SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XIII

Jerusalem, Israel

OFF-THE-RECORD BRIEFING

On June 30, journalists and diplomats were briefed at a think tank in Jerusalem. A high level Israeli government official spoke candidly about Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and other issues of concern in the Middle East. Here are some of the insights this Israeli cabinet member shared so you can be praying into these matters:

(1) The current regime in Iran is not going to survive a long time. We will witness an internal revolution in Iran. President Obama’s recent comment about the Iranian regime was important to encourage the pragmatists, but it can’t stand alone. More is needed. Impose sanctions now!


(2) If you look at the Iranian threat, the idea of allowing them nuclear capability will be a nightmare. They will then be able to export their ideology, and, fulfill their global aspirations of importing Islam to defeat the West.


(3) Israel has empowered, energized, and inspired jihadists. Israel's withdrawals (from Lebanon in 2000 and the Gaza Strip in 2005) were perceived as a victory for Jihadism. Territorial concessions today will be a source of inspiration to jihadists tomorrow – another victory.


(4) How can anyone expect a peace agreement to be implemented with the Palestinians when Palestinian children are learning how to wear explosive belts? There needs to be an educational curriculum; certain projects are needed to encourage Palestinians to go through reform. They need to understand that the culture of Hamas is a self-destructive culture.


(5) Evacuating settlements is not the solution to ending the conflict. Israeli Arabs are already living all over Israel in peace. Why has the settlement issue become the most important issue? Israel is worried that the current U.S. Administration has, so far, ignored agreements and understandings reached with previous administrations. Israel hopes to find a way to solve this marginal issue in order to pave the way for more significant issues.


PRAYER FOR IRAN

As the people of Iran rise up in demand for a righteous and just government, pray:

• that the current Iranian government will stop crushing their citizens and will allow political reform.

• for complete regime change (including a change in the religious counsel behind the presidency).

• for a regime that ceases from terrorism.

• for a regime that stops trying to build a nuclear bomb.

• for a regime that will not look to destroy Israel.

Pray for the people of Iran, according to Daniel 6:25-28. Ask God to deal with the Persian princes and rulers over Iran that have blocked Iranians from hearing clearly from the Lord. (Daniel 10:13; Daniel 10:20).


THE SETTLEMENT ISSUE

The international community, especially the U.S., is trying to dictate ownership concerning the land of Israel. If they can get Israel to freeze settlement construction, including for natural growth, even for a short period of time, they will have succeeded in allowing the Palestinians to claim key parts of Israel as their territory. Then, it is only a matter of time before Israel will find itself without defensible borders, moving masses of people out of the biblical heartland – Judea and Samaria.

• Proclaim blessings on the tribes of Israel, decreeing their immediate return to the Promised Land. Pray that they dwell in the land of their forefathers and cultivate faithfulness. (Deuteronomy 33:28-29; Deuteronomy 34:1-4).


• Declare the covenant promises of God to the Jewish people and the nation of Israel: Genesis 13:17; Genesis 15:18; Genesis 17:19; Genesis 28:3-4; Genesis 28:13; Joshua Chapter 15; Romans 11:29; Leviticus 26:44-45; Ezekiel 36:12; Jeremiah 31:5; Ezekiel 5:5.

Continue to pray for meetings between Israeli and U.S. leaders over the settlement issue:

• that U.S. President Barak Obama, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and U.S. Peace Envoy George Mitchell will cease their demands of Israel in regard to a settlement freeze.


• that they will understand God’s covenant with the Jewish people and align their foreign policy initiatives with God’s Word.

PALESTINIAN EDUCATIONAL REFORM

• Pray that Palestinian school children will begin to learn the truth about the Jewish people and their covenant right to the land of Israel. Pray that Palestinian parents will also learn the truth, and teach their children the ways of the Lord, according to Proverbs 22:6.