SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 75

Jerusalem, Israel

DECEMBER 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East 

FOCUS ON IRAN

·      The enemy has been pitting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against world leaders concerning the recent interim agreement with Iran.

Please pray for Netanyahu: that his voice of warning might be heeded by world leaders; that favor will increase over him; that truth out of his mouth will cause a change in the way negotiations are held in the future between Iran and the nations.

·      This six-month agreement opens the diplomatic door for Iran’s enrichment program to be globally accepted. It paves the way for Iran to have approval for the right to enrich uranium under a permanent agreement. The uncertainty of this matter is clouded by double talk.

As we have asked before, pray that God will unleash greater discernment in the earth to counteract the spirit of deception that is operating now through Iran’s desire to hide its nuclear military program.  Pray that the Lord gives clarity in what agreements have already been made, especially those deeds done in darkness. Pray that all concessions to Iran will be brought into the light. Pray for the light of righteousness to spring forth. Pray for a global public outcry regarding all injustices that have been carried forth out of ignorance on the part of international leaders.

·      Even in this interim period, Iran could figure out a way of reaching the “breakout’ stage of nuclear military capability without being detected by intelligence agencies.

Pray that everything that is secret will be revealed. Pray that IAEA inspectors would have access to ALL Iran’s nuclear facilities and that God would give these inspectors supernatural wisdom and boldness to report Iran’s attempt at becoming a nuclear superpower. Pray for strategies that will cause the international community to rise up and stop Iran from continuing on this destructive path.

*Focus on the upcoming permanent deal in your prayers. Any loopholes in that deal will give Iran the approval and ability to continue its enrichment program. The possibility of this happening is already threatening regional and global interests. There are dire consequences if Iran reaches nuclear capability. It is not just an existential threat to Israel; the Arab nations are also threatened. The silver lining is that these Arab states are developing relations with Israel in order to fight Iran.

Intercede that the Lord will not allow nuclear proliferation to succeed in the Middle East due to the lack of security felt by Arab nations. Pray against all unholy alliances that are trying to form because of Iran’s perceived regional dominance. Ask God to keep radical forces at bay that are trying to take advantage of America’s diminishing role in the region.

Keep your prayers fixed on the goal – the elimination of Iranian nuclear military power in any final deal sought by the international community.

God is waking up pro-Israel Bible believers to take their rightful place in prayer as this issue continues to dominate headline news. Thank you for standing in the gap as intercessors on the wall of prayer.

Ecclesiastes 7:25:  “So, I turned my mind to understand, to investigate, and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things. And, to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.”

This is what the Lord expects of us:

Isaiah 21:6:  “Go past a lookout and have him report what he sees. Put a watchman on the city wall. Let him shout out what he sees. (Let him announce it; let him declare it).”

God is pleased when you intercede on His behalf:

Ezekiel 3:17:  “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from Me.”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 74

Jerusalem, Israel

                             BRINKMANSHIP BETWEEN THE U.S. AND ISRAEL



Recent U.S. and European negotiations with Iran over its nascent nuclear military program ended without an agreement. This time, French President Francois Hollande intervened the last minute in Geneva to disrupt concessions to Iran. He felt that U.S. President Barack Obama was willing to give too much too soon in light of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani charm offensive.


The negotiations resume on November 20, 2013. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is already furious with the U.S. and Europe over a possible deal with Iran that would not really halt its nuclear military program but just delay it a few months. Netanyahu's most pressing concern has been that Western powers will lift some of the most important sanctions that are in place -- those that have been stiff enough to bring Iran to the negotiating table in the first place.


Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's recent comments regarding the stalemate in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations upset an already suspicious Israeli public. Now, most Israelis see Kerry as a one-sided pro-Palestinian diplomat. Kerry gave a veiled threat to Israel that if it didn't concede to the Palestinians it would face greater isolation; more de-legitimization; and possibly a third Intifada (Palestinian Uprising). This caused a large Israeli protest at the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem. Citizens are blaming Kerry for inflaming an already tense situation between Israelis and Palestinians.  Following Kerry's accusations against Israel, a car bombing took place in Judea and Samaria causing injuries to a couple living in the settlements.


In the midst of this Middle East pressure cooker, Americans, on the whole, are adopting an isolationist approach to the region. A recent poll suggests that most U.S. citizens do not want the Obama Administration to get involved in the Middle East. Despite the fact that Syrian President Bashar Assad may not be revealing all his chemical stockpiles to UN inspectors, a majority of Americans do not want any U.S. military action taken against him. Weary after involvement in two Middle East wars, they don't care to be a part of any new conflict that might develop in the region.


