Jerusalem, Israel
June 11, 2023 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the Nations
U.S. pushing for two-state solution
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken just completed a three-day tour to Saudi Arabia where he pushed for normalizing ties with Israel. But, with that, comes a price…. Israeli recognition of a Palestinian State.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is calling for an Israel-Saudi deal first, which he said would pave the way for peace with the Palestinians. Whichever comes first, it appears that the U.S. is trying to broker a deal.
The Saudis are building a nuclear plant, and will do so whether the U.S. approves it or not. The Saudis now have China on their side.
At a recent AIPAC conference in Washington, D.C., Blinken signaled his willingness to agree with Saudi Arabia’s demands, including a two-state solution. This ultimately means pushing Israel to withdraw to the 1967 borders, and to stop settlement building. This is the conditions of the Saudi’s before they are willing to publicly participate in normalization ties with Israel. And, it seems, the U.S. is accepting this position.
Blinken plans to create a new diplomatic role, as the region works towards “a more peaceful and connected Middle East.” It’s really a U.S. measure to soon introduce another “peace envoy” into the region.
Blinken talked about a national security interest in promoting these normalization ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. It benefits America because, in past years, the two countries – Saudi Arabia and America -- were at odds. It also pushes China to the side and puts the U.S. back in the peace negotiating game.
But, at what price to Israel?
PRAYER POINTS AND CRAFTED PRAYER:
We pray that the Israeli government will be wise to plots and wicked plans that put pressure on Israel to give up “land for peace.” Pray, especially, for Netanyahu to receive revelation, wisdom, and understanding from the LORD in how to not compromise God’s land, lest he fall into a trap!
We pray that all plots fail, that would cause the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to revert back to the “land for peace” formula. These plots have failed several times in the past.
We proclaim that it is not God’s will for Israel to withdraw from its land –which the Lord has stated has been given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, from the Euphrates River to the Sea.
LORD, let Israel not enter into a snare or web set by the enemy to entrap Your Chosen People in their own land – not politically; not diplomatically; and not militarily.
PROVERBS 12:5: “The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.”
PSALM 33:10: “The LORD foils the plans of the nations. He thwarts the purposes of the people. But, the plans of the LORD stand firm forever; the purposes of His heart through all generations.
We pray that the Biden Administration does not use Israel as leverage in its bargaining with Saudi Arabia. The U.S. is currently demanding Israel stop settlement building; agree to a two-state solution; and, is also signaling U.S. attempts to still find a diplomatic solution with Iran in an interim agreement, which Israel is against.
Does this mean that the U.S. is signaling it may not help Israel in a possible war with Iran or its proxies, unless Israel meets U.S. demands?
We pray that the U.S. comes along side Israel in defending the nation from war with its enemies.
DECLARE, PROVERBS 19:21: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purposes of the LORD will prevail.”
God, we ask You to: THWART ALL WICKED SCHEMES OF THE ENEMY. Give Israel true peace!
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you… not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let your heart not be troubled, and do not be afraid, says the Lord!
ISAIAH 55:8: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD.”
Clashes on Israel’s Northern Border with Lebanon
On Friday, Israeli forces clashed with Lebanese citizens along Israel’s norther border. According to reports, the Lebanese Army claimed it was deploying in the area and “facing the Israeli enemy.”
Lebanese citizens crossed the barbed wire fence in the area of Mount Dov and Kfar Shouba. The IDF stated that it would not allow any attempt to violate the sovereignty of the State of Israel.
UNIFIL forces tried to restore calm. The area is the Sheba Farms; captured by Israel from Syria in 1967, and contested by Hezbollah as being Lebanese territory. This seems to be the hot point where future clashes could turn into a war.
Reportedly, UNIFIL has 10,000 soldiers on the Lebanese border with Israel. Some in the Israeli military establishment want to see a reduced UNIFIL, because the soldiers could be used by Hezbollah as “human shields” in a future war with Israel. After the Second Lebanon war of 2006, the border area was supposed to be a demilitarized zone, according to UN resolution 1701, which was never implemented by Lebanon. That area is now filled with Hezbollah operatives; hidden rocket launchers in fake homes; and Hezbollah guard towers with soldiers watching Israel border communities 24/7. In some border communities on the Israeli side, all that separates them from Hezbollah is a fence.
PRAYER POINTS AND CRAFTED PRAYER:
We pray Lord that Your sovereignty remains as a shield and prayer covering over Israel. We pray that You will reach with Your right arm and hand over the people of Israel in northern border communities, and provide Your shelter of protection to them. May you work out Your sovereign purposes on Israel’s behalf, stretching that border, to be a demilitarized zone on the Lebanese side, for Israel’s protection. May You work this out, according to Your will and Kingdom purposes. May you contend with Israel’s foes!
PSALM 35:1: “Contend O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!
We ask LORD that Iran’s proxies, like Hezbollah, who sit armed on Israel’s borders be disgraced and shamed for trying to kill Israelis. May You turn them back from the border, and humiliate them because they want to harm Your people.
We pray that Israel’s enemies be blown away like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them on. Let their way be dark and slippery, according to Psalm 35:6, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
They hid their net for Israel without cause and tried to dig a pit for Israeli soldiers to fall in to. We ask You, Lord, to destroy all the enemies of Israel that would try and harm Your people.
LORD, we ask You to take up shield and armor; arise and come to Israel’s aid. Aim Your spear at everyone who hunts Israel down, but as Your Word states, promise to bring salvation to Your people.
You alone are our rock and our salvation. You are our fortress. We will never be shaken! In God is our salvation and our glory! The rock of our strength, and our refuge, is in the Lord. With long life, Lord, you will satisfy Israel, and show the people of this land your salvation!