SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 53

Jerusalem, Israel

THE SWEETNESS OF THE NEW YEAR IN A BITTER MIDDLE EAST

Israelis are toasting to the Jewish New Year this week, eating apples and honey as a reminder of the sweetness of the holiday season. It is a time of personal and national reflection, while the Middle East boils with new outbreaks of violence. In Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia, India, East Jerusalem and the West Bank, Arabs are taking to the streets, displaying their anger at what they perceive to be Western disrespect of the Moslem religion. The rioters are being encouraged by Al-Qaeda. Its organization in the Arabian Peninsula has posted statements on the Web urging attacks on American targets to weaken what they perceive to be U.S. hegemony in the Middle East. Hezbollah in Lebanon is warning the United States that a controversial anti-Islam film must be banned from Internet sites or there will be more violence against Western interests in the region.

New protests by Palestinians living in East Jerusalem and the West Bank are also a result of frustration with the high cost of living and economic instability. Furthermore, without the peace process moving forward, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is losing credibility among his own people. Palestinians have lashed out at government corruption and unfulfilled promises. The Palestinians do not see a state of their own becoming a reality anytime soon, which gives them little hope for the future. They have accused Hamas of trying to bring down the government of Abbas. And, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh is shifting the blame on Israel. The great schism between Fatah and Hamas is being revealed once again, and Israel does not want to be the scapegoat for a new Palestinian uprising.

Yet, for weeks now, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has fueled the fire by continually calling for the resignation of Abbas, adding to the exasperation that some Palestinians are feeling about their leader. Lieberman accuses Abbas of being involved in diplomatic terrorism against Israel, while representing a Palestinian government with no legitimacy. Lieberman has noted the stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which he sees as adversely affecting Israel’s ability to maintain positive relationships with its regional neighbors.  His concern is that the stalemate is creating a vacuum in the Palestinian territories that could be filled by radical Islamists. Islamists are already causing instability throughout the Middle East, taking advantage of the collapse of dictatorships before new stable governments are able to govern effectively.
  
During a recent briefing at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, MK Ronni Bar-On, Chairman of the Israeli Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, spoke to diplomats and journalists. He explained that the current Arab Spring is turning into a fundamentalist Islamic and jihadist winter in a new evolving Middle East.  Israel is the only true democracy operating in the region. “This is the right time for the international community and international public opinion to make itself count by way of backing democracy and trying to build new ones from the ruins of old dictatorships… The wheels of the revolution cannot be turned back, but if the people of the region do not get what they deserve and demand, this opportunity will soon turn to disaster and chaos.”

The recent clashes in the Middle East, with attacks on American embassies, has shown just how much hatred already exists towards the United States and Western powers.  But, while the world focuses on the latest upsurge in regional violence and terror, the first challenge for Israel is still Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a point of putting pressure on U.S. President Barack Obama to threaten Iran with military action if it crosses red lines. The Obama Administration has already responded negatively to Netanyahu’s demands.

However, the United States, Gulf countries and Western nations are currently engaged in military exercises in the Straits of Hormuz, determined that if war breaks out with Iran, the Straits will remain open to oil commerce. 

Meanwhile, Iran has become a global threat that could spark nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, resulting in Arab leaders rushing to acquire a nuclear bomb.  That is why Bar-On said Iran must not be allowed to achieve nuclear capability.  He also spoke of Iran’s latest weapons arsenal. “Iran’s long-term missile ability, as displayed countless times, will make the world a dangerous place to live in for all of us…Unconventional warfare will be traded and sold at cost value and will become available to every mad man with a suitcase of money.”

Bar-On believes that this kind of aggression in the region will set back the global war on terror and re-position Iran as a leading powerhouse in the Middle East.

So far, Iran has stubbornly resisted international efforts to stop its nuclear pursuit. Therefore, moderate Arab nations, especially those in the Gulf region, are now depending more and more on the United States to protect them. As Iran has proven its determination to enrich uranium at higher levels, the Iranian government has also stepped up its anti-Semitic rhetoric towards Israel, resulting in a greater likelihood of a new war in the Middle East. 

According to Bar-On, “The last minute for statesmanship and foreign policy is the last minute that something can be done to prevent the bomb and the bleak future it holds.  This last minute should not pass.”

