SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 101

Jerusalem, Israel

DECEMBER 2015 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

The Russian deployment of the advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile system in northwest Syria is a game changer in the Middle East.  It could alter the balance of power in the region. Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon says that because the missiles are not directed against Israel, and do not threaten Israel’s air force operations, it is not an issue for concern. But, the presence of Iranian, Russian and Hezbollah forces in Syria, close to the border with Israel, is disconcerting.  It opens the door for Iran and Hezbollah to build bases on the Syrian Golan Heights to use for a future attack on Israel from Syria. As long as Russia has a strong presence in Syria, the threat to Israel’s home front increases.

Reportedly, in mid-October, Israel’s air force was warned not to fly over Lebanon. Despite Jerusalem’s attempt to coordinate air force operations with Moscow, there remains the possibility of a mishap over the region’s airspace. 

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Iran is using Islamic State’s ascendance in the Middle East to consolidate its power. Iran and ISIS are mirror images of each other, except they have different approaches to the caliphate and regional hegemony. Iran continues to call for Israel’s destruction, while ISIS has warned that Israel is on its hit list.

CRAFTED PRAYER: Lord, we ask you to preserve the lives of Israelis from the dread of the enemy. Hide them from the conspiracy of the wicked, and from the plots of evildoers. The enemy has an evil purpose. Those who hate Israel talk of laying secret snares against Your Chosen People. They devise injustices against Your Land with well-conceived plots. But, You are Israel’s refuge and fortress, a mighty help in times of trouble. We call on You, Lord, to give greater discernment to Israel’s Defense Forces. Go before them and defend Your nation for Your Holy Name’s sake. Shoot at Israel’s enemy with Your own arrow. Then all men will declare Your mighty works oh God! And, consider what You have done to protect Your land and Your people! The righteous man will take refuge in You. And, all the upright in heart will glory!     (See Psalm 64).

Israel is considered a world leader in counter-terrorism and cyber warfare. Israel is also reported to have at least 115 nuclear weapons in its possession. Nations who would not normally do business with Israel are seeking out the advice of Israeli leaders. 

CRAFTED PRAYER: We give thanks to You Lord that Israel continues to be a “light to the nations”, and that the nations seek out Israel in order to learn new ways of defending their countries. May the favor increase! We declare that Israel is Your people, Your inheritance that You brought out by Your great power and your outstretched arm, according to Deuteronomy 9:29. Your Word says that there will be a day when ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.' We proclaim that day of supernatural favor from the Lord, according to Zechariah 8:23.

After the devastating terror attacks in Paris, there is much greater intelligence cooperation going on, globally, especially between France, Brussels, and Germany. Investigations have indicated that there are almost 900 radical mosques in France, with 41 more being radicalized. In Germany, there are thousands of extreme Salafists operating, who are recruiting men and women for ISIS. Hezbollah continues to operate political networks in Germany, with more than 900 members currently in the country. Hezbollah has also been allowed to operate in France. The terror organization has raised funds in both countries for its terrorist activities. Analysts say that a strong counter-terrorism policy is needed in Europe, now, to clean out terrorist cells before there are more jihad attacks on European soil.  One of Israel’s concerns is that these same terrorists have been planning to hit Jewish targets in Europe.

The increase in sharing intelligence has a downside in that the West wants to institute a greater screening process through airports. Already, U.S. President Barack Obama is pushing for more biometric solutions in processing people through borders, which means more violation of privacy issues.

CRAFTED PRAYER: God Almighty, Your Word says that all men must turn to You and be saved; all the ends of the earth. For You are God, and there is no other. The Word has gone forth from Your mouth in righteousness, and will not turn back; that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess allegiance to You. They will say of You, 'Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to You, and all who were angry at You will be put to shame. We also declare that in the Lord all the offspring of Israel will be justified and will glory! All those who are angered at the Jewish People will be shamed and dishonored; those who contend with Israel will be as nothing and will perish. Israel will seek those who quarrel with the nation, but will not find them; those who war with Israel will be as nothing and non-existent. For You, Lord, have said to Your Chosen Ones: "For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.’ ”   (See Isaiah 45:22-25; Isaiah 41:11-13).

