Tel Aviv, Israel
WOUNDED ISRAELI SOLDIERS WANT TO FINISH THE JOB
It is the 19th day of the war. Today, I drove to Tel Hashomer Chaim Sheba hospital to visit Israel’s wounded soldiers. The parking lots are so filled with cars that it is hard to find a space. Wounded soldiers are scattered throughout the various hospital wards, depending on what their condition is, and what surgeries have been scheduled.
Many young men and women in green IDF uniforms, as well as family and friends, carry sacks filled with presents. Most are being distributed to the soldiers who have just come off the Gaza battlefield.
Tel Hashomer is the largest hospital complex in the state of Israel, sitting on 150 acres of land, boasting excellent medical services, patient care, and advanced research facilities. To get from one end of the campus to the other you have to drive. It is too far to walk.
At the rehabilitation center, I meet Yvgeny, 20 years old, and originally from the Ukraine. He is an Israeli army sergeant with the elite Givati Brigade. On Sunday, January 4, two days into the IDF ground incursion, Yvgeny was shot in the left leg while fighting Hamas in Gaza. There are 30 soldiers in his squad, but only 16 went into Gaza when he did, along with several commanders. Five soldiers were moderately wounded. Another two received light injuries and have already been released from the hospital.
For one week before the war, Yvgeny’s unit trained specifically for urban warfare. They understood that there would be booby traps, ambushes, attempts to kidnap soldiers, and bombs in houses. They also knew that Hamas gunmen were using young children and women as human shields. They knew what to look for and what to be aware of, because of their specified training.
Now, smiling, Yvgeny tells me his troop morale is high and they can feel the support of the Jewish state. More than 90% of Israelis support this war in Gaza. The war has garnered much greater support from the Israeli population than the Second Lebanon War of 2006.
Meanwhile, some of Yvgeny’s soldiers are still on the battlefield and he wants to join them soon. “I have a few weeks of therapy left, but I am hoping to return to the army and get my job back,” he explains.
When I ask him if he thinks there should be a cease-fire now, or should the IDF continue until they root out Hamas completely, he responds, “We have to finish it. I think all the soldiers want to finish the job. Everybody is very serious inside (Gaza). Nobody wants to leave. This is what we were trained for.... We are not going in there blind.”
On the way out of the rehabilitation center, I meet Dr. Yhuda Pilosof who has been making prosthesis materials for 40 years to fit the needs of his patients. He tells me that there is now a new prosthesis completed with special materials in place that cause movement, similar to fingers on a hand.
Dr. Pilosof proudly shares that several years ago he made prosthesis materials to fit three teenagers who had come to Tel Hashomer from Gaza. It was difficult to fit them properly. One had a leg that was amputated above the knee; another had an amputation all the way up to his thigh. A third was fitted with a prosthesis that went into his hip area. All three were fitted successfully, and they were grateful for the help that came from Tel Hashomer.
The teenagers stayed in touch with Dr. Pilosof for three months after they were released from the hospital. Then, Hamas took over the Palestinian government in 2006. The contact with the teenagers stopped immediately. Dr. Pilosof could only speculate that his three patients weren’t calling anymore because they were afraid of what Hamas would do if the terror organization found out where they had been treated. But, Tel Hashomer, like many hospitals in Israel, treats Arab and Jewish patients together. One nurse emphatically told me that they consider every injured person the same and treat them accordingly.
Sarah, my friend and a hospital volunteer who has been caring for wounded soldiers through many of Israel’s wars, catches a ride with me to the main hospital on the Tel Hashomer campus. In the lobby, Snir a 19 year old combat soldier is sitting with friends. He explains that his arm was severely injured in a “friendly fire” incident. He also received light injuries to his legs.
Snir is not sure exactly what happened on the battlefield, but thinks that those in charge of communications failed to tell an Israeli tank unit that Snir’s combat division was going into a certain building. Then, the tank soldiers saw movement, and thinking it was Hamas gunmen, fired a canon shot through the window into the building. Snir was wounded in the attack.
Sometimes there can be poor communications between tanks and infantry in the field, especially in urban warfare. While Israeli units are well-trained, tight urban settings provide great challenges to armies that are technically superior but not well adapted to densely populated areas. Soldiers can sometimes lose contact with one another and fail to know who they are firing on.
Snir has only been in the army eight months. He’s in the famous Golani Brigade. He wants to fight again when he is released from the hospital. “Israel, my country; Israel, my land”, he tells me in broken English, and adds, “In war people die. We have an army. We have power. We have to use it. We can’t be afraid of injury or death. We’re not afraid. We have a mission. We have a target. I hope we will do it. This is the best army in the world.”
Snir also thinks the IDF should finish the job in Gaza and root out Hamas before any cease-fire is in place.
When I tell Snir that I have heard about miracles taking place in Israeli cities where rockets are falling, Snir relays to me that there are also miracles on the battlefield. He explains that a lot more Hamas members are being killed than is being reported in the media; while at the same time many Israeli soldiers have been protected during the war.
One story he shares is about a soldier who went into a house in Gaza. The soldier saw a bomb. He ran away. And, within seconds the bomb exploded. The soldier was unharmed. To Snir this is a miracle he will not forget.
As I am talking to Snir, I notice several young ladies coming to see two soldiers sitting in the lobby. So, I walk over to Mickey, a 25 year old company tank commander. As an officer, Mickey is responsible for 60 men in his army unit. He’s been serving in the IDF for 6 l/2 years. Mickey’s finger was crushed by an accident that happened in his tank. He has already been back in Gaza to fight. But, now he has to go through rehabilitation for two weeks, and will not be able to join his unit until his finger is healed.
Mickey thinks the war will be over soon. But, he believes fighting the war was necessary so that Israel could defend itself. “Everybody wants to be in Gaza and fight. It’s very important for all Israel. It’s a big war,” he explains.
