SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 229

     Jerusalem, Israel

PRAYER UPDATE   December 10, 2024

Israel and the Nations

GPW News and Prayer Update

 

UPDATE ON SYRIAN CRISIS:  A PARTIAL HISTORY:

 

The Arab Spring of 2011 was the beginning of a revolution in Middle East countries against dictatorial governments. 

There was a civil war in Syria at that time, against the Assad government. Now 14 years later, marks the end of Assad's regime, and supposedly, the end of the Syrian revolution.

The sense is that there won't be calm in Syria. The two main rebel groups who have opposed Assad have now taken over much of Syria. They have past ties with ISIS and Al Qaeda. One of those rebel groups, currently, has strong ties with Turkey.  These rebels have already committed human abuses and atrocities, including kidnappings. Some of them want to institute Sharia Law in Syria.

Basically, it's one evil (the rebels) that have taken over another evil (Assad's regime).

Also, the Sunnis are working together with the Shiites, to eventually try and bring Israel down. But, GOD is in control!

A big concern is a battle yet to happen against the Syrian Kurds, who are somewhat protected by American forces in northeast Syria.  However, already the Turks are murdering them, but the Kurds are fighting back hard. The Kurds are pro-democratic and pro-Israel, and want an independent state with their Kurdish brethren (who are currently suffering under Turkish rule and oppression).  So, there will be a full battle there, eventually, in northeast Syria. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to control Syria. This gives him the opportunity to bring in the caliphate, and to use Syria as a staging ground in a future war with Israel (with other nations participating - Russia, Iran, etc.)  All eyes are on the new U.S. Trump Administration to see how he will look to protect the Kurds. (Most likely, Israel is giving support behind the scenes).

If necessary, PRAY that the Kurds and Christians are airlifted out of Syria, for their own protection if all other options fail.

Another big concern is how this take-over of Syria is affecting Israel.  The Syrian rebel groups are already in Quneitra, the town that borders the demilitarized zone between Israel and Syria. Israel has sent tanks into the zone to protect UN peacekeeping forces, and to protect Israel’s border with Syria.

The UN could try and twist this scenario and blame Israel for a Syrian land grab (the Syrian Golan Heights Mount Hermon post is, currently, in Israel’s hands).  The UN could charge Israel with defying an armistice agreement with Syria from the 1970’s. Israel has already stated, several times, that the agreement was broken when the Assad regime fled Syria. 

Meanwhile, Israel has gone in and bombed strategic sites of advanced weapons, so that the rebels do not take them over and use those weapons against Israel.  It is not sure if Israel was able to bomb all buildings housing Syrian WMD’s.

ALL THIS NEEDS PRAYER!

In the larger picture, many are saying this revolution in Syria has weakened Iran and Hezbollah’s presence there. It may have done so, but only in the short-term.

Reportedly, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have fled Syria; and, Russian has taken some of its ships and its submarine out of the Syrian port. Weapons aren't being transferred to Hezbollah on land routes through Syria. 

However, Turkey has been strengthened by this revolution, with its continued support of Turkish rebel forces inside Syria.

Turkey, Russia, and Iran recently met to firm up their alliance. While the media is portraying a weakening of this axis, others understand that this alliance is regrouping and strengthening its combined military forces.

All these events are paving the way for the Middle East prophetic wars and more land grabs that are coming… through war or peace. (See Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39; Psalm 83).

Eventually, Jerusalem will be surrounded militarily. (Luke 21:20; Zechariah 14:2).  But, the prophetic covenant promise to this nation is that, as Israel is obedient to God, the land of Israel will extend from the Euphrates River to the Great Sea. (See the covenant promises through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob).

 

PRAYER POINTS:

 

*Continue to pray for stability to come to Syria, through the international community restraining the rebels from abusing the Syrian people. Pray God’s double measure of protection over His people in Syria, especially the Christians and Kurds there.

