SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 105

Jerusalem, Israel

May 2016 Prayer Update

Israel and the Nations

Diplomatic pressure on Israel is increasing:

• The Palestinians are preparing a UN Security Council resolution, which would condemn Israeli settlements, and try to set the parameters for a two-state solution. They are also looking to invoke a 1994 UN Security Council resolution 904, which called for measures to protect Palestinian civilians living in part of the West Bank. It included a temporary international military presence in Hebron. Now, they would demand this resolution be re-established to include an international military force to protect their interests in all of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). This would compromise Israel’s ability to protect its own sovereign land!

• French leaders want to have a Middle East conference next year. They are putting together a planning committee which is scheduled to meet at the end of this month. The idea is to jump start the Arab Peace Initiative (a bad initiative for Israel). The demand would be for Israel to withdraw to the pre-1967 borders; share Jerusalem as both the capital of Israel and of “Palestine”; provide cities in Israel as a refuge to returning Palestinians (jeopardizing a Jewish majority population); and, negotiate with Syria on returning the Golan Heights (which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said would be in Israel’s hands forever).  French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayault arrives in Israel on May 12 to discuss the future summit, which Netanyahu has stated is not a good idea.

• Reportedly, the German government is reassessing its ties with Israel, not happy with the policies of Netanyahu and his government coalition (especially, Israel’s settlement policy).  This could threaten Israel’s strategic diplomatic and military relationship with Germany.

• Anti-Semitic statements are coming forth from Britain’s Labor Party leadership. There’s been a sharp increase in Anti-Semitism in the UK population this year.

• Israel is uncertain how friendly a future American President will be to the Jewish State. Israel is seeking increased military aid from the U.S., and hoping for America’s support at the UN and other international forums.

PRAYER POINTS:

Declare Psalm 17:8-9 and Psalm 27:5-14 over Israel. Stand in the gap and declare God’s Authority over the nation and over His Chosen People:

“Wondrously show Your lovingkindness, O Savior, of those who take refuge at Your right hand... from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings… from the wicked who despoil me; my deadly enemies who surround me.…

“For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle. In the secret place of His tent He will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, ‘Seek My face’, my heart said to You, ‘Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.’ Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries. For false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord. Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord.”

• The IDF recently discovered a Hamas attack tunnel and Israeli military analysts are reporting here are others to be found. These cross-border tunnels are a threat to Israeli towns that are close to Gaza, and it puts fear in the hearts of civilians. The IDF continues to advance, technologically, finding new measures to discover and destroy tunnels, while Hamas seeks to complete tunnels and recruit terrorists to attack Israel. It is a race against time.

PRAYER POINTS:

With God’s authority, proclaim Isaiah 41:10-13 over Israel:   

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored. Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them. Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent. For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.’ ”

• There are an estimated 1 million Israelis living in America, many with dual-citizenship. These “Diaspora” Israelis could be strategic in helping with Aliyah during times of crisis in the States. They, themselves, need to be drawn back to their covenant land.

PRAYER POINTS:

Pray for the Lord to draw His people home. Intercede on behalf of those Israelis who have found comfort in America… that they would listen to His still small voice and follow their shepherd back to the land of their forefathers. Sing the song of Zion, referred to in Psalm 137:1-6, and cry out to God for His people to return. Call forth those who do not want to leave the Diaspora: 

 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps; for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land? If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.”

*During these 50 days of counting the Omer, leading up to Shavuot (Pentecost), pray that Jews all over the world will draw close to the Lord their God and follow after His ways!  Pray that they will fall in love with their Creator, remembering all that He has done for them since ancient days; as He continues to bless them now and forevermore!  Remember to thank the Lord, according to Isaiah 62:1 and Isaiah 62:6-7… that Zion’s righteousness will go forth as brightness; and her salvation as a blazing torch. And, that He will establish Jerusalem and make her the praise of the earth!