While Iran continues to be the issue that dominates media headlines, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has taken a back seat. But, the new Arab dialogue on the streets in the West Bank and East Jerusalem could promote a shift within the Palestinian community. Bar-On explained that the Palestinian people now realize they have been wronged by their own government; that diplomacy has failed; negotiations are at a dead end; and it has left them with no hope. The pragmatic Palestinian willing to abandon terror will see an outstretched hand coming from Israel. “If negotiations do not get back on track we will be closing what could be possibly the last possibility for peace…I call the Palestinian leaders to let go of all the agendas and really try to make a difference.” 

As citizens of Israel bring in the Jewish New Year 5773, they are looking over their shoulder at the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict; a conflict that could boil over this coming year. At the same time, they are looking beyond their borders to a looming war with Iran that could ignite the whole Middle East region. Both possibilities do not make for a happy New Year. But, this season of personal and national reflection and repentance is one of the most important times in the history of the Jewish State; a time of concentrated prayer for the people of Israel and for the whole Middle East.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”    

2 Chronicles 7:14

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 52

SEPTEMBER 2012 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

• There is more and more talk that Israel is on the verge of war. The media is predicting a direct war between Iran and Israel in late 2012 or early 2013.  But, instead, it could be a war that erupts on Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah in Lebanon, which will bring Israel into a new conflict. This may be followed by a conflagration between Israel and Arab states such as Syria and Egypt. If so, terrorists in the Sinai and in Gaza would likely join that war. Read Psalm Chapter 83.

If a war were to include Iran, it would be because of a U.S. led coalition against Iran, and not Israel acting alone.  The U.S. is moving aircraft carriers and ships into the Gulf region. American President Barack Obama is doing this more to satisfy the Arab Gulf States than to appease Israel. The Obama Administration is concerned that Iran might try and cut off oil tankers in the Straits of Hormuz, thereby paralyzing the oil industry.  

Meanwhile, there is a new emergency pamphlet being distributed throughout Israel with grim warnings preparing the nation for war. With Israel’s defense measures in place, including early-warning signals, Israelis would have from 30 seconds (in the far north and far south of the country) up to three minutes (in Jerusalem ) to get into bomb shelters. This would be the time between air raid sirens sounding and rockets slamming into civilian areas. This booklet that has been created by  Israel’s Home Front Command, has been mailed out, and includes how to prepare a safe room or bomb shelter for emergencies.

Pray that the Lord holds off any conflict that the enemy tries to bring forth before its timing. If Israel is to endure in another war on the battlefield, pray that the home front is ready; that the IDF is prepared; and that God subdues the enemy so that he is unable to hurt the land or God's people. 

Pray for the raising up of watchmen who will intercede for the Straits of Hormuz to remain open and not subject to Iranian plots to cause havoc in that area. Pray that the Lord will preserve the world economy and protect oil resources in the Gulf region. 

The sense is that He is shaking Arab nations surrounding Israel, and that He will shake Israel, as well. Many citizens are talking about fleeing the country. Pray that they do not panic and leave Israel for other nations. Pray that God glorifies His name through the people of faith, as believers stand in prayer and peace during a future conflict. Proclaim God’s Word over those living in the land, that there will be a great harvest! Intercede that the angels of God will miraculously intervene; that Israelis will see the Lord’s mighty acts around them; and, many will come to salvation.

• The next war could involve missiles hitting Tel Aviv, a city known as the gay capitol of the Middle East; a city that is proud of its secularism and its idols.

Declare the voice of the Lord over the Mediterranean waters and over Israel’s coastlines. (See Psalm 29:3; Jeremiah 10:13). Ask the Lord to tear down every wicked thing that rises against His name in Tel Aviv, while at the same time protecting those people in the city that love Him. (Psalm 18:16).

Egypt:

• The IDF averted a major disaster on Monday, August 6^th. Thank God that Israel’s Southern Command was on high alert, sensing an imminent terrorist attack.  A Sinai Bedouin terrorist group, affiliated with Al-Qaeda blew up an Egyptian army border-control building, killing 16 Egyptian soldiers. The terrorists then stormed the border crossing into Israel. When they were two kilometers inside Israel, an IDF missile blew up their vehicle and killed the terrorists.  The Southern Command believes that more attacks are being planned and is engaging in key cooperation with the Egyptians.  The IDF is also building up its defenses along the border with Egypt.

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, however, ordered army tanks into the Sinai, allegedly without Israel’s permission (as stipulated in the Camp David Accords). He did this in order to stop terrorist activity and re-take control of the Sinai, especially in the north. Israeli leaders have not scolded Morsi publicly, but remain concerned that he will take other unilateral actions on Egypt’s border with Israel that will cause disputes, resulting in a challenge to the peace treaty. Morsi is securing his authority in Egypt, quietly taking over all power bases in the country.  He could soon be as strong a dictator as former President Hosni Mubarak.  Egypt may become an Islamic state under Sharia law. The Moslem Brotherhood, which Morsi is affiliated with, is looking for world domination, wanting to create a “global state of Islam”, encouraging its faithful followers in Syria, Jordan, Tunisia and Libya to follow its lead in Egypt.

Pray for a weakening of Morsi’s authority, and confusion in the ranks of the Moslem Brotherhood in Arab nations, especially those that surround Israel. Pray that God will strengthen and fortify Israel’s southern border with Egypt. Pray for a wall of protection that will look invisible to Israel’s enemies but will trap them if they try to commit terrorist acts. (See Exodus 14:17-18; Exodus 14:31). Pray and cry out to the Lord to intervene, not just on behalf of Israel, but also for the nations around Israel, that will come into God’s judgment if they continue to take action against the Jewish State. 

Syria:

Recent reports indicate that Al-Qaeda and other Sunni extremists are using Syrian land to advance their goals. For example, standing alongside of rebel forces, these Sunni radicals have conducted suicide bombings against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces, and are doing this with greater frequency. Reportedly, they want to form a Syrian-Iraqi Islamic State, hoping to unite all Moslems; and, then, initiate a war with Israel.

Intercede that the Lord will fight on Israel’s behalf against all terrorist forces that try to attack His Promised Land and Chosen People. 

Pray according to Psalm Chapter 27 that Israelis will focus on the Lord as their light and their salvation; recognizing Him as the strength of their life. Pray that they will not leave Israel because of their anxieties and unbelief. Pray that the Lord will show them His powerful hand in slaying wicked forces who occupy themselves with lofty plans of evil against His people. 

Even as Middle East armies encamp on Israel’s borders, and surround the Jewish State, pray that the citizens of Israel will not shrink back, but be of good courage. Pray that they will seek a closer relationship with the God of Israel.  

Intercede for believers to come into His Holy Presence with prayer and worship, acknowledging that it is He and He alone that can save this land from destruction. “For in the times of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle, He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.”  (Psalm 27:5). 

Pray that Israelis will see the goodness of the Lord, in the land of the living, so that they do not lose heart. 

Pray that those that have faith in the Messiah will wait on the Lord, and step forth with courage, and that He will strengthen their hearts in the coming days.

• Recently, Iranian leaders have stepped up their anti-Semitic diatribes against Israel. Their hateful tirades continue to falsely accuse Israel of all kinds of things, and there is a constant call for Israel’s destruction. This is similar to Goliath’s verbal attacks against David. (See 1 Samuel Chapter 17). 
• After a recent conference of world leaders in Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a decision to address the UN General Assembly in New York (sometime between September 27 and September 30) to respond to the accusations against Israel. Netanyahu said:  “In Tehran today, the representatives of 120 countries heard a blood libel against the State of Israel and were silent. This silence must stop. Therefore, I will go to the UN General Assembly, and, in a clear voice, tell the nations of the world the truth about Iran’s terrorist regime, which constitutes the greatest threat to world peace.”

It is significant that not one of the leaders present at the Iranian conference left the meeting when Iran blasted Israel. The nations will be judged by the way they judge Israel. 

Pray for Israel to stand by God’s Word and His assurances that the Jewish people are the “apple of His eye”, according to Psalm 17:8; Proverbs 7:2; and Zechariah 2:8.  Pray for God’s mercy upon the nation of Iran and upon all nations that turn their back on Israel.  (See Genesis 12:3; Psalm Chapter 2; Joel 3:2 and Joel 3:12; Zechariah 12:3-4).  

Meanwhile, Israel’s public debate on Iran has become too vocal and is causing confusion. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). Israel’s public debate is revealing to the world that there is division in the ranks of the government about Iran.   

Pray that Israeli leaders will realize that loose lips sink ships and will stop giving interviews to the media, regarding their opinions on this subject, some of which are in direct opposition to Netanyahu’s public statements. Pray that the internal divisions that show politicians and military officials are in disagreement over war with Iran, will become a hidden debate rather than a public one, as this only weakens Israel’s position within the international community. Pray for unity in the ranks of the Netanyahu government, especially among those in his nine member inner cabinet. 

By the way, Netanyahu does his best work in the middle of the night, according to media reports. So, when you intercede for him, pray that he will be sharp and alert during the wee hours of the morning when he makes major decisions; during the times when others in Israel are sound asleep!

• MK Arieh Eldad, a member of the right-wing National Union Party, has drafted a bill mandating certain hours that Jews can pray on the Temple Mount.  His bill, if passed, would assure freedom of worship on the Temple Mount not only for Jews, but for Christians, as well.  This would take care of a recent U.S. State Department report that criticizes Israel for denying all non-Moslems the opportunity to worship on the Temple Mount because of security risks.  Israel legally has the right to oversee activity on the Temple Mount, but has given over that authority to the Moslem WAQF.  If this bill passes, it would end the struggle that many have had in trying to go up to the Temple Mount to pray.  In a way, the State Department report, meant to criticize Israel, has actually opened a possible door for Jews and Christians to pray on the Mount along with Moslems! The bill will be submitted to the Knesset after the summer recess.     

           Pray for this bill to pass the Knesset that would allow freedom of worship on the Temple        Mount.  This would be a great opportunity to seek the Messiah where the Lord’s Temple once stood; to proclaim His Kingdom Authority over Israel and the nations, as well as the return of His Presence to this strategic site!   

• When former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir died earlier this summer, those who eulogized him spoke of his ability to say “no” in the face of international pressure. They recognized that he was unwilling to negotiate on his core values, which were that Israelis and Jews from around the world had the right to live in their biblical and historic homeland. This is what guided him as he steadfastly defended the Jewish State. On this one point, Shamir was commended for his tireless efforts to remain true to his values.  Israel needs more leaders like Shamir—those who will stand strong in the face of great adversity, defending Israel’s policies no matter how strong the opposition.

God is looking for brave men and women who will make decisions that please Him and His purposes for Israel.  

Pray for new emerging leaders to come forth and gain influence for Israel among the nations.

Pray for Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, and his Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon. They are not only defending Israel in a strong way in international forums, but they are beginning to take offensive diplomatic action. This is rare in Israel, where most politicians only defend Israel’s position with no offensive plan. It seems that God is giving Liberman and Ayalon strategies and authority to reveal the true tactics of Israel’s enemies; to expose wicked schemes; and to successfully put forth Israel’s position among their peers in the international community. Thank the Lord for this, and continue to pray for these two men to receive Godly wisdom and counsel as they fight for Israel in the diplomatic arena.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 51

Jerusalem, Israel

ISRAEL’S PUBLIC DEBATE ON IRAN

During the past several weeks there have been clear signs that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his government, the opposition, and his allies are grappling over a preliminary strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Even within Netanyahu’s inner cabinet it has been reported that there are serious disagreements among members regarding what to do about Iran.

Much of the debate between current and former Israeli officials has been public; and, strong differences of opinions have been reported in interviews conducted by the Israeli media. Journalists continue to reveal the divisiveness among leaders regarding whether to strike now; wait for another round of diplomacy; or, let the U.S. take the lead on future military action against Iran.

Many Israelis claim that, as a sovereign nation, Israel should be able to act independently. Others say that Washington should be notified when Jerusalem leaders make a decision on Iran. A majority of Israelis are counting on the U.S. for major support as they do not want Israeli Defense Forces (the IDF) to act alone. 

U.S. President Barack Obama’s promise that America has Israel’s back has not convinced a skeptical Israeli population. Middle East analysts in Israel and abroad have challenged the U.S. president to present a clear cut plan as to when American diplomacy with Iran ends and military preparations begin. 

Publicly, the comments coming from the Obama Administration have not put Israelis at ease. This has become a sore point which has brought the debate to a fevered pitch. 

Despite differences between the U.S. and Israel on a diplomatic level, there has been unprecedented strategic defense cooperation in recent years.  In lieu of this, a media report published August 22, 2012 suggests that the Obama Administration is beginning to take some initiative towards military preparedness. The Seattle Times article claims that U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta ordered the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier to deploy back to the Middle East about four months earlier than planned. Panetta stressed that the early deployment will deal with the current threats in the region including Iran and the continued chaos in Syria. He said the U.S. wants to be prepared with any contingency that develops in the region. This seemingly minor action seems to indicate that the Pentagon has started to listen to Israel’s concern on some level.

In the meantime, what can be expected if Israel decides to conduct a pre-emptive military strike against Iran?  Hezbollah currently has at least 60,000 missiles in its weapons arsenal, and the IDF is prepared if the Lebanese terrorist militia begins firing them at the Israeli home front. If Iran also gives orders to Gaza terror groups, then Islamic Jihad or Hamas is expected to launch a missile attack on Israel. The Jewish State has already warned that parts of Lebanon and Gaza may be destroyed in order for Israel to protect its home front.  On a global level, if there is a major confrontation, Israelis and Jews traveling abroad may come under fire from terrorists who sympathize with Iran.

Israel has been training its pilots for many years but the question is what Middle East country will allow the Israeli Air Force (IAF) to fly over its airspace to Iran? The northern route would put the IAF over a portion of Turkey and Syria. Israel’s diplomatic relations with Turkey have diminished, considerably, and it is unlikely that Turkey or Syria (an enemy of Israel) would allow any IAF flyovers. The southern route to Iran would take Israeli pilots over Saudi Arabia airspace. While this is feasible, it means that IAF jets would need to refuel in the Saudi desert. The central route would take Israel over Jordan and Iraq, which would be the shortest route, but the most diplomatically problematic to get permission for flyovers.

In the midst of talk about a possible war with Iran, there are Israeli home front preparations taking place in the north of the country. Reports indicate that some northern citizens are already making plans to flee the country for fear of a major war coming soon. 

While much of the international community is focused on a possible Israeli pre-emptive strike against Iran, the Jewish State is preparing for a future conflict with Iran’s proxy, Hezbollah.  Recently, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened Israel when he claimed that he is preparing to send troops into the Galilee. He also maintained that if Israel strikes Iran, Hezbollah will join Iran in a counterstrike against Israel.

There’s a high probability that Iranian leaders will direct Hezbollah to provoke a conflict with Israel in order to try and stop the IDF from attacking Iran. 

The IDF is also monitoring the civil war in Syria.  Syria is Iran’s ally and Iran’s mullahs are determined to make sure that Syrian President Bashar Assad stays in power. If Syria’s Sunni majority is able to take over the Assad regime, the axis of power that Shiite Iran has developed in the region (Syria-Lebanon-Iraq) will be weakened considerably. Assad’s rule in Syria also guarantees the survival of Iranian-backed Hezbollah. 

Hezbollah not only controls southern Lebanon, it has substantial influence within the Lebanese Armed Forces, and is a major political player in the Lebanese government. If Syria collapses, Assad’s minority Alawite forces may find refuge in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. This would result in expanding the Shiite stronghold there which would be protected by Hezbollah.  It would re-energize Hezbollah’s guerilla war against Israel.

Recognizing that the U.S. could lose friends in the Middle East by leading a coalition against Iran, the Obama Administration has been counting the cost of getting involved. Reportedly, the Iranian Quds Force has been behind recent terror attacks against Western targets in the Middle East. More attacks can be expected if the White House chooses to clearly define and prepare for military action against Iran. 

It is well known that Hezbollah has “sleeper cells” in the United States that could be mobilized should America lead a war against Iran.  Recently, Iran showed off its military capabilities, including a new line of short-range missiles that could hit U.S. troops in the Gulf region. The missiles could also be used against ships in the Straits of Hormuz to paralyze the oil industry. 

With the American presidential elections coming up in November, it seems that Obama is treading carefully when it comes to saber rattling vis-à-vis Iran.

Obama and Netanyahu seem to agree that containing Iran is not only about stopping its nuclear aggression, but also about weakening its terror alliances. Lately, there has been great Iranian investment in plots to assassinate Israelis in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.  Iran’s Middle East terror groups continue to speak of eradicating the Jewish State and bringing the West to its knees.  The weakening of Iran’s power and resolve is a high priority in Israel and the U.S.

Netanyahu also agrees with Obama on the need to continue strong international sanctions against Iran in order to force it to comply with U.N. resolutions. But, recent comments by American Vice President Joseph Biden, boasting of accomplishments in the U.S.-Israel relationship to strengthen and care for Israel’s well-being in the midst of regional terror threats, have not been comforting to Israelis. Claiming record levels of security assistance to Israel; the biggest joint military exercises ever between the two countries; high-level intelligence exchanges between the two allies; and bi-weekly discussions between top generals from both nations has still not been what Israeli leaders hoped to hear in the public forum. 

What Netanyahu continues to look for is public assurances from the White House of a credible U.S. military threat that will cause Iran to stop its work on nuclear weapons.  This may not come to fruition any time soon. 

For Israel, every hesitation and indecisive act by the United States, which causes it to refrain from warning leaders in Tehran, brings Israel one step closer to taking independent decisive military action against Iran in order to stop its nuclear quest.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 50

AUGUST 2012 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

Syria’s chemical weapons:  Syrian President Bashar Assad has threatened to use his vast stockpile of chemical and biological weapons against any foreign entity that tries to interfere with the conflict in Syria.  Israel has announced that it will take action against any attempt by Assad or his government to transfer the WMD’s to Hezbollah or other radical groups. The IDF has been on high alert on the Israeli-Syrian border, acquiring intelligence, and keeping a watchful eye on Syria’s weapons stockpile. Israel is also watching to see if Assad tries to smuggle more advanced weapons systems to Hezbollah. 

Israeli Golan Heights & Syria: For the first time since 1973, there are heavy battles between the Assad regime and the Syrian local population on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak recently visited the area and could hear mortar fire in Damascus, where heavy battles were taking place between the regime and opposing forces.  Over 500 Syrian soldiers were recently dispersed to the de-militarized zone between Israel and Syria.  The war in Syria is getting more brutal.  There is no mercy on the part of Assad and his forces.  They are shelling and destroying entire villages. Syria’s main cities – Damascus and Aleppo – are now under fire. 

More than 1.5 million Syrian refugees are on the move.  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has prepared the IDF for the possibility of an influx of refugees. Israel is reportedly setting up refugee camps in the enclaves between the Israeli and Syrian borders. 

The Israeli government is concerned that radical Islamists, like Al Qaeda, might try and use the Syrian Golan Heights as a launching pad for terrorist attacks against Israel. With Assad’s government occupied in fighting the rebels in Aleppo and Damascus, little attention is being paid to the control needed in border towns where militants from other countries are filtering in. 

In another development, Hezbollah is storing its missiles, advanced weapons systems, and ammunition within an extensive underground tunnel network that stretches throughout Lebanon. The tunnel network, which is supervised by Iranian agents, can resist Israeli air and land attacks. The tunnels reach deep into Syria and, reportedly, Hezbollah can smuggle their rockets through Syrian territory.  This is another way that the northern border with Israel is being used by enemies of the Jewish State to advance their evil goals.

In recent news, Israel’s security services arrested an Israeli Druse man who had been traveling back and forth from Israel to Syria as a medical student since 2005. He was arrested for providing information about security at the Kuneitra border crossing between Israel and Syria. He gave the locations of northern IDF bases and training centers in the north. And he spied on Israeli Druse living in the Golan Heights who were opposed to the Assad regime.

PRAYER POINTS:

·        There has been much saber-rattling going on between Israel, Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon.  Any slight unusual move and a conflict could flare-up on Israel’s northern border.  Israeli troops are prepared for every possible scenario. Pray that the Lord will give Israeli military commanders an extra measure of insight, wisdom, alertness, and discernment. Intercede for top Israeli officers to know when it is essential to strike at enemy forces and when it is not – according to God’s will and timing. 

·        Pray for Israel’s home front to be prepared and not fear. Ask the Lord for an extra measure of faith and courage for the citizens of Israel at this time.  Declare, according to Psalm 91:7-8, that Israeli citizens will be safe from the coming missile war.  “A thousand 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.”

·        Pray that all evil plots will be exposed and brought into the light, so that Israeli leaders will know the goals of wicked rulers in neighboring countries and take action as directed by the Lord. (Psalm 37:12).

·        Pray that God removes all dangerous weapons aimed at the Jewish State, confuses the enemy, and renders these weapons useless, in Jesus’ name!

·        Pray that the Lord will put His shield of protection over Israel’s border with Syria. Ask the Lord to repair all damage done by the Druse spy who was recently arrested. Pray that, in the future, Israeli intelligence agencies will be quick to catch all those who are spying on IDF soldiers and bases.

·        Pray that the Israeli government will be ready for Syrian refugees that try to cross into Israel, and will show God’s mercy to all those who are truly seeking shelter and food and have no agenda that would harm the state of Israel.

