SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 95

Jerusalem, Israel

MAY 2015 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

In just a few days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present his new government to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. Unlike the previous government, this time Netanyahu is signing deals with coalition partners that will keep the government more unified and in one accord. Therefore, it is taking longer to form the government. And, there are last minute “hold-outs” by certain leaders who are making trouble for Netanyahu. 

Pray that the government will be formed successfully, and that its members will walk in truth, justice, and righteous behavior. Intercede that the Lord will keep all ungodly men and women who are tempted by bribery, corruption and fraud, out of this new government. Pray that the halls of government will be filled with Godly leaders who honor the Lord with their thoughts, their decisions, and their actions. 

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 to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

We hear often why Israel needs America. But, why does America need Israel? 

   Pray that the world will understand that though Israel is a small nation, it vastly contributes to America’s interests in the Middle East.  Israel provides America with security and intelligence that is vital for U.S. military action in the region. 

Israel is strategically located, as the only full-fledged democracy in a hostile neighborhood. It is surrounded by radical Islamists that want to change the borders of nations and dominate not only the Middle East, but the whole world. 

While America has good “signal” intelligence, it lacks the kind of human intelligence in this region that Israel can provide. Israel contributes intelligence to the U.S. in regard to the movements of ISIS, with special satellites that cover battle areas, providing coverage that American satellites do not have. 

While America has helped Israel with anti-missile defense, providing significant amounts of money for the Iron Dome, it is Israel that built the Iron Dome and is providing the U.S. military with information gathered from using the Iron Dome in two previous wars with Hamas in Gaza.   

America has soldiers on the ground and arms stored in Israel, which gives the U.S. military a forward position, and helps America assess what is going on in the Middle East from a strategic view. Israel’s advanced cyber technology, drones, and enhanced military research and development is valuable for fighting its enemies on the battlefield in modern day wars, and the U.S. has learned immensely from Israel’s deterrence capabilities in the region. 

Though the U.S. gives Israel $3.1 billion a year in aid, Israel is required to spend much of that aid on U.S. military arms, which are built by American defense industries, providing almost 70,000 jobs in the U.S. 

America enjoys not only strategic cooperation with Israel on defense issues, the U.S. benefits from Israel’s hi-tech industry, as well as its breakthrough’s in energy, science, medicine, agriculture, water management, start-up companies, etc. 

There have been real disagreements between the U.S. and Israel, especially regarding the great threat of Iran, and the Israel-Palestinian conflict. It seems that Israeli leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to be undermined by U.S. President Barack Obama and his administration. There are times that a small state like Israel must stand-up to a super power like the U.S., especially when it comes to decisions about war and peace.

Pray that there will be greater appreciation for Israel’s contribution as a “light to the nations”. Israel demonstrates this, often, whenever there is a tragedy in the world, like the recent earthquake in Nepal. Israel set up the largest field hospital in Nepal, and will eventually leave it there for continued medical operations for the Nepalese in their efforts to save lives.

Meanwhile, the French government is ready to move forward on the wording of a UN Security Council resolution that would define the parameters of a final agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, with set time lines in negotiations and deadlines for a two-state solution. It is a strategy for greater involvement of Arab States and Europeans in the peace process. The Obama Administration has not assured Israel that it will use its veto power in the Security Council on such a resolution, which is of great concern to the Jewish State. Government leaders in Jerusalem see this as a veiled threat to further isolate Israel among the nations.

Decree in prayer that the American people will enter into greater blessings when the U.S. government leads the world in blessing Israel with greater measure in both words and actions.  Pray that the Obama Administration will continue to provide diplomatic cover to Israel in the U.N. Security Council.

Proclaim Genesis 12:3 over Israel and the Jewish People in relationship to governments and the global community: “And I will bless those who bless you; and, the one who curses you, I will curse. And, in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."  

        

There is a major Arab block that condemns Israel. It starts with 21 Arab nations that pass resolutions among 45 Muslims in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Then, all Muslims commit to the anti-Israel resolutions among the Non-Aligned Movement. This Non-Aligned Movement consists of a group of states that has at least 120 members and 17 observer countries. It is pro-Palestinian and against Israel.

Pray that the Lord will break-up this Arab Muslim block that curses the Jewish State with its anti-Israel resolutions. Intercede for a new positive movement among pro-Israel states. Pray that Israel’s influence will be expanded and that nations will stand by Israel’s side with new boldness and courage. Pray that these nations will fight for Israel in diplomatic circles; and will stand with Israel in its fight against the BDS movements, de-legitimization, and lawfare. Pray that these countries will support Israel in its decision to build in its own biblical heartland, Judea and Samaria (“disputed” but not “occupied” land); and will vote positively for Israel in the UN Security Council (and, against any resolutions that harm the Jewish State). Intercede before the Lord that the global community will see the Lord’s hand of favor upon His beloved Zion!

Thank the Lord, according to Psalm 2:8, that He has given the nations to Jesus as His inheritance, and the ends of the earth as His possession. Intercede that the world will see Israel and the Jewish People with new eyes, reminding the Lord of His promise in Zechariah 8:23: “This is what the Lord of the Heavenly Armies says: 'In the future, ten men speaking all the languages of the nations will grab hold of one Jewish person by the hem of his garment and say, ‘Let us go up to Jerusalem with you, because we heard that God is with you.’ ”

During the past month, according to international media outlets, Israel hit strategic missile sites in Syria, on its border with Lebanon. Apparently, this was to intercept advanced Iranian missiles from getting into the hands of Iran’s proxy, Hezbollah.

Hezbollah tried to attack Israel on April 26, when several terrorists attempted to plant bombs on Israel’s border. They were killed by Israeli air forces. 

Earlier this year, Israel allegedly launched an air strike into southern Syria that killed Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah leaders. Israel prevented these terrorists from setting up a base in Syria in order to launch strikes against Israel. Hezbollah retaliated after that Israeli offensive, killing an IDF officer and a soldier. 

Pray that these military operations do not turn in to all-out war. Ask the Lord to push back the enemy lines, and thwart any plans by Hezbollah to try and attack Israel from Syria and Lebanon. 

Proclaim over Israel, Isaiah 54:14-15: "In righteousness you will be established; you will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; and, from terror, for it will not come near you. If anyone fiercely assails you it will not be from Me. Whoever assails you will fall because of you.”