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 104

Jerusalem, Israel

A CALL FOR IMMEDIATE INTERCESSION – APRIL 12, 2016

After a period of what has appeared to be a waning of terrorism in Israel, especially in Jerusalem, the Palestinians have begun a new campaign of incitement. Palestinian Mufti Mohamed Hussein has just “warned” against plans by Jews to storm Al-Aksa Mosque during the upcoming Jewish holidays. This is a set-up to try and thwart any visits by Jews or Christians to the Temple Mount before and during Passover.

It is also an excuse to repeat the Palestinian violence that began in September 2015, with false accusations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he is trying to change the status quo up on the Mount.

It appears to be part of a grand diplomatic agenda by PA President Mahmoud Abbas who plans to speak at the UN Security Council on April 22 (which will be the eve of Passover in Israel). Though the Palestinians have denied recent media reports, analysts think that Abbas will try and pass a resolution condemning the Jewish State for settlement building. A UN resolution by the Palestinians at this time could also outline the parameters of a Palestinian state, as well as, mark Jerusalem (including the Temple Mount) as part of the Palestinian capital.  American President Barak Obama has not guaranteed that the U.S. will use its veto power to stop a pro-Palestinian resolution that hurts the state of Israel. He could allow such a resolution to pass. This would encourage the French contingency to then call for an international conference to pressure the Netanyahu government into conceding land for peace with a specific timetable imposed on Israel.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Jordanians had originally agreed to install security cameras up on the Temple Mount in negotiations with Israel after the previous violence on the Temple Mount during the 2015 High Holy Days. But, protests by the Palestinian leadership have delayed the Jordanian security initiative until after Passover 2016. This means that any attempt by the Palestinians to smuggle firecrackers, firebombs, Molotov cocktails, and other weapons into the Al Aksa Mosque will not be seen on Jordanian security cameras at this time.

Meanwhile, a recent report indicates that Netanyahu may have made a series of concessions in past talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah, to limit a Jewish presence up on the Temple Mount. This includes preventing Israeli Members of the Knesset from visiting the area, and allowing all Muslims to go up on the Mount (with no age restrictions), even during Jewish holidays when tensions are high. The problem is that the Jordanian WAQF remains in control of who can ascend the Temple Mount, and the WAQF could report false information to Arab authorities that Israel is changing the status quo.

The Israeli leadership should be putting into place a plan to counter the false accusations coming from the Palestinian mufti. They should already be garnering support from the diplomatic community based on the warning of new incitement to violence by the Palestinian Authority to trap Israel into a web of international condemnation.

In a partial effort to pre-empt such incitement, in early April 2016 Netanyahu did call for the jailing of Islamic extremist Raed Salah, the head of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement. Netanyahu hoped to thwart Salah’s explosive declarations that could foment violence in the Old City as Jews flock to pray on-site at the Western Wall during Passover Week. But, more should be done to stop any attempt by the Muslims to find a reason to riot on the Temple Mount.

While the Palestinian leadership continues to look for ways to divide Jerusalem so that it can claim east Jerusalem (with its holy sites) as its international capital, a majority of Israeli Jews seem to be apathetic about such plans.

A poll in early March 2016, by the Israeli Democracy Institute, shows that 61% of Jewish Israelis think that Jerusalem is already divided into a western and eastern city. Encouragement for the division of Jerusalem is coming from Israeli Opposition leader Isaac Herzog. He believes that Arab neighborhoods in the capital should be under the control of the Palestinian Authority, which he proposes will improve overall security. This plays into the hands of Mahmoud Abbas. If Abbas can convince the international community that Israel is failing to preserve the peace in the Old City, he can then encourage a series of UN resolutions that would place east Jerusalem under international rule, with the Palestinians obtaining control of the Temple Mount.

PRAYER POINTS:

(1)   Establish in the Spirit an inner prayer wall around key spots in the Old City, especially the Western Wall and Temple Mount. Close any gaps in the walls of Jerusalem through intercession. Proclaim God’s protection over His Holy City according to Psalm 48:12-13; Psalm 51:18; Psalm 121:3-4; Psalm 122;  Isaiah 49:16; Isaiah 62:1; Isaiah 62:6-7. 

(2)   Intercede before the Lord that no weapon that is formed against the Jewish State will prosper; And that every tongue that accuses Israel in judgment He will condemn, according to Isaiah 54:17.

