Jerusalem, Israel
OCTOBER 8, 2023 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the Nations
Dear Intercessors,
By now you have heard that there was a surprise attack on Israel by hundreds of Gaza terrorists. It took place 6:30 a.m., October 7, 2023. They infiltrated Israeli southern communities, mostly, by land, with terrorists breaching several of Israel’s southern borders. They also launched thousands of rockets, hitting the Israeli home front. Rockets were also targeted against Jerusalem, including neighborhoods like ours. We heard at least 20 booms in the morning hours, and one rocket landed not far from our apartment building, west of Jerusalem’s city limits. Thank God, no injuries.
According to Israeli Maj. Gen. (ret.) Giora Eiland, on a media call with journalists, the day looked quite similar to what happened in the Yom Kippur War, 50 years ago.
ATTACK BY HAMAS AND GAZA TERRORISTS:
Hundreds of Hamas and Gaza terrorists used parachutes, trucks, vans, and motorcycles to successfully infiltrate Israel’s borders. The terrorists were able to get inside villages, kibbutzim, and southern towns, like Sderot. They also breached military installations, and the IDF headquarters that is in charge of the Gaza peripheral. They affected 22 sites in the southern border area.
The terrorists killed a well-known Jewish mayor in his southern town of Shaar Henegev. Ofir Libstein was dutifully protecting his fellow residents when he was murdered. He spoke to Christian pilgrims in the Negev just two days before, during an event sponsored by the ICEJ (International Christian Embassy Jerusalem).
As of this writing, thousands of wounded people are being treated in various hospitals. Hundreds have been confirmed dead -- both on the Israeli and Gaza side of the border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is in a war with Gaza. Reservists have been called up, many of whom are young believers.
Israel is taking all measures that are needed to win this war. The Netanyahu government has shut passages to and from Gaza – not only closed to people; but, also closed in an effort to stop electricity, fuel and goods from getting into Gaza. Its expected that Israel will hit Gaza military and government targets; communication systems; bridges; energy installations, etc. The Israeli retaliation will be massive. Eiland stated that the war will last much more than a few days.
One of the conditions, from Israel’s point of view, in order to agree to any kind of cease fire, will be the demand for the return of every Israeli being held captive in Gaza. Israel will insist on only a complete return of Israelis; or, will continue to enforce the siege of Gaza.
Currently, there are dozens of Israelis who have been taken captive into the Gaza Strip. Several vehicles, including an IDF tank, and 2 ambulances have been captured by Gaza terrorists, as well.
Israel is concerned about this conflict expanding into a multi-front war. Hamas has called on Palestinians and Israeli Arabs in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) to join their attack on Israel.
Many Arabs have Israeli ID’s, and this is a major challenge to the Jewish population. They are worried that the Arabs could use their Israeli citizenship to stir up angry mobs against Jews, especially in mixed Jewish-Arab towns in the land, and in Jerusalem.
ISRAEL’S NORTHERN BORDER ON ALERT:
The assessment in the north is that the IDF is standing by, in case of a similar assault there by Hezbollah, possibly working in coordination with Hamas. Hamas headquarters in Beirut are located near Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah’s headquarters. Already there have been clashes on the border.
Evacuations of northern communities are taking place.
CURRENT PRIORITIES:
Right now, the priority for the IDF is to contain the terrorist situation in the south; and, to try and recapture all the places that have been taken by Hamas terrorist commandos. Also, to try and evacuate Israelis living in front-line communities in the south that are still under the imminent threat of Hamas fighters that are controlling kibbutzim and towns.
Eiland expects that the Israeli government will use as much force as is necessary to get the situation under control, including a massive retaliation in Gaza. It is expected to be a very large IDF military operation.
He states that Iran made a clear decision six months ago, based on the perceived weakness of the State of Israel, that the real goal is to try and coordinate a regional war. This would include Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as militias in Syria and Yemen. Iran’s idea has been to engage its proxies in simultaneous attacks on Israel’s borders.
Eiland claims that Israel has no interest to see another front opened. What Israel has managed to do in the past 30 years is to fight against one single enemy. In fighting Hamas in the south; Hezbollah in the north; and, two Palestinian Uprisings in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), Israel has managed to keep these wars on a single front.
According to Eiland, “We have no interest to begin another front. It depends on the ambitions on the other sides.” He added: “We have a lot of experience in being in a real security crisis… I am quite sure we will be able to fix what has to be fixed in a short time; to learn lessons; and, to defend ourselves in a successful way.”
Currently, the IDF’s primary goal is to push back the terrorists; then, to return the Israelis who have been captured and brought to Gaza. Israel will not stop until this is resolved. It is possible that the Israeli public will now support a ground offensive that eliminates Gazan terrorists. Soldiers are waiting on the southern border to go in to Gaza.
Another report we received came from Lt. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, head of ALMA research center, a group that is closely connected with IDF headquarters in the north. She said that Iran is behind the terrorist attack from Gaza, as part of a bigger plan of a multi-front offensive, where all terrorist groups join together against Israel. If Israel can contain Hamas and overturn the offensive in the south, then it’s expected that it will prevent a multi-front war from happening.
PRAYER POINTS:
Presently, it is a very difficult situation. However, the full picture is not yet clear. The IDF is on the ground and in the air, but the situation is in a state of confusion and not yet stable. Some would say that the government is experiencing the "fog" of war:
PRAY that the Lord will bring clarity to the Israeli government; to military officials; and to the IDF soldiers on the ground. Also, may He give Israel great determination in fighting its enemies.
PRAY that all Israelis who have been taken hostage; that remain in captivity; and are in the hands of Gaza terrorists, will be unharmed and released immediately, in Yeshua’s name!
PRAY that this war will not expand to any other fronts in Israel.
PRAY that those Gazans who are not supportive of Hamas will be able to receive fuel, electricity, and goods; and, that any possible siege of Gaza by Israel will be over quickly.
PRAY for no retaliation against Jews living in the Diaspora for whatever means Israel takes to defend the Israeli home-front. PRAY that antisemitism will not increase in the nations.
PRAY that all tunnels leading from enemy territory into Israel will be discovered and destroyed in Jesus’ name! (Both on the southern and northern borders).
PRAY that all believers who are involved in this war will be protected and safe. PRAY that for all those who have been called up to serve in the IDF, there will be a testimony to God’s faithfulness in war!
SCRIPTURES:
Psalm 17:8-15; Psalm Chapter 35; Psalm 74:20-23; Isaiah 27:1; Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 59:17-19; Luke 1:68-75.