Jerusalem, Israel
AUGUST 8, 2022 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the Nations
VICTORY FOR ISRAEL
After 66 hours, a ceasefire went into place between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which ended the rocket fire from Gaza towards Israel, at around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night, August 7, 2022.
Israel killed the senior terror commanders of the PIJ, including those in the northern and southern commands of Gaza. Though almost 1,000 rockets were fired at Israel, there was minimal damage and few injuries. In a record-breaking measure, Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile defense system intercepted 96% of the rockets that would have fallen on Israeli populated areas.
At least 200 of the rockets launched by PIJ fell back into Gaza. There were 16 uninvolved Gazans who were killed by those rockets, including some children. The Palestinians tried to blame at least one of those rocket failures on Israel. But, Israel was quick to show proof in video recordings that it was the PIJ, not Israel, that hit Gaza. Israel was not in the area at that time.
When the IDF was in the area, it targeted PIJ weapons caches; observation posts; rocket launching sites; and crippled the terror organization’s chain of command. Israel struck 10 rocket squads, but did not stop the rockets from being launched at Israeli towns and cities. The PIJ still has thousands of rockets in their arsenal, including a few long-range rockets.
The Israeli government, including Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, considered Operation Breaking Dawn to be a success, even though they did not accomplish all their goals. Analysts predict that Israel will have to deal with the PIJ in Gaza and in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), again, until the group is damaged enough that they will not continue to try and carry out terror attacks against Israel.
DIRE STRAITS -- 9TH OF AV (TISHA B’AV):
Since the days of ancient Israel, the time of Dire Straits (from the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av on the Hebrew Calendar) was known as 3 weeks of disaster, chaos, and calamity for Israel and the Jewish People. It culminated in the worst disaster of all on the 9th of Av (Tisha B’Av) – the day when the 1st and 2nd Temples were destroyed!
So, as we have prayed and interceded during Israel’s pre-emptive strike against the PIJ terrorists, we had these events in mind. We prayed, especially on Tisha B’Av – that it would not end in a calamity for Israel, as happened so many times in the past.
God did something supernatural before and during these 66 hours of fighting. The IDF was ready and prepared to face the enemy with amazing strength and determination; with accurate intelligence; as well as, on-point strategic assessments which involved unity among the top military brass, Home Front Command, and Israeli government leaders. Israel showed tactical superiority during the entire battle; incredible precision; and perfect timing with every target.
The IDF was even ready for public condemnation by the media and diplomatic community. For example, Israeli officers had video recordings to prove the lies of their enemies (concerning the fake news regarding the targeting of the Jabalia refugee camp). Israel displayed the truth, in a quick turn-around release of the videos, which no one could deny!
Even the political “opposition” (Likud leader, Benjamin Netanyahu), was willing to be briefed on Operation Breaking Dawn, by Prime Minister Yair Lapid, showing a united front in standing with the current interim government. (Psalm 133).
Israel has acknowledged the role that Egypt played in negotiating a ceasefire. Israel claims that Israeli-Egyptian ties are now very close. Israel also commended Qatar for bringing millions of dollars into Gaza (a move that, at one time, was controversial in Israel). The Israeli government now sees Qatar’s contribution as helping the economy of Gaza. So, the cessation of hostilities with the PIJ contributed to improving relationships with these two Arab governments in the region.
From beginning to end; from the pre-emptive strike until the ceasefire, Israel’s military forces stayed “ahead of the game” … with an unusual advantage over its enemies!
Despite rocket attacks in the Jerusalem periphery on the morning of Tish B’av, during that Sunday, thousands of Jews ascended the Temple Mount in an orderly fashion. They were there to pray, fast, mourn, and remember the times past on this solemn holiday. Miraculously, there were no incidents reported of any violence in the city.
It appears to have been an extra-ordinary move of God, that showed His mighty hand in what, otherwise, would have only been future memories of the continued hostilities and curses happening during this time period.
It represents, to us, an intervention by the Lord, to show Israel, once again, His power and strength, in protecting the Jewish State and the Jewish People from their adversaries!
SCRIPTURES TO PRAY THROUGH:
Psalm 44:3: “It was not by their sword that they won the land; nor did their arm bring them victory. It was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them.”
Deuteronomy 8:17-18: “He did all this so you would never say to yourself: ‘I have achieved this wealth (victory) with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant He confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.”
Psalm 20:6: “Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to His anointed. He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.”
THANK THE LORD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE TO ANSWER PRAYER FOR THE NATION OF ISRAEL:
Psalm 17:7: “Show me Your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By Your mighty power, You rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.”
1 Samuel 12:22: “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.”
Psalm 20:5-8: “May we shout for joy at your victory, and raise a banner in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your petitions. Now, I know that the LORD saves his anointed. He answers him from His holy heaven, with the saving power of His right hand. Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”
Psalm 121:7: “The LORD will guard you from all evil. He will preserve your soul. The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.”