Israeli leaders are concerned that if Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas does not keep up security cooperation with Israel, control in the Palestinian territories will deteriorate into anarchy. A lack of stability could create a vacuum filled by ISIS. Meanwhile, the Intifada continues, and each day there seems to be an attack against Israelis, particularly in the Gush Etzion block and in Hebron. More than half of the Palestinians support a Third Intifada (Uprising) against Israel. At least 42% of the Palestinians support an armed Intifada. 

CRAFTED PRAYER:  Lord, we ask you to stop the incitement that is leading young Palestinians to take up arms against Israel. We pray that they will stop filling their minds with evil, and will receiving healing and truth from Your Holy Spirit. Give them dreams that convict their hearts to receive Your salvation and Your love for Israel. We also declare that ISIS will not gain a foothold in Palestinian controlled areas, especially those cities in Judea and Samaria where the Palestinians currently have autonomy. Protect Your people O Lord! We also ask You to fortify the watchmen to stand guard around Israelis living in Hebron and the Gush Etzion block. We declare that You will not allow Israel’s foot to slip there again; that the carnage against Your Chosen People must stop now! You promise that You who keeps hold of Israel will not slumber. Behold, You who keeps hold of Israel will not slumber nor sleep.                                                                 

We say to Israel: “The Lord is your shade on your right hand.”                                                      

And, we say to You O Lord God Almighty: “Let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. Now, therefore Arise, O Lord God, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your might!  Let Your priests be clothed with salvation and let Your Godly ones rejoice in what is good.  O Lord, do not turn away the face of Your anointed; remember Your loving kindness to Your servant David.  (See 2 Chronicles 6:40-42).

PEACE BE UPON ISRAEL DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 100

Jerusalem, Israel

ISRAEL’S BIBLICAL CLAIM TO SOVEREIGNTY

Israel recently marked November 29, 2015 as 68 years since the UN recognition of a Jewish State in the land of Israel. In his comments at his weekly government cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about the outbreak of murderous attacks the day after that momentous decision 68 years ago. “As it was, then, so it is today; we continue to fight terrorism. This terrorism has been with us for almost 100 years and we have defeated it time and again; we will defeat it this time, as well.”

Netanyahu was referring to the continued daily attacks on Israeli Jews by Israeli Arabs and Palestinians, since September 2015, in what IDF (Israel’s Defense Forces) are now calling a limited Uprising (Intifada). Netanyahu declared in his remarks at the cabinet meeting that what drives the current terrorism is the opposition that these attackers have to the existence of the State of Israel as the National State of the Jewish People within any borders. He explains that radical Islam is joining this opposition, striking nations around the world. Netanyahu continues to draw parallels between the attacks on Israel and those of other free, independent and democratic societies.

In meetings last week with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Netanyahu was willing to consider new gestures that would make life easier for the Palestinians in the territories in exchange for American recognition of Israel’s right to build in settlement blocs that Israel would retain in any future peace agreement with the Palestinians. Kerry refused Netanyahu’s offer.  Reports indicate that Netanyahu was also considering a unilateral withdrawal of a small portion of Israeli land as a concession to the Palestinians, which the Prime Minister’s office vigorously denied.  

While Netanyahu has often declared his willingness to work towards a “two-state solution”, there are others within his government and in the Opposition that say he will not concede to the creation of a Palestinian State. Nevertheless, Netanyahu often defends Israel’s right to a secure Jewish and democratic state while emphasizing his willingness for the Palestinians to have their own demilitarized state. But, it is not always clear where Netanyahu stands on Israel’s sovereignty over its own territory.

In a political journal called, “Sovereignty”, published by the right-wing organization Women in Green, several Israeli leaders explain why they do not think that Netanyahu is defending the state of Israel, successfully, beyond issues of safety and security. 

Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin comments, “A determined battle must be waged to change the way Israel presents itself to the outside world. This is where we are at this stage. We must speak about sovereignty and raise the subject continuously...”

According to Attorney Yossi Fuchs, the head of the Legal Forum for the Land of Israel, the Israeli diplomatic corps must stop the discourse that centers on security and focus on a legal and historical discourse. “Instead of claiming that we are realizing our rights on the Land, we speak of security. The Palestinians speak of justice and we speak about terror, and when you continue to speak only about self-defense, the world tells you that the simplest solution is to give them back their land and you will have quiet.” 

Fuchs sees a road map leading to a Palestinian state as a fatal mistake. And, he takes issue with Netanyahu for adopting the mainstream Israeli terminology that when the Palestinians stop their acts of terror, then two states can be established. 

Israeli Gen. (Res.) Uzi Dayan writes in the same political journal that as a boy living in Emek Yizrael, his studies were conducted in the field with the Bible in hand. “For us, the Bible was both history and our deed of ownership to the land.”  While Dayan admits that the Israelis in his class did not study the Bible as a sacred book, they knew what was in it. When Dayan brings tours to Israel, they pass through the Jordan Valley and he focuses on security; they pass through Judea and Samaria and he focuses on history. According to Dayan, “The sense of belonging begins in the people’s hearts, and when people are not familiar with their land, they do not feel connected to it.” 

Yet, Israel seems to have lost its way when it comes to national identity. Because of the make-up of Netanyahu’s current government, which is comprised of a narrow right-wing coalition, the Prime Minister is trying, once again, to establish a nationalistic bill that would cement Israel’s right to the land as the Nation State of the Jewish People. Still, there are those who say he is not going far enough.

Perhaps, because of the pressure on Netanyahu to take a stronger public stand for Israel’s rights to its own land, he recently gave a new twist on the subject of Israeli sovereignty. At the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference on November 18, 2015, Netanyahu stated, “The Palestinians will have to finally recognize the Jewish State... After all, we’ve only been here about 4,000 years. We have some connection to this city. Four hundred yards (from here) is David’s City. An equal distance, this Temple Mount, where there was a temple; the place where Abraham first visited; and Solomon built a temple; and Jesus overturned the money changing tables on that Temple (Mount); all this from Solomon’s time to the rise of Islam, the seat of Islam, by 1500 years... We have some connection to this land, to this city!” 

Netanyahu added, “We recognize that there are another people here and we need to forge a peace. So, we need to sit down and discuss the issue of mutual recognition.” 

Unfortunately, it is this willingness by Israeli leaders, not just Netanyahu but also his predecessors, to recognize a Palestinian right to Israeli land, that is hurting Israel’s narrative. How can Israeli leaders then determine to get the international community to recognize Israel’s right to its own sovereignty on that same land?

Education Minister Naftali Bennett is concerned that Netanyahu may take unilateral steps in the future in order to appease the Palestinians. At the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference he proclaimed, “I will do everything possible to prevent unilateral withdrawals. And, I will do everything in my power to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian State smack in the heart of Israel.... This land belongs to the Jewish People.” Bennett reminded the audience, “One cannot occupy his own home.” 

Bennett has a plan for Israel to apply its sovereignty on to Area C where there are roughly 450,000 Israelis and less than 100,000 Palestinians living. He recommends that Israel offer the Palestinians full Israeli citizenship. Then, make sure that Israel obtains the settlement blocs (all of Israeli controlled areas). In Areas A and B, Bennett thinks that Israel should provide the Palestinians with enhanced autonomy, allowing them to run their own schools, hospitals, finances, etc. This is his idea of unilateralism. 