*Pray for a double amount of protection over the borders of Israel, especially, the Syrian Golan Heights area; the demilitarized zone between Israel and Syria; Israel’s border with Lebanon; and Israel’s border with Jordan, which has remained an area of concern. Supposedly, Iran is trying to smuggle weapons through that border into the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), for terrorist cells to use against Israel.

*Pray that the Lord, our King, goes before the IDF, according to Micah 2:13, to secure the gates, and that a breakthrough comes, so that Israel is able to win the conflicts breaking out against God's nation in this multi-front war with its enemies.

 

NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT FOR THE LORD!

 (Source: Global Prayer Watch News and Prayer Update)

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 228

Jerusalem, Israel

PRAYER UPDATE  December 5, 2024

Israel and the Nations

GPW News and Prayer Update

During this time of extreme vulnerability, when the United States (the world's superpower) is between administrations (the transition from the Biden government to the Trump government), there is an effort by enemies of the west (and of Israel) to disrupt the balance of power in the Middle East. The day after a ceasefire was enacted in the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syrian rebel forces went into action. Over the past 10 days, there has been an escalation in fighting in Syria's northwest, bleeding into the northeast of Syria. 

The root behind this Syrian conflict is to destabilize countries in the region, in order to continue Iran's attempt to form a Shia crescent around Israel. The enemy that is empowered, spiritually by the Prince of Persia (i.e., Iran), seeks to eradicate the Jewish State and take control of land in the Middle East.

The other evil power that is trying to take advantage of the Syrian people and their land is the Sunni Islamists.  Once labeled as ISIS and Al Qaeda, the new rebel groups have different names, but the same goal of wanting control. They want to institute the caliphate and set up Sharia law, enslaving and violating women and children, killing men who are not radical Moslems, and displacing people -- to gain large masses of land in Syria.

This Islamic surge of rebel forces is, reportedly, being funded by Qatar, a country that pretends to be on the side of the west (especially, regarding negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the release of the hostages taken captive on October 7, 2023). However, Qatar has been supporting Hamas' position all along, even with U.S. military bases entrenched in this nation. 

Reportedly, Israel knew of the plans of rebel insurgents in Syria. Recently, the new Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, issued a warning that Israel should stand by the Kurds in Northeast (NE) Syria. That area has a democratic government and freedom of religion. It is an example of what the Middle East could be. But, Syrian rebel forces are gaining ground in disrupting the way of life of the Kurds, and others in NE Syria. There has been a systematic violation of freedoms and human abuses of not just the Kurds, but also of Christians and Yazidis in the area. 

The rebels have learned from the Taliban. They are appearing to be "moderates," especially in the face of the western media, but in fact, they are not. 

Among the rebels are those who are backed by the Turkish government. Some say they don't want to engage with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Others have noticed that, among these rebels, are ISIS veterans. They are after a large land mass in NE Syria.

Turkey is looking to settle pro-Islamists in the area, by displacing the Syrian people living there. Erdogan is looking to control all the area where the Christians have settled. He wants to destroy freedom of religion and establish Islamic governance. He is known for his affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood (MB), and his sympathy towards Hamas (which is an off-shoot of the MB). 

Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab army has collapsed, and President Bashir Assad's Syrian forces are weakened and discouraged. 

These two main rebel forces that are destabilizing Syria are the HTS (Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham), and the SNA (Syrian National Army). The HTS is a coalition of rebel forces that formed in 2017, and has become an umbrella organization for tens of thousands of these rebel fighters. Reports indicate that this coalition has already taken over 237 cities, including Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama. The militias under the HTS are mainly Sunni Islamist Salafis, with roots in Al Qaeda. 

The SNA is a nationalist Syrian force that is the one with strong ties to Turkey, and Erdogan has attempted to fund, train and equip these rebels. 

As Hezbollah tries to re-build after its war with Israel, both of these rebel groups are are moving into position.

Iran has also played a significant role in Syria, supporting Syrian President Bashir Assad's forces, along with Russia. Both countries have invested in Syria's military infrastructure. Russia has provided Syria with an advanced anti-missile defense system and trained technicians in how to use it to defend Syria from outside enemies, including Israel.  

