SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 53

Jerusalem, Israel

THE SWEETNESS OF THE NEW YEAR IN A BITTER MIDDLE EAST

Israelis are toasting to the Jewish New Year this week, eating apples and honey as a reminder of the sweetness of the holiday season. It is a time of personal and national reflection, while the Middle East boils with new outbreaks of violence. In Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia, India, East Jerusalem and the West Bank, Arabs are taking to the streets, displaying their anger at what they perceive to be Western disrespect of the Moslem religion. The rioters are being encouraged by Al-Qaeda. Its organization in the Arabian Peninsula has posted statements on the Web urging attacks on American targets to weaken what they perceive to be U.S. hegemony in the Middle East. Hezbollah in Lebanon is warning the United States that a controversial anti-Islam film must be banned from Internet sites or there will be more violence against Western interests in the region.

New protests by Palestinians living in East Jerusalem and the West Bank are also a result of frustration with the high cost of living and economic instability. Furthermore, without the peace process moving forward, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is losing credibility among his own people. Palestinians have lashed out at government corruption and unfulfilled promises. The Palestinians do not see a state of their own becoming a reality anytime soon, which gives them little hope for the future. They have accused Hamas of trying to bring down the government of Abbas. And, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh is shifting the blame on Israel. The great schism between Fatah and Hamas is being revealed once again, and Israel does not want to be the scapegoat for a new Palestinian uprising.

Yet, for weeks now, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has fueled the fire by continually calling for the resignation of Abbas, adding to the exasperation that some Palestinians are feeling about their leader. Lieberman accuses Abbas of being involved in diplomatic terrorism against Israel, while representing a Palestinian government with no legitimacy. Lieberman has noted the stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which he sees as adversely affecting Israel’s ability to maintain positive relationships with its regional neighbors.  His concern is that the stalemate is creating a vacuum in the Palestinian territories that could be filled by radical Islamists. Islamists are already causing instability throughout the Middle East, taking advantage of the collapse of dictatorships before new stable governments are able to govern effectively.
  
During a recent briefing at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, MK Ronni Bar-On, Chairman of the Israeli Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, spoke to diplomats and journalists. He explained that the current Arab Spring is turning into a fundamentalist Islamic and jihadist winter in a new evolving Middle East.  Israel is the only true democracy operating in the region. “This is the right time for the international community and international public opinion to make itself count by way of backing democracy and trying to build new ones from the ruins of old dictatorships… The wheels of the revolution cannot be turned back, but if the people of the region do not get what they deserve and demand, this opportunity will soon turn to disaster and chaos.”

The recent clashes in the Middle East, with attacks on American embassies, has shown just how much hatred already exists towards the United States and Western powers.  But, while the world focuses on the latest upsurge in regional violence and terror, the first challenge for Israel is still Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a point of putting pressure on U.S. President Barack Obama to threaten Iran with military action if it crosses red lines. The Obama Administration has already responded negatively to Netanyahu’s demands.

However, the United States, Gulf countries and Western nations are currently engaged in military exercises in the Straits of Hormuz, determined that if war breaks out with Iran, the Straits will remain open to oil commerce. 

Meanwhile, Iran has become a global threat that could spark nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, resulting in Arab leaders rushing to acquire a nuclear bomb.  That is why Bar-On said Iran must not be allowed to achieve nuclear capability.  He also spoke of Iran’s latest weapons arsenal. “Iran’s long-term missile ability, as displayed countless times, will make the world a dangerous place to live in for all of us…Unconventional warfare will be traded and sold at cost value and will become available to every mad man with a suitcase of money.”

Bar-On believes that this kind of aggression in the region will set back the global war on terror and re-position Iran as a leading powerhouse in the Middle East.

So far, Iran has stubbornly resisted international efforts to stop its nuclear pursuit. Therefore, moderate Arab nations, especially those in the Gulf region, are now depending more and more on the United States to protect them. As Iran has proven its determination to enrich uranium at higher levels, the Iranian government has also stepped up its anti-Semitic rhetoric towards Israel, resulting in a greater likelihood of a new war in the Middle East. 