One of America's redemptive purposes has always been to extend mercy and aid to other nations. But, with more than 120,000 dead in Syria; 1400 killed by Assad's chemical weapons; and millions of people displaced, Americans have not been interested in intervention in that nation -- not in the beginning of the civil war when it was possible; and, not now, when it is nearly impossible to even get Red Cross aid into certain parts of the country.


This affects American foreign policy in the Middle East as both the White House and Congress are acting based on the views of the general public. This should be cause for concern for pro-Israel Bible believers. It is a strong America that, in the past, was able to keep the Middle East quiet through leverage. A strong America was able to provide economic aid to countries in the region in order to generate stability; a strong America was able to show military might in order to keep a balanced order in the region.


That is all changing now. For years, diplomats in Israel and the international community have expressed concern that America is losing its superpower regional status in the Middle East, along with its deterrence power. The Arab Spring which turned into an Islamic Winter and now seems to be turning into a Jihadist Dream is causing chaos in the Middle East. Yet, Obama's approach has been to pull back and not involve America as the leading regional player.


Russia is therefore emerging as the new superpower in the Middle East and continues to supply advanced arms to both Syria and Iran. This unholy alliance is getting stronger while America stands on the sidelines. If Iran does become nuclear capable, Arab countries that once came under the umbrella of the United States will, out of fear, approach Iran for political cover. There will also be nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. Already, Saudi Arabia has approached Pakistan for help in developing nuclear power. Other nations will follow suit.


Estimates are that Iran could reach nuclear "breakout" within 1-6 months.  The "breakout" is the point in which Iran could quickly develop a nuclear bomb without it being detected by international intelligence agencies in time.


Next year is a pivotal point in this brinkmanship.  First of all, the U.S. has given Israel and the Palestinians until January 2014 to reach a peace agreement. If it is not reached, then the threat from the Obama Administration is that U.S. President Barack Obama will impose a solution on both Israel and the Palestinians, based on the Clinton Parameters. There is not only a division of the land mentioned in those Parameters but also a division of Jerusalem.


Secondly, by early to mid 2014, Iran may already become nuclear capable. If the U.S. and Europe work out a deal with Iran on November 20th -- a deal that would temporarily stop the centrifuges from spinning and stop Iran from enriching uranium -- it would only be good for six months.  That agreement would last until the Spring of 2014.  This would give Israel and the U.S. time to consider military action against Iran and prepare for it. But, it is also a huge risk, because Iran may figure out a way to become nuclear capable during that period.  In other words, Iran may still reach the "breakout" stage without international detection in that six months time frame.


Right now, it may already be too late for Israel or the U.S. to risk hitting nuclear installations in Iran without fear of environmental disaster because of nuclear fall-out. Obviously, neither nation wants to see that kind of collateral damage affecting the Iranian population.


Meanwhile, the U.S. Administration continues to link the Israeli-Palestinian peace process to the Iranian issue as a way of leverage with Israel. If Israel concedes "land for peace" with the Palestinians, and gives up some of its rights, then the Obama Administration will move quicker on the Iranian situation and be tougher in negotiations with Rouhani. But, if Israel holds its ground, and does not concede to Palestinian demands, then the Obama Administration will continue to be tougher on Israel, while at the same time, appeasing the Iranians in nuclear negotiations. The linkage, which this reporter has been mentioning for some time, is clearer than ever. It is choking Israel's diplomatic leverage and must be broken.


Israel must not concede God's covenant land to appease the nations. And, the nations must not appease Iran and concede to the Persian State's demands for nuclear capability.


Americans have been worried about Al-Qaeda because of 9/11 and the continued threat to U.S. security. Al-Qaeda has an extensive terrorist network of Sunni extremists throughout the world. An estimated 30,000 Sunni jihadists are operating now in the Middle East. It is cause for concern. But, Israel puts Iran first as its greatest enemy.  Iran is a Shiite Kingdom expanding from Lebanon to Iraq and to Syria. If Iran becomes nuclear capable, even opposing Sunni forces will come under the umbrella of Iran.  


There has been a high level of political deception released throughout the world due to these negotiations with Iran.  Rouhani is a Master Deceiver. Pro-Israel Bible believers need to pray for a greater measure of God's discernment poured out on the earth to overcome the spirit of deception that has been released.  Pray for U.S. and European leaders not to be taken in by Rouhani's charm offensive.


