The Watchman Newscast with Erick Stakelbeck

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the showdown between the U.S and Iran-backed forces in Syria over the past two days. After a deadly Iranian drone attack on an American base left a U.S. citizen dead and five U.S. soldiers wounded, the U.S. responded with airstrikes along the Syria/Iraq border that reportedly killed at least eight Iranians. Iran’s response? Activate its militias to bombard another U.S. base in northeastern Syria with missiles. Is the Middle East set to explode as Iran becomes more bold? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined in Jerusalem by the former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, who breaks down Israel’s historical claim to the Temple Mount and why the Biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria is so important for Jews and Christians. Plus, Friedman analyzes the future of the Iran nuclear deal and whether it’s now dead for good, as Iran strengthens its alliance with Russia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Israel’s possible retaliation for an attempted terror attack thought to be carried out by a Hezbollah operative. How did the terrorist enter Israel from Lebanon last week and how will Israel respond? Plus, is Iran set to cut off arms to its Yemen proxy as it looks to finalize a deal with Saudi Arabia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down China’s growing influence in the Middle East. From its growing alliance with Iran to brokering a diplomatic deal between the Iranian regime and Saudi Arabia, Beijing is making moves in the world’s most strategic region. Meanwhile. Chinese leader Xi Jingping is set to visit Moscow and meet with Vladimir Puitn next week as he proclaims global ambitions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a greater potential role for Russia in Syria. Bashar al-Assad met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday and requested more Russian troops and bases in Syria plus a permanent Russian presence in the country. How concerned should Israel be about the growing alliance between Russia and Syria at its doorstep, plus joint naval drills this week between Russia, Iran and China in the Gulf of Oman? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down major joint drills being held by the Israeli and U.S. Air Forces through March 24th in Nevada. The two allies will practice long distance bombing runs and mid-air refueling in what is undoubtedly a message to Iran. But will Israel ultimately be forced to act alone to stop Iran’s nuclear program? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by Amir Tsarfati of Behold Israel for an exclusive interview on the geopolitical and prophetic implications of the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia. What does the restoration of ties between these two rivals mean for Israel, the U.S., and the world and what does it say about China’s growing influence? Plus, does the Bible give an indication of where the Iran/Saudi relationship is ultimately heading? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a development that’s sending shockwaves throughout the Middle East: the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. What are the ramifications for Israel, the U.S. and the region? Plus, a top Israeli expert joins us to share why Israel is set to become a natural gas superpower and provide Europe a potential boost amid Russia tensions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that Israeli airstrikes early Tuesday morning crippled Syria’s Aleppo International Airport. Was Israel targeting Iranian weapons shipments coming through the airport? And how is Iran looking to take advantage of the horrific earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey last month? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down comments by the head of the UN’s atomic watchdog agency—following his meetings with Iranian officials--warning that strikes against nuclear facilities are “outlawed.” How did Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu respond to these remarks and how close is Israel to attacking Iran’s nuclear program, over the world’s objections? Find out on today’s Watchman Newscast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that a European Union member may soon move its Embassy to Jerusalem and become the fifth nation to do so as well as the first-ever EU member to make the move. Plus, a top Israeli security experts joins us in Jerusalem and lays out three reasons why there is no Palestinian state and why that is unlikely to change anytime soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Israel’s criticism of Brazil for allowing two Iranian warships to dock at the port of Rio De Janiero. Plus, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz calls on the Biden administration to sanction Brazil over the move. With Leftist governments rising throughout Latin America, will Iran establish a lasting presence in the Western hemisphere? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the presence of two Iranian warships in the port of Rio de Janiero, Brazil, over U.S. objections. With Leftist governments rising throughout Latin America, will Iran establish a lasting presence in the Western hemisphere? And how concerned should the U.S. be about the growing alliance between Iran and Venezuela? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down new threats by the Iranian regime against the U.S. and Israel. Over the weekend, a top Iranian general declared that the Iranian regime is still looking to assassinate former President Trump and other Trump administration officials for ordering the elimination of Iranian terror master Qassem Soleimani in January 2020. He made the remarks while unveiling a new cruise missile which he claimed can reach Israel. Meanwhile, is Russia set to bolster Iran’s military even more as part of a growing alliance between the two nations? Watch now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck sits down with Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Eli Cohen, for an exclusive interview. Cohen just returned from Ukraine, where he met with Ukranian president Volodomyr Zelensky. Are Israel and Ukraine now joining forces against Iran? Plus, what about Israel's relations with Russia, Turkey and the Arab world? Get the inside story from Israel's top diplomat on today’s Watchman Newscast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down rising tensions between Israel and Palestinian terror groups, led by Hamas. Israeli fighter jets carried out airstrikes against Hamas targets overnight after rockets were launched against Israeli cities out of Gaza. The flare-up come on the heels of a major Israeli counter-terrorism raid in Nablus on Wednesday. Are Israel and Hamas heading for a larger confrontation as Ramadan, Passover and Easter all approach? And what is Iran’s role? Find out today on the Watchman Newscast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s special edition of the Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck sits down with Amir Tsarfati of Behold Israel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee for a wide-ranging interview. Amir breaks down all of the latest Middle East and geopolitical news: from Iran’s dangerous moves and the disturbing ramifications of the Turkey earthquake, to the Left’s push to bring down Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, to Russia’s ultimate plan for Ukraine and whether Israel will strike Iran’s nuclear program. Plus, how did Amir become an unlikely follower of Jesus after a very rough upbringing? It’s hard-hitting, inside analysis from a Biblical, prophetic perspective! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the growing Iranian drone threat and how it impacts Israel with former Israeli National Security Advisor, Major General Yaakov Amidror. What measures can Israel do to protect its borders from the looming threat posed by Iran? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck reports from Jerusalem on a stunning condemnation of Israel by Western nations, led by the United States. The Biden administration joined the UK, France, Germany and Italy today in condemning Israel for its announcement that it plans to build close to 10,000 new housing units in the Biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria, also known as the West Bank. Israel’s announcement comes in response to an ongoing Palestinian terror wave that has seen several Israelis killed in recent days. Yet the West has released no joint condemnations of Palestinian terrorism, while focusing only on Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down today’s deadly car ramming terror attack in Jerusalem which left a 6-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man dead. It comes just two weeks to the day after a shooting rampage by a Palestinian terrorist left seven people dead at a Jerusalem synagogue. With tensions running high in Israel’s capital, what comes next? Plus, Israel is warning Iran to not attempt to transport weapons into Syria under the guise of earthquake relief and is promising a strong response. Is a showdown brewing? Watch now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Israel’s looming dilemma in Syria. As Russia and Iran continue to forge ever-closer military ties, will Russia look to prevent Israel from operating against Iran in Syria? Plus, with Russia aligning with Israel’s greatest enemies, like the Iranian regime, Hezbollah and the Assad regime, will Israel support Ukraine more openly in response? And how will Russia react? Watch now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck highlights Israel’s relief efforts inside Turkey in the wake of the horrific 7.8 magnitude earthquake that has caused widespread disaster in that country. Israeli aid workers are already on the ground in the epicenter of the quake zone—and the Jewish State has even offered to aid Syria, an enemy nation with which it has no diplomatic relations. Learn how Israel is acting as a light unto the nations: and how this is far from the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down plans by Russia and Iran to build an attack drone factory inside Russia. Iran has already supplied Russia with at least 2,000 drones for use in Ukraine. Now it will reportedly help Russian forces build some 6,000 more drones at the new factory over the next few years that can move faster and travel farther. Meanwhile, as Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen prepares to travel to Ukraine Ukranian officials have a list of things they want from Israel. Will Israel comply and risk angering Russia? Watch now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck travels to Jerusalem’s City of David with Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologist Yiftah Shalev for an up-close look at a recently excavated archaeological treasure. What exactly is this ancient cache that would have likely been worth more than gold some 2,600 years ago, during Israel’s First Temple period? And what kind of Biblical figures could have possibly owned something so precious? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down three major developing Middle East stories: 1) Israel strikes Hamas targets overnight after a rocket is launched out of Gaza. Is another major Gaza war on the horizon? 2) U.S. Central Command announced that it recently intercepted a massive Iranian weapons shipment that was headed to Yemen and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. 