Iran continues to build advanced weapons factories in Syria, which Israel, periodically, destroys with its fighter jets. This includes Iran's attempts to transfer sophisticated weapons to Hezbollah for years, with Israel continuing its efforts to destroy some of these convoys carrying advanced weapons into Lebanon. 

In addition, Syria has storage facilities for its weapons of mass destruction. These buildings house weapons under the title of “Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centers” (CERS), which are considered to be the locations where Syrian chemical weapons are stored.

Israel is concerned that the rebels could take over these CERS sites in their efforts to disrupt Iran’s attempt at regional hegemony. 

While rebel groups pretend to be on Israel’s side in its fight with Hezbollah and Iran, they are deeply rooted in extremist ideology. They are branding themselves as “moderates”, but are doing that to deceive the media, hiding their daily abuses, especially on social media. If they are able to overrun Assad’s regime-controlled territories, it could pose a real threat to Israel’s long-term security, including the threat of chemical weapons being launched against the Jewish State by the rebels, themselves.

As the battles continue for rebel control over most of Syria, the most vulnerable Syrians are fleeing in mass numbers. To-date, there are 200,000 displaced Christians looking for safe passage in NE Syria. Those who are injured are waiting for medical supplies and help. There are food shortages, and humanitarian aid groups are trying to get safe passage for buses that want to bring in the aid. But, recently, the rebel Islamists have required $6,000 per bus bringing in supplies. When this happened before, the Islamists told aid workers they had to pay or die. 

The aid workers are asking western leaders to help create corridors to get food, money, and supplies to the people who are stuck in this conflict.  But, the United States incoming Trump Administration has indicated it does not want to get involved, unless there are attacks on US bases in NE Syria.

There are technical advances that are being reported in NE Syria, where rebels, associated with Erdogan, are trying to pull out communication satellites and put in their own. The goal is to bring in a different currency, a different language, and cell service that will become limited, so that the only communications will be the propaganda from the Turkish rebels. 

The Christians in NE Syria are experiencing financial battles (ATM machines are not working), and stranded families have nowhere to go where it is safe. The communities in NE Syria are vulnerable, especially those with religious minorities. 

So far, the Kurds are working hard to hold back the rebel Islamists in NE Syria. It is critical for the safety of the region that areas in NE Syria do not fall to the rebels. 

Additionally, there is a threat on the stability of Jordan, where Iran has had influence and caused havoc. 

Iran has been able to destabilize the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), bringing massive amounts of weapons in to the area to fight Israeli forces. 

PRAYER POINTS:

*Pray for aid workers to be able to get their buses in to help with humanitarian aid to stranded Syrians, especially those who need medicines and medical help. Pray that the Lord removes the extortion demands of the rebels who are hindering assistance from Christians to the people of Syria. 

*Pray that all the kidnapping and abuses that are already taking place will be stopped immediately; and vulnerable women and children will find safe places to live, without fear of being taken hostage by radical Islamists.

*Pray that the incoming Trump Administration will continue to hold the ground in NE Syria, fighting off any opposition forces that would try to take over the area. Pray for protection of U.S. bases in the area.

*Pray that the Kurds will get military assistance from Israel, as they have in the past, and that the Kurds will not lose their democratic government or freedoms in the area they have protected in Syria. Pray for unity among the Kurds in both Syria and Turkey, who can one day have their own state. 

*Pray for the protection of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) from outside forces; and that all arms smuggling would stop NOW, in Yeshua's name. 

*Pray that the threat of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons, would be destroyed, supernaturally, by the Lord. Pray that these weapons will not get into the hands of any groups that want to use them against the Syrian people or Israel.  

*Pray for the Lord to delay the enemy's plans of trying to bring the destruction of Damascus (Isaiah 17), before its time; or, the Ezekiel War (Ezekiel 38 and 39) before its time. Pray that the Lord holds back the war of Psalm 83, as well. 