(3)   Because of possible compromises that have been implemented due to fear of an international uprising over violence on the Temple Mount, go before the Lord in repentance on behalf of the Israeli government. Ask the Lord to have mercy and forgive the lack of faith, courage and boldness on the part of the Israeli Prime Minister and his coalition. If greater spiritual dominion and oversight has been given over to the Jordanian leadership and Muslim WAQF because of this fear, proclaim God’s overall Kingdom authority over Jerusalem, Zion, and the Old City, declaring the Lord’s future destiny for the New Jerusalem. Speak Ezekiel 43:10-12 over the leadership of Israel, that God would open their eyes and expand their vision to understand His divine plan for the future Temple that will be built in His Holy City.

(4)   Proclaim that the plans of the Palestinian Authority will be thwarted and Abbas will not be allowed to speak anything negative about Israel at the UN. Declare that all evil plots against the state of Israel will become null and void, and that no anti-Israel resolutions will be forthcoming. Petition the Lord for only blessings to come forth out of the mouth of Abbas, the U.S. Administration, and those in the international community regarding Israel. Ask the Angel of the Lord to take His stand and change any curses against Israel into blessings. (See Numbers 22:22-35; Numbers 23:11).

(5)   Declare Isaiah 45:23-25 over the whole Household of Israel and over every nation -- that every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance to the Lord. Proclaim that they will say of Him, 'Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to Him, and all who were angry at Him will be put to shame. Stand in agreement with the scriptural promise that “In the Lord all the offspring of Israel will be justified and will glory."

(6)   Declare the awakening of the Jewish People and their future destiny, according to Romans 11:15; Romans 11:26-27; Isaiah 46:13; and Isaiah 60.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 103

Jerusalem, Israel

FEBRUARY 2016 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

·        A initial report regarding a University of Haifa study indicates that it is probable that pregnant women exposed to pollution from petrochemicals in certain areas of Haifa resulted in their babies being born with heads that are 20-30% smaller than average. This shocking report has caused a huge public outcry. The investigative health report is still not completed or approved, but there is acknowledgement that the Haifa pollution problem has been going on for years, subjecting families to high disease rates in the area.

Pray for the cleaning up of the environment in Haifa. Pray that families will not panic; and, that whoever has been exposed to these deadly chemicals will be supernaturally healed by the Lord. Declare Deuteronomy 7:15 over Israelis living in Haifa:  “And the Lord will protect you from all sickness. He will not let you suffer from the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but He will inflict them on all your enemies!”

Recently, several Gaza tunnels collapsed killing and injuring Hamas members. These incidents stirred up Israelis who were already suspicious that Hamas was re-building tunnels that were destroyed during the last Gaza war. Israelis in the south are fearful that Hamas is, again, trying to build tunnels under their communities for an eventual surprise attack. The residents claim that they hear tunnel construction going on, while Israeli Minister of Defense Moshe Ya’alon denies such activity is happening.

Reportedly, 240 Shiite villages in Lebanon have been turned into military and rocket posts for Hezbollah to target Israel in a future conflict.

Also, there is great fear among Israelis that there may be an escalation in the current Palestinian Uprising. Recently, a Palestinian Authority security officer opened fire on Israeli soldiers at a check-point. This could lead to imitations on the Palestinian side by other security officers, which would result in a serious deterioration in security cooperation between Israel and the Palestinians.

Pray that Israel continues to build up deterrence both in the south and in the north, to keep its enemies at bay!  Take authority over the spirit of fear operating in the lives of Israelis, especially those living in border and seam-line communities, as well as Jerusalem. Proclaim that they will put their trust in the Lord God Almighty who is their Commander in Chief.  Declare Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  And, Romans 8:31: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Yes, if the Lord is with Israel, who can be against her? He is Israel’s shield and reward. Pray that the enemy will continually be confused and unable to operate against God’s Chosen People. Intercede that all the wicked plans of the evil one will cease and desist, in Yeshua’s name! Another good scripture to proclaim over Israel at this time as citizens worry about Hamas infiltrating their communities is Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