Both Shiite and Sunni extremists want to establish a caliphate state that will eventually spread out and dominate the Middle East region. Currently, they are fighting each other and Israel is quietly standing by. But, when they come together as a united force of political Islam, they will be looking at Israel as the main obstacle to their regional plans of hegemony. The question is:  Will Americans continue to stand by with an isolationist attitude or will they come to the aid of their regional ally when Israel confronts its enemies in a future war against the Jewish State?


"Ask of Me and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance and the ends of the earth for Your possession."   Psalm 2:8

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 73

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

 

* Reportedly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks on the phone every other day with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Two of the most pressing issues on the agenda are Iran and Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Behind the scenes is U.S. President Barack Obama. 

PRAY, according to 1 Timothy 2:1-4: "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings, and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." 

*The latest report is that Iran could achieve nuclear "breakout" within a month's time. After achieving that goal, it would take Iranian scientists only weeks to build a bomb. Therefore, there is the risk that it wouldn't be detected by intelligence agents in time. The Iranian program is so advanced, there is no time for negotiations. But, the U.S. is insisting on diplomacy with Iran, and this is causing another rift between the U.S. and Israel. 

Additionally, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is a master deceiver. He is using a high level of deception in his meetings with American and European leaders. 

In 2 Timothy 3:13, we read "that evil men and imposers will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."

PRAY for greater discernment during these international meetings regarding Iran's request to become a nuclear superpower. 

*The Shiite Crescent extends from Lebanon, to Iraq, to Syria, to Iran, and also includes Gaza (because of Hamas). Turkey is now trying to make friends with Iran. Russia is getting politically closer to Iran, and continues to sell advanced weapons systems to the Iranian mullahs, as well as to Syrian President Bashar Assad. 

Meanwhile, Iran's proxies (Hezbollah and Hamas) have 200,000 rockets which can be used against Israel. Every place in the Jewish State is vulnerable to rocket attacks. 

In Lebanon, 1 out of every 10 homes has a rocket launcher weapons storage facility. Homes in Lebanon are planned so the roof opens and closes when the rocket launchers are to be used. This launchers are in civilian areas, so that if Israel needed to respond to a missile attack against the Jewish State, it could mean that the IDF would be striking civilians in order to stop the rocket launchers. 

In a future war, 30% of Israelis would be vulnerable to missiles being launched against the Jewish homeland by Hezbollah terrorists. Israel's population is expected to have to go to bomb shelters for up to 3 weeks or more if there is a war. There are, currently, 650,000 unprotected homes in Israel that need safe rooms during war times. 

Iran could flight test an inter-continental ballistic missile capable of reaching both sides of the Atlantic by 2015. Iran already has he ability of reaching European nations with long-range missiles. Iran, with the help of North Korean technology, has been trying to fit warheads on its long-range missiles, which its leaders hope will one day be nuclear warheads. In the midst of Iran's political maneuvering in negotiations with the West, the U.S. Senate is trying to pass stiffer sanctions in Congress against Iran while the White House is trying to get the current sanctions lifted. 

PRAY that the Obama Administration will act with great wisdom from the Lord in any dealings with Iran. Thank the Lord for the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government... for the men and women in Congress who see the need to keep up the sanctions. 

Pray that they will act forcefully as one united front in the face of the enemy, in order to stop all evil doing on the part of Iran. Pray that the Senate's plans will succeed, according to God's Kingdom purposes, and that all efforts by the devil to try and 

fulfill his wicked plots will fail, in Yeshua's name. No weapon formed against Israel can prosper! (See Psalms Chapter 37). 

 

*The IDF is showing off its military strength. The IAF (Israel's Air Force) has been in the news lately, with Israel's President, the Chief of Staff, and the Air Force Chief praising the jet fighter pilots. But, if Israel could attack Iran without fear of major retaliation, it would have done so already. Israel needs U.S. military help which is conditional on Israel's willingness to concede "land for peace" in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. 

PRAYER POINTS:

*Pray that the Prince of Persia, mentioned in Daniel 10:13 and 10:20, would be brought low by the Lord God Almighty. Iran has called for Israel's annihilation. Entreat the Lord to pursue His enemies. Take up your weapons of warfare. The battle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers of the air, against spiritual rulers in wicked places. (See Ephesians 6).

*Proverbs 21:22: "He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness, and honor. A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust." Rise up and declare righteousness and partner with the Lord in bringing down this stronghold! 

*Joel 2:11: The LORD utters His voice before His army; Surely, His camp is very great. For strong is he who carries out His Word..." Be one that carries out the Word of the Lord and declares His will among the nations! 

*Pray Psalm 91 over Israel. Intercede that Israelis will find shelter under the shadow of the Almighty; that He will be their refuge and fortress, the God in whom they trust. Thank Him that He covers Israel with His feathers, and under His wings they can take refuge. Pray that Israelis will not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow (rocket) that flies by day; nor of any destruction of the land. A thousand of these rockets may fall at their side. and, ten thousand at their right hand. But, it shall not come near the State of Israel. its citizens will only look and see the just reward of the wicked! 

*Pray that, as in the time of Esther, God will raise up Mordechai's of good counsel who the kings of nations will listen to; that the bad advisors, the Haman's, will be exposed. 

*Pray that the Obama Administration, though it has different geo-political interests than Israel, will submit to God's Kingdom plans. This is a test for the U.S. and other nations. It is about God's judgement coming, and how these nations will respond to His Covenant people and Covenant land. 

*Pray that Israel will not bend to U.S. pressure to concede "land for peace". Pray that israeli negotiators will come to understand the Lord's peace.

*John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let your hearts not be troubled, neither let them be afraid." 

*Pray that Israel holds firm on defensible borders in peace negotiations with the Palestinians (i.e. the eastern border with Jordan must be protected by the IDF). Pray that the Lord gives Netanyahu biblical insight about His everlasting covenant with Israel and the Jewish People. Pray Netanyahu understands the need to hold on to God's precious land that He has given the Jewish People stewardship over! 

*Pray that Jerusalem remains the undivided eternal capital of Israel. Pray that the nations will listen to the Lord so He does not have to punish them for trying to divide His land and His holy city. 

*Zechariah 12:3: "It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured.." 

*Jerusalem is the burdensome stone that the nations want to move their own way. And, the nations will suffer the consequences. Why? Because they are touching God's Holy Mountain; His Holy Dwelling Place; the place of His mighty Temple; the place of His return! 

*Ezekiel 43:7: "Son of Man, this is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever." Pray according to the Lord's plans for the Temple site. Pray that both Jews and Christians can pray there with no restraint and no fear. 

*Pray that God covers the heads of His Jewish People during the time of future battles for the survival and security of the State of Israel, according to Psalm 140:7-8. And, that as Israelis confront the plans of the wicked, the devil will flee from them! 

*Stand with Israel as guards around the city. Decree the following: 

"I am reminded Lord that you have set watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem, who are praying day and night. They are not silent. They are pressing in, mentioning Your name, and giving You no rest, Lord. I am pressing in too, remembering Your promises for Jerusalem. I agree in prayer, Lord, with other intercessors who pray for Israel, and will continue to entreat you, as we all wait until You establish.... until You make Jerusalem a praise in the earth! Raise up more intercessors, I pray, who will take their place on the walls of the city, interceding on behalf of your nation, Israel." (Reference; Isaiah 62:6-7). 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 72

Jerusalem, Israel

OCTOBER 2013 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

John 4:10; John 7:37-38

Israel cannot count on the international community when it comes to Iran – especially not the U.S. or Western powers. Iran’s recent charm offensive is causing nations to be deceived and re-think the use of military action if Iran does not comply with diplomatic demands to stop its nuclear military program. Israeli leaders are trying to convince the global community that stiffer sanctions must be applied and that leaders should not placate the Iranians in their quest for nuclear power.

Israeli leaders must look to the Lord for wisdom, strength, and might in dealing with the Iranian crisis. Pray for Netanyahu to have the kind of wisdom that Solomon had when he needed great help in such earthly matters. (Read 1 Kings 4:29-30).  Intercede for wisdom to come to all Israel’s government leaders, declaring passages in Proverbs Chapter 8.

• There has been an increase in violence in the Old City as Israeli Jews demand more access to the Temple Mount to pray, especially during special feast days. There are new initiatives within the Israeli government, particularly vocalized by the Bayit Yehudi party (a right-wing conservative party in the Knesset) calling for the laws of Israel to be implemented that allow Jews and Christians to pray on the Temple Mount without restrictions. 

To-date, Muslims are allowed to pray at the Al-Aksa Mosque but Jews are forbidden to pray at any time on the Mount. The Mount is controlled by the WAQF (an Islamic Trust that is overseen by Jordan and the Palestinians). Israel has overall jurisdiction of the Mount, but the police placate the Muslims. Israeli leaders fear that the Muslims will cause an international incident if the government changes the status quo. So, Israel does not exercise its authority over the Temple Mount.

The police simply try to keep the area free of violence attempting to provide an atmosphere of calm. This does not work when Jewish worshippers want to seek God on the original Temple site during certain days of the year and they are locked out. The police have also restricted Muslims, according to age, from ascending the Mount, when there is a heightened alert. This stirs up Muslims who unleash their frustration and anger on the police, soldiers, and Jewish worshippers, especially after Friday prayers in the Old City.

Muslim leaders have used the recent clashes as an opportunity to spread lies that Israel is trying to take over the Al-Aksa Mosque, destroy it, and build a third Temple there. This is causing increased tensions between Palestinian and Jewish worshippers. Rocks have been thrown at Jews trying to tour the Mount, or at those trying to pray at the Western Wall below. 

Tens of thousands of Israeli Arabs recently attended a rally in an Israeli Muslim town that has become increasingly influenced by radical Islam.  At the rally Islamic leader Sheikh Raed Salah stirred up incitement towards violent action against Jews. Salah gave an inflammatory speech at Rosh Hashanah calling for rioting during the feast.

Jewish and Arab Knesset members have been vocal in their hostilities towards one another regarding the Temple Mount issue. The atmosphere in and around the Old City is like a power-keg ready to explode. Our sense is that if the Palestinians want to start a third Intifada, they are already preparing for it. They will look to create an incident on the Temple Mount.   

  

Pray about this volatile issue. Intercede before the Lord for His Presence to be manifested on the Temple Mount day and night. Pray that all those who love Him and worship Him will have access to the Mount and will be able to freely worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! 

Pray that all wicked and evil plots that would try to destroy the works of the Lord on His Holy Mountain would cease immediately in Yeshua’s name!  Pray that all lies would be exposed and all plans to hurt the Jewish People will be rendered null and void.

Pray that the Lord will bring a spirit of confusion into the ranks of those who would try to limit Jewish and Christian prayers on the Mount.

Proclaim Psalm 91 and Ephesians 6, prayers of protection over those who pray at the Western Wall and tour the Temple Mount.

Pray according to Isaiah 54:17 for worshippers near or on the Temple site: “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from Me," declares the LORD.

  

Pray according to 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds!” Pray for the Lord of the Breakthroughs to come!

• One of Israel’s most powerful rabbis, Shas leader Ovadia Yosef, is in serious condition at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital. The rabbi, who is 93 years old, has multiple health problems. An estimated 40,000 people prayed for him at a mass rally at the Western Wall on Sunday, September 29.  The rabbi is known as a powerful political manipulator. The Shas Party uses superstition and amulets to recruit followers.  There is wickedness in high places among the loyal members of Shas.  Pray the Lord will use this illness to purify His people. Intercede that Ovadia Yosef will have a revelation of His Messiah, Yeshua, before the masses. Pray that his followers will come to salvation during these troubled times. Pray that their hope will be in Jesus and not in the rabbi, himself.  Ask the Lord to give Ovadia Yosef dreams and visions that bring him to the knowledge of the Son of God and that he spreads the truth among the Shas leadership before the Lord takes him home!

• Despite wars and rumors of war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took two hours during the Fall Feasts to discuss the Bible with a group of rabbis and scholars.  This was the 4^th meeting of the study circle that the prime minister has hosted.

The passage was from Deuteronomy Chapter 34: “And Moses went up from the plains of Moav to the Mountain of Nebo; And, the Lord showed him all the land of Gilad to Dan, and all Naftali, and the land of Ephraim and Menashe and all the land of Yehuda, as far as the utmost sea… I have caused thee to see it with thy eyes, but thou shall not go over there.” 

The Bible study discussion was about the punishment given to Moses which Netanyahu thought was cruel. Netanyahu said he has always wanted to travel to Mount Nebo, and still hopes to get there someday.

As reported in the Jerusalem Post on 9/18/2013, Netanyahu said:  “Moses could not enter the Promised Land, and we merit that privilege to be here in the land of our forefathers thanks to him and thanks to the struggle of our people. And, we bless every second. It is a great privilege to read this great book and to know that we are fulfilling what God commanded our people. The fact that this is our inheritance and that we are here to stay – in that way we are fulfilling the legacy.”