According to Bar-On, “The last minute for statesmanship and foreign policy is the last minute that something can be done to prevent the bomb and the bleak future it holds.  This last minute should not pass.”

While Iran continues to be the issue that dominates media headlines, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has taken a back seat. But, the new Arab dialogue on the streets in the West Bank and East Jerusalem could promote a shift within the Palestinian community. Bar-On explained that the Palestinian people now realize they have been wronged by their own government; that diplomacy has failed; negotiations are at a dead end; and it has left them with no hope. The pragmatic Palestinian willing to abandon terror will see an outstretched hand coming from Israel. “If negotiations do not get back on track we will be closing what could be possibly the last possibility for peace…I call the Palestinian leaders to let go of all the agendas and really try to make a difference.” 

As citizens of Israel bring in the Jewish New Year 5773, they are looking over their shoulder at the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict; a conflict that could boil over this coming year. At the same time, they are looking beyond their borders to a looming war with Iran that could ignite the whole Middle East region. Both possibilities do not make for a happy New Year. But, this season of personal and national reflection and repentance is one of the most important times in the history of the Jewish State; a time of concentrated prayer for the people of Israel and for the whole Middle East.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”    

2 Chronicles 7:14

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 52

SEPTEMBER 2012 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

• There is more and more talk that Israel is on the verge of war. The media is predicting a direct war between Iran and Israel in late 2012 or early 2013.  But, instead, it could be a war that erupts on Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah in Lebanon, which will bring Israel into a new conflict. This may be followed by a conflagration between Israel and Arab states such as Syria and Egypt. If so, terrorists in the Sinai and in Gaza would likely join that war. Read Psalm Chapter 83.

If a war were to include Iran, it would be because of a U.S. led coalition against Iran, and not Israel acting alone.  The U.S. is moving aircraft carriers and ships into the Gulf region. American President Barack Obama is doing this more to satisfy the Arab Gulf States than to appease Israel. The Obama Administration is concerned that Iran might try and cut off oil tankers in the Straits of Hormuz, thereby paralyzing the oil industry.  

Meanwhile, there is a new emergency pamphlet being distributed throughout Israel with grim warnings preparing the nation for war. With Israel’s defense measures in place, including early-warning signals, Israelis would have from 30 seconds (in the far north and far south of the country) up to three minutes (in Jerusalem ) to get into bomb shelters. This would be the time between air raid sirens sounding and rockets slamming into civilian areas. This booklet that has been created by  Israel’s Home Front Command, has been mailed out, and includes how to prepare a safe room or bomb shelter for emergencies.

Pray that the Lord holds off any conflict that the enemy tries to bring forth before its timing. If Israel is to endure in another war on the battlefield, pray that the home front is ready; that the IDF is prepared; and that God subdues the enemy so that he is unable to hurt the land or God's people. 

Pray for the raising up of watchmen who will intercede for the Straits of Hormuz to remain open and not subject to Iranian plots to cause havoc in that area. Pray that the Lord will preserve the world economy and protect oil resources in the Gulf region. 

The sense is that He is shaking Arab nations surrounding Israel, and that He will shake Israel, as well. Many citizens are talking about fleeing the country. Pray that they do not panic and leave Israel for other nations. Pray that God glorifies His name through the people of faith, as believers stand in prayer and peace during a future conflict. Proclaim God’s Word over those living in the land, that there will be a great harvest! Intercede that the angels of God will miraculously intervene; that Israelis will see the Lord’s mighty acts around them; and, many will come to salvation.

• The next war could involve missiles hitting Tel Aviv, a city known as the gay capitol of the Middle East; a city that is proud of its secularism and its idols.

Declare the voice of the Lord over the Mediterranean waters and over Israel’s coastlines. (See Psalm 29:3; Jeremiah 10:13). Ask the Lord to tear down every wicked thing that rises against His name in Tel Aviv, while at the same time protecting those people in the city that love Him. (Psalm 18:16).

Egypt:

• The IDF averted a major disaster on Monday, August 6^th. Thank God that Israel’s Southern Command was on high alert, sensing an imminent terrorist attack.  A Sinai Bedouin terrorist group, affiliated with Al-Qaeda blew up an Egyptian army border-control building, killing 16 Egyptian soldiers. The terrorists then stormed the border crossing into Israel. When they were two kilometers inside Israel, an IDF missile blew up their vehicle and killed the terrorists.  The Southern Command believes that more attacks are being planned and is engaging in key cooperation with the Egyptians.  The IDF is also building up its defenses along the border with Egypt.

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, however, ordered army tanks into the Sinai, allegedly without Israel’s permission (as stipulated in the Camp David Accords). He did this in order to stop terrorist activity and re-take control of the Sinai, especially in the north. Israeli leaders have not scolded Morsi publicly, but remain concerned that he will take other unilateral actions on Egypt’s border with Israel that will cause disputes, resulting in a challenge to the peace treaty. Morsi is securing his authority in Egypt, quietly taking over all power bases in the country.  He could soon be as strong a dictator as former President Hosni Mubarak.  Egypt may become an Islamic state under Sharia law. The Moslem Brotherhood, which Morsi is affiliated with, is looking for world domination, wanting to create a “global state of Islam”, encouraging its faithful followers in Syria, Jordan, Tunisia and Libya to follow its lead in Egypt.

Pray for a weakening of Morsi’s authority, and confusion in the ranks of the Moslem Brotherhood in Arab nations, especially those that surround Israel. Pray that God will strengthen and fortify Israel’s southern border with Egypt. Pray for a wall of protection that will look invisible to Israel’s enemies but will trap them if they try to commit terrorist acts. (See Exodus 14:17-18; Exodus 14:31). Pray and cry out to the Lord to intervene, not just on behalf of Israel, but also for the nations around Israel, that will come into God’s judgment if they continue to take action against the Jewish State. 

Syria:

Recent reports indicate that Al-Qaeda and other Sunni extremists are using Syrian land to advance their goals. For example, standing alongside of rebel forces, these Sunni radicals have conducted suicide bombings against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces, and are doing this with greater frequency. Reportedly, they want to form a Syrian-Iraqi Islamic State, hoping to unite all Moslems; and, then, initiate a war with Israel.

Intercede that the Lord will fight on Israel’s behalf against all terrorist forces that try to attack His Promised Land and Chosen People. 

Pray according to Psalm Chapter 27 that Israelis will focus on the Lord as their light and their salvation; recognizing Him as the strength of their life. Pray that they will not leave Israel because of their anxieties and unbelief. Pray that the Lord will show them His powerful hand in slaying wicked forces who occupy themselves with lofty plans of evil against His people. 

Even as Middle East armies encamp on Israel’s borders, and surround the Jewish State, pray that the citizens of Israel will not shrink back, but be of good courage. Pray that they will seek a closer relationship with the God of Israel.  

Intercede for believers to come into His Holy Presence with prayer and worship, acknowledging that it is He and He alone that can save this land from destruction. “For in the times of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle, He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.”  (Psalm 27:5). 

Pray that Israelis will see the goodness of the Lord, in the land of the living, so that they do not lose heart. 

Pray that those that have faith in the Messiah will wait on the Lord, and step forth with courage, and that He will strengthen their hearts in the coming days.

• Recently, Iranian leaders have stepped up their anti-Semitic diatribes against Israel. Their hateful tirades continue to falsely accuse Israel of all kinds of things, and there is a constant call for Israel’s destruction. This is similar to Goliath’s verbal attacks against David. (See 1 Samuel Chapter 17). 
• After a recent conference of world leaders in Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a decision to address the UN General Assembly in New York (sometime between September 27 and September 30) to respond to the accusations against Israel. Netanyahu said:  “In Tehran today, the representatives of 120 countries heard a blood libel against the State of Israel and were silent. This silence must stop. Therefore, I will go to the UN General Assembly, and, in a clear voice, tell the nations of the world the truth about Iran’s terrorist regime, which constitutes the greatest threat to world peace.”

