The Watchman Newscast with Erick Stakelbeck

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Iran's threat against Israel's Dimona nuclear reactor. Iran's Revolutionary Guards used ballistic missiles and drones to attack a mock-up of the reactor during military drills in Iran last week. But is Iran capable of carrying out such an attack on Dimona successfully? Plus. the Saudis say they have irrefutable evidence that Iran and Hezbollah are assisting Yemen's Houthi rebels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast Christmas special, host Erick Stakelbeck heads to Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity--one of the oldest churches in the world--to see the very site where it's believed Jesus was born and the Nativity story took place some 2,000 years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down how an Israeli company, Canopy, is helping to protect American families online. Canopy is an Internet filter that helps shield kids from explicit content and sexting. It's cutting-edge Israeli technology that helps families enjoy the good of the Internet without the bad in a digital age that's packed with bad influences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down an unholy alliance between Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The two Iran-backed terror groups recently came to an agreement to increase their attacks against Israel and the coordination between their military wings. Meanwhile, their Iranian master is also conducting major military drills this week and making new threats against Israel. An Iranian general says Israel will never strike Iran’s nuclear facilities without a green light from the United States. Is he right? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the disturbing rise in Palestinian terror attacks against Israelis in recent weeks--including yesterday's murder of a Jewish seminary student. Also, learn how a group of 13 U.S. Senators is trying to put a complete stop to Palestinian Authority reward payments to terrorists: also known as "Pay for Slay." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that U.S. forces shot down a drone over Syria this week. The drone--and another that accompanied it---targeted the Al-Tanf base in Syria, where some 200 U.S. troops are stationed. Was Iran--or one of its proxy militias--behind this attempted attack? Plus, is the Biden administration intentionally delaying delivery of a refueling plane that Israel would potentially use in a strike on Iran's nuclear installations? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the discovery by Israeli archaeologists of an ancient synagogue from the time of Jesus, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The 2,000-year-old structure, uncovered recently in Magdala--hometown of Mary Magdalene--is the second synagogue to be excavated at the site, making Magdala the only place where two Second Temple Period synagogues have been found. Erick and Danny "The Digger" Herman go inside one of them and walk where Jesus almost certainly walked. 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 two separate airstrikes in Syria against dictator Bashar Al-Assad's chemical weapons program, including one this past June. Why does Assad want chemical weapons, what is the potential prophetic significance and what do these Israeli strikes say to the Iranian regime about the future of its nuclear weapons program? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a new round of outrageous UN resolutions against Israel--including a UN call for Israel to withdraw from the strategic Golan Heights. Why is the UN targeting Israel once again and why is the Golan Heights an indispensable part of the state of Israel? Erick travels to the Golan to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news that U.S. and Israeli officials plan to discuss the possibility of joint military exercises to prepare for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities--if ongoing nuclear talks fail. Those talks started back up again today in Vienna. While Israel says it is committed to doing whatever it takes to stop a nuclear Iran, does the Biden White House share that same commitment? 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 airstrikes overnight against Iran-backed assets in Syria's Mediterranean port city of Latakia, with Russian forces nearby. Plus, Israel announces the completion of its 40-mile long Gaza security barrier, designed to block Hamas terror tunnels. Erick heads to the Gaza border to see the barrier up close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down three escalating global crises and why China, Russia and Iran are feeling so emboldened to make provocative moves. The main reason? Weak U.S. leadership. As the wars and rumors of wars promise to only increase in 2022, how should America respond--and how will Israel react to the collapse of Iran nuclear talks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down this week's UN resolution, passed by the General Assembly, that declared Jerusalem's Temple Mount a Muslim holy site, "Haram al-Sharif." The resolution, which passed overwhelmingly and was approved by Italy, France, Switzerland and Denmark, denies any Jewish or Christian connection to the Temple Mount--where both Jewish Temples once stood and where Jesus taught and chased out the moneychangers. Danny "The Digger" Herman joins Erick in Jerusalem to explain why the UN resolution is factually, historically and morally incorrect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the incredible true history of Hanukkah and the Maccabees and why it matters for every Christian. Danny "The Digger" Herman joins us from on the ground in Modi'in, Israel, hometown of the Maccabees--the legendary freedom fighters and heroes of the Hanukkah story--to show how they triumphed over tyranny and won religious freedom for the people of Israel in an epic struggle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Iran's hard line stance thus far in its nuclear talks with world powers in Vienna. As Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warns the world not to give in to Iran's "nuclear blackmail," Western diplomats seem all too eager to do exactly that. Will Israel be forced to act? Israel's former National Security Advisor, Maj. Gen (Res.) Yaakov Amidror joins Erick to weigh in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the re-start of Iran nuclear talks today in Vienna. What does Iran want and what is the U.S., under the Biden administration, willing to give? Plus, learn the three reasons why the Iranian regime should never be allowed to have nuclear weapons. And why is an Iranian general threatening the “annhilation” of Israel as the talks get underway? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck visits Jerusalem’s Valley of Jehoshaphat to explore whether it’s the very place—mentioned in the Book or Joel—where God will judge the nations. Also, learn about a special Watchman Newscast offer that will bless your family this holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined by Jonathan Schanzer, author of the new book, "Gaza Conflict 2021: Hamas, Israel and 11 Days of War." They discuss Turkey's growing support for Hamas and how strengthening Iran through a revived nuclear deal also strengthens Hamas and other Iranian terror proxies. Plus, Israel's Defense MInister, Benny Gantz, exposes the location of two of Iran's attack drone bases from which it launches terror attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news that Israel's Shin Bet internal security service has rolled up a major Hamas terrorist cell in the West Bank that planned a wave of suicide attacks against Israelis. The 50-man plus cell was directed by Hamas operatives in Turkey. Their arrest comes just one day after a Hamas terrorist murdered one Israeli and wounded three more in Jerusalem's Old City. Are Israel and Hamas headed for a new round of major hostilities? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the British government's announcement that it has banned Hamas and any type of support for the notorious terror group on British soil. Plus, did Iran attack a U.S base in Syria with drones recently in an attempt to avenge strikes by Israel? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down today's release of two Israeli citizens from a Turkish prison. The pair was arrested by Turkish authorities last week on bogus charges of "spying" while they were visiting Istanbul as tourists. Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan today to thank him for helping to facilitate their release. But Erdogan remains a serious problem--and we head to Jerusalem to learn why from a top Israeli security expert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the “Afghanistan effect” of rogue regimes sensing weakness after America’s disastrous Afghan withdrawal. Russia, China and Iran have all made provocative moves in recent days as they exploit weak leadership in Washington, D.C. With wars and rumors of wars increasing, will the U.S. be able to stand firm? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Turkey's imprisonment of two Israeli tourists who took photos of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's presidential palace. Turkish authorities are accusing the tourists of espionage--which Israel says is a ridiculous charge--as a potential diplomatic crisis looms between the two countries. American pastor Andrew Brunson was jailed in Turkey for two years on similar bogus charges of "spying" and joins Erick today on the Newscast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down a major Middle East story you might not have heard about: Iran-backed Houthi rebels stormed the U.S. Embassy compound in Yemen's capital, Sana'a this week and according to reports from the region, "seized large quantities of equipment and materials." In addition, the Houthis kidnapped several Yemenis who work for the U.S Embassy. The State Department is demanding their release--but is this another sign that Iran and its proxies are growing more bold in challenging the United States? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the U.S. military's testing of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system this week in Guam. With China's missile arsenal growing rapidly, the U.S. may employ Israeli technology in the Pacific region. Plus, learn why the U.S., Israel, Bahrain and the UAE are conducting an historic joint naval exercise this week in the Red Sea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck highlights the alarming rise of Christian persecution around the world and interviews Petr Jasek, a Christian missionary who was thrown into prison in Sudan because of his faith--right alongside members of the notorious terrorist group, ISIS. How did Jasek survive being imprisoned with ISIS and will the severe persecution experienced by believers in Africa, Asia and the Middle East one day come to the West? 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’s Mossad spy agency reportedly broke up an Iranian terror plot to attack Israeli citizens in Africa. 2) Iran-backed groups were reportedly behind an assassination attempt against Iraq’s Prime Minister over the weekend using explosive-laden drones. 3) The Iranian military is conducting major war games this week near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck shares one of the world's great untold stories: how Iran--the world's number one state sponsor of terrorism--may also be home to the world's fastest growing church. Despite severe persecution, Iranians are increasingly turning to Christ. Even more stunning, the Iranian church is pro-Israel. Erick breaks down this incredible development with two pastors who are deeply connected to the Iranian church and digs deeper into the rise of global Chrisrtian persecution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news of another Israeli strike against Iran-linked forces near Damascus. How was this strike different than other recent Israeli actions and how did Israeli Prime Minister Nafatali Bennett's recent meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin play a role? Plus: with U.S and Israeli special forces conducting a joint military exercise near Eilat, we head to this crucial city on the Red Sea with the Israel Defense Forces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck heads to the Israel/Syria border with former Israeli intelligence officer Avi Melamed. They get an up-close look at what Iran and its terror proxy Hezbollah are doing next door in Syria and show why the strategic Golan Heights region is a red line that Israel will not allow Iran to cross. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down major military and civilian preparedness drills that Israel began this week in preparation for a coming northern war against Hezbollah. What did Israel learn from its May 2021 conflict with Hamas and how will those lessons factor into planning for its future showdown against Hezbollah? And how serious of a threat does Hezbollah pose to Israel's security? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck visits Israel's ancient Biblical site of Tel Beit Shemesh with Danny "The Digger" Herman to see the place where it's believed the Ark of the Covenant was kept by the Israleites after it was returned by the Philistines, as described in 1 Samuel. Was the Ark really here and what have Israeli archaeologists uncovered? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the latest moves by Turkey’s radical leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan’s government recently claimed that it had arrested 15 Israeli Mossad operatives and Erdogan also threatened to expel Western ambassadors—including from the U.S. As this NATO member nation drifts further into the embrace of Russia and Iran, is more conflict with the West and Israel coming? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down news that U.S. officials believe Iran was behind a drone attack on an American base in Syria last week. At least five drones packed with explosives struck the Al-Tanf base near Syria's border with Jordan. U.S. officials believe Iran supplied its proxies with the drones and helped coordinate the attack. What is Iran trying to accomplish and will the U.S. respond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down reports that Israeli helicopters struck Hezbollah targets in Syria overnight, near the Israel/Syria border. The strikes come just days after Israeli Prime Minister Nafatli Bennett met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Iran's presence in Syria. Did Putin give Israel a green light to continue strikes in Syria and can he really be trusted? Plus, does today's military coup in Sudan threaten that country's shaky peace agreement with Israel? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down today’s important meeting in Russia between Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their meeting comes as tensions continue to rise between Russia and Israel over Iran and Syria. What did the two leaders discuss during their five hours together and what’s next for the Russia/Israel relationship? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Israel's largest-ever air force drill, taking place in the Negev desert through October 28th and including squadrons from the U.S, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Greece and India. As tensions rise between Israel and the Iranian regime, Iran is also holding a major air force drill today, showcasing its fighter jets and attack drones. Meanwhile, Iran's proxies were the likely culprits behind a drone attack on a U.S. military base in Syria on Wednesday night. Is it a sign of things to come for U.S. forces in the region? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah's boast that Hezbollah has 100,000 trained jihadi fighters in its ranks. Nasrallah was laying down the gauntlet to other groups in Lebanon, including Christians, to not think of challenging Hezbollah, as civil war looms in that country. But is his 100 K number accurate? Meanwhile, the Israeli government reportedly just approved a $1.5 billion budget for a potential strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. 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 China's reported recent test of a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile. The Financial Times reports that U.S. intelligence officials were stunned when China conducted the test in August. Hypersonic missiles travel at low altitudes and at extremely high speeds that enable them to evade missile defense systems. China's communist regime is denying the test took place. How concerned should Americans be about China's massive military and nuclear buildup? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down Iran's boast this week that it's developed it's own version of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. Plus, speaking of missile defense, Russia is accusing Israeli fighter jets of using civilian airliners as cover in order to evade Syrian air defenses Wednesday night and strike Iranian targets near the city of Palmyra. Is this another sign of increasing tension between Russia and Israel? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down the deadly clashes today that took place at a Hezbollah rally in Beirut. Why is Hezbollah so determined to stop the investigation into last year's massive Beirut port blast and will today's deadly violence help drive the country towards another bloody civil war? And what are Iran's role and the ramification for Lebanon's southern neighbor, Israel? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down who will be Iran's next Supreme Leader. With Ayatollah Khamenei at an advanced age and in poor health, is the Iranian regime preparing a successor? Who are the likely candidates and what would Khamenei's death mean for Iran, the region and the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is joined in Jerusalem by the man who designed Israel's border security fence, former Israel Defense Forces Col. Danny Tirza. How did Israel's security fence put a stop to Palestnian suicide bombers and what can Israel teach America about border security? As the crisis deepens at America's southern border, Tirza shares how Israel's measures have worked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakebeck breaks down an important speech on Monday, October 11th by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who announced that Israel has a national plan to build up the strategic Golan Heights region and increase its population substantially. Bennett said Iran is attempting to build an army in Syria, along the Golan, and that Israel will not allow it. Plus, Israel gears up for a "rocket preparedness drill" this week to defend against the Hezbollah threat. 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 a fascinating discovery announced this week by Israeli archaeologists: a 2,700 year old toilet found inside the remains of an ancient royal palace in Jerusalem. What does this ancient "royal flush" tell us about life in Jerusalem for the powerful during Old Testament times? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck and Israeli archaeologist and tour guide Danny "The Digger" Herman visit the ancient caves of Qumran, deep in Israel's Judean Desert, to learn more about the origin of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Who were the Essennes and what was their connection to the Scrolls-- and John the Baptist? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down new details surrounding an Iranian terror plot against Israeli businesspeople in Cyprus. Was this a failed attempt by Iran to avenge the assassantion of the father of its nuclear weapons program, Moshen Fakhrizedah, last November? And did Israel really kidnap and interrogate an Iranian general--as one Arabic-language media source has reported--in an attempt to learn the fate of downed Israeli pilot, Ron Arad? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down new reports that Iran was behind a recent terror plot to murder Israeli businesspeople on the island of Cyprus. Is Iran accelerating its global terror war against Israel? Plus, China and Russia are making provocative military moves. Are these U.S. adversaries emboldened to act in the wake of America’s disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck breaks down comments from a top Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman that the war between Iran and Israel "has already started." Along those lines, an explosion reportedly struck a secret Iranian missile factory this week, killing two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps. And Iran is increasingly threatening Muslim nations that have friendly relations with Israel as tensions in the region continue to build. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Watchman Newscast, host Erick Stakelbeck is in Jerusalem with Israeli archaeologist and tour guide, Danny "The Digger" Herman, for a visit to the ancient Southern Steps of the Temple Mount. It's a site where Jesus walked, taught and very likely chased out the money changers 2,000 years ago, as described in the Gospels. Find out why it's still significant today for every Christian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices