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).