SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 150

Jerusalem, Israel

MARCH 2020 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

Israel has a parliamentary system of government, similar to European countries like Great Britain. However, there are not just two or three political parties that are vying for votes in every Israeli election. Instead, there are usually two main political parties running in the election, plus several smaller parties. Often, the two main parties do not get enough votes to form a government. Therefore, the smaller parties sometimes yield great power, as they can end up determining what political party and what leader will be able to form and rule over the next government coalition.  

There are 120 seats in Israel’s Knesset (Parliament). The head of the political party that gets the most votes is usually asked by Israel’s president to form the next government. (But, this is not always the case). The head of that political party must form a coalition with at least 61 seats in order for the government to survive. And, they have about a month to do so.

In this recent election, the Likud party received 36 seats. That party had already formed a right-wing block with several of the smaller parties, which totaled 58 seats.  (At first, soon after the votes were counted, it was reported there would be 60 seats in that block. But, once all votes were counted, it changed to 58 seats). There are still votes to be counted, and the final list will be out on Monday, March 9^th, on the eve of the Fast of Esther.

Based on the popular vote, the Likud party received more votes than any other party. Therefore, it would appear that Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin would ask Benjamin Netanyahu to form the next government, even though his right-wing block is three seats short of being able to form a coalition.

To-date, the Likud has been seeking political leaders from other parties who would consider defecting to the Likud party in order to get the three votes needed for a parliamentary majority. This is problematic.

Furthermore, President Rivlin is now a force to contend with. In the last election, he by-passed some of the timetables, and tried urgently, to get a government formed quickly. He went through the various protocols of the law swiftly, but in the end, the political parties were not able to agree to come together with enough seats in one block to form a 61 seat majority government coalition. 

After this recent election, Rivlin is taking his time. Benjamin Netanyahu does not have time on his hands. On March 17^th, Netanyahu’s indictment trial begins. He had hoped to be invited by Rivlin to form the next government, and have it pulled together before that trial date. His lawyers can ask for an extension of his trial date, but it would probably only be a minor delay… still not enough time to form a successful government before the indictment trial begins.

Meanwhile, the second political party to get the highest number of votes in this current election is Blue and White. They garnered 33 seats in the Knesset. With a left-wing block, they would, likely, receive about 47 seats total. They could not successfully form a coalition. 

The Joint Arab List is the next largest political party in the Knesset, with 15 seats. No Israeli leader will ask them to sit in a government coalition. This is because there are members in the Joint Arab List party that are against the state of Israel. Some of the Israeli Arab political leaders do not believe that the state of Israel should exist.  Yet, they have voting power and are able to sit in the Knesset.

The head of the Blue and White political party, Benny Gantz, wants to prevent Netanyahu from forming a government coalition. Gantz, himself, cannot form a coalition without the Joint Arab List being part of it… which he refuses to do based on claiming he is a Zionist (in favor of Israel remaining the nation state of the Jewish People). But, Gantz can ask the Joint Arab List to join him in passing new legislation to oust Netanyahu! 

What Gantz, reportedly, is planning to do is to bring a new law before the new Knesset members, saying that it is illegal for a sitting prime minister to form a new government while under indictment.

According to an advisor at the Knesset, the new members of the 23^rd Knesset will be installed on March 16^th… one day before Netanyahu’s indictment trial is set to begin (if there is not a delay).

Apparently, if all the members of the Knesset that represent the left-wing block, including the Joint Arab List, would agree to pass this special legislation, Gantz would have the votes needed to unseat Netanyahu, legislatively. 

So, while Gantz would not have enough MK’s to form a new government coalition (because he is unwilling to include the Joint Arab List), he would have enough MK’s who would help him get Netanyahu out of office.

Here are three possible scenarios of how a new government coalition could come together. One of these scenarios would favor Netanyahu.

(1)    Three MK’s would need to quickly defect from other political parties to join Likud. Then Netanyahu could go to President Rivlin and announce he has the 61 seat majority needed to form the next government. Again, with possible delays on the part of Rivlin, and Netanyahu’s indictment hearing coming up soon, this is an unlikely scenario. Fervent prayer is needed!