*It seems that some of the regional instability in Syria offers Israel a strategic advantage in the short-term. The weakening of Iran and its Shi'ite axis reduces the immediate threat to Israel's northern border, allowing the IDF some time to update its defense strategy. Pray that Israeli leaders seek wisdom from the Lord in how to implement new military plans during this lull in the fighting on its northern border.

*Pray that Israeli officials will keep an eye on what the Syrian rebels are trying to accomplish in the short-term, with an understanding of where this can lead in the long-term.

*Pray that the Lord interferes in the plans of men who are intent on fragmenting Syria. Pray that He subdues competing militias that are trying to bring Syria into another civil war. 

*Pray for Israel to continue to invest in border security and intelligence, with the ability to monitor all its hostile enemies, with accurate intelligence, and advanced military systems that can defend God's land!

GOD’S PURPOSES IN THE NATURAL AND IN THE SPIRITUAL:

Israel must consider the advantages of disrupting Iran's goals, along with the advantages of disrupting the plans of Islamic extremists -- both being empowered as enemies of the Jewish state. 

As intercessors, we know that Israel's fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities and powers of the air; against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. (See Ephesian 6:12). 

While Israel does not know about the spiritual battle over its land, prophetic watchmen do know. We are in our strategic positions to intercede during this vulnerable period in time. We must put on the full armor of God and stand our ground on behalf of Israel and the nations. This is the time to be ready with the gospel of peace. This is also the time to take up our shields of faith over the Holy Land of God. With our battle gear on, we can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

It's time to see, in the Word of God, the tools He has given us, including the helmet of our salvation, and the sword of His Spirit (which is His word). Our ability to pray in the Spirit on every occasion, and if possible, at all times, will result in our effectiveness in this battle over His land and people. 

Shi'ites and Sunnis are currently fighting one another for regional control. Eventually, they may team up and fight Israel.  We have an opportunity now to pull down from heaven, the Lord's strategies, that will sustain regional order, and prevent increased threats to Israel's security.

Our prayers and requests, in God's heavenly battle for His land, will result in us staying alert and remembering all of the Lord's people who are affected by this regional conflict.

Thank you for standing in the gap! The battle is the Lord's -- first and foremost! Our prayers for the people of the Middle East will lead to their encouragement and their ability to fight the good fight of faith!

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES TO DECLARE OVER THE REGION:

Psalm 35:1:  ...."Contend O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!"

Psalm 37:7-11: "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret when men prosper in their ways; when they carry out wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and abandon wrath. Do not fret -- it can only bring harm. For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. Yet, a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But, the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity."

Exodus 14:14: "The LORD will fight for you. You need only to be still."

Isaiah 26:3:  "You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You!"

John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 16:33: “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But, take courage, I have overcome the world!”

 

 (Source: Global Prayer Watch News and Prayer Update)

 

 

 

 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 227

 Jerusalem, Israel

PRAYER UPDATE  NOVEMBER 18, 2024

Israel and the Nations

GPW News and Prayer Update

From military experts who advise the Israeli government:

 

ISRAEL’S RED LINES:

There cannot be any terror armies again on Israel’s borders. Israel is demanding Hezbollah out of South Lebanon. Israel will have the right to attack if Hezbollah re-arms.

Iran is not agreeing with Israel’s demands. Therefore, Israel is continuing the war in Lebanon. An agreement will happen eventually, according to sources. At this point, Israel is laying down its ground rules.

 

CHALLENGES:

The key objective is the ceasing of the war in Lebanon. But, military experts say it will not happen until Israel has guarantees. Only then will the Israeli government consider moving forward towards a ceasefire in the north. It has to be a deal that will make Israel’s northern border towns safe for generations to come.

 

CURRENTLY, WHAT IS A DECISIVE WIN FOR ISRAEL IN THE SOUTH?