·        The IDF, in conjunction with Israel’s Air Force, is watching every border and engaged in daily efforts to keep war from breaking out.  There is continued instability in the Middle East (the collapse of nation states and the rise of terrorist militant sub-states), as well as advanced arms being delivered to Israel’s enemies in surrounding countries. This has resulted in an Israeli military assessment that, in the future, defense forces may experience a decrease in the ability to fight effectively against Israel’s enemies. Iran’s dominance in the region is also increasing. With the money Iran gets from the lifting of sanctions regarding the nuclear deal, they can supply more advanced weapons to terrorist groups on Israel’s borders. Israel has also been lagging behind in space research, with inadequate investments made in the space industry. This could cause Israel to be vulnerable to those who are advancing in space, like Iran.

Thank God for His continued protection over the Jewish State. When Israel is weak, the Lord shows His strength. When Israel lacks funds to defend the nation, properly, resources come from another place. The God of Israel can supply all Israel’s needs according to His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19). Proclaim Psalm 60:11-12 over Israel: “O give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain. Through our God we shall do valiantly. And, it is He who will tread down our adversaries.”

·        IMPORTANT INTERCESSION NEEDED NOW! There is a court case pending against Shas leader Arye Deri’s appointment as Interior Minister. The Israeli Supreme Court will hear the case on February 9. This needs prayer!  Deri was indicted on corruption charges the last time he held the same post at the Ministry of Interior, and eventually went to prison. In the past, he and his staff have hurt chances for believers to make Aliyah.  Pray that the Supreme Court obstructs Deri’s ability to enter into this position and does not allow it to go through, in Yeshua’s name!

·        About 43%, or 200,000 French Jews, are considering a move to Israel. In 2014, 50,000 French Jews asked for information about immigration. While French Jews supposedly have state protection over their communities, French citizens blame the Jews living among them for stirring up anti-Semitism. French Jews no longer wear Jewish symbols in public, for fear that they will be attacked on the streets.  

We hear much more French on the streets of Jerusalem. The Jews need to “come home”.

Declare what the Lord plans to do with His people in the Diaspora!  Ezekiel 36:24:  “For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries, and bring you back into your own land.”

(This is now having greater importance for the Jews of North America)

Ezekiel 34:13: I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land.”

Stand with the settlers who are holding God’s land and being persecuted and murdered for it!  Lord have mercy and heal families that are mourning the deaths of their loved ones due to terrorist attacks, especially those in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) including the Gush Etzion block; Hebron, Jerusalem’s Old City, etc. Weep with those who weep during this violent time in the land! And, pray that the light of Yeshua shines on them and draws them to Him!

Thank you for sacrificing your time to pray and be on the walls of Jerusalem. Your prayers make a difference for Israel and the Jewish People.  You are appreciated for standing strong in intercession for the land!

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 102

Jerusalem, Israel

JANUARY 2016 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

Prayer Focus:

Pray that the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come, will provide effective strategies to those who will listen to what He has to say in 2016. Pray that Western nations will heed the advice of people who have Godly wisdom and see ways of stopping the advancement of evil plans in the Middle East.

TERRORISM:

An increase in terrorism was a major source of global anxiety in 2015, and is expected to be a priority focus of reporting by media organizations in 2016. This is one of the biggest concerns for a majority of Israeli citizens, as indicated in recent polls. 

At least 1 in 5 Israelis know someone who has been in a recent terrorist attack. Hundreds of citizens suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  In December, media reports indicated that there had been more than 100 days marked since the beginning of the current Intifada (Palestinian Uprising).  The terrorism has not let up!

The Israeli government believed that Israel’s “shoot to kill” strategy (including encouraging the use of guns by civilians) would strength Israel’s deterrence. It has not worked. Some doctors treating Israeli victims of stabbing attacks claim they are seeing a pattern, and wondering if there is not some organized terror cells involved in what has been believed, so far, to be mainly “lone” terror attacks.

Pray that the Lord will guide the Israeli Police and the IDF to find new and better ways of clamping down on the current wave of terror. Ask the Lord to intervene and bring safety and peace to the land. Pray that Israel’s enemies will be continually thwarted by God from being able to attack His Chosen People. Proclaim that stories of daily miracles will come forth in Jesus’ name that are a witness and testimony to the Lord’s faithfulness in protecting Israeli citizens and residents, especially those living in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Hebron, and the settlement blocks in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria).