In Bennett’s concluding remarks at the diplomatic conference, he spoke of Jewish identity. “My vision for Israel is to be a lighthouse in this huge, huge Islamic storm. We are a lighthouse that pierces those clouds.”

Marking November 29^th, 2015, Israel’s leaders recognize that they are still fighting for Israeli sovereignty in their own land. They have a long way to go to convince the international community that Israel’s narrative is the correct one. If Israeli leaders can get beyond the security issues, explaining the historical rights of the Jewish People, it will still not be enough. Bringing up sovereignty issues as they relate to Israel’s biblical identity should be a priority focus. Israel’s convincing narrative is that it is the Israelites’ covenant with the God of Israel through His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that entitles them to rightful ownership. It is this narrative that must be heard in order for Israel to have the best defense for determining its sovereignty in the Jewish Homeland.

“The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.”    Genesis 35:12

“I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.”   Leviticus 26:42

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 99

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 2015 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

·        Russia’s desire to prop up Bashar Assad, and secure control over a small state for him in Syria, has the potential of causing a conflagration with Western forces in the region. Russian air strikes against rebels in Syria also risk a potential conflict with Israel. The close presence of Russian advanced weapons and fighter jets, Russian military operatives, and Iranian Revolutionary Guards is worrisome for the Netanyahu government. Recently, foreign correspondents reported that Israeli jets struck a Syrian convoy of weapons destined for Hezbollah. The IDF is concerned that Iranian troops will try and retaliate against Israeli forces on the Golan Heights.  

Proclaim that the Lord, the “shomer” (guard) over Israel, is watching her borders day and night.   

Declare, over the nation,  Isaiah 59:19:  “...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”

·        The U.S. is legitimizing the Iranian regime by encouraging Iranian officials to join talks in Syria regarding the future of that nation. Accepting Iran as a “partner” in these Syrian diplomatic gatherings gives Iranian ayatollah’s a greater advantage in their quest to manipulate global powers. It also increases Russia’s leverage over Western military ambitions in the region. America is showing weakness by allowing the Syrian-Iranian-Russian axis to dominate the diplomatic agenda. 

God has His own agenda! (Psalm 37:9).

·        ISIS is turning its attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ISIS forces in Syria are reportedly no more than 10 miles from the Israeli border. ISIS in the Sinai Peninsula, reportedly, possesses advanced Russian arms which they hope to use against Israel. In September 2015, the Sinai branch of ISIS released a video calling Sinai the “southern gates to Jerusalem”, and “an opening to fight a war against the Jews.” ISIS in Egypt is growing in strength. In October 2015, ISIS posted a video in Hebrew, stating that, “not a single Jew will remain in Jerusalem.” ISIS also threatened to attack the Jewish ramparts. The intent of the radical Muslim group is to threaten the Jewish State while encouraging incitement against Israel. There are no known ISIS operatives on the ground in Israel, but there are ISIS sympathizers. An estimated 40 Israeli Arabs have joined the movement in Syria and Iraq.  

Pray that God holds back ISIS forces from trying to form terrorist cells in Israel. 

Declare Psalm 91:10-11 over the land, and by God’s Spirit push back the enemy lines in Jesus name!

·        Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has been one of the instigators of the current Palestinian Uprising. He wants more international involvement to challenge Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria. He is especially focused on re-writing the historical narrative so that the international community will be convinced of Palestinian sovereignty over Israel’s holy sites. Abbas is creating a crisis in the land through incitement, violence, and blatant lies.  

Pray that God will deal with Abbas; that the Lord will expose his motives and reveal the truth of his plans.  (Proverbs 26:23-38).

          Reports indicate that most of the Palestinian attackers of Jews in this current Uprising are teenagers. These young people do not listen or respect their elders; they are often “lone wolves” committing violent actions on their own; and they are encouraged by incitement on Facebook and other social networks.  

Pray that the Lord will discipline these youth; bring order into their lives; and stop Facebook and other media from helping to encourage acts of violence against Israelis.

