Israelis Brace for Potential Attack by Iran

"Israelis braced for a potential attack by Iran as they headed into the weekend, amid threats by Iranian leaders to retaliate against Israel for a strike that killed Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this week.

Many travelers found themselves stranded by canceled flights, as several American and European airlines suspended service to Israel through early August. Rumors flew of potential Iranian plans — including a missile strike several times larger than the 300 projectiles launched at Israel in April, almost all of which were intercepted....speculation that Iran would attack on the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, a day of mourning on which the destruction of the First and Second Temples is commemorated by fasting. The State of Israel itself is sometimes referred to by Jews as the “Third Temple,” an association that Iran is likely exploiting as a form of psychological warfare." Breitbart

Survey reveals negative views on Ukraine's ruling party

"Ukrainians have expressed the most negative opinions about the ruling Servant of the People

party, the Batkivshchyna party.... according to a survey conducted by the National Democratic Institute (NDI)......The Servant of the People party is seen negatively by 48% of respondents, while 32% have neutral views, and only 13% view it positively. Batkivshchyna fares worse, with 57% of respondents expressing negative views, 31% neutral, and just 9% positive." NV

Ukrainian forces foil a Russian-backed sabotage attempt in Chernihiv

"Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), in collaboration with the National Police, neutralized a

sabotage group in Chernihiv Oblast.
The group was targeting Ukrainian railways and facilities operated by Ukrzaliznytsia near the border.
The saboteurs attempted to disrupt the transportation of Ukrainian soldiers, equipment, and ammunition to the front lines by setting fire to relay cabinets and signal installations." NV

Paratroopers destroy Russian military equipment near Vovchansk with drones

"Drone operators from the 71st Jaeger Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces have destroyed Russian weapons, military equipment and manpower near Vovchansk, Kharkiv region." Ukrin

Five Takeaways From Yesterday's Historic Prisoner Swap

"Russia and the West exchanged 24 prisoners on Thursday in the largest such swap since the

Old Cold War.
1. Germany Was Responsible For Holding Everything Up
2. Poland, Slovenia, and Norway Chipped In But Got Nothing In Return
3. A Russian “Government-In-Exile” Will Likely Soon Take Shape
4. Turkey’s Role In Facilitating This Swap Positions It To Host The Next Round Of Peace Talks
5. Kamala Will Try Politicizing This Swap To Discredit Trump." 

ZeroHedge

North Korean Defector Says Kim Wants To Restart Nuclear Talks If Trump Wins

"A recent high-level North Korean defector said Pyongyang would be interested in talks with former-US President Donald Trump if he wins the November election. 

During his first term, Trump engaged Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in negotiations that nearly secured major agreement." ZH

Ukraine on brink of default

"Zelensky has signed a law allowing Kiev to suspend debt payments to Western creditors for

two months...Ukraine announced a preliminary deal with a committee of its main bondholders to restructure the country’s near-$20 billion worth of international debt. The proposal specified a 37% nominal haircut on the nation’s outstanding international bonds, saving Kiev $11.4 billion in payments over the next three years. Ukraine will issue new Eurobonds in return." RT

Russian troops shelled 21 settlements in Kherson region

"Russian military attacked 21 settlements in the Kherson region.... Mylove, Tiahynka, Lvove, Mykhailivka, Beryslav, Vesele, Burgunka, Bilozerka, Sadove, Shliakhove, Kachkarivka, Havrylivka, Veletenske, Zelenivka, Antonivka, Prydniprovske, Kizomys, Mykilske, Mykolaivka, Kozatske and Kherson came under enemy fire and air strikes." Ukrin