SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 207

 

Jerusalem, Israel

October 17, 2023  PRAYER UPDATE

SPECIAL STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT & PRAYER POINTS

Israel and the Nations

 

The Lord sits on the throne above all the principalities and powers of the earth. Our God Reigns!

We know that despite this season of suffering, He promises that His people will arise, and shine and His glory will be seen in and through them. The glory will set us free here in the land, and Israel will be saved!

But, for now, we are experiencing this great darkness that has come over the land, as mentioned in Isaiah 60:2. The land is thick with a sense of oppression and deep fear.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

Israelis are not venturing out much. Most stores are closed, and those that are open tend to close early. Schools are closed. Streets seem deserted. It has felt like an extended Shabbat, but with the sense that people are staying close to home to avoid danger.  Or, they are focused on helping the practical needs of the soldiers on the southern and northern fronts.

It is not only the danger from rockets that Israelis are staying home to try and avoid. There is also fear of terrorism. In our local hardware store in the mall, the clerk was selling small gadgets. We asked what they were. Pepper spray!  A doctor told us that most of his patients were not coming in for check-ups. They wanted him to fill out the necessary paperwork so they can renew their gun licenses!

The war is here, currently contained in Gaza by the IDF. As of this writing, most of the battles have been in the south, with some in the north. But, there are dire warnings from military experts about this war expanding. They report about the threats coming from Iran and Yemen. Iran is intent on this war turning into a multi-front confrontation with Israel.

Israeli ground troops have not yet gone into Gaza, though special forces have. It’s expected that ground forces will go in very soon. Troops are fatigued waiting on the borders. Some are sick because of the colder weather and not getting enough sleep. Many soldiers are complaining of only getting 2-4 hours of sleep a night!

The focus right now, in terms of the goals of the Israeli government, is to eliminate the capabilities of Hamas, militarily, and to stop the terror government from being able to operate. The other goal is to release the hostages. Primary sources say that there is an attempt by the U.S. to bring some kind of arrangement that will enable the release of the hostages.

In the north, it is an atmosphere of a war zone. Twenty-eight communities have been evacuated. Children are not going to school. Citizens have been mobilized. Those not drafted are supporting the military campaign in practical ways. Israelis are volunteering. A majority of Israelis are doing something to contribute, and there is unity in regard to the war effort.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY WAR:

Israel is losing the battle for public opinion. The international media went from concentrating on the atrocities done to Israel, to considering that Gazans will be caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas. Pray that the words journalists write, and the words they speak, will be open for correction according to Habakkuk 2:1.

EGYPT:

A solution that is not being highlighted is the responsibility of the Egyptian government to keep the Rafah Crossing open, and allow Gazans to relocate to the Sinai. Arab nations should be called on to assist financially. However, military sources say that Egypt is playing a double game. On the one hand they have a peace agreement with Israel; a very cold peace. But, reportedly, Egypt is allowing endless amounts of weapons to go into Gaza!

Currently, Israel is concerned that Egypt is contributing to a terror infrastructure inside Gaza. Israel is also worried that the U.S. and international community will put pressure on Israel to allow the Palestinians (supposedly, not associated with Hamas) to control the Gaza border. How would anyone know who was Hamas and who was not Hamas among the Palestinians in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria)?

One military expert said: “We cannot trust Egypt. We don’t want a terror infrastructure inside Gaza. We cannot have more Palestinians on this border; and, freedom of operation everywhere, like Judea and Samaria… We cannot reassure that people in the south will be safe. We won’t be able to keep them safe.”  Pray that Egypt will align with God’s purposes. (See what Egypt will go through in judgement and restoration in Isaiah 19).

 

IMPLICATIONS OF A GROUND OPERATION IN GAZA – IRAN & HEZBOLLAH:

In the coming days there will be a massive ground operation in Gaza. What will be the consequences of this?

If Hezbollah and maybe Iran will attack Israel while IDF forces are operating in Gaza, this opens a major front in the north. Some reports indicate that Hezbollah may be preparing for such an attack in the next few days – possibly, from underground tunnels that run from South Lebanon into Syria.