In Gaza, its dismantling Hamas, so it will no longer be a government entity. Israel will not stop the conflict in the south until the hostages are released. There is no “day after” without the hostages being released.

The IDF will be on the ground for years in Gaza, to protect Israeli citizens.

 

WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THE NORTH TO BRING IN A CEASEFIRE?

UN Resolution 1701 (created after the 2^nd Lebanon War in 2006), is not the complete solution. It was not enforced anyway, after the 2006 war. Furthermore, with that resolution, there is no real mechanism available to keep Hezbollah from going back to South Lebanon, or of being able to re-arm themselves.

Israel is pushing for UN Resolution 1559, for Hezbollah to be dismantled. Military experts advising the Israeli government say that this is the only deal on the table that can assure the protection of Israel’s northern border towns.

Meanwhile, as every day passes without an agreement towards a ceasefire, Israel’s military goals remain… the further degradation of Hezbollah.

 

KEY POINTS:

The Shiite axis must end. It means attacks on all Iran’s proxies, and on Iran, directly. (This continues to be a goal brought up by military experts).

The IDF continues to destroy Hezbollah missiles, launchers, headquarters, and leadership.

 

WILL THERE BE A LONG-TERM MILITARY PRESENCE OF THE IDF IN SOUTH LEBANON?

The IDF and Israel’s government are talking about a demilitarized zone, 3 km from Israel’s northern border. They call it a “dead zone.”  This gives Israel the freedom to operate in South Lebanon, including the option of raiding opposing forces in the area if needed -- if the IDF sees terrorists trying to set-up camp on the border.

 

The IAF (Israel’s Air Force), is currently preventing the build-up of forces in Lebanon. If Hezbollah starts to try and build forces in the future, Israel needs the ability to bring down their efforts.

 

ISRAEL’S FUTURE GOALS:

·       According to military experts, and the Israeli government, the head of the snake is Iran. Military analysts state that with the help of the incoming Trump Administration, Israel needs to bring down the snake.  

 

·       The Israeli attack on Iran in October 2024 took care of some Iranian military installations. But, Iran is building again.

 

·       Bringing down the whole Shiite axis (which includes Iran’s proxies), along with striking Iran, are essential points. This is the opinion of several military advisors to the Israeli government.

 

·       Israel excels at military intelligence. The overall strategy involves using the intelligence, analyzing it, and applying it in practical ways.

 

 

PRAYER POINTS FOR INTERCESSORS:

·       Pray for accuracy and truth in analyzing media reports in regard to who has the upper hand and who doesn’t.

·       Pray for divine favor in strategic dialogue between Israel and the U.S., in defining policy goals of mutual interest for the Middle East region.

·       Pray for the Lord’s wisdom in this “re-set” time of new beginnings.

 

COMMENTARY:

In geo-political terms this is a “set time” of “new beginnings.”

There is a surge by the runners (players) to push through the new gates where strategic decisions are already being made and other decisions determined.

Normally, it would start with a “time of transition” but in these fast-moving days, transitions are happening much quicker…

We are in a “re-set” period… beginning with Israel and the U.S., and then with nations following.

There is a “new start” in the partnership between Israel and the U.S., and policy positions are being “re-defined.”

The bargaining chips are already on the table.

This “re-set” period affects Israel, the U.S., and the Middle East region…militarily and diplomatically:

 

*Militarily:

Israel’s borders are being “restored”. There is talk of ending these wars. Trump is expecting ceasefires before he takes office. Time is running out. Israel has goals for its safety and security and, so far, will not budge from its “red lines.” (See information above).

Iran has been weakened and put on notice. People forget that most of Iran’s anti-missile defense system was destroyed by Israel in its last attack on Iranian soil.

Iran’s proxies have been substantially weakened -- especially Hamas and Hezbollah -- an extraordinary accomplishment. All glory to the Lord, Commander of the Armies of heaven and Israel!

 

*Diplomatically:

 

This is a time of “re-defining” U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, and spreading that agenda in major diplomatic forums (like the UN and EU).

