliya al-Dam, or "Guardians of Blood," claimed responsibility but the Iranian regime's fingerprints were likely all over the attack. The Biden administration has vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable--but will they? Or will Iran win out yet again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news that Israel reportedly carried out airstrikes in and around Damascus late Sunday night that targeted Iranian weapons shipments. The strikes were the latest in a series of similar strikes against Iranian assets inside Syria. Also on Sunday night, the Israel Defense Forces began a surprise military drill, called "Galilee Rose," along the Israel/Lebanon border. The drill, which will involve fighter jets, drones and helicopters, ends on February 17th and is designed to simulate a potential war with Hezbollah. Plus, what does the Bible say about the future of Damascus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Operation Lightning Storm, a major military drill carried out by the Israel Defense Forces this week on the Israel/Lebanon border. The IDF says that drill was held to prepare for future conflict with the Iran-backed terror organization, Hezbollah. An IDF intelligence assessment released this week found that battles with Hezbollah were "likely" in 2021. Plus, a new report may shed light on the death of Mohsen Fakrizedah, the mastermind behind Iran's nuclear weapons program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down President Biden's stunning silence towards the leader of America's closest ally in the Middle East. Biden has now been in office for three weeks and STILL has not spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even though he has spoken to the leaders of other key U.S. allies like Britain, Canada and South Korea. What is behind Biden's radio silence towards Netanyahu--not to mention towards Sunni Arab nations like Egypt and Saudi Arabia that are aligned with Israel against Iran? Is it old-fashioned pettiness, ideology (distance the U.S. from Israel and re-enter the disastrous Iran nuclear deal) or a combination of both? And will the next four years under Biden amount to a third Obama term when it comes to the U.S/ISrael relationship? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's The Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news that 11 Iranian nationals were recently apprehended by Border Agents in Arizona after crossing into the United States from Mexico illegally. Should the Biden administration's more lenient policies on border enforcement raise concerns that Iran may try to infiltrate the U.S. through the porous U.S-Mexico border? Plus, learn how Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, already have a longstanding presence in the Western Hemisphere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices