SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 40

NOVEMBER 2011 PRAYER UPDATE -- FOR ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST:

There’s a new rocket war against Israel, emanating from the Gaza Strip. This time, it is not Hamas that is actually firing the rockets, but Islamic Jihad, a more radical group sponsored by Iran and Syria.  Hamas, however, governs Gaza, and is allowing Islamic Jihad to fire the rockets, which are bombarding Israel’s southern towns, especially Ashkelon, Ashdod, and the Negev.  At least one man has been killed, and several civilians injured in these rocket attacks. Schools have been closed for a few days. Israel is retaliating, and there seems to be an escalation, even with the attempt at a cease fire.  These recent rockets have been launched from an area that Israel withdrew from in 2005 (Gush Katif).  Instead of the Palestinians using this area for economic development and prosperity, this land is now being used to launch rockets of death and destruction.

Pray for God’s deliverance for Israel, according to 2 Samuel Chapter 22.  Pray that citizens living in southern towns will trust in God, who is their shield and the strength of their salvation; their stronghold and refuge; their Savior who saves them from violence.  Pray that they will call on the Lord who will save them from their enemies.  Intercede that the Lord will deal mightily with the wicked who are using His land for evil purposes. Pray that He will contend with those who contend with Him and His Promised Land!

Pray that the Lord sends His arrows (missiles) against His enemies.  With the Lord, Israel can run against a troop and can leap over a wall, for His way is perfect (2 Samuel 22:30). 

Israel’s Chief of Staff, Benny Gantz, told his troops to be ready, at all times, for war.  It is God who teaches Israeli troops to make war (see verse 35).  Pray that the IDF is able to destroy Israel’s enemies so that they cannot rise again. Pray that Israel is armed, by the Lord with strength for the battle. “You have subdued under me those who rose against me. You have also given me the necks of my enemies so that I destroyed those who hated me.” (Verses 40-41). 

The Israeli government’s winter session began on November 1, 2011. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quoted bible verses and verses from the Talmud “as principles that lead us:  If one tries to kill you, you must kill him, and whoever attacks us, may his blood be on his own head.”  Netanyahu was speaking about the recent rocket launchings by terrorists operating from Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israel is facing struggles on a domestic level with continued protests by the Israeli social justice movement.

There are also mounting pressures being put on Israel by the international community, especially the Quartet (U.N., U.S., EU, and Russia) to try and bring the Palestinians back to the peace negotiating table. Israel is continually expected to offer Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas more concessions of “land for peace”. 

UNESCO, a major educational arm of the U.N., recently offered the so-called state of “Palestine” full membership into its organization – seen as a victory for the Palestinians. Abbas is hoping the full UN Security Council will approve his bid for Palestinian statehood later this month.  This UNESCO victory is a step in that direction, but also a test from the Lord. Which nations will vote for the Palestinians and against Israel? God is watching over His land and seeing how the nations will react.

Pray that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu governs with wisdom, dealing not only with international concerns, but also with the needs of the population within Israel. Pray that his government remains strong even in the face of major social protests.

Pray that Netanyahu is able to maintain Israel’s “red lines” when dealing with international pressures concerning the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.

Declare 2 Samuel 22:44 for Netanyahu regarding the social justice movement. May his government be wise when dealing with the economic situation in Israel and throughout the world:  “You have also delivered me from the strivings (contentions) of my people. You have kept me as the head of the nations.

Declare verses 45-49 for Netanyahu and his government when dealing with the Palestinians in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), as well as Gaza:  “A people I have not known shall serve me. The foreigners submit to me. As soon as they hear, they obey me. The foreigners fade away and come frightened from their hideouts. The Lord lives!  Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation!  It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me. He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man.”

During the last several months, the United States has embarked on an aggressive campaign in both Europe and the Middle East in regard to missile defense. Working with Israel in close military cooperation, both countries are integrating their missile defense technology. This is to assure that Israel and the U.S. will be prepared for Iranian aggression against Israel or U.S. troops in the Gulf region. 

In this equation is the nation of Turkey. The U.S. has been selling sophisticated missile defense technology to Turkey, and setting up missile defense systems within that country. The problem is that Turkey is refusing to cooperate with Israel.  Turkey could attempt to sell information to Iran about Israel’s missile technology, gleaned from Turkey’s partnership with the U.S.

U.S. leaders seem oblivious to this possibility, and are continuing to promise Turkey advanced weapons systems that, ultimately, could be used to spy on Israel.

What this also means is that in a time of emergency, when Turkey would be expected to help Israel determine the flight pattern of an Iranian missile advancing towards Israel’s coast, Turkey might not cooperate.  Also, it means that Turkey might let Iran know just how exacting Iran’s missile was in hitting the land of Israel, so that Iran could adjust its aim.

Pray that American leaders will realize that it is not safe to “do business” with Turkey in light of the recent deterioration in relations between Israel and Turkey. Pray that there will be someone within the U.S. Administration that recognizes that Turkey poses to be more of a threat to the Middle East region than Iran. (See Ezekiel Chapters 38 & 39). Pray that God will protect all Israel’s defense systems from any enemy infiltration. 

The Iron Dome is working in the south of Israel, to counteract rockets being launched against Israel from Gaza. But, it is not a perfect system. It is only one line of defense for the IDF, and Israel’s skies are still vulnerable. Israel and the U.S. are working on refining and completing other missile defense systems (such as David’s Sling), which will offer the country greater protection.

Declare, in intercession, to Israelis, according to Psalm 91:5-8: “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow (missile) that flies by day; nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.  A thousand (missiles) may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.”

In October there was a lopsided prisoner exchange which occurred between Israel and her enemies. Israeli POW Corporal Gilad Shalit was released from captivity in Gaza in exchange for the freeing of 1,027 Palestinian terrorists. More than 2/3rds of the Israeli population supported the exchange, even though a majority of Israelis also believe that the country faces greater danger now. 

Recently, on Hamas TV, a video was broadcast which presents a future strategy of action. The video encouraged the kidnapping of another 6 Israeli soldiers as the key to the release of 6,000 Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli jails.  

According to Palestinian Media Watch, an Israeli group that monitors Palestinian broadcasts, Israel’s release of terrorists for Shalit is not seen by Palestinian society as merely the last stage of one kidnapping. But, instead, it is seen as the first act of the next kidnapping! Since the Shalit exchange, Middle Eastern Arabs have concluded that kidnapping is a valid strategy to achieve the release of additional terrorists.

Pray that the Lord will protect Israel’s soldiers in the field and not allow them to be taken captive by Israel’s enemies. Pray for God to shield Israeli troops from approaching terrorists and give the IDF extra discernment when fighting in enemy territory.  Proclaim Ecclesiastes 8:5 for Israel:  “He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; and, a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment.”

Declare that God has covered the heads of Israeli soldiers in the day of battle and will not allow the wicked to further his schemes, according to Psalm 140:7-8.  Pray that the slanderers of Israel will be overthrown.  Pray that the Lord keeps the IDF from the snares that the wicked have laid for them; from the traps of the workers of iniquity. Pray that Israel’s enemies fall into their own nets, and that Israeli troop’s return to IDF bases in safety and security. (See Psalm 141:9-10).

Hamas recently smuggled advanced Russian missiles into Gaza. These were, reportedly, looted from Libya’s military warehouses. The fall of Gaddafi has enabled Hamas to bring higher quality missiles in larger quantities into Gaza. The lack of Egyptian government control in the Sinai has allowed the smuggling to continue without interference. 

Pray that the Lord will interfere and stop Hamas from being able to smuggle weapons into Gaza. Pray that the smuggling paths will be found and blown up by the IDF.  Pray that the Lord of Hosts will muster His army for battle, and use His weapons of indignation to destroy the territory the enemy is using to wage war against His Chosen People. 

The Middle East is not the only place that is becoming more radical in the Islamic faith. There’s now a call to Sharia Law in Copenhagen, Denmark. There’s a campaign there to openly oppose and abolish democracy, and the Islamists are calling on the people of Denmark to refrain from voting in parliamentary elections. 

Declare Isaiah 13:11, God’s judgment, over all nations that are adopting Sharia Law and radical Islamic principles:  “I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will halt the arrogance of the proud and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible (tyrants).”

Pray that Western leaders will not be deceived when trying to discern the intentions of those nations adopting Islamic ideology.  Reports indicate that the U.S. is expected to give massive aid for new Islamic regimes that will be establishing their governments in the Middle East.

Pray that American President Barack Obama will see the foolishness in thinking he can tame radical Islamists in the region. Pray that Obama will come under conviction, repent, and be submitted to the Lord God of Israel. Pray that he will then receive the full Spirit of God, according to Isaiah 11:1-2: Declare that he will see Jesus, and the Spirit of the Lord that is resting upon Him –   the Spirit of wisdom and understanding; the Spirit of counsel and might; the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear (reverence) of the Lord.

Syria’s government has remained obstinate in the face of world pressure. If Western forces attack the Syrian regime and help the Syrian opposition (similar to what happened in Libya), Syrian President Bashar Assad has said it will cause an earthquake in the region. Some analysts feel that if the West were to interfere, Assad would attack Israel. This could bring on a regional war with not only Syria involved, but Iran; Hezbollah in Lebanon; and Islamic forces in Gaza.

Pray for the remnant of Syria, that belongs to the Lord, to rise up and be of good courage. Pray for revival in that nation. Pray that before God destroys Damascus (according to Isaiah Chapter 17), that every person in Syria will have heard the gospel of our Lord Jesus the Messiah. Pray for dreams, vision, and revelations of Him to come to the people of Syria.

Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel may be holding back the delivery of a German submarine to Israel, which is greatly needed in Israel’s military arsenal. The submarine could be used by Israel to launch a second-strike attack against an aggressor, like Iran, if there is a future war with that nation.  This second-strike capability is an important deterrent that insures Israel’s security. 

Merkel rebuked Israel’s announcement of new building construction in the Jerusalem suburb of Gilo.

Pray that Merkel allows the delivery of the German submarine despite her objection to Israeli new building construction in Jerusalem.  Pray that the Lord softens Merkel’s heart and that she stands with Israel, in its sovereignty and survival as the nation state of the Jewish people.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXXIX

OCTOBER 2011 PRAYER UPDATE -- FOR ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

*ISRAEL’S SOVEREIGNTY, AS A NATION, AS STEWARDS OF GOD’S PROMISED LAND, IS BEING CHALLENGED BY THE NATIONS. ISRAEL IS BEING ISOLATED, DIPLOMATICALLY, AT THE UNITED NATIONS, AS DELIBERATIONS CONTINUE TOWARDS THE RECOGNITION OF A PALESTINIAN STATE.

PRAY THAT THE NATIONS OF THIS WORLD WILL SUBMIT TO THE LORD’S PLANS AND PURPOSES, AND TO HIS AUTHORITY ON THE EARTH. PRAY THAT INTERNATIONAL LEADERS WILL RECEIVE DREAMS AND VISIONS WARNING THEM NOT TO DIVIDE GOD’S LAND. PRAY THAT THEY WILL HEED HIS WARNINGS AND NOT PUT THEMSELVES IN A SITUATION WHERE THEY WILL HAVE TO FACE HIS JUDGMENT.

DECLARE PSALM 33:10:

“THE LORD BRINGS THE COUNSEL OF THE NATIONS TO NOTHING; HE MAKES THE PLANS OF THE PEOPLES OF NO EFFECT. THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD STANDS FOREVER; THE PLANS OF HIS HEART TO ALL GENERATIONS. BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD; THE PEOPLE HE HAS CHOSEN AS HIS INHERITANCE.”

PRAY AND DECLARE, ACCORDING TO PSALM 2:10-12: “NOW THEREFORE, BE WISE, O KINGS; BE INSTRUCTED, YOU JUDGES OF THE EARTH; SERVE THE LORD WITH FEAR, AND REJOICE WITH TREMBLING. KISS THE SON, LEST HE BE ANGRY, AND YOU PERISH IN THE WAY….”

*THE PALESTINIANS AND ARABS LIVING THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST HAVE BECOME EMBOLDENED BECAUSE THEY THINK THAT THEY ARE SETTING UP AN ISLAMIC STATE WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF ISRAEL.

DECLARE THAT THE PROMISED LAND HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ISRAEL TO STEWARD, THROUGH GOD’S ETERNAL COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB. REMIND THE LORD THAT HE GAVE THEM THE LAND FROM THE RIVER OF EGYPT TO THE GREAT RIVER…THE RIVER EUPHRATES (SEE GENESIS 15:18).

DECLARE THAT ISRAEL WOULD HAVE THE PROSPERITY AND WISDOM THAT SOLOMON HAD DURING HIS REIGN. ACCORDING TO 1 KINGS 4:21, SOLOMON REIGNED OVER ALL KINGDOMS, FROM THE RIVER TO THE LAND OF THE PHILISTINES, AS FAR AS THE BORDER OF EGYPT. THEY BROUGHT TRIBUTE TO HIM AND SERVED HIM ALL THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE.

*THERE’S A HIGH ALERT IN JUDEA & SAMARIA (THE WEST BANK), AS WELL AS JERUSALEM. THERE’S A CONCERN THAT THERE WILL BE A THIRD INTIFADA IF THE PALESTINIANS DON’T GET THEIR STATE; OR, THAT HAMAS WILL RENEW TERROR ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAELI CIVILIAN POPULATIONS.

PRAY FOR ISRAEL’S CITIZENS LIVING IN JUDEA AND SAMARIA TO HAVE THE FAVOR OF SOLOMON AS THEY CLAIM THEIR BIBLICAL RIGHTS TO THE LAND.

PRAY FOR THOSE LIVING IN JERUSALEM TO BE EXTRA VIGILANT; THAT THE LORD WOULD GIVE THEM EYES TO SEE AND EARS TO HEAR SIGNS OF DANGER.

PRAY AN EXTRA MEASURE OF PROTECTION FOR ISRAELI CITIZENS LIVING IN THESE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY.

SOLOMON HAD PEACE ON EVERY SIDE ALL AROUND HIM, INCLUDING THE AREA OF GAZA (1 KINGS 4:25-26). DECLARE THAT JUDAH AND ISRAEL WILL DWELL SAFELY: EACH MAN UNDER HIS VINE AND HIS FIG TREE, FROM DAN AS FAR AS BEERSHEVA, ALL THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE, JUST AS GOD DID FOR SOLOMON.

*THERE’S A HIGH ALERT AT SEA. TURKEY AND LEBANON ARE ANGRY THAT ISRAEL NOW HAS CLOSE TIES WITH THE GREEK CYPRIOTS. ISRAEL HAS AGREED TO SHARE FINANCIAL GAINS FROM RECENT GAS FINDS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. THE GREEK CYPRIOTS CLAIM THEY WILL SHARE THESE FINANCIAL GAINS WITH THE TURKISH CYPRIOTS. BUT, TURKEY IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS. ISRAEL’S GAS EXPLORATIONS CONTINUE AT SEA, BUT TURKISH SHIPS ARE IN THE AREA TRYING TO STIR UP TROUBLE.

PRAY AS ISRAEL PREPARES FOR THE POSSIBILTY OF WAR -- THAT THE LORD WILL EQUIP THE IDF WITH ALL WEAPONS NEEDED, JUST AS GOD DID FOR SOLOMON. (SEE 1 KINGS 4:26).

DURING THE LEBANON WAR OF 2006, ISRAELI SOLDIERS, ESPECIALLY, RESERVISTS, LACKED CERTAIN SUPPLIES AND FOOD. PRAY THAT, ACCORDING TO 1 KINGS 4:26-28, GOD WILL PROVIDE ALL THAT IS NEEDED IN PREPARATION FOR A FUTURE WAR.

*TURKEY HAS BROKEN DIPLOMATIC AND MILITARY TIES WITH ISRAEL. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER. TURKEY COULD TRY AND SHARE ISRAELI WEAPONS SECRETS WITH ISRAELS ENEMIES. TURKEY IS EMERGING AS THE MOST POWERFUL SUNNI FORCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST, EVEN CHALLENGING SHIITE IRAN.

PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL DEAL MIGHTLY WITH TURKISH PRIME MINISTER TAYYIP ERDOGAN, AS HE DID WITH KING NEBUCHADNEZZER. PRAY THAT ALL EVIL PLANS WILL BE THWARTED, AND ALL INTENTIONS OF THE MAN’S HEART WILL BE EXPOSED.

REMEMBER DANIEL’S INTERPRETATION OF KING NEBUCHADNEZZER’S DREAM? GOD HUMBLED THE KING AND REDUCED HIM TO THE LIFE OF A BEAST OF BURDEN. BUT, THEN NEBUCHADNEZZER BECAME A DIFFERENT MAN.

GOD DESIRES ALL MEN TO BE SAVED AND COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH – THE ONE TRUE GOD OF ISRAEL AND HIS MESSIAH. GOD GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. WE ARE STILL IN A TIME OF GRACE, AND MEN’S HEARTS CAN BE CHANGED AS NEBUCHADNEZZER’S HEART WAS CHANGED. AFTER GOING THROUGH MUCH SUFFERING, NEBUCHADNEZZER BLESSED THE MOST HIGH, AND, PRAISED AND HONORED THE LORD WHO LIVES FOREVER.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR DECLARED AND CONFIRMED IN DANIEL 4:34, GOD’S AUTHORITY AND POWER OVER ALL OTHER GODS. NEBUCHADNEZZER PROCLAIMED: “FOR HIS DOMINION IS AN EVERLASTING DOMINION. AND, HIS KINGDOM IS FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.”

DECLARE THAT THE TURKISH PRIME MINISTER WILL PROCLAIM THIS TRUTH BEFORE THE GOD OF ISRAEL AND BEFORE ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH!

*THE MOSLEM BROTHERHOOD AND AL QEADA ARE BOTH EMERGING AS INFLUENTIAL FORCES IN COUNTRIES THAT SURROUND ISRAEL (SYRIA, EGYPT, GAZA, AND JORDAN). HAMAS TERRORIST OPERATIONS HAVE EXPANDED FROM SYRIA INTO EGYPT, TURKEY, AND SAUDI ARABIA.

PRAY THAT GOD WOULD WEAKEN THESE RADICAL SUNNI TERRORIST GROUPS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. PRAY THAT THE LORD WOULD BRING CONFUSION TO THE CONFEDERACY THAT IS TRYING TO ESTABLISH ITSELF IN THE REGION. (PSALM 83).

PRAY FOR ISRAEL’S BORDER WITH EGYPT AND GAZA TO BE SECURE. PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL GIVE THE IDF STRATEGIES FOR UPROOTING TERRORIST CELLS IN THE SINAI. PRAY THAT GOD WILL STOP ALL RADICAL ISLAMIC GROUPS FROM TRYING TO INFILTRATE ISRAEL’S SOUTHERN BORDER.

PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL GIVE ISRAEL’S CHIEF OF STAFF, BENNY GANTZ, WISDOM AND EXCEEDINGLY GREAT UNDERSTANDING, AND LARGENESS OF HEART LIKE THE SAND ON THE SEASHORE, AS HE PREPARES ISRAEL’S SOLDIERS TO DEFEND THE PROMISED LAND. (1 KINGS 4:29-30).

*THERE’S BEEN A WEAKENING OF THE INFLUENCE OF SHIIITES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THERE’S BEEN A SHIFT IN POWER, AND THE SUNNIS HAVE GAINED DOMINANCE IN THE REGION. THOUGH BOTH GROUPS HATE EACH OTHER, THEY ARE STILL WILLING TO COME TOGETHER TO FIGHT ISRAEL.

PRAY THAT GOD WOULD STOP SHIITE IRAN FROM OBTAINING NUCLEAR WEAPONS THAT COULD HURT ISRAEL. PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL WEAKEN THE POWER OF SHIITE HEZBOLLAH IN LEBANON. PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL PROTECT ISRAEL’S NORTHERN BORDER DURING THIS VULNERABLE TIME OF THE FALL FEASTS.

PRAY THAT GOD WILL KEEP THE SHIITES AND SUNNI’S IN THE MIDDLE EAST DIVIDED BY THEIR HATRED FOR ONE ANOTHER. PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL CONFUSE THEIR PLANS. PRAY THAT HE WILL HOLD THEM IN DERISION; THAT HE WILL SPEAK TO THEM IN HIS WRATH; AND THAT HE WILL DISTRESS THEM IN HIS DEEP DISPLEASURE, ACCORDING TO PSALM 2:4-5. PRAY THAT THESE FORCES WILL BE LIKE THE CHAFF WHICH THE WIND DRIVES AWAY.

In the spiritual world, holding ground, by declaring God’s Word, puts the enemy to flight. We need to put the enemy to flight when it comes to protecting God’s Promised Land, Israel!

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXXVIII

THE PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD BID: PREPARING FOR VIOLENT UNREST

This week the world is focused on deliberations being conducted at the United Nations in N.Y., trying to determine the outcome of the proposed Palestinian bid for statehood. Few are paying attention to what will happen after international leaders have packed their bags and gone home. Few are concerned by the increased level of protests by both Palestinians and Israelis living in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and East Jerusalem. The international press corps has paid little attention to the IDF call-up of reservists who are preparing for emergency orders. And, there have been few reports about IDF troops training in riot control in the event of possible violent activity leading to a Palestinian third Intifada (uprising). All eyes, instead, are looking at the diplomatic war currently going on in N.Y., and not the military conflict that could follow closely on its heels.

Behind the scenes in Israel, with tensions running high, the IDF is feverishly trying to coordinate its military operations in the territories because IDF commanders want to prevent an outbreak in hostilities as a result of unmet expectations on both sides of the conflict.

Not only have the Palestinians become emboldened by the prospect of international approval of statehood, Israeli Arabs living inside villages and towns within the Jewish state are showing signs of aggression, too.

While the world observes various statesmen arriving in N.Y., more and more Hamas flags are being raised in Hebron. The city is already at a boiling point of unrest between Israelis and Palestinians living there. The introduction of new terrorist cells into an already fragile street scene in Hebron could cause an eruption that would be hard to contain by IDF troops operating inside the city.

Though there hasn’t been true unity between the Palestinians in the West Bank and those living in Gaza, Hamas has been given greater freedom to roam the streets of Hebron which is under partial Palestinian control. Since the so-called unity agreement between Fatah and Hamas was signed earlier this year, the Palestinians have begun to turn a blind eye towards the formation of new terror cells that want to renew suicide bombings against Israel.

In June of this year, Israel’s security services, in coordination with the IDF, exposed a Hamas terror cell in Hebron that was in its final stage of preparing a terrorist attack against Israeli citizens. The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, a military wing of Hamas, directed the operations of the Hebron terror cell. The cell had been instructed to try and kidnap an Israeli soldier as a bargaining chip. They were also waiting to be equipped with weapons that would help them carry out the attack. These weapons were to be smuggled into Hebron from the Gaza Strip via the Sinai in Egypt. Israeli forces caught wind of the impending attack because there are still IDF troops operating in the West Bank in areas that are under joint Israeli-Palestinian control. These troops are able to get the intelligence needed to stop a terrorist attack, even in its final stage.

Information released by the Israeli Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center revealed that the Hebron network also had a branch in Jerusalem. This is the same terror cell that conducted a terrorist attack at a bus station near the International Convention Center in Jerusalem on March 23, 2011. A British Christian was killed and 47 Israeli citizens were injured.

On August 21, 2011, one of the terrorist cells operating in Jerusalem planned to carry out a suicide bombing in the northern Jerusalem neighborhood of Pisgat Ze’ev. The would-be suicide bomber was detained by Israeli security forces on the Temple Mount. In a home in East Jerusalem, the security forces found a large explosive charge that consisted of a fire extinguisher covered in metal pellets and filled with explosives. This was what the suicide bomber planned to use in his assault. The same Jerusalem terror cell he was involved in was planning to conduct shooting attacks in the Gush Etzion area, including attempted kidnappings of Israelis living there.

Dozens of Hamas members operating inside Hebron and Jerusalem have now been detained as a result of their planned terror operations against Israeli civilian population centers. Interrogation of these cell members has shown that some of the logistical assistance was provided by Hamas headquarters in Syria, as well as in the Gaza Strip.

A disturbing factor is that recruiting and operations for the terrorist attacks were being directed by a Hamas military operative currently residing in Saudi Arabia. It proves that these are not isolated plans by lone haters of Israel, but well-developed and coordinated actions conducted by those with ties to Sunni radical Islamists.

It is apparent that these terror groups who support jihad against Israel are planning a hostile takeover of West Bank cities and towns. They could initiate provocations during popular demonstrations by Palestinians supporting statehood, and by Israelis opposing it. They could also try and carry out a suicide bombing to draw attention away from future Palestinian diplomatic activity towards statehood.

What’s important to clarify is that these terror groups, operating under the direction of militant Sunni leaders, want to destroy Israel. They are not interested in a peaceful solution of the Middle East conflict; nor, do they care about a partial diplomatic solution that might help Palestinians living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem fulfill their dream of statehood.

So while international leaders in New York are engaged in discussions at the UN, looking to see which nation will vote in favor of Palestinian statehood, and which nation will not, the world should not lose focus on what could happen the day after these deliberations are completed. It could be an explosive outcome that many aren’t prepared for. It could turn the current diplomacy into a powder keg of violence, furthering instability in the Middle East. This would increase the bloodshed and suffering already being experienced by people living in the region.

“Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace; and do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; and those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people. And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, ‘Come and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’ For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You.” Psalm 83:1-5

PRAYER POINTS:

1) During these strategic times, it is important to remember that “He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Pray that Israelis will lift up their eyes to the hills and see where their help comes from. Their help comes from the Lord, who is the Maker of heaven and earth. Thank Him that He will not allow their feet to be moved! Declare that God is the keeper of the Jewish people. Proclaim that He shall preserve them from all evil; that He shall preserve their souls. Pray that as they go in and come out, the Lord will preserve His people from this time forth and even forevermore! (See Psalm 121).

(2) Pray that the Lord will call forth intercessors in the nations to coordinate solemn assemblies, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Pray that leaders of nations will come under conviction and repent and turn from their wicked ways so that God can heal their land. Pray that the nations will line up with the Lord’s Kingdom purposes concerning Israel.


(3) Pray that no weapon formed against Israel will prosper. Pray that every tongue which rises against Israel in judgment shall be condemned by God. Declare and decree that this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousness is from Him. (See Isaiah 54:17).

(4) Pray for protection for Israeli soldiers, reservists, security forces, police units and all those who have been called up to prepare for violence in the land. Pray that God thwarts the plans of the enemy. Proclaim that God will shield His people from harm, and secure the borders of Israel. Pray that within Israel’s borders, there will be an extra measure of protection on the Israeli people. (See Psalm 18:1-3).

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXXVII

Jerusalem, Israel

TERROR ON ISRAEL'S SOUTHERN BORDER


The recent terrorist attack on Israel’s resort town of Eilat killed eight people and wounded more than two dozen others. The terrorists infiltrated Israel from the Egyptian-ruled Sinai. They successfully carried out their well-planned attack, despite the fact that the IDF (Israel’s Defense Forces) had been warned for some time that the interim Egyptian government was no longer involved in enforcing the law in the Sinai.

The terrorists hit several buses, private cars, and an IDF border patrol in Israel’s well-known southern resort town. They used automatic rifles, missiles, roadside bombs, and other sophisticated weapons. Before and after the attack, Palestinian terror groups in Gaza launched more rockets against nearby Israeli southern towns.

The terrorists who attacked Eilat were well-trained and most likely had accurate intelligence information on Israeli defense operations, including important details about Israel’s homefront. The IDF was not prepared for the multi-level highly visible attack on such a popular destination for tourists who regularly visit the sunshine city from destinations around the world. Certainly, tourism to Israel will be affected by this recent incident.

Since the fall of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s regime, and even during his rule in Egypt, the Bedouins living in the Sinai were known to be aiding terrorists. The tribes have cooperated with radical Islamic forces, helping them to smuggle well-trained operatives and sophisticated weapons along routes from Egypt to Gaza. Some of these forces are now reportedly operating freely in the Sinai, including the Moslem Brotherhood, Al-Qaeda cells, and Hamas terrorists.

When Egypt’s ruling military party, following Mubarak’s departure, opened the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza in June 2011, it allowed highly trained terrorists and advanced weapons to flow freely. This has led to an increased weapons arsenal for Hamas. The terror group now has at least 10,000 rockets it wants to use against Israel, including several long-range Iranian missiles that can hit Tel Aviv. Hamas has smuggled into Gaza at least three times as many explosives this year as they were able to smuggle in last year.

The Egyptian government has also stopped building a wall under the Philadelphia Corridor, which is now encouraging more weapons to be smuggled through underground tunnels between Egypt and Gaza. In addition, it appears that Hamas is trying to extend its rule in the Sinai, in opposition to the current Egyptian military government.

It is obvious that Egyptian’s current interim government has lost its grip on the Sinai, as the gas pipeline that provides gas to Israel and Jordan has been bombed, repeatedly, by local jihadists. Furthermore, it is possible that Thursday’s attack included soldiers associated with the Egyptian army patrolling the Sinai, which further complicates the sensitive and highly volatile relationship between Israel and Egypt.

While the current Egyptian interim government develops closer ties with the Moslem Brotherhood and Iran, the IDF must be prepared to protect Israel’s porous border with Egypt. This means deploying many of Israel’s best troops to the south. Israel is currently building a fence along the border, but plans are that it will not be completed for several years. Therefore, the border will continue to be vulnerable to terror attacks emanating from the Sinai.

Though the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty is supposed to protect the relationship between the two countries, that treaty is now in jeopardy as radical Islamic forces are poised to take over the Egyptian government in the near future. These are worrying signs for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition government, as the balance of power in the southern region is being altered. In addition, Palestinian terror groups are attempting to store missles and launchers throughout the region. The IDF will have to prepare to operate along the Egyptian border and in the Gaza Strip to stop rocket attacks against Eilat, Beersheva, Ashdod, Ashkelon and Tel Aviv.

The Israeli government cannot afford to wait any longer to prepare its citizens for war on its southern front. Whatever it takes to expand Israel’s defense budget in order to meet IDF requirements for a greater presence in the south, Israeli citizens must cooperate.

The domestic problems that have divided Israelis this summer due to rising housing costs, insufficient medical services and a troubled education system, are worthy of consideration. But, these problems cannot compare to the rise in enemy forces on Israel’s southern border who want to destroy the Jewish State, militarily.

Once more the Jewish nation is focused on protecting the homefront from outside hostilities. Citizens will have to find a way to live together to combat these forces as a national priority. This will need to happen before Israel can sufficiently solve its economic problems that are hindering progress within the state.

Israelis cannot afford to do otherwise. Their lives depend on it!

"In that day there will be an altar to the Lord, in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border." Isaiah 19:19

MORE INFORMATION AND PRAYER POINTS:

Political ramifications regarding the change in leadership of Egypt since former President Hosni Mubarak's fall from power in the Spring of 2011:

(1) A majority of Egyptians favor the Moslem Brotherhood, and the Brotherhood is expected to gain great influence in the new Egyptian government which is supposed to be established in September.

(2) A majority of Egyptians want to scrap the peace treaty with Israel.

(3) Egyptian religious fanatics have been protesting on Egyptian streets, mingling in with the masses, demanding that Egypt become a Sharia state under Sharia law.

(4) A majority of Egyptians want Amr Moussa, the former head of the Arab League, to become the next president of Egypt in September 2011. If he becomes the next Egyptian president, he will look to weaken ties with Israel, which could jeopardize the peace treaty.

*Pray that all ties between radical groups in Egypt, and those in Gaza, will cease. Pray that all smuggling of arms and terrorists will be stopped. Pray that God shows the Israelis the exact location of where the terrorists are infiltrating Israel's borders, so that the IDF can stop all future attempts to terrorize the Jewish nation.

*Pray for an extra measure of protection on Israel's border with the Egyptian-ruled Sinai. Pray that the IDF will be prepared for any changes on the border in the future. Pray that the Israeli government will equip all defense forces with the ability to fight terrorism emanating from the Sinai. Pray that the Egyptian army will not join the terrorists in a military conflict against Israel. Pray that the Lord of Hosts will lead and guide the Israeli government in all decision-making concerning Egypt and Gaza.

*Pray that Israel is able to deal strongly with the influx of weapons going to Hamas in Gaza. Pray that the Lord shows the IDF where all arms factories are located so that the weapons of all terrorist cells in Gaza will be destroyed. Pray that the IDF will also be able to locate all rockets and launchers, and identify all terrorists planning to do evil against the Jewish State.

*Pray that all long-range Iranian weapons in the hands of Hamas will be destroyed and rendered useless. Pray that no more rockets will be able to be smuggled into Gaza, and none will reach the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). Pray that God will protect Ben Gurion airport from these weapons of destruction.

*Pray for boldness among secular Egyptians who are being intimidated by radical elements within Egyptian society. Pray that they take authority over all groups trying to bring Egypt into greater repression through religious rules and regulations.

*Pray that the Lord shields the Egyptian people from a return to Sharia law. Pray that all elements trying to bring Sharia Law into Egyptian society will be exposed.

*Pray that repentence falls on the Egyptian people, and that they line up with the Word of God for their nation.

*Pray that the people vote for a president that wants peace with Israel. Pray for greater favor for the Israeli people within Egyptian society.

*Pray that the Lord convicts the Egyptian people of anti-Semitism, and gives them His heart for His Chosen People, Israel.

*Pray that Coptic Christians that know the Lord have extra favor in influential places within Egyptian society, especially among government leaders.

*Pray that Egyptian government leaders adhere to the laws that protect the Copts from violent elements among radical Islamists.

*Pray for revival among those that the Coptic Christians are trying to reach, and that no intimidation will keep them from being a strong witness to Egyptian Moslems.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXXVI

Jerusalem, Israel

NAKBA DAY – REFUSING TO RECOGNIZE THE NATION STATE OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE

This weekend, Israeli Arabs and Palestinians took to the streets to protest the existence of the state of Israel. Clashes with IDF forces resulted in deaths and injuries, as Israeli troops tried to quell the riots.

In an alleged terrorist attack on Israeli citizens in Tel Aviv, a truck driven by an Israeli Arab crashed into pedestrians and cars, killing one person and injuring more than a dozen others.

Clashes also occurred on the northern border with Syria and Lebanon, as Palestinians and Druze tried to cross into Israel, resulting in the deaths of several protestors. IDF forces also clashed with Palestinians in Gaza, in the West Bank, and in Jerusalem.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians joined in protests throughout the world.

The occasion is Nakba Day, the day of “catastrophe” for Arab and Palestinian communities in the Middle East, who are protesting the League of Nations decision on May 15, 1948, to establish the modern state of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people.