(2)    Rivlin could go straight to the new Knesset members and give them the mandate to form the next government with whatever MK they think could do the job. This gives members of the Likud party a way around endorsing Netanyahu to be the main person to form the next government coalition. The Likud might work out an arrangement with the Blue and White Party to form a unity government with a rotation of the prime minister’s position. In the time that it would take for this scenario to be successful, the Likud party would need to have snap internal elections and select Netanyahu’s replacement. This scenario could happen, in what some say is an “undemocratic” process. It ignores the popular vote of support, which clearly shows Netanyahu as the favored one to try and form the next government coalition.

(3)    Benny Gantz could introduce the bill in the Knesset, which would declare that it is illegal for a sitting prime minister under indictment to run for prime minister. This might be successfully blocked by the Speaker of the House, Yuli Edelstein, who could try and delay a vote on this new legislation. 

If Gantz successfully stops Netanyahu from forming a coalition, the Likud could remain loyal to Netanyahu, and not call for snap Likud internal elections. In that scenario, the Knesset would be dissolved, and Israelis would go to a fourth round of elections. But, if the bill passes, then Netanyahu would not be allowed to run a fourth campaign for the premiership. 

The Israeli public is well aware of the accusations of corruption charges against Netanyahu. Based on the election results, they probably concluded that his ability to run a stable government, and his many accomplishments, especially in foreign relations and security, were more important to them than consideration of the charges brought against him. 

However, those from Israel’s political parties, representing the center-left wing, have one goal only, and that is to get rid of Netanyahu.

PRAYER POINTS:

(1)    That all back-door deals, to prevent the formation of an Israeli government based on the popular vote, will be brought to the surface and exposed, in Jesus’ name. 

(2)    That anything “undemocratic” will be prevented from occurring in the Israeli political system. 

(3)    That there will be reforms in the Israeli electoral system which define that the political party receiving the “popular vote”, will automatically be assigned the task of trying to form the next government.

(4)    That Netanyahu will receive the favor and respect due him (innocent until proven guilty) by all Knesset members, government leaders, judges, lawyers, and the general public… in Jesus’ name.

A word about the coronavirus… In Israel, they are calling the coronavirus a “pandemic”. So far, there are no deaths in the land, and only about 20 people have been diagnosed with the virus. However, there are 50-100,000 Israelis who are in self-quarantine. This mainly has to do with those Israelis who might have been in the area of a visiting tourist that returned their nation and only then found out they had the virus; or, those Israelis returning from a trip where they were traveling in an area that now is restricted by the Israeli government. 

People here are saying that the fear among Israelis is greater than the virus, itself!

Overcoming fear is the first step. Stepping out in faith comes next.

PRAYER POINTS:

(1)    Is this a time of pulling away to be closer to the Lord?  Self-evaluation. Read Psalm 91 in the Passion Translation.  Draw close to Him that He might draw close to you! Pray this for those living in Israel, as you pray this for your nation, as well. 

(2)    There have been measures by believers on a global scale, to fast and pray, according to   2 Chronicles 7:14. With the upcoming Fast of Esther, it’s a good time to intercede for Israel to heal as a nation… the Body of Messiah in the land; the political leadership in Jerusalem; and, Israelis who are not following after God’s heart. 

(3)    It’s a time of worldwide upheaval, both on a health level and financial level. Read Psalm 46, and seek to find the stillness in Him. He is a quiet fortress for Israel, for the nations, and for all of us! Esther sought to save her people even if it meant perishing. She called forth the intercessors to pray for her as she took steps to initiate contact with the King… for only He could deliver her people. (See Romans 8:31). 

(4)    Declare over all those who are in fear, the warfare prayer of Ephesians 6:10-19. (Also,  Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 41:13-14; Isaiah 12:2; Psalm 29:11;  1 John 4:18; Romans 8:15; 2 Timothy 1:7).

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 149

Jerusalem, Israel

FEBRUARY 2020 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

There are so many opinions on U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace deal for Israel and the Palestinians. Israeli leaders have embraced the plan, along with some of the Arab Gulf States.

Since, to-date, the Palestinians have declined to participate in the plan, there is no reason to believe that negotiations will get underway in the next four years (Trump’s deadline for the Palestinians to accept the “Deal of the Century”). In fact, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to cut off ties with Israel and the United States, and the Arab League has rejected the plan. This could lead to another Palestinian Intifada (Uprising). 

