Prophecy News Watch - May 18, 2023

Around the World
Russia, Iran ink rail deal for major corridor intended to rival Suez Canal
Iran and Russia on Wednesday agreed to collaborate on the construction of the final part of an embryonic international North-South Transport Corridor linking the Gulf and India while avoiding Western sea lanes.
U.S. Patriot system likely damaged by Russian missile attack in Ukraine
A U.S. Patriot air defense system was likely damaged but not destroyed on Tuesday morning during a heavy Russian missile attack on Kyiv, officials told the media.
Hungary Blocks Military Aid For Ukraine And Sanctions
Hungary’s nationalist government said Wednesday it would block the next tranche of European Union military support for Ukraine and any new sanctions against Russia unless Kyiv removes Hungary’s largest bank OTP from its list of war sponsors.
Several Killed In New Zealand Hostel Fire
New Zealand police said Wednesday that arson likely caused a fire that killed at least six people in a multistory hostel for vulnerable residents and others in the nation’s capital.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ancient Hebrew Financial Record Discovered on City of David’s Pilgrimage Road
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has discovered an ancient receipt or financial transaction dating back 2,000 years on the City of David’s Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem.
US said to propose ‘joint military planning’ with Israel on Iran, but Jerusalem wary
The US recently proposed to Israel that Washington and Jerusalem engage in “joint military planning” vis-a-vis Iran, according to a report Wednesday citing US and Israeli officials.
Palestinian militants threaten to “powerful” campaign against Israel on Jerusalem Day
Palestinian armed factions have reportedly threatened to attack Israel in a new “powerful campaign” during the Jerusalem Day flag march planned for Thursday, i24News reports. The threats were reported by Arab media just days after a ceasefire ended last week’s round of violence between the Israel Defence Forces and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group in Gaza.

Inside the United States
DeSantis Signs Bill Banning Children From Drag Shows
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law on Wednesday that will punish businesses if they allow children to attend drag shows.
Nearly a quarter of Americans have changed their religious affiliation, survey finds
A new survey shows that nearly 25% of Americans changed their religion or their religious traditions and denominations during the course of their lives, i24News report. Conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) over the last 16 years, the “2022 American Values Atlas” survey was published on Tuesday.
US Nearing First Default In History; Biden Cancels Australia Trip
U.S. President Joe Biden called off a visit to Australia, part of his upcoming Asia trip, to rush back home and help avoid the first default in America’s history.
North Carolina Lawmakers Override Governor’s Abortion Ban Veto
The legislature of the U.S. state of North Carolina successfully overrode the governor’s veto of legislation banning most abortions after 12 weeks.

Christian News
California to pay $1.4 million in attorneys’ fees after churches file successful lawsuits over abortion insurance coverage mandate
California has agreed to pay $1.4 million in attorneys’ fees to lawyers representing four churches who successfully sued the state in arguing they should not have to cover abortion in their health insurance plans because that is contrary to their faith, the Christian Post (CP) reported on Tuesday.
Alabama: 132 congregations leave United Methodist Church over LGBT disagreement
Joining thousands of other churches that have left the US United Methodist Church (UMC) in recent years, 132 congregations in Alabama voted last Thursday to leave the denomination as well, the Christian Post (CP) reports.