There is confusion about the strategy of Iran in Lebanon. What are the motives of Iran and Hezbollah, currently?  On the one hand, Hezbollah seems to be dragging Israel into a war, and if Israel strikes them, it will appear that this war was started in the north by Israel. Then, Lebanon could complain to the international community about Israeli aggression that destroyed that nation.

If not an escalation now, then what will happen when the war in Gaza is finished -- when IDF reservists are released; when the U.S. ships go home? What if Hezbollah strikes then?  This is the “unknown” perplexing equation that is worrying military experts in the north.

Military analysts indicate that Yemen and Iran have said they are ready to launch a pre-emptive strike against Israel. Iran is already an active participant in this war working through its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah.

IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS:

Thanks to reports from Israel, as well as those from the International Atomic Energy Agency, there are claims that Iran is 2-3 weeks away from creating a nuclear bomb. It is no longer a matter of capacity. It is a matter of decision.  If Iran decides to “breakout” towards nuclear capability, there is a short time before they will become a nuclear power. Sources say that Iran is a heartbeat away from that possibility.

Iran has the most long-range ground-to-ground missiles. The range of missiles they have are capable of covering the entire state of Israel.

Military experts say that at some point, the U.S. and Israel may decide to attack Iran and its nuclear program.

Now, we are in a critical moment in time. A regional conflict is possible, if Iran decides to join the war. A multi-front war would be difficult for Israel. Would the U.S. and Western nations assist Israel, militarily?

SEVERAL PRAYER POINTS:

There are many layers to this war between Israel and its enemies. There are also many scriptures that we can focus on, that gives the Lord high praises while He is defeating His enemies. The Lord is the Commander of the Armies of Heaven and of Israel. He will contend with His enemies. (See Psalm 35; Psalm 68; Psalm 70; Psalm 121. Focus on the Psalms in this battle over Israel!)  God will judge the nations and the peoples of the earth in how they have judged His Son and the people of Israel. (Psalm 2; Psalm 83).

 

*CAPTIVES/HOSTAGES: At least 36 countries suffered in the initial attack on Israel, taking place on October 7, 2023. There are 200-250 people in the hands of Hamas. We declare that they will live and not die, and declare the works of the Lord! We entreat You Lord to set the prisoners free! (Psalm 118:17; Psalm 116:9).

ISAIAH 61:1: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

2 CORINTHIANS 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

PSALM 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

We declare and outpouring of God’s Spirit wherever the captives are being held, and a miraculous deliverance! May You restore them to healing and wholeness Lord! 

*THE SOLDIERS: There are 300-360,000 IDF troops that have been called up to serve. Hundreds of Israelis have come from the nations to join them. There are at least 400 believers currently in the IDF. May they be the ones to share the good news with their fellow comrades!

JOEL 2:11: “The LORD utters His voice before His army, For His camp is very great, Because, strong and powerful is he who [obediently] carries out His word. For the day of the LORD is indeed great and very terrible [causing dread]; Who can endure it?”

God is massing HIS troops, leading Israel into war!

ISAIAH 13:4: “Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mobilizing an army for war.”

JOEL 3:16: “The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake; but the LORD will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”

Call on the power and strength of the Lord to save His beloved people and nation of Israel!

PSALM 46:6: “Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.”

 

Pray that the Lord will lead the people of Israel out of their sorrows:

PSALM 9:9: “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 206

 

Jerusalem, Israel

OCTOBER 8, 2023  PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 Dear Intercessors,

By now you have heard that there was a surprise attack on Israel by hundreds of Gaza terrorists. It took place 6:30 a.m., October 7, 2023. They infiltrated Israeli southern communities, mostly, by land, with terrorists breaching several of Israel’s southern borders. They also launched thousands of rockets, hitting the Israeli home front. Rockets were also targeted against Jerusalem, including neighborhoods like ours. We heard at least 20 booms in the morning hours, and one rocket landed not far from our apartment building, west of Jerusalem’s city limits. Thank God, no injuries.

According to Israeli Maj. Gen. (ret.) Giora Eiland, on a media call with journalists, the day looked quite similar to what happened in the Yom Kippur War, 50 years ago.

 

ATTACK BY HAMAS AND GAZA TERRORISTS:

Hundreds of Hamas and Gaza terrorists used parachutes, trucks, vans, and motorcycles to successfully infiltrate Israel’s borders. The terrorists were able to get inside villages, kibbutzim, and southern towns, like Sderot. They also breached military installations, and the IDF headquarters that is in charge of the Gaza peripheral.  They affected 22 sites in the southern border area. 

The terrorists killed a well-known Jewish mayor in his southern town of Shaar Henegev. Ofir Libstein was dutifully protecting his fellow residents when he was murdered. He spoke to Christian pilgrims in the Negev just two days before, during an event sponsored by the ICEJ (International Christian Embassy Jerusalem).

As of this writing, thousands of wounded people are being treated in various hospitals. Hundreds have been confirmed dead -- both on the Israeli and Gaza side of the border. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is in a war with Gaza. Reservists have been called up, many of whom are young believers.

Israel is taking all measures that are needed to win this war. The Netanyahu government has shut passages to and from Gaza – not only closed to people; but, also closed in an effort to stop electricity, fuel and goods from getting into Gaza. Its expected that Israel will hit Gaza military and government targets; communication systems; bridges; energy installations, etc. The Israeli retaliation will be massive. Eiland stated that the war will last much more than a few days.

One of the conditions, from Israel’s point of view, in order to agree to any kind of cease fire, will be the demand for the return of every Israeli being held captive in Gaza. Israel will insist on only a complete return of Israelis; or, will continue to enforce the siege of Gaza.

Currently, there are dozens of Israelis who have been taken captive into the Gaza Strip. Several vehicles, including an IDF tank, and 2 ambulances have been captured by Gaza terrorists, as well.

Israel is concerned about this conflict expanding into a multi-front war. Hamas has called on Palestinians and Israeli Arabs in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) to join their attack on Israel. 

Many Arabs have Israeli ID’s, and this is a major challenge to the Jewish population. They are worried that the Arabs could use their Israeli citizenship to stir up angry mobs against Jews, especially in mixed Jewish-Arab towns in the land, and in Jerusalem.  

 

ISRAEL’S NORTHERN BORDER ON ALERT:

The assessment in the north is that the IDF is standing by, in case of a similar assault there by Hezbollah, possibly working in coordination with Hamas. Hamas headquarters in Beirut are located near Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah’s headquarters. Already there have been clashes on the border. 

Evacuations of northern communities are taking place. 

CURRENT PRIORITIES:

Right now, the priority for the IDF is to contain the terrorist situation in the south; and, to try and recapture all the places that have been taken by Hamas terrorist commandos. Also, to try and evacuate Israelis living in front-line communities in the south that are still under the imminent threat of Hamas fighters that are controlling kibbutzim and towns.

Eiland expects that the Israeli government will use as much force as is necessary to get the situation under control, including a massive retaliation in Gaza. It is expected to be a very large IDF military operation.

He states that Iran made a clear decision six months ago, based on the perceived weakness of the State of Israel, that the real goal is to try and coordinate a regional war. This would include Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as militias in Syria and Yemen. Iran’s idea has been to engage its proxies in simultaneous attacks on Israel’s borders.

Eiland claims that Israel has no interest to see another front opened. What Israel has managed to do in the past 30 years is to fight against one single enemy. In fighting Hamas in the south; Hezbollah in the north; and, two Palestinian Uprisings in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), Israel has managed to keep these wars on a single front.

According to Eiland, “We have no interest to begin another front. It depends on the ambitions on the other sides.”  He added: “We have a lot of experience in being in a real security crisis… I am quite sure we will be able to fix what has to be fixed in a short time; to learn lessons; and, to defend ourselves in a successful way.”

Currently, the IDF’s primary goal is to push back the terrorists; then, to return the Israelis who have been captured and brought to Gaza. Israel will not stop until this is resolved. It is possible that the Israeli public will now support a ground offensive that eliminates Gazan terrorists.  Soldiers are waiting on the southern border to go in to Gaza. 

Another report we received came from Lt. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, head of ALMA research center, a group that is closely connected with IDF headquarters in the north. She said that Iran is behind the terrorist attack from Gaza, as part of a bigger plan of a multi-front offensive, where all terrorist groups join together against Israel.  If Israel can contain Hamas and overturn the offensive in the south, then it’s expected that it will prevent a multi-front war from happening.

