SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 58

Jerusalem, Israel

JANUARY 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

      PSALM 31:19; 46:1; 59:16; 107:8-9; 145:9; PROVERBS 21:30-31; ISAIAH 43:2-4; DEUTERONOMY 7:21; 31:6; ROMANS 8:28; MATTHEW 6:33

      Every year at the beginning of the rainy season in Israel we pray for abundant rain. During the last seven years, Israel has had a net deficit in annual rainfalls. But, December 2012 changed all that. It has been the wettest December in 20 years for the northern and central parts of Israel!  We are hoping and praying that it is the start of a bountiful rainfall for this winter season. Currently, the Sea of Galilee is about 3 meters 10 centimeters below the full level. Reportedly, the lake has increased by over 23 centimeters, since the rainfall began, causing unusually high water flows in streams and rivers of the Galilee. The lake has risen more in the month of December than in the past 10 years! 

PRAISE GOD and declare that these abundant rains will continue to bless the land. Pray that the drought of the last seven years will finally be over; and, that Israel will experience a bountiful harvest – physically & spiritually. (JOEL 2:23-24;  1 CHRONICLES 16:34;  ACTS 14:17).

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      The Israeli elections are on January 22, 2013. We ask you to consider spending some concentrated time in intercession on that particular day.  There has been a lot of political maneuvering going on, not only by politicians and their advisors, but also by liberal court judges and Israel’s Attorney General. Pray for righteousness to prevail in the courts regarding several indictments against Israeli leaders. Declare into the heavenlies God’s Word regarding the conduct and deeds of men. Intercede for those who will become the next leaders of Israel. (2 CORINTHIANS 10:5).

Pray that Israel’s new and upcoming leaders will be guided by good advisors, according to Proverbs 11:14; that their minds will be controlled by the Spirit of Life, according to Romans 8:16. Pray that these leaders will have God’s righteous plans in their hearts and will not walk in any deceitfulness, according to Proverbs 12:5. 

Pray that former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman of the Israel Beitenu party will repent and turn his heart towards God. (MATTHEW 5:8; PSALM 25:8-9; JOHN 14:6).

Intercede for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; that he acts with wisdom during this vulnerable time in Israel… politically, diplomatically, and militarily.   Ask God to give him peace of mind and an ability to walk with greater trust in Him. Netanyahu continues to defend Israel’s right to the land, declaring God’s biblical mandate for the Jewish people. This is an answer to prayer! Recently, Netanyahu declared on Israeli national television, December 22, 2012 “We live in a Jewish nation. Jerusalem became that nation’s capital over 3,000 years ago. We will build in Jerusalem because it’s our right…. The Western Wall is not occupied territory, and I do not care what the United Nations says about this matter.”  

PRAISE GOD for the words out of Netanyahu’s mouth, which have blessed the land with God’s living waters!  (ECCLESIASTES 7:19; 8:1; PROVERBS 16:15).

Proclaim in prayer that the next leader of Israel will have great favor with the U.S. Administration, as well as with the governments of other nations, according to Proverbs 16:13; 24:14;  Psalm 145:18.

·    There are many changes going on during this “Islamic Winter” upheaval in the Middle East. Political Islam is gaining ground in nations surrounding Israel. Declare that God’s righteous laws will be obeyed and followed by new Middle East leaders, and that they will submit their governments to the Lord, according to Psalm 119:160, and Romans 3:19-20.

·       Palestinian leaders have declared their intentions to start a third Intifada (Palestinian Uprising). They continue to threaten to kidnap Israeli soldiers, and to renew terrorist suicide bombings. Pray that they will turn from wickedness and towards the Lord.  (PROVERBS 1:31; 5:22; 11:5).