Meanwhile, we were asked what we would write in a letter to President Trump, which we have included here. This, by no means, will be sent to him. It is just a way of expressing what we see as a biblical opinion on the matter at hand:

“Thank you, Mr. President, for your gesture to Israel, to confirm her biblical right before the God of Israel, that Jerusalem was and is her Capitol city forever.

Thank you for moving the U.S. Embassy to West Jerusalem, in reverence to God, whose beloved city is Zion, the city of our Great Lord and King Jesus. You mentioned that you did this for Israel, and we welcome your kind offering, knowing that the Lord claimed Jerusalem for Himself thousands of years ago. And, He has given the Jewish People stewardship over the city. 

We pray that the second American embassy you mention, to be built in East Jerusalem, will give glory to the Lord, and be recognized as an extension of your West Jerusalem embassy. This confirms, once again, Israel’s Capitol is undivided, as you have claimed, and is over both West and East Jerusalem. This includes the holy sites such as the Temple Mount and Western Wall, which should be under Israel’s jurisdiction and sovereignty, until the Lord’s return when He sets up His throne in the Holy city. (See Psalm 2:6; Isaiah 2:3).  

Thank you for recognizing Israel’s sovereignty, not only over her Capitol city Jerusalem, but also over all Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). It is the heartland of the biblical ancient homeland of the Jewish People, and of the modern state of Israel.

We pray that you will recognize the Covenant plan of the Lord, Himself, and endorse that plan… which is His promise to Israel… a territory that stretches from the Euphrates River to the Great Sea.  (See Joshua 1:4). 

We also pray that you will recognize that to divide a portion of Israel’s land and give it to another tribe and people group, especially those that want to harm the Jewish State, is neither biblical nor just. (See Ezekiel 36:1-12; Zechariah 12:3-9).

We pray that you will not look at your plan, with a desire to prove that you have succeeded where others have failed. But, that you will embrace Jesus and His plan and purposes for Israel and the Chosen People (the Apple of God’s Eye). Also, that you will understand and acknowledge the Lord’s plan for the nations of the world, which includes America.” (See Psalm 2:8; Psalm 22:27; Psalm 72:8).

Isaiah 9:6-7:  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And, He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace, there will be no end. On the throne of David, and over His Kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it, with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 148

Jerusalem, Israel

JANUARY 15, 2020 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

MIDDLE EAST INSTABILITY:

A U.S. airstrike killing Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani, near Bagdad’s Iraqi airport on Friday, January, 3, 2020, was a Middle East game changer. U.S. President Donald Trump was responding to Iran’s attack on both a U.S. military base in Iraq (which killed a U.S. worker), and Iran’s damaging of the U.S. embassy in Iraq. It was also a way of letting Iran know that it could not continue its aggressive behavior and control in the region without a strong response from the West. 

Soleimani was the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, and the architect of Iran’s Middle East military policies, under the direction of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As an arch terrorist, Soleimani was feared by many in the region, as he attempted to advance his goals of establishing and strengthening a land corridor from Iran, to Iraq, to Syria, to Lebanon, in an effort to surround Israel from the north. Iran has been set on building military bases along the corridor (also called the Shia Crescent), as well as sending Israel’s enemies advanced weapons shipments. 

After the killing of Soleimani which sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East, Iran responded by, again, targeting U.S. military bases in Iraq, which caused damages, but no personnel killed. In the midst of the heightened tensions in the region, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard, “accidentally” shot down a Ukrainian commercial jet liner, killing all passengers on board, including Ukrainians, Canadians, and Iranian nationals.

Iranian citizens were already protesting against their government, frustrated by rising prices, due to U.S. sanctions. Their protests continued after the jetliner was shot down, accusing their own government of hiding the fact that it was an Iranian Revolutionary Guard who, “mistakenly”, targeted the plane.  

Iran also stopped adhering to the JCPOA nuclear agreement, threatening the West that it was stepping up its nuclear program. This caused European leaders, most notably, Britain, France, and Germany, to issue a formal complaint against Iran for not complying with the agreement.