 

PRAYER POINTS:

Presently, it is a very difficult situation. However, the full picture is not yet clear.  The IDF is on the ground and in the air, but the situation is in a state of confusion and not yet stable.  Some would say that the government is experiencing the "fog" of war: 

PRAY that the Lord will bring clarity to the Israeli government; to military officials; and to the IDF soldiers on the ground. Also, may He give Israel great determination in fighting its enemies.

PRAY that all Israelis who have been taken hostage; that remain in captivity; and are in the hands of Gaza terrorists, will be unharmed and released immediately, in Yeshua’s name!

PRAY that this war will not expand to any other fronts in Israel.

PRAY that those Gazans who are not supportive of Hamas will be able to receive fuel, electricity, and goods; and, that any possible siege of Gaza by Israel will be over quickly. 

PRAY for no retaliation against Jews living in the Diaspora for whatever means Israel takes to defend the Israeli home-front. PRAY that antisemitism will not increase in the nations.

PRAY that all tunnels leading from enemy territory into Israel will be discovered and destroyed in Jesus’ name!  (Both on the southern and northern borders). 

PRAY that all believers who are involved in this war will be protected and safe. PRAY that for all those who have been called up to serve in the IDF, there will be a testimony to God’s faithfulness in war!

SCRIPTURES:

Psalm 17:8-15; Psalm Chapter 35; Psalm 74:20-23; Isaiah 27:1; Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 59:17-19;                                   Luke 1:68-75.

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 205

 

Jerusalem, Israel

OCTOBER 1, 2023 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, bring forth Your rulership, in governing power and might, over Israel and the nations, according to Isaiah 9:6-7!

A DEAL IN THE MAKING:

This is the period of Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles). Both this feast, and the Feast of Trumpets (Teruah), as well as the Jewish Civil New Year (Rosh Hashanah), all fell on the eve of the Shabbat. Another “double Shabbat” for Israel and the Jewish People!

Meetings on the side of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, in September 2023, resulted in Israel furthering plans to divide God’s covenant land.

On September 20, 2023, under U.S. pressure from President Joe Biden, Binjamin Netanyahu praised Biden’s efforts to bring together an economic plan for the Middle East. Netanyahu further signaled his willingness to enter into a “land for peace” deal with Saudi Arabia.

The Saudis expect Israel to accommodate the Palestinians by adhering to the Saudi Peace Initiative of 2002, which calls for Israel to withdrawal to the 1967 borders, and prepare the way for the Palestinians to have their own state, with Jerusalem as their capital. Whatever was discussed behind the scenes between Netanyahu and Biden, there was enough agreement to lead Biden to offer an invitation to Netanyahu to come to the White House, perhaps, as early as this December 2023.

Historically, U.S. pressure on Israel results in strange weather patterns that hit America during the same time period. On September 29, 2023, Yahoo reported: “Historic rain in New York City prompts state of emergency.”  And, another headline: “New York City area gets one of its wettest days in decades, as rain swamps subways and streets.”

The rain knocked out commuter and subway rail lines; stopped buses from running on schedule; closed a terminal at La Guardia airport; stranded drivers on flooded highways; and flooded basements of homes.

Statistics of New York City rainfall were recorded, with the highest amount in one single day reported (8.65 inches) at John F Kennedy Airport.

More rain is expected; and more plans are developing to meet the demands of Saudi Arabia by U.S. and Israeli negotiators.

God will judge the nations and Israel for entering into unholy alliances that break His covenant with the Jewish People!

PRAYER POINTS:

Much of the land that is being disputed is Judea and Samaria. The Lord is angry when the nations and Israel disobey Him. Pray for the United States and Israel to come into alignment with God’s purposes!

Jeremiah 12:4: “This is what the LORD says: “As for all My wicked neighbors who seize the inheritance I gave My people Israel, I will uproot them from their lands, and I will uproot the people of Judah from among them.”

Joel 3:1-2: “In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.