·        Israel, the United States, and most of the world are closely watching Syria, ready to close-in on the Assad government if he dares to use chemical weapons against his citizens or the rebels opposed to his government rule.  Reportedly, Syria is preparing its military, especially its air force, to strike Western fighter jets if Western leaders try to intervene in the current civil war; or if Western militaries try to take-out chemical weapons storehouses in Syria. It’s possible that the only way to prevent the chemicals from getting into the hands of terrorists will be for Israel and/or Western nations to blow them up! Israel or the U.S. could use ground forces, as well as air strikes to deal with the reported 150 chemical sites in Syria.  It might take as many as 75,000 U.S. troops on the ground to gain access to the huge storehouses of chemical weapons and wipe them out.

Pray that the Lord will give Israel, as well as Western nations, great wisdom in how to deal with the Assad government regarding these chemical weapons. Pray that God will provide Western nations and Israel with accurate intelligence information as to where these weapons sites are located and whether Assad tries to transfer any of the weapons elsewhere. Pray that these weapons will not be used against Syrian citizens, the rebels, Israelis or anyone else. Pray that these weapons do not end up in the hands of terrorist groups who could use them in destructive ways. Pray for an extra measure of protection for citizens in Middle East countries that live near these destructive WMD’s. (PROVERBS 3:26; HEBREWS 4:16; 13:6; PSALM 23:4; 27:3-6).

·   European leaders are continuing to declare that Israeli building in settlements is against international law, and that Israel is occupying Palestinian land. However, legally, the area is considered disputed territory since Israel gained the land after being attacked by Arab forces in the Six Day War. Historically, Israel has had a presence in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) since before the birth of the modern state. And, biblically, these are the mountains of Israel which have been occupied by the Israelites since ancient days, through God’s eternal covenant with the Jewish people. It is time that the nations stopped their curses against the Lord and His plans! 

Declare Psalm 60:12 on behalf of Israel: “Through God we shall do valiantly: for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” Proclaim that he, who touches Israel, touches the Apple of God’s Eye!  THANK GOD, according to Isaiah 49:16, that the Lord is in charge of Israel’s destiny:  “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 57

Jerusalem, Israel

DECEMBER 2012 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

There is a constant reminder in the north of Israel that the IDF is preparing for another war; one that could be much worse than the one it just fought in Gaza. There are, approximately, 200,000 missiles that could be used against Israel, contained in arsenals in Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza. Israel is concerned about the Iranian Fajr-5 rocket that Hamas used against Israel in the recent war. Hezbollah has the same missiles that they may try to launch against Israel’s command and logistic centers; communication networks; radar stations, airports; economic hubs; fuel installations; factories, etc. 

·        Declare Isaiah 41:11-16 over Israel at this time; that those who oppose her will become as nothing and perish. Thank the Lord for holding Israel’s right hand, helping her through wars and rumors of war, so that she will rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel. Pray that whoever tries to attack the Jewish State, according to Isaiah 54:15, will surrender to her.  Intercede according to Psalm 27:1-3, that Israel’s enemies and foes will stumble and fall. Proclaim that if war breaks out in the north, Israelis will recognize that the Lord is their light and their salvation, of whom shall they be afraid? Decree, according to Psalm 24:8 and Exodus 15:3, that the Lord is the King of Glory; strong and powerful; mighty in battle. He is Israel’s Warrior King!

Israel continues to fight a diplomatic war as well as a public relations war, plagued by biased media reporting and anti-Semitism in the international community. Israel’s sovereign right to the land is being placed on the UN chopping block, once again. Those who hate Israel are re-writing history to make it look like there is no rightful connection between the Jews and the covenant land God has given them, including His beloved city, Jerusalem.  The “usurper” (the devil) is using the Palestinians to claim that they are the rightful owners and overseers of this land. The diplomatic battle has intensified since Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas brought his statehood bid to the UN and 138 nations approved.  (See Isaiah 8:10).