Mickey’s buddy, Ronen, is sitting next to him, embarrassed by all the attention he is getting from the young girls who are visiting. An officer over 25 men, Ronen has been in the IDF for 3 l/2 years. During an explosion in Gaza, he was hit in the right soldier. He says it is no big deal, but admits to me that the injury is painful.
Both soldiers are reluctant to have their pictures taken, but they appreciate that all these people have come to visit and bring them gifts. It seems to be the personal attention that makes them feel like heroes, and helps them to forget their injury and pain, at least for a moment in time.
Sarah and I find our way to the third floor of the hospital to visit 21 year old Daniel. He accepts gifts from us – a large bag of “Bomba” (a popular Israeli salty snack), and a big stuffed animal, which Daniel cuddles while smiling for a picture. Many friends and family are visiting with him, and they explain to me that Daniel just arrived to the hospital on Monday, January 12. A girl friend of Daniel’s translates his testimony into English.
While in Gaza, Daniel was holding his position in a house with an open gate. Suddenly, there was a shot from outside. He started running, and then was hit by a Hamas gunman in the back. Another soldier pulled him out of the combat zone, and they waited for an Israeli helicopter to rescue him. According to Daniel’s report, the bullet entered his back and exited through his stomach. He is not paralyzed, and he is expected to recover from his injury.
Daniel is a sergeant with the Israeli Paratroopers, and wants to go back in the field. Three others from his unit received light injuries. Yet, he claims the soldiers are very strong. “They want to kick Hamas in the buttocks, and they are not afraid. They should finish the job,” he says.
As soon as Daniel is finished with his testimony, his mother Sophia walks in the room. Instinctively, I hug her, and she warmly hugs me back. Our eyes meet, and I see the concern on her face for her son’s well-being. Following her, an entourage of soldiers in uniform, friends, and more family members come into the room. It is now very crowded. A group representing the Tel Aviv “Hapoel” football (soccer) players brings Daniel a scarf to wear with their logo on it.
As I exit the hospital room, two soldiers talk to me about the Gaza war. One of them is in charge of border security with the Nahal unit in the north of the country. He reports that four rockets were just fired from southern Lebanon into Kiryat Shmona, a town on Israel’s northern border. Israeli units immediately retaliated in the direction of the rocket fire and killed one of the terrorists.
I ask him if he thinks that a war is now going to start with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Nahal soldier explains, “Hezbollah is afraid of what happened in Gaza. We think they will do nothing.” He adds, “I think Israel has no interest in a cease-fire because then we have accomplished nothing. We need to demolish the Hamas infrastructure and get all the leaders, weapons, and rockets.”
Standing right next to him is his friend, Yaniv, 21 years old, and in charge of an artillery force in the north. Yaniv is not in uniform. He received an injury some time ago, and is recuperating, so he is not on the northern border with his squad. He reveals that he is commander over 12 people in the Alon platoon.
According to Yaniv, “to each solution there are consequences. We have to enter Gaza and to destroy the infrastructure. If not, our civilians will be injured.” I ask Yaniv, what about the civilians of Gaza who are caught in the cross-fire? Yaniv responds, “Before the air force bombs buildings, the army has ways to warn the people before they bomb.”
Yaniv is referring to the psychological campaign the IDF has waged in Gaza. They have distributed hundreds of thousands of leaflets warning Gaza residents not to stay in buildings where Hamas members dwell. They have told these same Gazans to be careful not to agree to be human shields. And, before the IAF (Israel’s Air Force) strikes buildings in Gaza, they make phone calls to thousands of mobile phones, telling citizens to get out of the area.
Sometimes, Gazans go on the rooftops, hoping the IAF will see them and not strike. But, if the IAF plans to strike, they will fire warning shots, so the Gaza residents run out of the building to escape. No other state army, like Israel’s, has gone to such unprecedented measures to warn citizens of their intentions, which they continue to claim is not to hurt innocent people, but to kill the terrorists.
Yaniv makes sure I understand that the Islamic belief is to die on behalf of Allah, which Moslems consider a sacred act. So, the most simple of combat techniques learned by contemporary armies, doesn’t work on Moslem terrorists. “It is hard to fight them. They don’t mind dying,” says Yaniv. He adds that Hezbollah is worse, as they are tougher fighters. He admits that Hamas is learning from Hezbollah.
Yaniv’s friend joins in the discussion again. “Israeli kids here are educated to go in the army. They do it for the love,” he says, meaning that they do it for their country and people. “It’s part of the culture.”
What’s obvious from all these soldiers I meet is that love is extended from family member and friend to each soldier, and vice versa. Israelis are strong on family commitment, and they stick together. They have to, because they are fighting for the survival of the state.
Before leaving the crowds at the hospital, Sarah brings me to a special unit where an Israeli Druse family is being comforted by Myan, a 19 year old Israeli female soldier from the Golani Brigade. Her job is to counsel family members when their sons or daughters are severely wounded in combat. There are still many soldiers scattered throughout other hospitals in Israel she has visited. I ask Myan what the terms mean: lightly injured; moderately wounded; seriously injured; and critically wounded. She describes each term for me.
(1) Lightly injured is when there is no danger to the body or to a person’s life. Most soldiers lightly injured are treated and discharged from the hospital within hours.
(2) Moderately wounded is when there is danger of losing a part of the body. But, the person’s life is not in danger.
(3) Seriously injured is when there is danger of losing a part of the body, and also the person’s life is in danger.
(4) Critically wounded is when a person is between life and death.
In the case of Druse soldier, Wael, his family tells me he is critically wounded, and they are not sure if he will make it. Sitting around a table together, with some family members wearing the traditional white scarf on their head, their faces are somber. But, they graciously offer me Turkish coffee and something to eat. I decline the strong caffeinated hot drink and accept a glass of sweet orange soda, and a chocolate cookie. I listen intently to their stories, mostly in Hebrew.
Hoping that I can give them some ray of hope, they explain that Wael was in a Golani unit that was hit in Gaza. He is in a coma with an injury to his head. If he makes it, he will need long term care.