3) Iran is vowing retaliation against Israel for a drone attack in the Iranian city of Isfahan last weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Russia’s heated reaction to a reported Israeli drone strike against a weapons factory inside Iran over the weekend. Russia’s Foreign Ministry released a statement warning the “organizers” of the strike and “their backers.” Was this a not-so-subtle threat against Israel and the United States? And what does the unraveling of relations between Israel and Russia mean for Bible prophecy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that Israel carried out a drone strike against an Iranian defense facility in the city of Isfahan over the weekend. Israel had no comment on the strike but Iran called it “a cowardly act” and is vowing revenge. Meanwhile, an Iranian weapons convoy was also struck over the weekend as it traveled along the Iraq/Syria border. As the wars and rumors of war heat up, are we moving towards a major confrontation in the Middle East? Find out on today’s Watchman Newscast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down today’s deadly terror attack at a synagogue in Jerusalem. A Palestinian gunman murdered at least seven Israelis and wounded several more as they left a synagogue on Friday evening during Shabbat. The horrific terror attack follows last night’s flareup out of Gaza, as Palestinian terror groups there launched seven rockets into southern Israel. The Israeli Air Force responded by striking several terror targets in the Strip. Is Israel headed towards a major confrontation with the Iran-backed terror groups, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down growing tensions between Turkey and its NATO partners. The root of the problem is Turkey’s radical president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is now threatening military actions against Turkey’s neighbor and fellow NATO member Greece, while also blocking Sweden and Finland’s move to join the alliance. Are Turkey and NATO heading for a divorce? And what would that mean for NATO, the Middle East and the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down today’s surprise meeting in Amman between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jordan’s King Abdullah. The two leaders met amid increased tensions over the Temple Mount and Jordan’s concern that Israel’s new government, led by Netanyahu, wants to change the “status quo” at the holy site. Did today’s meeting mark a fresh start between the two nations and why is Jordan such a crucial partner to Israel and the West in thwarting Iran’s nuclear ambitions? And are the recent tension a sign that the Temple Mount will only grow in importance 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 the massive joint military drill being held by Israel and the United States all this week. Juniper Oak 2023 began today in Israel and the eastern Mediterranean and will run through this Friday, January 27th. Some 6,400 U.S. military personnel have joined 1,100 Israeli personnel for the exercise, which will involve air, land and sea forces from both nations. U.S. officials say the drill sends a message to Iran but also to other U.S. adversaries, like China. The timing comes as Israel pushed to receive advanced U.S. fighter jets that could be used to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a new drone attack against a U.S. base in eastern Syria. A trio of suicide drones were launched at the Al-Tanf base, which is located near Syria’s borders with Jordan and Iraq. It was the latest in a string of attacks by Iran-backed forces against U.S. interests in the region. With U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visiting Israel and the Biden administration now saying that the Iran nuclear deal is off the table, is Iran sending a message to the United States with today’s drone barrage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the announcement that Israel’s Foreign Minister will soon visit Ukraine and that Israel is set to re-open its Embassy in Kiev. It will be the highest ranking visit by an Israeli official since Russia invaded Ukraine 11 months ago. How is the Iran threat the real reason behind this Israeli move and will Russia be angered by the Jewish State growing closer to Ukraine? Plus, what are the potential prophetic implications? Meanwhile, a close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin is once again threatening nuclear war. Is he bluffing or should these threats be taken seriously? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the latest dustup between Israel and Jordan over the Temple Mount. Diplomatic tensions ran high after Jordan’s Ambassador to Israel was initially denied access to the Al Aqsa Mosque before eventually entering the compound. What does the Bible say about the world’s increased fixation on the Temple Mount and Jerusalem’s prophetic role? Plus, Iran holds another set of major naval drills in the Persian Gulf--what exactly does Iran’s regime say it’s military is preparing for? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck lays out the possible push by Western nations to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization. Why are Britain, Germany and other nations considering this now after years of delay and how badly would this hurt the Iranian regime? Plus, what is the latest from the ongoing protests in Iran against the regime? Top Iran expert Benham Ben Taleblu joins Erick to break it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck visits Jerusalem’s Hinnom Valley, a place synonymous with hell and pagan worship in Old Testament times. Today, the City of David is revitalizing this notorious Biblical site and bringing light to a place that has seen far too much darkness. See how the Hinnom Valley is being transformed into an archaeological park and reclaimed for God. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the declaration this week by the commander of Iran’s Navy that Iran will will station warships in the Panama Canal—at America’s doorstep—by the end of this year. What are Iran and its terror proxy, Hezbollah, up to in Latin America and why should the United States be concerned about the Iranian regime’s inroads in the Western Hemisphere? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the coming clash between Israel’s new government and the Biden administration over Iran, the Palestinians and Jerusalem. Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, weighs in on why confronting Iran’s nuclear program is the key to expanding the Abraham Accords—and a possible peace deal with Saudi Arabia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck reveals why an emergency meeting is being called by the United Nations surrounding the controversial visit by Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. This breaking news sets the stage for the UN Security Council to once again heap condemnation on the one and only Jewish State. What is the official stance of the new Netanyahu-led Israeli government on this international crisis? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a new list detailing who's who among the World's most powerful nations. With the global superpowers United States, China, and Russia taking the top of the charts, Israel's standing on the list might shock you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the uproar surrounding the visit by Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount today. The Biden administration joined the Palestinian Authority, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in condemning Ben Gvir’s visit and warning Israel to not change the “status quo” atop the world’s holiest site. As more and more Jews ascend the Temple Mount and believe they have a right to pray there, is a confrontation coming? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu’s official swearing in today as Israel’s Prime Minister. Who are the key members of Bibi’s new government and how will they work to stop a nuclear Iran plus expand the Abraham Accords, including a possible peace deal with Saudi Arabia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck travels to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, to an active archaeological dig that many believe was once home to the ancient town of Bethsaida: hometown of the apostles Peter, Andrew and Philip and the site of some of Jesus’ greatest miracles 2,000 years ago. The two men who are leading the dig—one an American Christian and the other an Israeli Jew—join Erick to explain they believe they’ve found the correct site. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu for a YouTube exclusive clip to discuss his new bestselling book, “Bibi: My Story.” What will his new government do to strengthen Israel’s control over its ancient and ancestral capital, Jerusalem? Also, why Netanyahu never thought he’d be Prime Minister, even as he's set to begin his third term at the helm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the overnight Israeli airstrikes on a Hezbollah facility near the Syrian capital of Damascus. As a rule, Israel’s military does not comment on specific strikes in Syria, but has admitted to conducting hundreds of operations against Iran-backed groups attempting to gain a foothold in the country. Will the ongoing raids in Syria put Israel in a difficult position with a Russia who continues to strengthen its ties with Iran? What will Iran demand in return from their ally Vladimir Putin for their military assistance against Ukraine? Are we inching closer to an Isaiah chapter 17 and Ezekiel 38 and 39 moment? Are the final prophetic chess pieces moving into place? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Iran’s plans to launch “at least two satellites” into space. A move which could extend the potential delivery of nuclear warheads to the Western world. Should the United States be concerned over Iran’s ballistic missile technology? Plus, a series of strikes from Russia using Iranian-made drones target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Does the growing partnership between Moscow and Tehran pose a threat to Israel? What will Iran and their proxies get in return from their services to Vladimir Putin? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a stunning archaeology discovery just in time for Hanukkah. How 15 rare 2,200-year-old coins found in a wooden box may serve as proof of the Hanukkah story of the Maccabees. Plus, how Meir Panim is serving meals to Israelis in need and uplifting Holocaust Survivors during this season of Hanukkah? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the rare admission from the Israel Defense Forces that it was behind a major airstrike last month that took out an Iranian convoy bound for Lebanon carrying weapons. Is the “war between wars” heating up even more? Plus, Hamas threatens the incoming Israeli government over supposed plans to change the status quo on the Temple Mount. Is a showdown coming over Jerusalem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by Iranian native Reza Safa, founder of TBN's Nejat TV, which broadcasts the Gospel into Iran in the Farsi language. Reza shares the inside story of the ongoing protests inside Iran against the regime and the incredible growth of the Iranian church--the world's fastest growing--despite severe persecution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Israel’s warning that it could bomb Beirut’s international airport following a report that Iran recently transferred weaponry to the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon via civilian flights. Plus, alarm bells ring over the growing military partnership between Iran and Russia. How could this expanding alliance spell trouble for Israel? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices