At the world's podium for 40 minutes, Netanyahu's presentation at the UN was characterized by clarity, authority and optimism. It was a textbook case of speaking truth to power.

Over the weekend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau uploaded a video to Facebook. His assertion of Palestinian intent for a Jew-free state was explicit. Perhaps it was his conclusion that provoked the US State Department to respond. "Ethnic cleansing for peace is absurd," Netanyahu said. 

If anyone might persuade Mahmoud Abbas to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu, it is Vladimir Putin. If Putin succeeds and regardless the outcome, there will be cause to celebrate. Still, Abbas's intransigence makes it unlikely. Octoberfest - with beer, not vodka - will remain in Europe.

According to an English press release by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is "an icon of terrorism and criminality" whose "lies shall fade and fail to whitewash his bloody image."

For the last four days, Syria has been firing artillery within a few meters, or feet, of Israel's border. Apparently Russia has emboldened Assad. According to this intelligence report, Israel may be forced to hit back.