·        Please pray, continually, that the “usurper” of Israel’s land will not be able to seize and hold positions of power, through ignorant or racist leaders who are intent on hurting the Jewish people. Declare that all Palestinian illegitimate claims to the land will be exposed and all legitimate Jewish biblical rights to the land will be acknowledged by the global community. Pronounce that what God has intended for Israel through His covenants will be upheld by world leaders; and that the Lord will judge those states that act against His will and plans.

·        Praise God for the brave nations who recently stood with Israel and against the Palestinian bid for statehood in the United Nations General Assembly. These include:  the U.S., Canada, Micronesia, Palau, Panama, the Czech Republic, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands.

In this current season of diplomatic warfare against Israel, it is expected that there will be high-level delegations wanting to visit and establish full embassies within the land that the Palestinians now occupy. It’s likely that Hamas will be receiving these same diplomats in Gaza.  If Abbas is able to unite the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) with Gaza, integrating both areas as one Palestinian state with defined borders, then the push for Israel to compromise land for peace will intensify.  

Furthermore, the Palestinians can be expected to immediately continue their accusations that Israel committed war crimes in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), and Operation Pillar of Defense (the recent Gaza war in 2012).  Abbas will look for ways of bringing Israelis before the International Criminal Court, presenting a legal nightmare for leaders in Jerusalem. This kind of pressure on Israel hinders the IDF’s ability to win wars as it has to stiffen its rules of engagement, not able to hit enemy targets for fear of diplomatic retaliation later on. 

Now that the Palestinians can sit in the UN with observer status as the state of “Palestine,” they will look for every opportunity to damage Israel’s credibility in public forums.  

One dangerous possibility is that they may take measures in the West Bank to build up their military force, while pushing for the UN to send troops into the area to protect Palestinian communities within the Green Line.  This would put foreign armies on Israel’s eastern border challenging Israel’s authority and rule over its own territory!  (See Zechariah 12:1-9).

·        Declare Psalm 27:11-14 over Israel, expecting that the Lord will show the Apple of His Eye His clear and straight path. Thank the Lord that He will put down Israel’s oppressors and will not turn Israel over to the desires of her foes. For all those false witnesses that have risen up against the Jewish State, pray that God, Himself will deal with malicious accusations against His Chosen People in the United Nations and in all international forums.

      Intercede for God to change atmospheres so those situations which are meant to harm Israel will be turned around, providing Israeli diplomats with great favor when dealing with global leaders. Pray for Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Ron Proser; that he would be given insight from the Lord in how to deal with evildoers who prosper in their ways within UN organizations that are anti-Israel. (See Psalm Chapter 37; Psalm 35:1). Pray for the Palestinian people to receive dreams and visions from the Lord and come to faith in Him.

Praise God for a constant source of support for Israel in the U.S. Congress, which has the power to withhold U.S. aid to the UN and the Palestinian Authority. 

·        Pray for a unified, strong, bi-partisan bill in Congress that would be in Israel’s favor; a bill that would deny the Palestinian Authority aid should Abbas bring a case against Israel in the International Criminal Court. 

·        Pray that the Lord gives pro-Israel supporters in Congress the discernment and understanding of events that are coming which could hurt Israel’s diplomatic standing.  Pray that these U.S. Congressional members receive God’s wisdom in how to use U.S. aid as leverage when dealing with UN organizations and nations that work against His purposes concerning Israel. (See Isaiah 60:12).

Now that the war is over in Gaza the concern Israel has is that Hamas and other terrorist organizations will not keep the cease-fire. Hamas sees Palestine (all of Israel) as an Islamic Wakf (gift from Allah), throughout the generations until the Day of Resurrection. 

Hamas international leader Khaled Mashaal has claimed Palestinian territory as being from the River to the Sea; from the north to the south. He has declared this territory, which is biblically Israel’s, as his own. He sees it as the land of his fathers and grandfathers, inhabited by the Palestinian people from long ago. 

The Hamas leadership will not give up on trying to destroy Israel until the land becomes theirs, so they can turn it into an Islamic state. The Hamas government sees the current cease-fire as a “hudna”, a temporary truce. It brings a sense of quiet and calm to Israel and Gaza. But, it is deceiving because it allows time for Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups to re-build, re-arm, train and get stronger so they can prepare for future attacks.

During this particular cease-fire, Israel is indirectly negotiating with Hamas through Egypt. Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi is acting as a mediator.  Hamas is demanding that Israel lift its military blockade of the Gaza Strip. It is also insisting that all borders with Gaza (both on the Israeli and Egyptian side) remain open.  Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel are trying to stop the flow of rockets and arms from Iran to Gaza which are being smuggled through underground tunnels and hidden in freighters at sea.

  

·        Pray that all pressure on Israel from Hamas, Egypt, and the U.S. will not cause a security risk to the Jewish State. Through intercession acknowledge that the Lord will fight for Israel in every detail of negotiations, dealing strongly with Hamas and Israel’s other adversaries. Declare these great scriptures: Exodus 14:14; Deuteronomy 1:30; Deuteronomy 3:22! 

·        Thank the Lord that the strong strategic military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel, including shared intelligence, will stop the flow of missiles and armaments to Hamas.

If Hamas and Palestinian terrorists do not keep to the cease-fire, the IDF plans to go into Gaza with a ground offensive, along with continued air strikes. Israel’s current Defense Minister Ehud Barak has said that Israel has no problem getting into Gaza; it is getting out of Gaza that is the problem. In other words, Israel needs an exit strategy (which is difficult to figure out in an urban warfare jungle). 

Current Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that it will take more than four months to conduct a ground operation in Gaza if the IDF has to go in. It might even entail re-occupying the Gaza Strip. Any such move will anger the international community even though Israel has a right to defend itself.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has implied to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that a ground offensive would be illegal under international law. 

·        Pray that the Lord will give Israel’s generals successful strategies for overcoming their enemies in urban warfare settings. Declare, according to Isaiah 54:17, that no weapon forged against Israel will prevail. Pray that Israeli leaders will be able to refute every tongue that accuses the Jewish State, falsely. Intercede that whatever Israeli leaders need to do to defend the Jewish state will be done, successfully, without hindrance by world leaders. Pray for the Lord to vindicate Israel according to Isaiah 50:8-9.

There were miracles spoken of during Operation Pillar of Defense (Operation Pillar of Cloud in Hebrew).  More than 1500 rockets were fired on Israel’s population during the eight days of war, with only six Israelis killed. That, in itself, is a miracle!  During the war, Israel’s rabbis called the masses to pray at the Western Wall.   Rabbi Ovadia Yosef requested that Israelis recite Psalm Chapter 83, including a special prayer for IDF soldiers and residents in the south of the country. 

·        Pray, according to Psalm 83:15-18, that God will pursue Israel’s enemies like a tempest and terrify them like a storm!  Proclaim that the Lord brings shame to those who would come against His nation and people. Intercede that international leaders will stop conspiring together against Israel and, instead, turn to Yeshua and receive His salvation!  Pray that the Lord will let these rulers know that He and He alone is the Most High over all the earth!

During the war, Netanyahu said that Israel was operating on four levels:  the military front; the home front; the diplomatic front; and the public diplomacy front. He encouraged public relations volunteers to fight for the truth and the facts; to refute the industry of lies; and, to reach many sectors of their populations.
 

After the war, Netanyahu spoke at a military ceremony and during his remarks he made this statement:  “Anti-Semitism exists, it changes its forms – and the Jewish People have still not found rest; and, it is doubtful if it will come in the form that our prophets hoped it would. The only thing that separates the fate of our people from that of the dark periods in our past is the IDF, the security services, and our ability to realize the mighty potential that there is here in order to defend our people.”