·        Pray for the Syrians to know the peace that passes all understanding in Messiah Yeshua. Pray that through these times of great darkness, the Syrian people will have dreams and visions of the Messiah and turn to Him.

·        Pray that all violence and bloodshed will stop now in Yeshua’s name! Pray that God will shelter all Syrian citizens that are caught in the crossfire between Assad’s army and rebel forces.

·        Proclaim Psalm 82:3-4 for Syrians who are suffering under the brutal dictatorship of Bashar Assad. They do not understand why he is unleashing violence on their cities and villages.  As the foundations of their lives are crumbling, ask the Lord to reach out His hand of love and compassion.  Pray that He will subdue those in the Assad regime who are oppressing and murdering the Syrian people.  Ask God to turn His hand against these adversaries.

·        The Lord is mighty and capable to remove Assad and his family from Syria. Pray that his family and those Syrians who have contributed to the mass killings of civilians would be humbled and convicted of their crimes.                  (see Psalm 83:13-18).

Christians in Gaza:

Five ethnic Christians were recently kidnapped by an Islamic group in Gaza who forced them to convert to Islam. Those attacked were part of the Greek Orthodox Church. The church claims that “a dangerous Islamic movement is trying to persuade Christian youth and women to convert to Islam, thereby destroying Christian families and the Christian presence in the Gaza Strip”. (Palestinian Media Watch, 7/25/12).

PRAYER POINT:

Ask the Lord to bring the truth and light of the gospel to all Gazans. Pray that those Christians who converted to Islam will return to the Lord and bring many other Gazans to salvation.  Declare John 14:6 over Gaza: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ”

Egypt, Gaza, Sinai:

As Egypt births its new government, it is likely that Sunni Islamists from throughout the Middle East, who align themselves with the Moslem Brotherhood, will have great favor and influence in the halls of the Egyptian parliament. Already, Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi has met with two Hamas leaders, strengthening the hand of the Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile terrorist cells in the Sinai are expanding and getting more aggressive, hoping to conduct an attack on Israel that would create a diplomatic rift between Egypt and the Jewish State. 

PRAYER POINT:

Proclaim Isaiah 19:17, “And, the land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt; everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the Lord of Hosts which He has determined against it”. Pray that the Egyptians come to respect the God of Israel and His land, and “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.”  (verse 19).

Iran:

Iranian Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces said in May 2012 that the Iranian nation is standing for its cause which is the full annihilation of Israel. Despite western diplomatic talks with Iran, the Islamic Republic is increasing its stockpile of enriched uranium, in defiance of international sanctions. 

Most likely in late fall/early winter 2012, Israel and the U.S. will conduct the largest military drill ever coordinated between the two states. While U.S. President Barack Obama has taken credit for the enhanced strategic cooperation agreement between the two allies, it is the Lord who is directing this close security relationship.  Israel and the U.S. are working on plans for military action against Iran, which analysts predict could occur in 2013 or 2014. 

Iranian leaders have already claimed they will block the Straits of Hormuz if the country is threatened. Iran is increasing its military presence in international waters. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s naval forces have stated they have the ability to stop all oil traffic in the straits.  Meanwhile, America has beefed up its presence in the region, adding naval ships to its growing fleet in the Gulf.  The U.S. has threatened retaliation leading to war if Iran tries to block the narrow straits.

There have been multiple attacks on Israeli diplomatic missions in India, Thailand, and Georgia connected to Iran. An attempted attack on Israelis in Bulgaria was thwarted last year. But, in July 2012, a Hezbollah-Iranian attack was launched on a bus carrying Israelis from the Bulgarian airport to their hotel. The bomber killed five Israelis, a Bulgarian bus driver, and himself. Recently, Iranian nationals were arrested in Kenya, carrying explosives they planned to use on Israeli targets.

PRAYER POINTS:

In the face of Iranian threats, declare that those who curse Israel will be cursed (see Genesis 12:3). Proclaim these words for the citizens of Israel:  “No weapon formed against you shall prosper. And, every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn!”  (see Isaiah 54:17). 

Attacks against Israeli targets must cease! Proclaim that God will deliver Israel from evil men; and, preserve Israel from violent men, who plan wickedness in their hearts. (see Psalm 140).  Declare that God will protect Israel’s home front from the devastation's of war, according to Isaiah 26:20:  “Come, my people, enter your chambers and shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past.”