Sarah gives more details. Many families, like this one, will stay in the hospital for days until their loved one has recovered. They sleep in hotel rooms nearby. Their children come and stay with them. It’s costly to these families who only get a small stipend from the government or charities. Sarah clarifies that more people need to give funds, not just to help the soldiers, but also the families who suffer along with them. Some families have to renovate their homes to accommodate those who are now disabled by permanent injuries.
Before I leave, Wael’s father, Adl, and his mother, Afaf, show me a picture of Wael so I will pray. His big sister Nasreen cries on my shoulder. And, his grandmother, Galea, hugs me and kisses me several times on the cheeks. They seem very happy that I have come to visit them, and they hope I will come, again, in better times.
As I walk out to the hallway, an elevator door opens up, and a mass of people exit with hands full of gifts. Taking my place in the elevator, I realize that these gifts are going to be distributed to the soldiers I have just visited. My heart is touched as I recall the smiles I have seen by those who know that love has no boundaries. This is what holds Israeli people together. The bond of love is so strong, and the gift of life so precious.
Despite their injuries, they read Psalms and pray to the God of Israel. Somehow, they know He is watching over them, protecting them and their land forever.
“He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 123:4 (This is a popular verse that Israelis have been quoting during the war).
A News Prayer Network, providing prayer points on current issues in the news, from Jerusalem to the rest of the world
Friday, January 16, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- VIII
Jerusalem, Israel
ISRAEL’S WAR WITH HAMAS
On Saturday, December 27, 2008, Israeli war planes struck Hamas targets in Gaza. Taking Hamas by surprise, the IDF (Israel's Defense Force) operation took place to put an end to eight years of rocket attacks on Israeli citizens.
Reports indicate that Israel’s current war against Hamas is the heaviest military strike by Israel since the 1967 Six Day War.
Mark Regev, spokesman for the Israeli prime minister’s office, talked recently to journalists on a conference call from Israel. Hosted by The Israel Project, Regev explained why Israel’s Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert; his Defense Minister, Ehud Barak; and, his Foreign Minister, Tzippi Livni all agreed to attack Hamas at this time.
Regev commented that Hamas publicly tried to abrogate the cease-fire understandings with Israel that were recently negotiated through Egypt; and, Hamas had acted to accelerate the situation on the ground by increasing the rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. He added that Israel is creating “a new reality on the ground; a new security environment in which no longer will hundreds of thousands of Israelis live in fear.”
Israel’s leadership has been united in wanting to neutralize Hamas to protect Israeli residences living in southern communities so they will no longer be on the receiving end of a rocket war.
“The ultimate truth is that Hamas is holding hostage not just the civilian population in southern Israel, which is living under the threat of the rocket barrages, but also its own population in the Gaza Strip,” Regev stated.
Hundreds of thousands of Gazans have had to live under suffering and hardship while Hamas continues to reject international demands. This has caused a humanitarian aid crisis, at times, and isolated the people of Gaza because of their rebellious leadership. Hamas has refused to accept the demands of the international community – that is, to recognize Israel’s right to exist; to stop the violence and renounce terrorism; and to act in accordance with those agreements already laid out in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Part of the strategy of the current Israeli government has been to show the Palestinians of Gaza that Israel is not fighting them; and, that Israel’s enemy is Hamas. Despite the continued rocket barrage, the Olmert government has taken steps to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza in order to make sure the population does not suffer shortages. Soon after Israel’s December 27 military offensive, officials opened the border crossings and truck loads of food, medicine, fuel and other supplies were allowed through. Israel will continue to help the Gaza population while, militarily, trying to stop terrorist attacks by Hamas and other militant groups.
Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in June 2007. Since then, Gaza has been infiltrated by extremist forces including Iranian operatives and Al-Qaeda. Hamas has also instituted Sharia Law and is forcing it on the Gazan population, persecuting Christians and others that do not comply.
Hamas has built its military wing into a substantial force, with many members trained in Iran, and with Iranian money helping Hamas to purchase longer-range missiles and larger explosives for its weapons arsenal.
Hamas has been influenced by Hezbollah guerillas in Lebanon, adapting the strategies that the terrorist group used against Israel during the Second Lebanon War of 2006. They have played on Israel’s weakness – that is, the inability to stop short-range rockets from infiltrating Israeli air space. Currently, Israel has no effective way of stopping these rockets from hitting Israeli cities and towns, now in a range of 20-40 kilometers. In the future, Israel hopes to stop the rockets with a special anti-missile defense system, but it will not be ready to be deployed until 2010 or beyond.
Another way that Israel is looking to stop Hamas is to completely destroy not only its military infrastructure, but its weapons arsenal, and its underground rocket launchers. Therefore, Israel has had no choice but to send in thousands of ground troops. The ground operation began on January 3, 2009, signaling a much longer and brutal war ahead.
During the past several weeks, Israeli army officials have admitted they do not have an exit strategy for getting out of Gaza once they go in. Analysts in Israel are concerned that Israel will get stuck in a Gaza quagmire similar to what happened in Lebanon in the 1980's.
Responding to questions from journalists about the multitude of casualties on the Palestinian side since Israel began “Operation Cast Lead” on December 27, Regev said that Hamas has a propaganda interest in highlighting civilian casualties and minimizing damage to their military machine. He reiterated that Israel is trying to do surgical strikes aimed at Hamas only.
“We don’t want to hit Palestinian civilians. We don’t see the people of Gaza as our enemy,” he stated several times. Medical sources, human rights activists, and Israeli officials have reported that the majority of Palestinian casualties have been Palestinian policemen and gunmen belonging to terrorist groups.
From June until November 2008, Israel and Hamas entered into a hudna – a temporary cease-fire. It was suppose to last until December 2008. In November, Israel blew up an illegal underground tunnel in Gaza that was allegedly being used by Hamas to stage a terrorist attack. Hamas responded with increased rocket attacks on Israeli border towns which have continued.
Hamas also used the cease-fire to build-up its weapons arsenal, including missiles which are now not only being launched against citizens in Sderot and the western Negev, but also aimed at Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Beersheva. More Israelis have been wounded and killed since the war began.
Contrary to some reports in the media, Israel has no interest in re-occupying Gaza. After unilaterally withdrawing from the Gaza Strip in August 2005 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israel’s current government has made it clear they do not want to rule the Palestinians. And, they say the IDF is merely acting defensively to protect Israeli citizens.
So, what are Israel’s next steps? According to Regev, “We are willing to live in peace with Gaza. The question is whether Gaza is willing to live in peace with us. It is the Hamas regime that tore up the cease-fire agreement.”
Israel is looking for another cease-fire with Hamas, and wants to see Gaza restored, especially the structural damage caused by recent Israeli air raids.
When this current war against Hamas began, more than 50% of the Israeli population supported the government’s effort. That support has increased to more than 90%. Talking to Israelis about the current situation they almost unanimously say, “This needed to be done”. They believe that Israel is acting in self-defense. Most would like to see the current war finish quickly, and they hope they will then live in peace with the people of Gaza.
In the meantime, the Olmert government is bent on breaking the Hamas stronghold in Gaza, while at the same time, hoping that the United States and the Quartet will convince the Hamas leadership to accept a cease-fire and stop the rocket attacks immediately. One can only pray this happens sooner than later as Israeli combat units fight Hamas on the ground inside Gaza.
PRAYER POINTS:
• During this current ground war, pray that Hamas will not be able to fortify military posts in the Gaza Strip, nor dig effective tunnel systems and underground bunkers for its troops.
Pray that all plans Hamas has to use anti-tank missile units will be disrupted. Pray that any bombs they have prepared or placed on main roads into Gaza will be clearly seen by Israeli troops and detonated safely.
Pray that Israeli soldiers will discern and discover all hidden booby traps and all deceptive ambushes created by Hamas and other terrorist groups. Pray that terrorists will not be able to use anti-aircraft cannons or shoulder-to-air missiles against Israel.
Pray for Israeli combat soldiers to have effective back-up and reinforcements prepared and ready for action on the battlefield. See Isaiah 35:3-4.
Pray for the weather to cooperate. The Israeli Air Force cannot provide effective support for ground forces when there is poor visibility.
Pray that the Lord will protect Israeli forces stationed along the security fence. Pray that He will not allow Hamas to re-institute suicide bombings against Israeli citizens anywhere in the country. Pray that Hamas will not be able to kidnap Israeli soldiers.
• According to reports, Hamas, in coordination with other militant groups, has 15,000-20,000 armed men in the Gaza Strip. Pray that there will be confusion in their ranks. Pray that they will not be able to carry out the plans of Israel’s enemies. Please declare Psalm 70:1-3.
• The war in Gaza could place Corporal Gilad Shalit in even greater danger. He’s been held prisoner by Hamas for over 900 days, since June 2006. Pray according to Zechariah 9:11-12 and Hebrews 13:3 for Shalit.
• Declare Zechariah 9:14, Zechariah 10:4-6, and Psalms 144:1-8 for the IDF in its current battle in the south.
• Proclaim Psalm 144:12 for those Israeli young people who must start their military service fresh out of high school.
• Pray Psalm 145:14-21 for both Israeli and Gazan citizens caught up in the cross-fire of this war.
• If there is to be a cease-fire, pray that it happens very soon, and is favorable towards Israel, and that Hamas is not able to smuggle any more weapons into the Gaza Strip. Pray that Hamas honors the cease-fire.
• Pray that Israel’s current government will not make decisions based on political ambitions. Some are concerned that Barak and Livni have unified to act now against Hamas to boost their popularity with the Israeli public before the upcoming February 2009 national elections. It’s also possible that Olmert has stood unified with Barak and Livni because he is looking for a legacy that includes a successful war against Hamas, instead of only being remembered for his failures in the Second Lebanon War and the corruption charges filed against him during his reign as prime minister. Pray for righteousness and justice to prevail within this current government!
• Pray against the unbelief that plagues Israeli leaders. Pray that they will rely on God’s promises to them and that no root of bitterness will spring up that causes them to act with wrong motives. See Hebrews 12:15. Declare James 4:10.
• Agree in prayer that Israel’s goals will be accomplished:
(1) To stop the rocket attacks from Hamas. (2) To stop the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. (3) To stop the Gaza terrorist activity against Israel.
• Pray that Israel’s goals will be clearly understood and approved by a majority of international leaders. Pray that there will be quiet on Arab streets and neighborhoods throughout the world. Pray that all anti-Israel protests and riots will cease immediately.
• There is a high alert in the north of Israel. Recently, Lebanese armed forces discovered eight Katyusha rockets that were ready to be launched against Israel. Pray that Hezbollah will not attack Israel’s northern border while a majority of Israel’s forces are concentrated in the south.
• Pray that the Lord will reveal any Hezbollah plan to attack global Jewish interests. Pray that the terrorist group will stop trying to avenge the death of Hezbollah's military commander, Imad Mughniyeh. The one year anniversary of his death is February 2009.
• Stand in agreement with Israelis throughout the nation who are reading and speaking Psalm 121 and Psalm 130, claiming God’s spiritual promises to them.
• As an intercessor remember that this battle is not only in the natural, but also in the spiritual, and that much is accomplished through your prayers. (See Romans 8:37).
ISRAEL’S WAR WITH HAMAS
On Saturday, December 27, 2008, Israeli war planes struck Hamas targets in Gaza. Taking Hamas by surprise, the IDF (Israel's Defense Force) operation took place to put an end to eight years of rocket attacks on Israeli citizens.
Reports indicate that Israel’s current war against Hamas is the heaviest military strike by Israel since the 1967 Six Day War.
Mark Regev, spokesman for the Israeli prime minister’s office, talked recently to journalists on a conference call from Israel. Hosted by The Israel Project, Regev explained why Israel’s Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert; his Defense Minister, Ehud Barak; and, his Foreign Minister, Tzippi Livni all agreed to attack Hamas at this time.