·        Police officers from throughout the country have been brought to Jerusalem to crack down on the recent wave of violence. This has weakened Israeli law enforcement outside of the capital. Israel’s security forces are providing intelligence to police units in east Jerusalem, enabling them to identify terrorists who are on their way to attack Israeli civilians. Every night, security officials risk their lives to make arrests based on real-time intelligence. They also break-up terrorist cells that are potential threats to the Jewish State.  

Pray for the IDF, the Israeli Police, the Shin Bet, internal public security personnel, and all those who protect the Jewish State from terrorism. Pray for God’s angels to reinforce security outside Jerusalem’s boundaries. Declare Psalm 121 over the brave and courageous Israelis who are focused on guarding the nation day and night, under the mighty power of the God of Israel!

·        Citizens are also helping to protect their cities and towns. Minister of Public Security, Gilad Erdan, recently said: “Israeli citizens are on the front, together with the police and emergency services. I walk around and see the help of citizens in stopping terrorists and aiding the injured. Everywhere the terrorists go, the police and civilians immediately go to defend their brothers.”  This is a special phenomenon in Israel, as there is a natural incliniation to help one another, with most of the country trained in mandatory military service.  

Thank God for the loving care that so many citizens of Israel have for one another. They are walking out John 15:13 without realizing it!

·        Tourism in Israel is down because of the 2014 Gaza War, and because of the recent Palestinian Uprising. Tourism in Israel decreases in the aftermath of major conflicts, and affects Israel’s economy.  

Pray for intercessors to flood Israel during these tense times, as a witness of God’s goodness, and to bless the land with His Presence.  Messiah in you, the Hope of Glory for Israel!                (Colossians 1:27).

·        Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is the most powerful country that stands in the breach of a collapsing region. But, while Netanyahu speaks the truth to the nations, and clearly understands what is happening in the Middle East, he has lost the confidence of many Israeli citizens at home, in the way he has handled the Palestinian Uprising. Unfortunately, Israelis are looking to him and not to the Lord for their safety and security.  

Proclaim Psalm 91:1-2 over the Israeli population, believing that they will begin to seek the Lord as their refuge and fortress, the God in whom they trust! Pray that Netanyahu will be guided by the Holy Spirit, seeking greater wisdom in how to crackdown on terrorists; and that his efforts will stop the violence quickly and completely in Yeshua’s name!

·        The United States government has threatened Israel on settlement construction. While Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon have proclaimed that Israel has not frozen building plans in Judea and Samaria, the fact remains that there has been no final government approval to build in the heartland of Israel in many months. American President Barack Obama has forbidden it. This plays into the hands of Palestinians who want to exert their sovereignty over the land in diplomatic talks, and in their demands in regard to any future peace negotiations with Israel. Israelis should be allowed to build in their cities and towns, especially for natural growth, without ultimatums from the White House or U.S. State Department.  

Pray and declare, according to Ezekiel 36:9-11, that God will fill the land with His people... now and forevermore! Pray that the Lord will convict Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry in their insistence and false assumptions that settlements are the cause of conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Pray that truth, justice, and righteousness -- in regard to Israel’s biblical right to the land -- will reign in diplomatic deliberations on this issue of Israeli settlement construction and expansion.

·        French Jews are worried about the possibility that terrorists will try and carry out violent attacks like those that have been launched against Jews in Israel over the past two months. Last year, France experienced a 101% increase in anti-Semitic incidents over the previous year. Synagogues were firebombed, and individuals were targeted and beaten.  

Declare Isaiah 54:17 over the Jewish Community of France.

·        Germany remains the main focus for tens of thousands of Syrian migrants. This has caused a concern among Germany’s Jewish Community as they consider a potential rise in anti-Semitism, because so many of the migrants are Muslims. Many harbor radical Islamic ideology.  

Pray that wisdom will rule among European nations who are bent on allowing all these migrants to flood their countries. Ask the Lord to thwart the wicked plans of the enemy that is intent on propagating radical Islam throughout Europe. 