CRAFTED PRAYER:

We ask you Father to take all fear away from Your people. Heal them of PTSD and any other kind of sickness that has resulted from these terror attacks. Provide comfort for hurting families who have lost loved ones. Provide healing for those who are still suffering from stab and gunshot wounds because of these acts of terror. Give wisdom to doctors and nurses. Set your people free!  Your word says in Isaiah 41:10, “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am Your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.”  We stand on that promise to the Israeli people.  If You are for Israel, Lord, then who can be against her (as stated in Romans 8:31)? Bring deliverance to Israel today as in the day of Moses. In Exodus 14:13, Moses answered his people by declaring: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...”  We proclaim that promise, and also declare, according to Psalm 128:5-6: “The Lord bless you from Zion, And, may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Indeed, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!”

 

WAR “WATCH” IN THE NORTH:   

Israel’s defense forces are on the highest of alerts in the north of the country. There are two vulnerable areas along Israel’s border with Syria that has caused the IDF to fortify positions. One is a point where numerous radical Islamic groups are fighting for dominance, including those associated with Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. 

The other point is where Russia is conducting air strikes, along with Bashar Assad’s Syrian army, against rebel groups on the Golan Heights. Once the area is “cleansed” by Russia, the vacuum could be filled by Hezbollah and Iranian forces.  Hezbollah leader Sheikh Nasrallah has threatened Israel, twice, that he will retaliate for the murder of Lebanese arch terrorist Samir Kuntar, killed in a missile strike in Syria last month. Reports in the foreign press indicate that Israel was responsible for that strike. 

The recent threats to Israel’s security has caused the IDF to be on closer “watch” in order to prevent terror attacks such as bomb-laden vehicles coming into Israel; or cross-border infiltration by terrorists; or the launching of rockets from Lebanon or Syria.

Meanwhile, ISIS has admitted that it fears Israeli military power and thinks Israel’s defense forces are too strong for it. But, at the same time, the militant group threatens to attack Israel. The group’s recent video sought to discourage Jews by stating that those who have gathered in Israel (a veiled reference to Aliyah), will be murdered and die in “Palestine”.

At least 17% of Israeli Arabs support ISIS. The IDF continues to disrupt terror cells in the West Bank and Jerusalem that have been influenced by the radical group.

CRAFTED PRAYER: 

Father we ask for safe borders for Israel, especially in the north. We declare that the battle belongs to the Lord. In 1 Samuel 17:47, we read that all those who were gathered knew that it was not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is Yours, and You will give Israel’s enemies into Israel’s hands. We trust in Your faithfulness. In Hosea 1:7 it says that You will show Your love to Judah, and will save them; not by bow, sword or war, or horses and horsemen, but You the Lord their God will save them!  We declare this over your land in Jesus name! We stand on Your word in Deuteronomy 20:1 and Deuteronomy 31:6 that Your mighty power is over Israel, knowing that even in the heat of conflict, when the forces seem so great to Israeli soldiers, they will have the assurance that You are watching over them; and they are secure in Your loving arms. We intercede that the citizens of Your land will stand courageous, protecting their home front, knowing that You go with them,  and will never leave them or forsake them. They will no longer be terrified by the terror attacks, in Jesus name! And, we thank You, God, that You have watchmen looking out on Israel’s borders, according to Isaiah 21:6-8, who will not vacate their positions, but will stand continually by day in the watchtowers, while stationed every night at their guard posts.

SHAKE-UP IN THE IDF:

While Israel has recently shored up its anti-missile defense system, providing layers of protection to the Israeli home front, the man in charge of the Missile Defense Organization, Yair Ramati, was fired this week when it was discovered that he had classified information on his personal laptop. This has shaken up the security community in Israel. No replacement has been announced. 

We ask you Lord to raise up a leader over all missile defense operations in Israel who will walk in integrity, loyalty, and discretion. We pray for a smooth transition of power, and no vulnerabilities caused in Israel’s layer of defense because of this breach of trust, in Yeshua’s name!