 

Israel wants to weigh-in on that strategy from the “starting point” of this new beginning.

 

Picture the starting line of an Olympic race. Every runner in his place, ready to run the race, finish well, and be recognized. This involves power plays between strategic players in this period of “re-set.”

 

Some Israeli leaders have been testing the waters on future peace negotiations, talking of annexation. 

There is already a push to “re-set” the peace process, with key demands by Saudi Arabia, the U.N., Europe, and the Arab League for a two-state solution for the Palestinians, based on an updated Saudi Peace Initiative. That initiative, written in 2002, has been “re-defined” and “re-shaped” to fall in line with what the Arab world wants and expects the global world to accept.

This process started, quietly, before October 7, 2023. It was dead-in-the-water during this period of Israel’s wars. Then, was “revived” at the UN, on the sidelines, in September 2024.

The pressure on Israel is that it will be expected to comply with the “renewed” demand of “land for peace.”

The Arab League is surfacing as a stronger entity with greater influence regionally, as well as in U.S. discussions, and in diplomatic forums.

(There is also the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that is a large entity that needs to be prayerfully watched).

The nations who conspire have intensified their goals. Only God can stop their complete unity, and until He determines the set time, He will not allow Psalm 83. But, it’s worth studying along with Obadiah.

 

ISRAEL’S RESTORATION IN THE MIDST OF ALL THIS:

 We are believing in Acts 3:19 and Acts 3:20 to come into fullness, for the whole household of Israel!

 

 (Source: Global Prayer Watch News and Prayer Update)

 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 226

Jerusalem, Israel

PRAYER UPDATE  JUNE 14, 2024

Israel and the Nations

GPW News and Prayer Update

According to Isaiah 14:26, there is a plan determined for the whole world. The LORD Almighty has spoken. Who can change His plans? This is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart Him?  Who can stop Him?

 

ECCLESIASTES 1:4: “Generations come, and generations go, but the earth remains forever.”

 

We need to have a perspective that regardless of what man does, God Himself has spoken. His plan endures throughout time.

 

HOSTAGE RESCUE:

The mission of the IDF, in cooperation with the Israel Security Agency and the National Counter-Terrorism Unit, all worked together in the recent rescue of four hostages: Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv. They were rescued around 11 a.m., Saturday June 8, 2024, in central Gaza.

 

The former head of the MIA (Missing in Action) Department at IDF Intelligence headquarters, discussed the hostage rescue operation. He is a military analyst who has been in the Israeli intelligence community for nearly 25 years, with credentials as a legal counter-terrorism expert, as well.

 

This rescue mission has been called, “Operation Arnon,” after the brave Israeli commander that was the first on the scene to rescue the hostages, and later died of his wounds.   

 

 Some important highlights:

 

*In the last 8 months of war, since October 7^th, a total of 7 hostages were rescued in three different IDF operations. 

 

*This recent rescue was considered to be an impressive, extraordinary achievement by Israel, and recognized by militaries throughout the world. (We call it a miracle, and give all the glory to God!)

 

*The rescue involved a complex on-going process. It was carried out by special-ops units, and included some of the most advanced capabilities that Israel has available.

 

*The U.S. army Central Command (CENTCOM), which has been active in the region, also contributed its intel to the military operation. This helped Israel map the targets from which the hostages were rescued.

 

*IDF ground force operations helped with the rescue. From videos, it can be seen that Israeli soldiers provided fire power as cover for the hostages to escape.

 

*The military expert said that without the IDF being present inside Gaza, this operation could not have taken place.  (A point for prayer -- that the IDF can remain, as needed, in Gaza!)

 

*This successful rescue mission included operational support beyond Israeli special police forces. It included the assistance of the special forces of the ISA (Israel’s Security Agency – the Shin Bet).  The rescue showed Israel’s operational and intelligence superiority over its enemies, particularly over Hamas.  The operation is a strong signal to Israel’s enemies that the IDF can hit anywhere, with precise objectives. This Israeli military success is also the fulfillment of very complicated military actions, in urban areas, with the goal of not harming civilian lives. (Hamas accused Israel of hitting many civilians, but the IDF sees those Gazans as Hamas operatives; or, as citizens cooperating with Hamas).  (A point for prayer!)