·        Intercede for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who is facing new elections on January 22, 2013. Pray that he puts his trust in God and not in men. Declare Psalm 20:7 over him and all of Israel: “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God.”  Proclaim: Deuteronomy 20:1; Proverbs 21:31; Isaiah 31:1; Jeremiah 9:24 for Netanyahu, Lieberman, and other leaders in Israel seeking re-election.

  

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 56

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 2012 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

·        The sins of Israeli society provide an opening for the enemy.  One example of this is Israel’s abortion rate.  Reports indicate that nearly 20,000 applications for a legal abortion in 2010 were approved by public abortion committees in Israeli hospitals. In 2011, that number was 19,000, which showed some decrease in legal abortions. But, if you consider all abortions taking place in Israel, the number for 2012 is expected to be 40,000. The abortion rate is 10.8 per thousand among fertile Israeli women.  

At a recent city-wide prayer gathering of believers in Jerusalem; and, at a nation-wide prayer gathering in the north; believers have been repenting for the sins of this nation according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, asking God’s forgiveness.  This is especially true regarding abortion.

Pray for the unborn child in Israel to be protected according to Psalm 139:13-16. Pray that Israeli women repent for ending the life of their babies in the womb. Pray that the Lord will change the laws in Israel and make it difficult for Israelis to get an abortion. Women in Israel are currently entitled to one free abortion during their army service. Pray that all funding for government approved abortions will cease immediately.

·        Because elections have been called in Israel, there has been less public discourse on Iran within the country. Israeli leaders are still speaking loudly in international forums that red lines must be set to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb. But, inside Israel, the focus is on election campaigning.  Meanwhile, Iran is increasing the speed of installing centrifuges at its underground nuclear facility, bringing it closer to being able to make weapons-grade uranium. Iran is enriching uranium up to 20% now, and as it produces more, this will shorten the time it will take Iran to “break out” and begin building a bomb. Nuclear experts fear that Iran could accumulate significant quantities of weapons-grade uranium for one bomb in as little as nine months.

Intercede for Israel, remembering Psalm 50:15. Pray that the citizens of this nation will call upon the Lord in their day of trouble when Iran is aiming to destroy the Jewish State. As God rescues His people by stopping Iran from becoming a nuclear power, pray that Israelis will honor the Lord and give Him glory for the things He has done on their behalf. 

·        In early October, Iran directed Hezbollah to send a drone into Israeli airspace.  The Iranians claimed that the drone was not only able to cross into southern Israel, but to stay there gathering intelligence information for several hours regarding Israel’s secret military installations. The drone was finally shot down by Israel’s Air Force and landed in a forest so that no one was killed and no property was destroyed. Israel has the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system in place, but it is not designed to shoot down drones. It only has the capacity to shoot down short-range missiles aimed at Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli southern communities were subjected to increased missile fire from Gaza terrorists in October, only partially protected by the Iron Dome. 

Ask the Lord to protect Israeli air space where the drone violation occurred. The drone intrusion exposed how vulnerable Israel’s skies are. Pray that the Lord will seal shut every opening in Israel’s defenses that would be susceptible to an evil incursion.  Pray, according to Ephesians 6:11 that Israel’s air force fighters would put on the full armor of God in their battle with hostile forces, so they can stand, with His authority, against the wiles of the enemy. Declare Psalm 91:7 over Israel, praying that the Jewish people will be protected from the on-going missile war in the south of the country.

·        Israeli leaders continue to observe the strengthening of the Moslem Brotherhood in the Middle East. The first country for this Sunni Islamic group to gain power was Egypt. Now, its increased influence has extended into Syria and Jordan. It has close ties with Hamas in Gaza, as well.  A recent report indicates that the Moslem Brotherhood does not believe in the sovereignty of nation states. Gulf Arab countries are trying to work together to stop the Brotherhood from taking over their governments in the region.  The aim of the Brotherhood is to use its increased power throughout the Middle East to establish one big Islamic state under Sharia Law.  The Brotherhood is becoming a formidable enemy of Israel, and of moderate Arab nations. 