·        Recently, there was a lengthy service at the Western Wall, where the silver trumpets were blown, as in Temple times, to alert and warn the people. The municipal Chief Rabbi of Safed, Shmuel Eliyahu, said that “the power of the Jewish People is the power of prayer.”

               We believe that the power of prayer upholds God’s people in times of distress. We call upon our  intercessors, and prayer partners throughout the world, to unite in fervent prayer over the Jewish State of Israel, reminding the Lord that these are His Chosen People, the Apple of God’s Eye!   (Psalm 17:8;  Deuteronomy 7:6).

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 98

Jerusalem, Israel

OCTOBER 2015 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

The supermoon (blood moon) appeared during the Fall Feasts of Israel reminding us of what the scriptures say will happen in the last days:

Joel 2:31: The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

Throughout the month of the biblical feasts in 2015, violence rose dramatically in Jerusalem, the Old City, the Temple Mount, Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), and now throughout central Israel. 

The Israeli government is cracking down, but the acts of terror are still continuing. There is rioting, stabbings, rock throwing, firebombs, fireworks, Molotov cocktails, and shooting attacks against Israeli civilians, tourists, soldiers, and the Israeli Police. The Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel is orchestrating the violence along with Hamas. It is being encouraged by the Moslem Brotherhood, and funding for weapons is coming from Qatar. 

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is inciting the Palestinians to attack, while spreading lies about Israel.  It is Israel that is being blamed in international forums for instigating the violence! This spike in terrorism could soon lead to a Third Intifada (Palestinian Uprising).  

Meanwhile, there has been increased tension between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and King Abdullah of Jordan over the Temple Mount violence.  It threatens the stability of the peace treaty between both countries. 

MK’s in Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition have been coming against his strategies, complaining that he is not doing enough to stop the violence in Jerusalem and throughout the land. He has warned them that if they continue to speak against his plans he will fire them. 

Intercede for Netanyahu to call upon the wisdom of God. Declare that the ministers in his government will line up with his plans and respect his decisions; that they will support him and his Security Cabinet. Pray for unity. Pray that all backbiting will cease. Pray for no interference from the Opposition parties. 

Ask the Lord to strengthen soldiers in the IDF, and purge immorality and corruption out of the Israeli Police. Pray for an extra measure of protection for Israeli citizens, as well as tourists visiting the land. 

Continue to thank the Lord for Israel’s security forces who have been united and able to capture terrorist cells operating within the country because of joint intelligence and operational strategies.

PRAY FOR CALM AND PEACE TO COME TO ISRAEL AND FOR THE ATTACKS TO STOP! 

Read and declare all of Psalm 35, especially verse 1: “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight     against those who fight against me.” 

SOUND THE TRUMPET!  A CLARION CALL!  ASK THE LORD TO RAISE UP THE WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS!

1 Corinthians 14:8: “Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?”

Ezekiel 33:3: “And, he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people.”

Proclaim Psalm 37, over Israel, especially verse 6: “He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your   vindication like the noonday sun.

EXPOSE THE ENEMY AND HIS FALSEHOODS!  PROCLAIM WHAT IS TRUE. LET THE WORLD HEAR THE TRUTH!

Joel 3:17: “Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. So Jerusalem       will be holy, and strangers will pass through it no more.”

REMIND THE LORD OF HIS LOVE FOR HIS HOLY CITY AND FOR HIS SERVANTS WHO LIVE THERE!

Psalm 87:2: “The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwelling places of Jacob.”    

          

Psalm 69:35-36: “For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it.    The descendants of His servants will inherit it, and those who love His name will dwell in it.”

There has been strife between Russia and Turkey over the escalation of war in Syria. Tensions are also high between    Russia and the U.S. led coalition of forces. 