 

*The military expert said the operation showed Israel’s better capabilities to hit enemies in the region, which had been a weak point for Israel after the October 7th massacre. However, he also seemed to be advocating for a hostage deal with Hamas. He indicated that this rescue did not, specifically, improve the strategic situation regarding the war, particularly, in regard to the rest of the hostages held by Hamas. He said it is unrealistic to expect that all the other 120 hostages still held by Hamas can be released using similar methods.  He explained that, according to intelligence community assessments, about half of the hostages are no longer alive. He said that, as a result of this June 8^th hostage rescue, he thought it would be much harder, now, for the other hostages still in captivity. He sees a scenario where Hamas will try and take them out of houses in Gaza (where they could escape), and put them all in the tunnels underground.

 

DECLARATION:

 

We say, “no” to the movement of the hostages to underground tunnels in Yeshua’s name!  We pray that the rest of the hostages would remain above ground and available for escape with the help of IDF troops and special forces in future release missions.

 

ISRAEL’S MILITARY AND POLITICAL DECISIONS REGARDING HOSTAGES IN GENERAL:

 

* Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas in Gaza, was released from prison during the deal for the release of Israeli hostage, Galad Shalit. At the time, Shalit had been captive for 5 years by Hamas, and his health was deteriorating. Hamas would not accept that deal with Israel unless Sinwar was released.  That was in 2011.

 

*Israel’s security organizations got to know Sinwar in prison. Sinwar was not only the head of the prisoners during that time -- it was not just a functional position, but a religious one. It was, reportedly, important to Sinwar’s status with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood to be in such a key position.  

(As reported in an earlier blog entry, while in prison, Sinwar had a life-threatening brain tumor. Israel operated on it and took it out, saving Sinwar's life). 

 

*Israel had observed Sinwar as a sadistic leader. He had led a secret wing of Hamas, responsible for taking care of espionage. He also tried to confront Israeli anti-terrorism forces in Gaza. When Sinwar was the head of the secret wing of Hamas, he killed people through very brutal ways.

 

*Israel knew that Sinwar could become the head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But, 12 years later, the Israeli government thought it was no longer relevant. The Shin Bet had very good intelligence during those 12 years. According to the military expert, Israel had the opportunity, about a dozen times, to take Sinwar down. It was a political decision, mainly by Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, not to eliminate Sinwar.

 

*For political reasons, Israel is known to prop-up evil leaders. This happened with Yasser Arafat and with Mahmoud Abbas. Israel also used Hamas as leverage against the Palestinian Authority – to keep the two groups from uniting, but also to weaken one group against the other.

 

*Israel is willing to pay a heavy price to get hostages back alive. Also, to see the bodies returned of hostages who died in captivity, so families can have a proper burial of their loved ones.

 

*The international community, especially Egypt, is often involved in hostage negotiations. In the case of what is happening, currently, with Hamas turning down Israeli and U.S. proposals, the devil is in the plans, Sinwar is the “king pin,” and Israel has stuck its foot in a demonic quagmire.  PRAYER IS NEEDED!

 

*Publicly, it appears that the pressure on Israel by the powerbrokers (the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar) is to take any Hamas deal, which is actually hardening Hamas’ position. So far, it seems Hamas has not agreed to anything short of a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a permanent ceasefire. This would give Sinwar and his men the ability to remain alive, and he would boast to have defeated Israel in its military goals. It also does not guarantee that he would release all the hostages, even if he agreed to it.  

 

SCRIPTURE:

ECCLESIASTES 3:16: “And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there; in the place of justice—wickedness was there.”

 

PRAYER:

*The situation looks impossible… but GOD.  A breakthrough is needed, as in the time of Pharaoh. It’s another declaration, in which we cry out: “Let My people go!”  We ask You Lord: What will it take for You to deliver Israel out of this wicked stronghold?