Pray according to Psalm 9:3, that Israel’s enemies will turn back, stumble and perish in the Lord’s Presence. Pray that as God’s people call for help, He will answer them, and they will know that He is with them in their struggle (Psalm 56:9). Pray that God will thwart every wicked scheme that the devil is using to cause havoc and instability in the Middle East!

·        The IDF is concerned that Hamas or other terrorist operatives may try to kidnap an Israeli soldier. The strategy would be to develop a crisis that would force Israel to release Palestinian terrorists who are being held in Israeli prisons.

Declare that God will rescue Israeli soldiers from any kidnapping attempts because they hide themselves in Him. (Psalm 143:9).  Pray that Israelis will see that their times are in God’s hands and He will deliver them from the continual pursuit of their enemies. (Psalm 31:15).

·        Al-Qaida inspired Salafist-Jihadists have infiltrated countries surrounding Israel. They are especially prominent in Syria, Egypt’s Sinai, Jordan, and Gaza. They are also stirring up trouble in Yemen, Tunisia and Libya. They have penetrated Israel, as well.  A court in Nazareth convicted an imam because he founded a Salafist-Jihadist group with Al-Qaeda ideology. 

These terrorist groups, which have been operating among the rebels in Syria, could become a major threat to the Jordanian government. Meanwhile, Israel’s border with Syria is being transformed from a quiet zone to a frontier of global jihadists, especially on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. Israeli military officials have stated that Israel has to be ready for war on multiple fronts, simultaneously. This could include Syria, Lebanon, the Sinai, Gaza, and possibly Iran. 

Pray that the Lord will foil all the plots of His adversaries and disrupt any coordinated effort that would try to come against His Chosen People, Israel. Pray that He will bring confusion into the ranks of the enemy camps that surround Israel. Pray that Israeli leaders are provided with excellent intelligence information; are prepared for any cross border infiltrations; and will be alert to strike at any terrorists trying to harm the Jewish State. Declare Psalm 27 over all of Israel, as a hope and encouragement to the nation.

·        The Palestinians have threatened to take their statehood bid to the UN General Assembly after the U.S. elections. Their goal is to be seen as a UN member of a non-state entity. They want to change the legal status of the settlements in Judea and Samaria, through international law. Right now, those settlements are legally considered “disputed territory”.  The Palestinians have already convinced diplomats and the media that the land is “occupied territory”. They continue to demand that Israel withdraw from their territory, back to the 1967 Green Line or the 1949 armistice lines.  The Palestinians, along with the rest of the world, have also declared that Jerusalem is not the capital of Israel. The Palestinians proclaim that Jerusalem is their capital.  

Declare, according to God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that Israel has inherited the biblical heartland… Judea and Samaria. Proclaim that Jerusalem belongs to the Lord, Himself. He has given stewardship over the land and His beloved city to the Jewish people. He is a covenant God, and He does not break covenant with Israel. (See Exodus 2:24; Psalm 105:8; Psalm 105:42).

·        There is a concern in Israel that a future missile war could cause widespread wildfires. Israel has not fully examined the threat of damage to the homefront by wildfires. Israel lacks a strategic plan that would enhance the nation’s aerial firefighting capability.  When a major fire broke out on Mount Carmel in December 2010, Israel asked assistance from over 20 countries to contain the fire. Today, Israel has made little progress in the ability to help firefighters in spite of the growing threat of wildfires. 

Pray that God would raise-up capable men and women who can help Israel with aerial firefighting capability.  Ask the Lord for short-term and long-term strategies that will prepare Israel’s Homefront Command to be ready during times of crisis.  

PRAISE REPORT!  The water level of the Sea of Galilee has risen. It is at its highest level in six years!  In 2011, Israel had a wet winter after seven years of drought. This year’s early rains were encouraging. Pray for a wet and rainy 2012 fall and winter season in Israel.