RUSSIA’S INFLUENCE:

Israelis do not understand the negative role that Russia is playing in the Middle East, which is to help expand Iran’s Shiite Crescent over the region. So far, this quest for control extends from Afghanistan, to Iran, to Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Eventually the Shiite’s want to take control of Jordan and Yemen, as well.

As the U.S., under the leadership of President Barack Obama, retreats from the region, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expanded his role in the Middle East, gaining more power, daily, in Syria.         

Recently, a majority of Israelis voted for Putin as the “best man of the year”. 

CRAFTED PRAYER: 

We ask You, Lord, to remove the blinders from the eyes of Israeli leaders and citizens in regard to what they perceive is a friend in Russian leader Vladimir Putin. We pray that Putin will not be able to deceive Netanyahu with empty words, and that Israel will stop walking in false hope where Russia is concerned. We declare that Israeli citizens will walk in the light, according to Ephesians 5:8-9, in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Let Putin’s true intentions be exposed, and let Israel’s government accept intelligence information that changes its direction from any unholy alliance with Russia. Lord, we ask You to block Russia’s army, air force, and navy from gaining intelligence information on Israel’s military strategies; especially, as Russian forces fight with Sunni radicals along Israel’s northern border. We further ask You to stop Russia from engaging in all evil deeds of darkness in Syria; and, that Israel will distance itself from such wickedness and expose it, in Jesus name! 

JORDAN:

Israel and Jordan have a peace treaty and they recently increased business ties. A new border crossing is being considered by both countries that would open up commercial ties at the Dead Sea.  And, there is a new agreement to bring Jordanian day workers to Eilat for hotel employment. The current plan, which allows 150 Jordanians to work in Eilat, is expected to expand to 1500 Jordanian day workers allowed in the city. Jordan claims that its citizens are fully united behind King Abdullah, and that Jordan fully controls its borders from any terrorist infiltration. While this seems to promote an atmosphere of stability, Jordan has faced some terrorism, and is vulnerable to ISIS forces. This open policy of allowing Jordanians to work in Eilat could create an open door to attacks against Israel in the future.

Pray that the Lord will provide an added measure of protection on Israel’s border with Jordan to stop any radical Islamist infiltrators. Intercede that all those Jordanians who are allowed to work in Eilat will be screened and vetted by Israeli defense forces, so that no terrorists will be able to act against Israel, in Yeshua’s name!

FUTURE U.S. MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL:

Israel is looking for the U.S. to increase its military aid in 2017 to $5 billion a year. This is needed because of the Western nuclear deal with Iran, which Israel believes has a negative impact on its security. The aid is also needed because the Obama Administration has retreated from supporting its allies in the Middle East, contributing to an overall increase in regional instability, which is causing Arab countries to arm themselves with more advanced military equipment.  Most of the aid to Israel goes to U.S. defense corporations to build advanced weapons systems, anti-missile defense systems, and jet fighters for Israel. More jobs are provided for Americans in these U.S. defense corporations to accommodate the requests from Israel. This is also a way of the U.S. investing in its “ally” in the Middle East, which ultimately helps U.S. forces in the region to be more secure. 

But, those who do not agree with this uptick in aid to Israel may be a source of contention to the Jewish State in 2016, when Israeli interlocutors press the U.S. for a final answer on a new military aid package to Israel for the next decade.

CRAFTED PRAYER:   

Thank you, Lord, for Your favor that goes before Israel and Your favor that is at her rear guard. You protect those things which concern Your Chosen People. You provide, for Israel, a Qualitative Military Edge over all states in the Middle East. You make sure that Israel has the ability to defend itself from any attempts by the enemy to change the balance of power in the region. Thank You, God, for putting it on the hearts of those in power in the U.S., to provide billions of dollars in military aid to Israel. We appreciate that it also helps American defense industries, providing jobs for U.S. citizens. And, it helps the U.S. Administration with guaranteed security over its armed forces in the Middle East because it is aiding its ally, Israel. Bless those in America who continue to care about Israel’s security needs, and may You, Lord, continue to watch over Your covenant land.  We declare Exodus 13:21 over the Jewish People:  “The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”

EUROPEAN INFLUENCE:

There are two spots to be filled at the UN Security Council in 2017-2018. The Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden are vying for these positions. Sweden is one of the worst supporters of Israel of Western European countries. Its leaders, especially Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, continue to antagonize the Jewish State with lies, distortions, and unacceptable comments; coming against Israeli government policies that defend Israeli citizens. 