Regev commented that Hamas publicly tried to abrogate the cease-fire understandings with Israel that were recently negotiated through Egypt; and, Hamas had acted to accelerate the situation on the ground by increasing the rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. He added that Israel is creating “a new reality on the ground; a new security environment in which no longer will hundreds of thousands of Israelis live in fear.”
Israel’s leadership has been united in wanting to neutralize Hamas to protect Israeli residences living in southern communities so they will no longer be on the receiving end of a rocket war.
“The ultimate truth is that Hamas is holding hostage not just the civilian population in southern Israel, which is living under the threat of the rocket barrages, but also its own population in the Gaza Strip,” Regev stated.
Hundreds of thousands of Gazans have had to live under suffering and hardship while Hamas continues to reject international demands. This has caused a humanitarian aid crisis, at times, and isolated the people of Gaza because of their rebellious leadership. Hamas has refused to accept the demands of the international community – that is, to recognize Israel’s right to exist; to stop the violence and renounce terrorism; and to act in accordance with those agreements already laid out in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Part of the strategy of the current Israeli government has been to show the Palestinians of Gaza that Israel is not fighting them; and, that Israel’s enemy is Hamas. Despite the continued rocket barrage, the Olmert government has taken steps to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza in order to make sure the population does not suffer shortages. Soon after Israel’s December 27 military offensive, officials opened the border crossings and truck loads of food, medicine, fuel and other supplies were allowed through. Israel will continue to help the Gaza population while, militarily, trying to stop terrorist attacks by Hamas and other militant groups.
Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in June 2007. Since then, Gaza has been infiltrated by extremist forces including Iranian operatives and Al-Qaeda. Hamas has also instituted Sharia Law and is forcing it on the Gazan population, persecuting Christians and others that do not comply.
Hamas has built its military wing into a substantial force, with many members trained in Iran, and with Iranian money helping Hamas to purchase longer-range missiles and larger explosives for its weapons arsenal.
Hamas has been influenced by Hezbollah guerillas in Lebanon, adapting the strategies that the terrorist group used against Israel during the Second Lebanon War of 2006. They have played on Israel’s weakness – that is, the inability to stop short-range rockets from infiltrating Israeli air space. Currently, Israel has no effective way of stopping these rockets from hitting Israeli cities and towns, now in a range of 20-40 kilometers. In the future, Israel hopes to stop the rockets with a special anti-missile defense system, but it will not be ready to be deployed until 2010 or beyond.
Another way that Israel is looking to stop Hamas is to completely destroy not only its military infrastructure, but its weapons arsenal, and its underground rocket launchers. Therefore, Israel has had no choice but to send in thousands of ground troops. The ground operation began on January 3, 2009, signaling a much longer and brutal war ahead.
During the past several weeks, Israeli army officials have admitted they do not have an exit strategy for getting out of Gaza once they go in. Analysts in Israel are concerned that Israel will get stuck in a Gaza quagmire similar to what happened in Lebanon in the 1980's.
Responding to questions from journalists about the multitude of casualties on the Palestinian side since Israel began “Operation Cast Lead” on December 27, Regev said that Hamas has a propaganda interest in highlighting civilian casualties and minimizing damage to their military machine. He reiterated that Israel is trying to do surgical strikes aimed at Hamas only.
“We don’t want to hit Palestinian civilians. We don’t see the people of Gaza as our enemy,” he stated several times. Medical sources, human rights activists, and Israeli officials have reported that the majority of Palestinian casualties have been Palestinian policemen and gunmen belonging to terrorist groups.
From June until November 2008, Israel and Hamas entered into a hudna – a temporary cease-fire. It was suppose to last until December 2008. In November, Israel blew up an illegal underground tunnel in Gaza that was allegedly being used by Hamas to stage a terrorist attack. Hamas responded with increased rocket attacks on Israeli border towns which have continued.
Hamas also used the cease-fire to build-up its weapons arsenal, including missiles which are now not only being launched against citizens in Sderot and the western Negev, but also aimed at Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Beersheva. More Israelis have been wounded and killed since the war began.
Contrary to some reports in the media, Israel has no interest in re-occupying Gaza. After unilaterally withdrawing from the Gaza Strip in August 2005 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israel’s current government has made it clear they do not want to rule the Palestinians. And, they say the IDF is merely acting defensively to protect Israeli citizens.
So, what are Israel’s next steps? According to Regev, “We are willing to live in peace with Gaza. The question is whether Gaza is willing to live in peace with us. It is the Hamas regime that tore up the cease-fire agreement.”
Israel is looking for another cease-fire with Hamas, and wants to see Gaza restored, especially the structural damage caused by recent Israeli air raids.
When this current war against Hamas began, more than 50% of the Israeli population supported the government’s effort. That support has increased to more than 90%. Talking to Israelis about the current situation they almost unanimously say, “This needed to be done”. They believe that Israel is acting in self-defense. Most would like to see the current war finish quickly, and they hope they will then live in peace with the people of Gaza.
In the meantime, the Olmert government is bent on breaking the Hamas stronghold in Gaza, while at the same time, hoping that the United States and the Quartet will convince the Hamas leadership to accept a cease-fire and stop the rocket attacks immediately. One can only pray this happens sooner than later as Israeli combat units fight Hamas on the ground inside Gaza.
PRAYER POINTS:
• During this current ground war, pray that Hamas will not be able to fortify military posts in the Gaza Strip, nor dig effective tunnel systems and underground bunkers for its troops.
Pray that all plans Hamas has to use anti-tank missile units will be disrupted. Pray that any bombs they have prepared or placed on main roads into Gaza will be clearly seen by Israeli troops and detonated safely.
Pray that Israeli soldiers will discern and discover all hidden booby traps and all deceptive ambushes created by Hamas and other terrorist groups. Pray that terrorists will not be able to use anti-aircraft cannons or shoulder-to-air missiles against Israel.