In mid-January, Israel allegedly took advantage of the chaos in Iran, reportedly striking the Syrian T-4 military base near Damascus… known for its Iranian Revolutionary Guard presence. (The Iranians continue to aggressively build at that base. Israel, from time to time, has responded by conducting air strikes in order to stop Iran’s advanced military operations there).  Now, Israel waits to see if there will be any response from Iran or from its proxies.

A high alert continues in Israel due to the instability in the region, with the uncertainty of how Iran will respond diplomatically and militarily towards Israel and Western interests. It is also unclear how Iranian leaders will react politically and financially in Iran due to the continued public protests. In the past, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards cracked down on protestors, fiercely, under the direction of Soleimani. 

Several Middle East countries hope that the U.S. will assist the Iranian protesters with the means to resist future Iranian government crackdowns. This might involve American intelligence services helping protestors to keep a clear and open channel of public communications, despite Iranian efforts to shut down the Internet and all social networking.

PRAYER POINTS:

Israel’s strong military and diplomatic presence in the Middle East has helped to deepen alliances with Arab countries in the region who are looking to Israel for assurances when threatened by Iran. 

PRAY that these alliances will serve to solidify a wall of resistance against Iran; with the goal of deterring Iran’s hegemonic aspirations in the region. 

THANK THE LORD that the killing of Soleimani, and several other high-level terrorists along with him, has delayed Iran’s goal of surrounding Israel with an alliance of armies all along Israel’s northern border. (See Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39). 

For those who think that the world is on the verge of fulfilling this Ezekiel prophecy, study Ezekiel 38:11, which firmly states when this war will occur. The enemies of Israel have tried to bring the war before its time, but the Lord, Himself, as the Commander of the armies of heaven, delayed it. (See Joshua 5:14; Joel 2:11; Joel 3:16; Isaiah 13:4).

ISRAEL’S UPCOMING ELECTIONS:

Israel’s third national election in one year proves to be as challenging as the first and second elections. Israeli politicians have failed, so far, to bring together a coalition government. And, it is unsure they will be able to do so, after failing twice already.

Without much money in the coffers to promote their campaigns, and an Israeli public that is frustrated with their lack of unity, the goal of the two major Israeli political parties (Likud and Blue and White) has been to strengthen their political bases.

One way of doing this has been for Blue and White leaders to convince those left-wing parties they are aligned with, to form a solid left-wing liberal block. And, for Likud leaders to convince those right-wing parties they are aligned with, to form a solid right-wing conservative block. As of this writing, the left-wing parties are responding, but the right-wing parties have been less successful. 

What is needed in Israeli politics is a change in the electoral system that would emphasize a two-party system, and remove the obstacles of small controlling parties that are self-serving. The public wants to see a unity government formed, of both the Likud and Blue and White -- one that is not serving the extreme left or the extreme right in Israel.

PRAYER POINTS:

In the land of the Bible, where Jerusalem is the city of God (His beloved Zion), we can call on the Lord to put Godly leaders at the head of Israel’s government, until the time that Jesus sets up His Kingdom on the earth. (Isaiah 9:6-7). 

As in the time of some of the great kings of Israel (especially David and Solomon), God can give wisdom, understanding and knowledge to the leaders of this great nation. He can put in their hearts the fear of the Lord. (Psalm 25:12-14; Psalm 111:10; Psalm 112:1).

PRAY AND DECLARE that the Lord reigns over Zion, and He will fulfill the destiny of this nation through establishing Godly order and principles. PRAY that political leaders in Israel will turn to the Lord, their God, for direction as they lead this nation in 2020 and beyond. 

SEEK THE LORD to bring together those politicians He wants to form a Godly alliance in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace; those men and women who truly desire to serve Him in caring for the people of Israel.

PRAY that the next Israeli government is one that upholds justice and righteousness. Intercede for God to bring the light of His Glory into the darkness of this nation. 

THANK HIM for enlarging the nation and increasing its joy. Declare that the people will rejoice before Him, trusting in the name of the Lord, and relying on their God. (Isaiah 50:10).

“Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:4).

“He said to me, ‘You are My servant, Israel, in who I will display My glory.’ ” (Isaiah 49:3).