Zechariah 2:8: “After a period of glory, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies sent me against the nations who plundered you. For He said, ‘Anyone who harms you harms My most precious possession.’ ”  

We decree to Israel: “Whoever touches you, touches the apple of God’s eye!”

THE DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI):

In Netanyahu’s speech before the UNGA, he spoke about the dangers that governments will have to face in order to stop AI from eventually being able to control humans. He also spoke of the potential of mankind to reach the heavens, and, to extend human life, in advancing the potential of AI.

In 2014, Elon Musk said that AI was humanity’s biggest existential threat. Recently, referring to his new Artificial Intelligence start-up company called xAI, Musk stated on his company’s website, that the goal of xAI is to “understand the true nature of the universe.”

Reportedly, it is often the case that AI systems significantly surpass human levels of performance. This is expected to be the “norm” in 2029. And, in 2030, AI experts say there will be a merger between humans and machines!

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has built an “avatar” that is in the image of a diplomat. On its What’s App chat with journalists, it showed the avatar speaking on a video clip, reporting news and information, from Israel to countries around the world. The avatar was the exact image of the diplomat, himself.

AVATAR stands for:  Advanced Video Attribute Terminal Assembler and Recreator; an arts visualization.

A non-religious definition by Webster dictionary describes the avatar as an icon or figure representing a particular person in video games, internet forums, etc.

“Avatar” has also been described as a Sanskrit word meaning a “descent.” In general, it can refer to a new, unexpected, or evolutionary person or event. Specifically, it has been used to refer to the appearance of a deity on earth – whether in human form or as an apparition.

The Webster dictionary mainly defines an avatar as a Hindu concept, indicating a manifestation of a deity or released soul in bodily form on earth; an incarnate divine teacher.

PRAYER POINTS:

We are created in the image of God. The potential of AI, and avatars, which are now advancing in modern society, brings Israel and the nations closer towards using a brazen image as a power, falsely created in the image of God.

Exodus 20:4: “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth.”

CRAFTED PRAYER:

In the name of the God of Israel, who has told us to not have any false images before us, we repent on behalf of Israel and the nations for developing avatars, in a fake form of mankind, to advance the use of Artificial Intelligence. We repent for mankind’s desire to engage in the pursuit of knowledge that reaches to the heavens and tries to manipulate God’s plans for mankind on the earth. It is the Lord, Himself, that is in control of extending the lives of mankind. We declare that it is HE who determines when we are born and when we die.  As intercessors, we proclaim, in prayer that it is God, and God alone, through His Word, that gives us the knowledge we need of the universe!

We ask You Lord to develop a keen sense of awareness in our lives, in the Body of Messiah, as to what is real and what is fake, so that there is no deception that will be able to draw us into this dark world. Fake videos can manipulate public opinion. But, we proclaim that we are capable, through Your Word and Your Presence, to know what is accurate and true, despite scientific advances that try to hide that understanding. We declare that we will not accept deceit and falsehoods, as You clearly show us the way of righteousness, and protect us, especially as we abide in You. We put our trust in You! We pray all these things in the name of Jesus, the Messiah.

PRAY FOR THE JEWS IN THE WEST:

Recent indications are that students on campuses of universities and colleges in America are increasingly fearful of antisemitism and anti-Zionism that is openly displayed at their schools.

September 22-24, 2023, at the University of Pennsylvania, a pro-Palestinian event took place that spread Jewish-hatred on that campus. Speakers who supported terrorist attacks against Jews in Israel and throughout the Diaspora, were allowed to speak, and tried to convince students that the Jewish People have no claim to the land of Israel. Jewish students are afraid that these kind of events will continue and spread throughout America, and could include violence.

PRAYER POINTS:

Pray for God’s protection over students throughout America, and that He will provide a safe environment for them to study and socialize. Pray for the Jewish People, according to Isaiah 54:17, that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper. And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn!” 

Psalm 12:5: "For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will bring safety to him who yearns."

Isaiah 35:10/Isaiah 51:11: “And those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Zechariah 10:8: “When I whistle to them, they will come running, for I have redeemed them. From the few who are left, they will grow as numerous as they were before.” 

 

Call forth His Chosen People to come home to the nation of Israel, and enter into their inheritance in the Lord!