Pray for Israeli combat soldiers to have effective back-up and reinforcements prepared and ready for action on the battlefield. See Isaiah 35:3-4.
Pray for the weather to cooperate. The Israeli Air Force cannot provide effective support for ground forces when there is poor visibility.
Pray that the Lord will protect Israeli forces stationed along the security fence. Pray that He will not allow Hamas to re-institute suicide bombings against Israeli citizens anywhere in the country. Pray that Hamas will not be able to kidnap Israeli soldiers.
• According to reports, Hamas, in coordination with other militant groups, has 15,000-20,000 armed men in the Gaza Strip. Pray that there will be confusion in their ranks. Pray that they will not be able to carry out the plans of Israel’s enemies. Please declare Psalm 70:1-3.
• The war in Gaza could place Corporal Gilad Shalit in even greater danger. He’s been held prisoner by Hamas for over 900 days, since June 2006. Pray according to Zechariah 9:11-12 and Hebrews 13:3 for Shalit.
• Declare Zechariah 9:14, Zechariah 10:4-6, and Psalms 144:1-8 for the IDF in its current battle in the south.
• Proclaim Psalm 144:12 for those Israeli young people who must start their military service fresh out of high school.
• Pray Psalm 145:14-21 for both Israeli and Gazan citizens caught up in the cross-fire of this war.
• If there is to be a cease-fire, pray that it happens very soon, and is favorable towards Israel, and that Hamas is not able to smuggle any more weapons into the Gaza Strip. Pray that Hamas honors the cease-fire.
• Pray that Israel’s current government will not make decisions based on political ambitions. Some are concerned that Barak and Livni have unified to act now against Hamas to boost their popularity with the Israeli public before the upcoming February 2009 national elections. It’s also possible that Olmert has stood unified with Barak and Livni because he is looking for a legacy that includes a successful war against Hamas, instead of only being remembered for his failures in the Second Lebanon War and the corruption charges filed against him during his reign as prime minister. Pray for righteousness and justice to prevail within this current government!
• Pray against the unbelief that plagues Israeli leaders. Pray that they will rely on God’s promises to them and that no root of bitterness will spring up that causes them to act with wrong motives. See Hebrews 12:15. Declare James 4:10.
• Agree in prayer that Israel’s goals will be accomplished:
(1) To stop the rocket attacks from Hamas. (2) To stop the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. (3) To stop the Gaza terrorist activity against Israel.
• Pray that Israel’s goals will be clearly understood and approved by a majority of international leaders. Pray that there will be quiet on Arab streets and neighborhoods throughout the world. Pray that all anti-Israel protests and riots will cease immediately.
• There is a high alert in the north of Israel. Recently, Lebanese armed forces discovered eight Katyusha rockets that were ready to be launched against Israel. Pray that Hezbollah will not attack Israel’s northern border while a majority of Israel’s forces are concentrated in the south.
• Pray that the Lord will reveal any Hezbollah plan to attack global Jewish interests. Pray that the terrorist group will stop trying to avenge the death of Hezbollah's military commander, Imad Mughniyeh. The one year anniversary of his death is February 2009.
• Stand in agreement with Israelis throughout the nation who are reading and speaking Psalm 121 and Psalm 130, claiming God’s spiritual promises to them.
• As an intercessor remember that this battle is not only in the natural, but also in the spiritual, and that much is accomplished through your prayers. (See Romans 8:37).
Monday, December 1, 2008
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- VII
Jerusalem, Israel
TERROR IN MUMBAI
The recent Al Qaeda style terrorist attack on Mumbai, India was a coordinated event by a para-military terrorist group with Pakistani origins. The well-prepared terrorists broke all rules of civility in shooting randomly at any target, including innocent bystanders at a rail station, a restaurant, and two hospitals.
The terrorists finally settled on murdering foreign tourists at two high-class hotels and a Chabad Jewish Center in Mumbai, where they sought to kill Americans, Brits, and Israelis. In the end they managed to massacre almost 200 foreigners and nationals standing in the way of their destructive path.
Worse yet was that this large-scale terror operation caught international intelligence agents off-guard in an era of globalization where counter-terrorism information sharing has reached unprecedented levels across borders.
So, how could this highly coordinated massive terrorist attack occur under the nose of these expert security personnel? While officials will look to answer this question and others in the coming days, we can expect even more transparency between global intelligence agencies in the future.
Israel and India already have close defense ties and Israel trains India military units. In the Mumbai incident, Israel claimed that Indian counter-terrorist forces, while well-trained, engaged the terrorists too soon. The Indian commando units should have secured the main area where hostages were taken, and gained control on the ground, before exchanging fire with the terrorists.
In the future, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) will be sending expert Israeli commandos to help Indian forces become more skilled in urban warfare and counter-terrorism.
PRAYER POINTS:
No matter how states prepare for such terrorist attacks, there is still an enemy that looms larger; one that will try and create havoc, death, and destruction whenever and wherever he chooses.
• This shaking of nations will increase as darkness increases on the earth, until only eternal things will be left. (Hebrews 12:27). Since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29).
• From east to west – praise the name of the Lord. For the Lord is high above the nations; His glory is far greater than the heavens. (Psalm 113:3. See also verses 5-8).
• Pray for the families that have lost loved ones; that they would be comforted by the Lord.
• Pray for those still in the hospital in critical condition, wounded from the attacks. Pray that they would be healed, and that great testimonies of miracles would flow out of Mumbai.
• Pray for greater diligence on the part of God’s people, to stay close to the Lord in these critical days; being vigilant in the faith; listening continually for His will and direction; protected by the full armor of God in Ephesians Chapter 6; with prayers for family and friends that extend towards Israel and the Jewish people.
DECEPTION & POLITICAL GAMES
Despite the evidence from Israel and the U.S. that Syria may be harboring a clandestine military nuclear program, with the help of North Korea; those facts are now being suppressed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The IAEA has already admitted to finding traces of processed uranium at the site where Israel allegedly bombed a nuclear reactor on September 6, 2007. The U.S. has declared that the nuclear reactor, almost completed, could have produced plutonium, but Syria denies running such a secret nuclear program.