In a cabinet meeting this weekend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “I regret that there are extremists among Israeli Arabs and in neighboring countries who have turned the day in which the State of Israel was established, the day on which the Israeli democracy was established, into a day of incitement, violence and rage. There is no place for this; for denying the existence of the State of Israel; No to extremism and no to violence. The opposite is true.”

For two years now, since Netanyahu became Prime Minister of the State of Israel for the second time in his political career, he has entreated the international community to recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people. During his tenure, he has also spent much time laboring over the fact that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has not wanted to enter into direct negotiations with Israel, except during a brief period last year. Abbas has also been unwilling to recognize Israel as the state of the Jewish people.

During Nakba demonstrations, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has called on Moslems in Gaza to pray for the end of Israel. This coincides with the Hamas charter which calls for Israel’s destruction. Now that Hamas in Gaza and Fatah in the West Bank have reconciled and signed a unity agreement, the new government they form can be expected to follow in the footsteps of Hamas – no recognition of Israel.

In the meantime, over 150 countries throughout the world have recognized and supported the establishment of a Palestinian state. In September, Abbas plans to go before the UN General Assembly, unilaterally declaring statehood, hoping to take future peace negotiations out of the hands of American brokers, and into the hands of international diplomats within the UN, Quartet and EU. If the UN officially recognizes Palestinian statehood this paves the way for direct negotiations between “Palestine” and Israel, which would give the Palestinians equal footing, diplomatically, in a land they do not possess, except in their own verbal decrees.

In this kind of environment, Hamas says it will accept, for a limited time only, a Palestinian state on the land beyond the 1967 Green Line. This is spelled out in the Arab Peace Initiative. This would include all of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). A Hamas-Fatah government would agree to a temporary cessation of violence against Israel. They would also allow Palestinian negotiators to enter into a temporary peace agreement with Israel, until, at which time, the unified government felt Israel was weak enough to go to war against the Jewish state. Then they would look to occupy all of the territory that is currently the Jewish homeland. These are the intentions of both Hamas and Fatah whether clearly stated publicly or not.

This is a plan that Abbas is willing to accept for the Palestinian people, along with solving the so-called Palestinian “refugee” problem. Recently, Abbas reiterated that the “refugees” must be able to return to their homes in Israel in any negotiated peace settlement.

In 1948, rather than accepting a two-state solution, the Arab world went to war against Israel. They told Israeli Arabs to flee Palestine, and most did. The Arab nations lost that battle, dubbed “Israel’s War of Independence”. Now, the children of that generation want to return to the area.

What is the goal of these Palestinians who today live in Lebanon, Jordan, Gaza, the West Bank, and in other parts of the world? They do not want to enjoy the privileges of their own independent state in the West Bank and Gaza. A majority of these “refugees” want to use the keys given to them by their ancestors and take over Jewish property in Israel which they continue to claim belongs solely to them. If they do not recognize the state of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, then as they lay claim to homes and apartments in the land, would they not be expected to try and expel the Jews?

Currently, Netanyahu is being pressured by the international community to offer more concessions to the Palestinians, through a new diplomatic initiative he is supposed to spell out before Congress and AIPAC, in the coming days. Pressure is mounting, again, from the U.S. Administration as well as Europe, to get Netanyahu and Abbas back to the peace negotiating table no matter what turmoil is going on in the Middle East. Upheaval in Arab countries; clashes on Israel’s borders; uprisings in the West Bank and Gaza; riots on the streets of Israeli neighborhoods; demonstrations throughout Israel, the Middle East and the world are, supposedly, all because these two men haven’t achieved peace. This is what many leaders in the global community believe.

The question is, what can Israel offer the Palestinians that would satisfy their appetite when the Palestinians have already declared their intentions? Whether it is step-by-step, accepting the partial plan of Palestinian statehood on part of the land, pushing Israeli communities back to the Green Line; or, whether it is the intention of taking the whole land by peace or by war, it is clear what they want. Yet, it is still not clear to the international community what the aspirations are of the Palestinian people.

In fact, American and European diplomats are looking to find a way of accepting a unified Palestinian government even without the stipulation by the Quartet that Israel be recognized by Hamas. Abbas has provided an answer for them. If the international community will accept that the newly formed Hamas-Fatah government will consist of technocrats, and not political leaders, then there won’t be a problem. In other words, because these technocrats would simply be figureheads, not involved in political negotiations with Israel, and not involved in violent force against Israel, this would pave the way for the international community to accept the Palestinian unity government.

Independently, Abbas could keep pretending that he wants to negotiate with Israel; the international community could take ownership of the peace process; and, Hamas could keep launching rockets on Israel’s southern communities. Riots, violent demonstrations, terrorist attacks, and flotilla wars against Israel could continue in the name of “freedom fighters” who are just trying to help the Palestinians lay claim to their state. The new Palestinian unity government could distance itself from these more radical elements within their society, who they would claim they have no control over.

This way, all parties would be content except Israel. The Jewish state would know no peace; have no defensible borders; and the very survival of the country would be at stake.

If today’s Nakba demonstrations are any indication, there is no love lost between Israel, the Palestinians, and neighboring Arab countries. As time goes on, Israel should be distancing itself from a failed process of peace that is only bringing more violence to its borders and within its society. Proving that it has the ability to defend itself when provoked by rage and incitement, Israel must unify as the nation state of the Jewish people; and, along with pro-Israel supporters throughout the world, stand strong in the face of growing adversity, worldwide.

"Why do the nations rage and the people plot a vain thing?" Psalm 2:1

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXXV

Jerusalem, Israel

ISRAEL’S QUEST FOR PEACE AND SECURITY IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING REGION

The recent barrage of rocket and mortar attacks against Israeli southern communities; the brutal murder of five members of a settler family in Itimar, and the first bus bombing in Jerusalem since 2004, has, once again, shattered the sense of calm and well-being in Israel. Citizens are reeling from these recent terror attacks, wondering whether this means that Israel must prepare for another Gaza war; or, the possibility of the Palestinians launching a third Intifada.

Recently, Israel’s Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, ordered the deployment of the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system, bringing hope to some Israelis that if the rocket war with Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other terror groups in Gaza escalates, at least southern Israeli communities will be offered a measure of protection. The IDF has stated, more than once, that the system has flaws, is limited in scope, and cannot protect against all incoming missiles. But, the Israeli government is not ready for a full scale war, and is looking for a way of stopping the current eroding of its deterrence in the south, while also trying to keep residents there from panicking.

Meanwhile, as the unrest in Arab nations continues, Israel faces some of its most serious challenges this year. Reports indicate that Syria may be using Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, along with operatives from Iran, to quell the recent uprising against President Bashar Assad’s government. In Assad’s attempt to divert attention away from the upheaval in his own country, he could lash out at Israel. The IDF remains on high alert in the north of the country, as well as, in the south.

The IDF is currently preparing and training for the possibility of 600 rockets a day being launched by Hezbollah, aimed at Israel’s northern communities. Hezbollah has known to be armed with up to 50,000 rockets in its stockpile, including Iranian-made long-range missiles and Syrian Scuds, all capable of penetrating deep into the heart of Israel. Reports indicate that Iran provides $1 billion in annual military aid to Hezbollah.

Israel has other problems that could affect the security of the Jewish state. Taking advantage of instability in the region, Iran has been trying to transport massive weapons to Israel’s enemies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria by land, sea and air. Israel’s recent interception of the Victoria ship; Turkey’s interception of two arms-laden planes; and convoys that have been intercepted originating from Sudan, are just some of the ways that intelligence-sharing capabilities between nations has helped to thwart Iran’s military ambitions. But, Israeli defense leaders admit that these interceptions have stopped only a fraction of the weapon transfers to Israel’s terrorist neighbors.

At the same time, Israel’s enemies are attempting to dig terror tunnels under the northern Gaza Strip which could be used to try and kill or kidnap Israeli soldiers, similar to events that triggered Israel’s 2006 conflict with Hamas. This, then, escalated into the Second Lebanon War with Hezbollah.

While the United States and other Western powers look at the current Middle East unrest as an opportunity for democratic reform, and greater freedoms for massive Arab populations, Israeli citizens wonder if new governments will be friendly or not towards the Jewish state.

For example, if Syria’s secular ruling elite were to fall, most analysts believe that Islamists would take over. In Egypt’s attempt to ratify its constitution, a call for early elections could result in the Moslem Brotherhood greatly increasing its political power within the new Egyptian government. Israelis see this as a slow eroding of good relations with Egypt, a threat to the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty, and an opportunity for radical Islamic groups to have much greater influence within the Egyptian population.

Unrest in Jordan, and the possibility of a weakened Jordanian monarchy, could threaten Israel’s peace treaty with that country. A negative trend in Middle East regime change is already having its affect in Tunisia where the Islamization of that government is resulting in a deterioration of relations with the Jewish community. Israel is planning to help 25 Tunisian families immigrate to Israel during the next few weeks, hoping that others will follow. There are 1,500 Jews still living in Tunisia.

Israel is also weary of attempts by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to try and bring reconciliation between his Fatah supporters and their arch rival, Hamas. Reconciliation, resulting in unity between these two groups, would give the Palestinian’s the support they need for international approval towards statehood. Their demand for a contiguous land mass, encompassing most of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and Gaza, would gain legitimacy if they could succeed in producing one unified government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Fatah-Hamas unity will bury the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.

Israel faces a diplomatic war unprecedented in the history of the Jewish state as the Palestinians are preparing to bring a resolution before the UN General Assembly in September which could hinder Israel’s ability to defend itself. The Palestinians are looking for international recognition of the right to establish the state of “Palestine” without the need of a peace treaty with Israel. Israel is concerned that the European Union (EU) will join over 170 countries that have already approved a Palestinian unilateral declaration. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has indicated the EU might consider such recognition.

In the meantime, the Palestinians have, successfully, delayed all direct negotiations with Israel. They are ignoring the U.S. as a peace power broker, and are intent on internationalizing the conflict. They are now looking for new “peace” partners who they can easily influence.

European states are showing greater hostility in their opinions and policies towards Israel. This is in addition to a rapidly expanding Moslem European population. Anti-Israel bias in European media outlets and negative reporting by human rights organizations has resulted in increased anti-Semitism and anti-Israel hatred throughout Europe. These trends are having a negative effect on Israel’s relations with international leaders. This is worrying to Israeli leaders who are losing favor in the global arena. Israel faces greater isolation among the nations, worldwide.

What’s clear, today, is that Israel is fighting an upward battle on several fronts. Despite unprecedented military assistance from the U.S. Administration, President Barack Obama’s diplomatic help to Israel remains uncertain. While American concern for maintaining Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME) still remains a high priority for the Pentagon and the White House, Israel’s QME is currently being threatened by Russia’s decision to sell and soon deliver anti-ship cruise missiles to Syria. These missiles could end up in Hezbollah’s hands which would give the terrorist regime an advantage at sea over Israel’s sophisticated naval armaments.

Meanwhile, if the Palestinians do unite, and are diplomatically successful at the UN, this could result in collective measurements taken by UN states against Israel. A strong UN resolution could further erode Israel’s support among the nations.

The Israeli government’s formidable challenge is to guarantee safety for Israeli citizens despite the new terror war against the Jewish State. Netanyahu hopes that Israel can remain stable in a tumultuous neighborhood of regional chaos. The IDF will continue to strive for military superiority over Israel’s enemies despite massive arms sales and deliveries that threaten to tip the balance of power in the Middle East. And, Israelis of all ages and professions will fight for diplomatic recognition within the global community.

The nation’s quest for peace and security remains its greatest challenge and its greatest hope for the future.

PRAYER POINTS:

(1) PRAY THAT THE TUMULT IN THE NATIONS WILL BE CALMED BY GOD’S PRESENCE: Psalm 74:23 (the voice of God's enemies); Psalm Chapter 83 (the crafty counsel of the nations); Psalm 65:5-13 (God’s abundant provision); Psalm Chapter 110 (the wonderful works of the Lord where He makes His enemies His footstool; and, where He removes the leaders of many countries).

(2)PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES OF ITIMAR AS THEY GRIEVE, AND FOR THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOVED ONES THAT WERE KILLED OR INJURED IN THE JERUSALEM BUS BOMBING: Psalm 57:1-3 (for God's mercy over the land); Psalm 58:11 (that the Lord will reward the righteous and judge the wicked).

(3) PRAY THAT GAZA TERRORISTS WILL BE UPROOTED FROM THEIR POSITIONS AND WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO LAUNCH MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL. PRAY FOR THE ROCKET AND MORTAR FIRE TO CEASE IMMEDIATELY. PRAY THAT NO WEAPONS FORMED AGAINST ISRAEL WILL PROSPER. PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE IN ISRAEL'S SOUTHERN COMMUNITIES TO NOT PANIC OR ENTER INTO FEAR. DECLARE PSALM CHAPTER 91 OVER ISRAEL.

(4) PROCLAMATION GOD’S BLESSINGS UPON HIS PEOPLE: Genesis 22:17-18. PRAY THAT THOSE WHO ARE DISOBEDIENT AND TRUST IN THE ABUNDANCE OF THEIR OWN RICHES SHALL RECEIVE THEIR JUST REWARD: Psalm 52:1-9. ACKNOWLEDGE, WITH PRAISE, ALL HE HAS DONE FOR HIS PEOPLE, ISRAEL.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXXIV

Jerusalem, Israel

PEACE, PEACE, WHERE THERE IS NO PEACE

News events change suddenly in the Middle East, but what doesn’t change is the quest for peace. In 2011, peace between Israel and the Palestinians seems as elusive as ever.

As the sluggish peace process bumps along, the political climate of the country suggests that the Israeli public is tired of giving into the Palestinians and receiving nothing in return. In January, 350 prominent rabbis in Israel signed a petition asking Netanyahu not to make additional diplomatic and territorial concessions in order to get the Palestinians to return to direct talks.

For many years now, the Palestinians have reiterated their red lines, without deviating from their stated policy. They have demanded a complete Israeli land withdrawal to pre-1967 borders; the establishment of their own independent state with Jerusalem as their capital; and the right of return to Israel for millions of so-called Palestinian “refugees”.

While the Palestinians have stuck to their demands the same cannot be said of Israel. The vision of a Greater Israel (from the Nile River to the Euphrates), embraced by biblical Zionists during Israel’s first years as a modern state, has vanished. Now, the hope to remain on all the land from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River is vanishing, as well. Former leaders of Israel’s previous governments have been willing to relent to global pressure and give up land for peace. It’s been the Palestinians who have said, “No”, even when the Israeli’s went beyond their own red lines.

During negotiations between former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, resulting in the signing of the Camp David Accords in September 1978, Begin refused to put the status of Jerusalem on the peace bargaining table.

Yet, at Camp David in the year 2000, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak agreed to a division of Jerusalem. At the time, 600,000 Israelis protested, forming a human chain around the Old City, expressing their anger with Barak’s offer. It was former Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat who refused that deal.

Then, in September 2000, the Palestinians started the second Intifada (uprising), launching suicide bombings, blowing up buses and restaurants, killing over 1,000 Israelis and injuring more than 6,000 during the next several years.

In August 2005, former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon enacted the Gaza Disengagement Plan, adopted by the Israeli government. The unilateral withdrawal displaced all Israeli citizens living in the Gaza Strip, as well as those living in four settlements in the northern West Bank (Judea and Samaria). After the Gaza withdrawal, the Hamas terrorist group filled the vacuum. Today, they govern Gaza where no Jews live anymore.

In 2008, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert offered Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas another generous deal, which included giving up 93-97% of the West Bank to the Palestinians, as well as additional land swaps. Jerusalem would be divided and under no sovereignty, but with oversight by several states. Abbas turned Olmert down.

There’s a familiar saying in Israel that “the Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” Those reading this article, surprised by Israel’s concessions over biblical land, may be thanking God for those missed opportunities.

Netanyahu has inherited a peace process that started in 1977. After former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Arafat signed the Oslo Accords in 1993, for a period of seven years it seemed like there might be an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu, during his first term as Prime Minister, signed the Hebron Protocol in 1997 and the Wye River Memorandum in 1998, hoping to sustain a lasting peace.

The accords, protocol, and memorandum failed to produce positive results. The world has been grasping for a continuation of the process of peace, in lieu of peace itself, if only to keep another war from igniting in the Middle East.

Israel is about to celebrate its 63rd year of independence. Its leaders are still hoping the Palestinians, along with the global community, will recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people. Netanyahu is demanding that the signing of any peace treaty will constitute the final end of the conflict. So far, Abbas and his negotiators have refused to accept Israel as the Jewish homeland, living side by side Palestinians in their own state. The PLO and Hamas Charters; Palestinian textbooks; statements in Arabic by Palestinian leaders; television broadcasts; and Palestinian maps acknowledge the existence of a Palestinian state, but no Jewish state.

Over 10,900 rockets and mortars have been launched against Israel by Palestinian militants since 2000, according to Hamas statistics; 68% of these attacks occurred after Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005. Despite Operation Cast Lead (Israel’s war with Hamas in 2008-2009), rockets are still being fired on the Jewish State today by terrorist groups in Gaza.

Concerned that a further withdrawal from the West Bank will result in rockets launched by Palestinians into Israel’s major population centers, including Ben Gurion airport, Netanyahu has insisted on guaranteed security measures. While he has agreed to a de-militarized Palestinian state, he has been adamant that it must include IDF forces on the eastern border. This is to prevent terrorist infiltration from the Jordan Valley. Already, Israel is alarmed by global jihad terrorists reportedly establishing a presence on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea that could launch attacks against hotels on the Israeli side.

As Palestinian and Israeli negotiators hold to their positions on borders, security, Jerusalem, and refugees, the Netanyahu government is not willing to finalize a peace deal without all issues being agreed upon together. The stalemate continues.

Yet, the Palestinians, in an effort to pressure Israel, have sought international recognition. More than 170 countries have approved the formation of a Palestinian state, encouraging unilateral steps towards independence. Israel, and for the present time the United States, sees these steps as unproductive and a threat to peace in the Middle East.

However, America, along with many countries, has upgraded the diplomatic status of the Palestinians, allowing them to fly their flag in state capitols. In addition, millions of dollars have poured into Palestinian coffers to encourage state building The Palestinian Authority is the largest recipient of foreign aid in the world, reportedly receiving $1.2 billion in 2009, and $1.8 billion in 2010.

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad plans to officially declare statehood this year. The Palestinians would like to seal that declaration with international recognition from the Quartet (the U.S., U.N., E.U., and Russia), along with an official UN Security Council resolution affirming their independence.

Some Israeli experts believe U.S. President Barack Obama will adapt a new peace plan, based on the Clinton Parameters (introduced in 2000), that would be similar to Ehud Barak’s offer to Arafat at that time. Others think that Obama will adapt the Arab Peace Initiative, with the urging of the U.S. State Department. Forcing Israel to accept either plan would jeopardize its security in today’s volatile environment; and, in the case of the Arab Initiative would not allow for defensible borders.

In a December 2010 speech at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton outlined America’s new peace demands. She declared the U.S. would “push the parties to lay out their positions on the core issues without delay and with real specificity.” She encouraged the Palestinians in their efforts at state-building, and pledged another $150 million in direct assistance. She stated that the U.S. and the world could not impose a solution on the two parties. Despite her words, the pushing and prodding, the constant pressure and forced one-on-one diplomacy, proves that America is determined to broker a final peace deal, dragging the Israelis and Palestinians along with them.

As the major peacemaker in the Middle East, the Obama Administration may fear that peace is slipping out of U.S. hands down a slippery slope into the hands of other global players. The Palestinians welcome this, and with Hamas, remain committed to the elimination of Jewish sovereignty in the Holy Land.

Israel continues to lose international support, while the Palestinians gain global legitimacy. Eventually, it will only be divine intervention that keeps Israel settled in the Promised Land, and keeps the Holy City in Jewish hands.

PRAYER POINTS:

(1) Declare, according to Deuteronomy 4:4-8, that Israeli citizens would obey God’s commandments and not succumb to pressure from the nations or to fear of man. Pray that they would hold fast to the Lord, and steward the land He has given them as an eternal covenant.

(2) Intercede for Israel’s government to receive great favor from the Lord when dealing with international leaders. Proclaim, by faith, that Israeli leaders will humble themselves before the Lord, and cry out to Him for their nation, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14-15.

(3) Pray for the Israeli people to not grow weary in desiring peace and security. Pray for renewed strength for those who make critical decisions for the nation, according to Isaiah 40:29-31.

(4) Pray for Palestinian leaders to not contend with God's plans for the Jewish people lest He contend with them. Declare Psalm 35:1 and Psalm 35:23-25 on Israel's behalf. Pray that the Palestinian Authority will walk in righteousness and integrity, and its leaders in wisdom, according to Psalm 2:10-12.