IDF simulates war in Lebanon, amid tensions with Iran, Hezbollah

BY Judah Ari Gross, Times of Israel-— The IDF Galilee Division on Thursday completed a series of large-scale exercises designed to prepare the military for a potential rapidly unfolding war in Lebanon, the army said amid rising tensions in recent weeks along Israel’s northern frontier. “Conscripted soldiers, along with reservists, took part in the exercise.…

US Embassy in Jerusalem to open in May — in time for Israel’s 70th anniversary

By Eric Cortellessa, Times of Israel— The new US Embassy in Jerusalem will open in May 2018 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Israel declaring independence, two Trump administration officials said Friday. At first, the embassy will operate out of the US’s current consular premises in Arnona, south Jerusalem. The officials said Congress was…