America is trying to weaken ISIS, while at the same time supporting more moderate rebels in the region like the Free  Syrian Army. But, Russian is conducting airstrikes against the moderates, undermining America’s operations and        strategies in the region. One of the goals of Russian President Vladimir Putin is to strengthen Syrian President Bashar  Assad’s rule in the part of Syria he currently controls. 

 In the midst of the Syrian crisis, Israel is trying to coordinate its military maneuvers so it doesn’t accidently end up in  a war with Russia over Syrian territory. Israel continues to warn the Russians and Iranians that they cannot pass     advanced weapons to Hezbollah and try to change the balance of power in the region. Israel will take military action   if it thinks the enemy will get that kind of advantage. Israel’s Air Force has been equipped to carry out intensive intelligence monitoring of Syria, so that Israel can accurately strike and intercept arms transfers, as it has done in the past.

Currently, there are Iranian troops on the Golan Heights, and a Russian military build-up near Damascus. Israel must  watch Iran, Russia, Hezbollah, Assad’s army, ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other militants who have become an increasing   threat to Israel’s sovereignty.

THANK GOD FOR HIS SUPERNATURAL PROTECTION AND SHIELD OVER ISRAEL FROM THOSE WHO WANT TO   DESTROY THE NATION!

Isaiah 14:5: “The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers.”

Isaiah 13:11: “I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.”

 Recently, Abbas raised the Palestinian flag over the UN for the first time. He is threatening to raise the flag over the Old City mosques and churches. He calls the flag a “sign of glory and dignity.”  

Declare that the banner or flag that God allows to be raised over His holy city will be full of the glory and dignity of the Lord God Almighty!

Proclaim Yeshua (Jesus) will be honored over His people and over His Holy Hill of Zion! 

Isaiah 11:10:  “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to Him, and His resting place will be glorious!”

U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Netanyahu on November 9^th at the White House.  Among other things, they will discuss Iran, ISIS, Syria, Russia, the Middle East, and increased military aid to Israel.

Pray that there will be peace over Israel as Netanyahu travels to Washington in November. Ask the Lord to put His words in the mouth of Netanyahu, and anoint him as a prophet to the peoples. May God cause Obama to express only words of kindness towards Netanyahu and Israel. Remember the story of Balaam and the donkey. As you pray for this important meeting, pray that Obama will be able to see with open eyes what the will of God is. (See Numbers 22:34). 

There are few plans in place and little money being allocated for protection of Israel’s home- front in the case of a future war on Israel’s northern border. In Netanyahu’s last government, MK Gilad Erdan was in charge of strategies for the home-front. However, Minister of Defense Moshe Yaalon insisted that Erdan’s department be under the supervision and control of the IDF. Then, it seems that Yaalon allocated home-front funds to the IDF, and the home- front department was abolished. Reportedly, Yaalon has no vision, no strategy, and no plan to fortify the homes, the protective rooms, and bomb shelters for those living in the north. The only plan is to evacuate the people and put them in hostels and B & B’s in the south, as they wait out the war. Then, soldiers would fill their homes in the north and fight the enemy from there.

Pray for God’s strategies and a better plan!  Pray that Jewish and Christian organizations would continually provide financing to fortify Israel’s home-front.

Declare Psalm Chapter 3 over Israel. Regardless of how ill prepared the government is in protecting the cities of the north, ask the Lord to be Israel’s shield, the glory and lifter of her head!

Netanyahu recently declared, “We are determined to turn Israel into a world power, and not only to defend ourselves, but also to be a ‘light to the nations.’ But, first we have to secure our light here, in our land.”

Netanyahu also mentioned that Israel is the most powerful country that stands in the breach of a collapsing region. Speaking on Fox News he stated: “The only party that is standing there, 10 miles from ISIS, a few hundred yards from Iran’s murderous proxies, is Israel.”  

Intercede for Netanyahu that he will have courage like Gideon. Declare Judges 6:12 over Israel’s Prime Minister: “When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’ ”