Meanwhile, the IAEA, still angered by being out-of-the-loop when Israeli intelligence discovered the site in coordination with the U.S., now claims that evidence about that site has been hard to find. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei claims this limits the IAEA from further proving Syrian nuclear activities. He said that investigations have been hampered because his agency found only limited satellite images available. Syria has also been uncooperative with the IAEA denying inspectors access to any of the sites they have requested to observe.
At the same time, the IAEA, along with the tacit agreement of the U.S. and other nations, approved a deal which will provide IAEA expertise and equipment to Syria to build a power-producing nuclear reactor. In other words, the IAEA will now be sharing sensitive nuclear information with Syria that could help Syria build a supposedly safe civilian powered reactor!
Why are the nations, and the IAEA, cooperating with Syria when they believe there is evidence that Syria is hiding a military nuclear program?
The answer is that there has been a change in global diplomacy. Those nations that have been formerly labeled rogue states, but where there might be a slight chance that they could be reformed and become part of a western coalition of moderate Arab states, are now being pursued by certain world leaders. European officials, as well as Israel, have felt it would be better to bring Syria out of isolation in the hope that Syria might be pulled out of the axis of evil that includes Iran.
If Syrian leader Bashar Assad is willing to kick terrorist groups out of Syria, decrease its strategic cooperation with Iran, and limit its military and political control over Lebanon, then global leaders are prepared to give Syria an opportunity to join the international community, including financial and diplomatic advantages that other regional Middle East states enjoy.
The problem is that international leaders are listening to words and not seeing deeds that show any kind of softening on Syria’s part that would indicate a willingness to stop supporting terrorist groups and terrorist states. If anything, Syria is advancing as a rogue state, adding new sophisticated weapons to its military arsenal, provided by Russia. Syria is becoming more capable of fighting a future war against Israel, especially if peace talks fail and Israel will not give up the Golan Heights.
Lebanon is overrun by Syrian intelligence operatives that influence decisions in the Lebanese government and prop up Hezbollah's para-military army within the state. At the same time, Lebanon has recently increased diplomatic cooperation with Syria. Lebanese leaders have also signed a five-year security pact with Iran. Defense cooperation between Iran and Syria has now been extended to Lebanon, which Syria still considers part of Greater Syria.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has tripled its force since the Lebanon War of 2006, with 42,000 rockets on-hand that supposedly can reach Israel’s nuclear facilities in Dimona.
While this strategic military cooperation is going on between Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, including the training and arming of terrorist groups within the region, European officials, especially France and England are preparing the ground for greater diplomatic cooperation with Syria in the future. This move is expected to encourage American President-Elect Barack Obama to engage in the diplomatic exchange so that the U.S. can keep its leadership role in the Middle East.
Recently, British Foreign Secretary David Milband visited Syrian President Bashar Assad, encouraging a comprehensive Middle East peace deal, which would include Syria. The UK has worked on building a partnership with Syria during the past 18 months, working for comprehensive peace, security and stability in the region. Miliband denied that Syria was building a nuclear reactor for military purposes.
PRAYER POINTS:
• Pray that the nations would not fall into deception regarding Syria’s role as a rogue state and part of an axis of evil in the Middle East. There is no indication that Syria’s President Bashar Assad has any intention of pulling away from Iran, nor of its proxy, Hezbollah in Lebanon. If anything, Syria is building closer ties with Iran, Lebanon, and Russia (who supplies Syria with arms and training), as well as terrorist groups in the region.
• It appears that to-date Syria is not going through a change in strategic defense thinking. Pray that every evil plan within the Syria, Lebanese, Iranian, and Russian government would be exposed, reported fully, and seen clearly by the international community. (See Psalms Chapters 35 and 37).
• Pray that the plans of men will be brought to the light according to Luke 12:2-3, which states, “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”
• Pray that the Lord will judge the wicked deeds of evil powers in the Middle East. Cry out for righteousness to guard this region; for all wickedness to cease, especially in the halls of power in governments. Proclaim that the Lord will put down His enemies according to Hebrews 10:13.
• Declare Psalm 108:5, “Be exalted O God, above the highest heavens. May Your glory shine over all the earth.” Through God, Israel shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down her enemies. (See verse 13).
PALESTNIAN CONTROL OVER KEY WEST BANK CITIES
October 23, 1998, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat signed the Wye River Memorandum, a political accord that gave the Palestinians full control over seven West Bank cities. It also gave the Palestinians shared control with Israel over other cities in the territories, such as Hebron.
Since the beginning of 2008, current Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has encouraged the deployment of newly trained Palestinian troops into Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, and in December, Bethlehem. (They are already deployed in Ramallah and Jericho years ago during the implementation of the Oslo Accords). Hundreds of Palestinian troops, currently training in Jordan, are expected to be deployed in other cities in 2009 such as Tulkarm and Kalkilya. These cities are included in the Wye River agreement.
Implementing the new deployment plan has been under the direction of Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayad, who has expanded Palestinian troops into these cities with the knowledge and cooperation of international leaders in the Quartet (UN, EU, U.S. and Russia).
This plan, plus the recent release of another 250 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, is all an effort at boosting the popularity of current Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who wants to keep his presidential powers beyond the January 2009 deadline. That is when his presidential rule will be challenged by Hamas. Israel is concerned that Hamas might try to take over the West Bank in early 2009, adding to its successful take-over of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
Israeli officials also believe that this plan will ensure that if and when a Palestinian state is established, the new Palestinian government will have a functioning and effective security force in place.
But, it’s clear that these same officials do not know if the newly deployed Palestinian troops can effectively stop a Hamas takeover, let alone protect Israel. And, if Hamas cannot be stopped, what will happen to this Palestinian force that has been trained to police these cities?
Moreover, if feuding Hamas and Fatah groups end up reconciling with one another, will this not unite the West Bank and Gaza, and won’t these troops become part of one large Palestinian army that fights against Israel in the future?
