SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 124

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 2017 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

·        Israel blew up a Hamas tunnel that had penetrated inside Israel on Monday, October 30, 2017. According to sources, the IDF conducted a controlled explosion meant to destroy the tunnel, but did not expect to also cause collateral damage. There were several terrorists inside the tunnel including senior leaders of Islamic Jihad that died. The terrorist group has said it is a “declaration of war” and have threatened to retaliate. They have an arsenal of GRAD missiles that can reach 42 kilometers into Israel. An Israeli spokesperson said it now brings the Israeli operation to a higher level and the IDF is on high alert. The Netanyahu government is not interested in an escalation, but the IDF has deployed Iron Dome troops and ground forces in the South to prepare for any possible response.

The timing of this pre-emptive strike by Israel is being criticized, but the IDF has a policy to strike as soon as they can after a threat to the homeland. This tunnel had infiltrated Israel’s border and was a danger to Israeli citizens living in the Kissufim community, only 2 kilometers from where the tunnel ended.

PRAYER POINT:

Pray for Israel at this vulnerable time, according to Psalm 121, claiming: “Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” He is the shade of your right hand. “The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” We declare this over the Israeli citizens living so close to the Gaza border, especially during this critical time.

·          One reason that Israel’s timing of this operation has been criticized is that on-going meetings are continuing between Israel and the Palestinian government in the West Bank (Judea and Gaza), including the presence of U.S. special representative, Jason Greenblatt. Therefore, there are political sensitivities to consider. 

Israel has been furious about a recent Fatah-Hamas reconciliation, because Hamas refuses to give up its arms and continues to call for Israel’s destruction. On the other hand, Israel needs to talk to the Palestinian Authority representatives of the Abbas government about security issues, and wants to provide some incentives (economically) in order to gain leverage in negotiations to bring home Israel’s soldiers and civilians (including bodies of soldiers) that Hamas is currently holding.

PRAYER POINT:

Pray for wisdom for Israeli negotiators in talks with the Palestinian government. Pray that Israel does not fail in its efforts to get the release of soldiers that Hamas is holding. Intercede for Israel not to enter into a dangerous prisoner exchange, as they have several times in the past, where they release Palestinian terrorists with blood on their hands. Pray that the negotiations stay in Israel’s favor.  Declare over Israeli leaders from Psalm 4:5-6:  “Get wisdom, get understanding. Do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” 

·        Israel is celebrating 100 years since the ANZAC battle, led by Australian forces that defeated the Ottoman Empire. This resulted in the eventual signing of the Balfour Declaration. Thousands of people, including high level government officials from Australia and New Zealand are currently in Israel for the ceremonies and re-enactments of the battles that were fought. This time period is crucial in developing closer partnerships between Israel and these international governments, which is happening on the sidelines of these historical events. 

PRAYER POINT:

Thank the Lord for this opportunity for Israel to shine as a beacon to other nations. This is part of Israel’s calling and destiny, according to Isaiah 49:6:  “…I will also make you a light for the Gentiles (the nations), that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Also, Isaiah 42:6:  “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness. I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the Gentiles (the nations)…” 

Pray that Israeli citizens will repent of their sins so they can come into that place of a people called into righteousness; a people who can bring the good news of Yeshua to the rest of the world!

·        Hezbollah, the militant terrorist army operating out of Lebanon and Syria has been caught patrolling and filming Israel’s border, which they have done on several occasions, in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The UN Council will be meeting in early November to discuss the violation. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has been releasing images on social media, threatening Israelis in Hebrew, as a psychological-warfare tactic. Pictures of Israeli settlements along Israel’s northern border have been featured, along with military posts and IDF officers patrolling the border. Hezbollah has done this kind of fear campaign before, releasing aerial photos and other pictures of Israel far from the border. It’s to prove that Hezbollah has the power to infiltrate Israeli territory. Sometimes they use Lebanese shepherds grazing in the fields to document Israel’s presence in the area. 

PRAYER POINT:

Pray that when the UN meets, they will put a stop to Hezbollah’s spying on Israel. Pray that Israeli citizens will not be afraid of the taunts of Hezbollah. Intercede according to 1 Samuel 17:45, and 17:47:  “Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.….and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands!’ ”