It is significant that not one of the leaders present at the Iranian conference left the meeting when Iran blasted Israel. The nations will be judged by the way they judge Israel. 

Pray for Israel to stand by God’s Word and His assurances that the Jewish people are the “apple of His eye”, according to Psalm 17:8; Proverbs 7:2; and Zechariah 2:8.  Pray for God’s mercy upon the nation of Iran and upon all nations that turn their back on Israel.  (See Genesis 12:3; Psalm Chapter 2; Joel 3:2 and Joel 3:12; Zechariah 12:3-4).  

Meanwhile, Israel’s public debate on Iran has become too vocal and is causing confusion. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). Israel’s public debate is revealing to the world that there is division in the ranks of the government about Iran.   

Pray that Israeli leaders will realize that loose lips sink ships and will stop giving interviews to the media, regarding their opinions on this subject, some of which are in direct opposition to Netanyahu’s public statements. Pray that the internal divisions that show politicians and military officials are in disagreement over war with Iran, will become a hidden debate rather than a public one, as this only weakens Israel’s position within the international community. Pray for unity in the ranks of the Netanyahu government, especially among those in his nine member inner cabinet. 

By the way, Netanyahu does his best work in the middle of the night, according to media reports. So, when you intercede for him, pray that he will be sharp and alert during the wee hours of the morning when he makes major decisions; during the times when others in Israel are sound asleep!

• MK Arieh Eldad, a member of the right-wing National Union Party, has drafted a bill mandating certain hours that Jews can pray on the Temple Mount.  His bill, if passed, would assure freedom of worship on the Temple Mount not only for Jews, but for Christians, as well.  This would take care of a recent U.S. State Department report that criticizes Israel for denying all non-Moslems the opportunity to worship on the Temple Mount because of security risks.  Israel legally has the right to oversee activity on the Temple Mount, but has given over that authority to the Moslem WAQF.  If this bill passes, it would end the struggle that many have had in trying to go up to the Temple Mount to pray.  In a way, the State Department report, meant to criticize Israel, has actually opened a possible door for Jews and Christians to pray on the Mount along with Moslems! The bill will be submitted to the Knesset after the summer recess.     

           Pray for this bill to pass the Knesset that would allow freedom of worship on the Temple        Mount.  This would be a great opportunity to seek the Messiah where the Lord’s Temple once stood; to proclaim His Kingdom Authority over Israel and the nations, as well as the return of His Presence to this strategic site!   

• When former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir died earlier this summer, those who eulogized him spoke of his ability to say “no” in the face of international pressure. They recognized that he was unwilling to negotiate on his core values, which were that Israelis and Jews from around the world had the right to live in their biblical and historic homeland. This is what guided him as he steadfastly defended the Jewish State. On this one point, Shamir was commended for his tireless efforts to remain true to his values.  Israel needs more leaders like Shamir—those who will stand strong in the face of great adversity, defending Israel’s policies no matter how strong the opposition.

God is looking for brave men and women who will make decisions that please Him and His purposes for Israel.  

Pray for new emerging leaders to come forth and gain influence for Israel among the nations.

Pray for Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, and his Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon. They are not only defending Israel in a strong way in international forums, but they are beginning to take offensive diplomatic action. This is rare in Israel, where most politicians only defend Israel’s position with no offensive plan. It seems that God is giving Liberman and Ayalon strategies and authority to reveal the true tactics of Israel’s enemies; to expose wicked schemes; and to successfully put forth Israel’s position among their peers in the international community. Thank the Lord for this, and continue to pray for these two men to receive Godly wisdom and counsel as they fight for Israel in the diplomatic arena.