The EU has hurt Israel’s reputation and singled out the Jewish State for isolation by calling for settlement products from the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) to be specifically labeled. This is a form of boycott, and contributes to the anti-Israel boycott and divestment movement that is gaining ground, worldwide.

Meanwhile, as Europe becomes more and more anti-Semitic, an estimated 5,000 EU citizens have joined terrorist groups in the Middle East. There’s been a lax of security checks at EU borders, with irregularities reported on more than 1.5 million people passing through Europe in 2015.

Intercede for the Lord to deal with the arrogance and pride that is contributing to the prejudice against Israel by European leaders. 

Pray that there is either a change in Sweden’s attitude towards Israel, or that the Lord closes the door to Sweden being able to obtain a future position on the UN Security Council. 

CRAFTED PRAYER:   

Thank you for Your word God that states in Isaiah 50:9, that You are the Sovereign Lord that helps Your people. Who, then, can condemn them?  We proclaim that everything that has been done to Israel will be turned around to the benefit of Your Chosen People. According to Psalm 37:6, You will bring forth Israel’s righteousness as the light, and Israel’s justice as the noonday sun. We declare that pride comes before the fall for European leaders, and ask You to deal with the hearts of those who are condemning the Jewish State, as we stand on Your word in Proverbs 16:18.  Lord, we ask You to also watch over the borders of Europe, and stop the flow of European citizens to Middle East conflict zones. We pray for revival in Europe, asking You, God, to remove the demonic stronghold over the European people that has blinded them from the true knowledge of salvation through Jesus, the Messiah. 

DOMESTIC ISSUES IN ISRAEL:

Silvan Shalom, who was head of Israel’s Ministry of the Interior, as well as a member of the Knesset, resigned his position on allegations of sexual harassment. This opened two doors: (1) The Likud MK who replaced Shalom in the Knesset is openly gay. (2) Shas leader, Aryeh Deri, who was jailed on corruption charges in the year 2000 (for crimes he committed as head of the Ministry of Interior in 1992-93), is now expected to take Shalom’s place. This is not good for Israeli citizens, in general; or for Jewish believers who suffered more harassment and denial of Israeli citizenship under Deri than under most leaders who have served as head of the Ministry of Interior.

Pray that thousands of concerned Israeli citizens will protest the decision to appoint Deri to the post at the Ministry of Interior, thus causing Netanyahu to withdraw his support. Pray that the openly gay member of Likud will have no open path to push his gay agenda forth in the government.

Netanyahu’s wife Sarah was recently questioned by police regarding the misuse of state funds for personal reasons. If she is indicted, this will, obviously, weaken Netanyahu’s power, and could prevent him from continuing to lead the government.

Pray for Sarah Netanyahu to repent of all actions that are against God’s will and His wisdom. Intercede that the Lord will have mercy, especially on Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has not been implicated in any crime.

ALIYAH INCREASE:

In 2015, nearly 30,000 Jews made Aliyah, mostly from France and the Ukraine. Those numbers are expected to increase in 2016.

Pray that the Israeli government will encourage more Jews from France to make Aliyah by eliminating the bureaucracy that is causing them to hesitate. There could be a lot more citizens coming, but they are dissuaded by Israel’s refusal to accept their advanced university degrees; and, by the lack of good employment opportunities. Pray for clear changes in society to make it easier for French Jews to successfully live in Israel.

Pray that the Jews coming from the Ukraine will be absorbed quickly. They have had problems, as many were airlifted from war zones without the proper paperwork to get citizenship once they arrived in Israel. Pray for leniency at the Ministry of Interior for all Jews who are trying to make Aliyah and want to absorb into the country.

Isaiah 43:5-6: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And, to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’  Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth...”