Thank the Lord for Isaiah 55:11 which states:  “So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Declare Isaiah 2:3 over Netanyahu and his government:  “Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.’ The law will go forth out of Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 71

Jerusalem, Israel

DIFFERENCES CONTRIBUTING TO REGIONAL UNCERTAINTY: 

The U.S. and Israel

The High Holy season is officially over in Israel but life is not back to normal. Regional events are casting a shadow over the Middle East causing the Israeli government to feel the tension and stress of trying to defend the nation, militarily, from terrorism and war; while also defending it, diplomatically, from regimes that want to destroy the safety and security of Israeli citizens. 

During the past few weeks it has become obvious that the thawing in the personal relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama, which was highlighted in Obama’s visit to Israel in March 2013, has recently frozen over. This is because of differences in opinion regarding key Middle East issues and the way they are being handled.  While, publicly, it appears that the two men are on the same page – privately, they are not.

Netanyahu is currently in the U.S. speaking in Washington, at the U.N., and on major media networks, trying to get Israel’s point-of-view across to Americans as well as the international community.

As disagreements are being discussed behind closed doors, it is clear where the U.S. stands and where Israel stands, based on each country’s geo-political interests. Rifts between Obama and Netanyahu are widening the gap between these two allies. This is unfortunate in a volatile Middle East where U.S.-Israel strategic cooperation needs to be robust and strong.

Contributing to uncertainty in the region is Iran’s quest for nuclear capability, masked by a recent Iranian charm offensive meant to fool Western powers. U.S. President Barack Obama’s historic phone call with new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has seemed to shift American interests away from increased sanctions on Iran. Now it is all about direct diplomacy between Obama and Rouhani supposedly meant to sway Tehran away from its quest for nuclear capability. Yet, the centrifuges are spinning faster and more efficiently than before, and Iran is headed towards enough uranium enrichment for a “breakout” within six months. This is the greatest threat to Israel’s survival and alarms Israel’s government.

Syrian President Bashar Assad’s agreement to allow international inspectors into Syria to destroy his massive piles of WMD’s, considered an impossible feat in a country that is embroiled in a 2.5 year old bloody war, is also contributing to uncertainty in the Middle East.  Yet, when America and Western powers could have intervened, in the beginning of the Syrian civil war, nothing was done. The isolationist attitude of Americans, who are war-weary and have ignored the crisis in Syria, is even more surprising in their decision not to punish Assad for using chemical weapons against his own citizens. More than 1,400 died from sarin gas this summer. Now the death toll in Syria is 110,000; and, millions of Syrians have been displaced who are hungry and living in poverty.

Obama’s appeasement policies, coupled with America’s reluctance to get involved in another conflict that does not directly affect its shores, has contributed to a major shift in the region’s power and influence.  As American diplomacy trumps war in the region, Israel and Arab Gulf States are showing greater concern about the strengthening of the Shiite Crescent -- from Iran, to Iraq, to Syria, and to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The weakening of American resolve to get involved in the region has Russia poised to take over as the leading political power in the Middle East. Russia has effectively blocked UN Security Council resolutions concerning Syria and Iran, while beefing up its own military presence in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin is delighted to take on the new role of “chief security guard”, assuring the world of Assad’s willingness to destroy his chemical stockpiles. Putin has also been very willing to help Iran store its enriched uranium and fuel rods in his country. Russia has hidden its role in assisting Iran’s mullahs in their quest for nuclear military power. In addition, because Russia has continued to supply advanced weapons systems to Iran and Syria, it has aligned itself with the Shiite axis of rogue states, propping up these regional powers.

While war and rumors of war continue to embroil the Middle East, Obama has focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, linking it to regional stability. Leaks from the Palestinians indicate that peace negotiations are at a stalemate and that a third Intifada may be on the horizon. This, linkage is also a major concern for Israel as Obama puts pressure on Netanyahu to offer more concessions to the Palestinians.

These are just some of the indicators of how sensitive a time it is for Israel – especially in its relationship with America. What Bible-believers do not often understand is that Israel’s foreign policy decisions are almost always based on what is good for the security and survival of the Jewish State.   As a small island in the midst of a violent aggressive sea of enemies, Israel has to look after its own. The citizens of this nation trust that their prime minister, his security cabinet, and his military advisors are focused on trying to keep Israelis safe and secure.  If Israel has to fight wars on its own, without American or Western assistance, it will do so. Netanyahu’s foreign policy is simple: Stay out of the way until attacked or threatened with annihilation. Then, go to war.   Israel can no longer rely on others to defend the only Jewish State in the Middle East.

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”

Matthew 24:6