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!