WAR IN THE SOUTH AND IN THE NORTH:

A significant expansion of the war in the north is, reportedly, imminent. It is not clear how Israel will juggle both the south and the north, militarily. 

 

Prophetic Vision:

 

ECCLESIASTES 1:6: “The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.”

 

Seen in the Spirit is that there will be this circular course of a whirlwind.  It starts in the south, right on the border with Gaza, and then it goes northward. Israel may not be finished with the south, but will have to focus attention on the north, more and more. Then, come back to the south when necessary.

 

ISRAEL’S CONDITION: SCRIPTURE, PRAYER AND DECLARATIONS:

Israel is under psychological warfare. The families of hostages are confronted by false hopes, scary videos, and their own tortured souls as they look at their loved ones suffering at the hands of Hamas. One of the recently released hostages lost his father the day before his release. His father would not eat, and died of a broken heart, never getting to see his released son from captivity.

 

As the hostage negotiations continue, Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. are getting messages to Hamas, Sinwar, and his handlers. And, then receiving messages back from this enemy arch-terrorist who tortures God’s people, day in and day out.

 

Isaiah 14:32: “What shall we tell the enemy messengers? Tell them that the LORD has built Jerusalem, and that the poor of His people will find refuge in its walls!”

 

Today, the poor of His people (the displaced residents from the south, and from the north of Israel) are finding refuge in Jerusalem, and its surroundings, as the enemy relentlessly pursues its nefarious goals in the south and in the north of the country.

 

PRAYER AND PROCLAMATION:

We declare:  You, Lord, and You alone, will settle the matter in Gaza.  And, that nations will respond to You, the God of Israel, in a righteous way. According to Isaiah 25, a strong people will honor You. Cities of ruthless nations will revere You. You will stop the oppressive acts of ruthless people. You will stop the breath of the terrible ones -- the tyrant’s breath that is like a rainstorm against a wall -- like the relentless heat of the desert (that we are experiencing now in the weather of this dry and thirsty land!)  

 

 

We proclaim that, You, Lord, remain a refuge for the poor, and a refuge for the needy in their distress. You are a shelter from the rain, and a shade from the heat, for Your People, Israel – for the hostages; for every one of them that experiences torture, day and night, at the hands of their oppressors; at the hands of Your enemies.

 

But, You silence the roar of foreigners -- of foreign nations. As the shade of a cloud cools relentless heat, so the boastful songs of ruthless violent people are stilled.  (from Isaiah 25:5).

 

*We pray that as the songs are stilled Lord, You will also still the lips of these terrorists and their partners in crime!

 

As in Psalm 35:1-10, Lord, we appeal to You, God, to contend with those that contend with Israel.

 

Fight against those who fight against this nation.

 

Take up shield and armor; arise and come to Israel’s aid.

 

Also, draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue us. Say to the souls of Your people: “I, the Lord, am your salvation.”

Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek the lives of Israelis. Let those be turned back [in defeat], and humiliated, who plot evil against Your People.

Let them be [blown away] like chaff before the wind [worthless, without substance]; with the angel of the LORD driving them on.

 

May their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

 

For no reason they hid their net in a pit. For no reason they dug the pit to trap Israel.

 

May ruin overtake them by surprise; may the net they hid entangle them; may they fall into the pit, to their own ruin.

 

Then we will rejoice in the LORD. We will be glad because He rescued Israel!

 

With all my heart I will say to the LORD, "There is no one like You. You protect the weak from the strong, the poor from the oppressor."

 

REMEMBERING WHAT GOD HAS DONE & REMINDING HIM OF HIS PROMISES:

We thank You Lord, that You are good, and Your mercies endure forever! Bring Israel out of this web of entanglement that the wicked one has set. Lead Israel in Your path to salvation! AMEN!

 

(Source:  Global Prayer Watch News & Prayer Update)