It’s inconceivable that Israel would trust Fatah, a terrorist group that has now become an official Palestinian army. Even though currently Fatah is helping Israel to crackdown on Hamas, both Hamas and Fatah are Palestinian “brothers”, and the perception that Fatah would continue its loyalties towards Israel in a more permanent way is idealistic thinking. Eventually, the Palestinians will unite and their common enemy will be the state of Israel, not each other.
PRAYER POINTS:
• Israel is under the delusion that a two-state solution is possible. God intends that there be one nation in the land that includes the mountains of Israel, and that it not be a divided land. (See Ezekiel 37:22). Pray for Israel to see and embrace this reality despite world pressures.
• Pray according to Ezekiel 37:26-28, which describes the true covenant of peace that the Lord wants to have with Israel; not like the covenant of peace they are trying to establish now, in the natural, with the Palestinians and Arab states.
• Pray that the mountain of radical Islamic terror be removed from Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and from the hearts of Palestinians living on the high places in Israel. (See Mark 11:23-24).
• Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is that God’s judgments will come upon the earth (Mark 13:33).
WATCH!
TERROR IN MUMBAI
The recent Al Qaeda style terrorist attack on Mumbai, India was a coordinated event by a para-military terrorist group with Pakistani origins. The well-prepared terrorists broke all rules of civility in shooting randomly at any target, including innocent bystanders at a rail station, a restaurant, and two hospitals.
The terrorists finally settled on murdering foreign tourists at two high-class hotels and a Chabad Jewish Center in Mumbai, where they sought to kill Americans, Brits, and Israelis. In the end they managed to massacre almost 200 foreigners and nationals standing in the way of their destructive path.
Worse yet was that this large-scale terror operation caught international intelligence agents off-guard in an era of globalization where counter-terrorism information sharing has reached unprecedented levels across borders.
So, how could this highly coordinated massive terrorist attack occur under the nose of these expert security personnel? While officials will look to answer this question and others in the coming days, we can expect even more transparency between global intelligence agencies in the future.
Israel and India already have close defense ties and Israel trains India military units. In the Mumbai incident, Israel claimed that Indian counter-terrorist forces, while well-trained, engaged the terrorists too soon. The Indian commando units should have secured the main area where hostages were taken, and gained control on the ground, before exchanging fire with the terrorists.
In the future, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) will be sending expert Israeli commandos to help Indian forces become more skilled in urban warfare and counter-terrorism.
PRAYER POINTS:
No matter how states prepare for such terrorist attacks, there is still an enemy that looms larger; one that will try and create havoc, death, and destruction whenever and wherever he chooses.
• This shaking of nations will increase as darkness increases on the earth, until only eternal things will be left. (Hebrews 12:27). Since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29).
• From east to west – praise the name of the Lord. For the Lord is high above the nations; His glory is far greater than the heavens. (Psalm 113:3. See also verses 5-8).
• Pray for the families that have lost loved ones; that they would be comforted by the Lord.
• Pray for those still in the hospital in critical condition, wounded from the attacks. Pray that they would be healed, and that great testimonies of miracles would flow out of Mumbai.
• Pray for greater diligence on the part of God’s people, to stay close to the Lord in these critical days; being vigilant in the faith; listening continually for His will and direction; protected by the full armor of God in Ephesians Chapter 6; with prayers for family and friends that extend towards Israel and the Jewish people.
DECEPTION & POLITICAL GAMES
Despite the evidence from Israel and the U.S. that Syria may be harboring a clandestine military nuclear program, with the help of North Korea; those facts are now being suppressed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The IAEA has already admitted to finding traces of processed uranium at the site where Israel allegedly bombed a nuclear reactor on September 6, 2007. The U.S. has declared that the nuclear reactor, almost completed, could have produced plutonium, but Syria denies running such a secret nuclear program.
Meanwhile, the IAEA, still angered by being out-of-the-loop when Israeli intelligence discovered the site in coordination with the U.S., now claims that evidence about that site has been hard to find. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei claims this limits the IAEA from further proving Syrian nuclear activities. He said that investigations have been hampered because his agency found only limited satellite images available. Syria has also been uncooperative with the IAEA denying inspectors access to any of the sites they have requested to observe.
At the same time, the IAEA, along with the tacit agreement of the U.S. and other nations, approved a deal which will provide IAEA expertise and equipment to Syria to build a power-producing nuclear reactor. In other words, the IAEA will now be sharing sensitive nuclear information with Syria that could help Syria build a supposedly safe civilian powered reactor!
Why are the nations, and the IAEA, cooperating with Syria when they believe there is evidence that Syria is hiding a military nuclear program?
The answer is that there has been a change in global diplomacy. Those nations that have been formerly labeled rogue states, but where there might be a slight chance that they could be reformed and become part of a western coalition of moderate Arab states, are now being pursued by certain world leaders. European officials, as well as Israel, have felt it would be better to bring Syria out of isolation in the hope that Syria might be pulled out of the axis of evil that includes Iran.
If Syrian leader Bashar Assad is willing to kick terrorist groups out of Syria, decrease its strategic cooperation with Iran, and limit its military and political control over Lebanon, then global leaders are prepared to give Syria an opportunity to join the international community, including financial and diplomatic advantages that other regional Middle East states enjoy.
The problem is that international leaders are listening to words and not seeing deeds that show any kind of softening on Syria’s part that would indicate a willingness to stop supporting terrorist groups and terrorist states. If anything, Syria is advancing as a rogue state, adding new sophisticated weapons to its military arsenal, provided by Russia. Syria is becoming more capable of fighting a future war against Israel, especially if peace talks fail and Israel will not give up the Golan Heights.
Lebanon is overrun by Syrian intelligence operatives that influence decisions in the Lebanese government and prop up Hezbollah's para-military army within the state. At the same time, Lebanon has recently increased diplomatic cooperation with Syria. Lebanese leaders have also signed a five-year security pact with Iran. Defense cooperation between Iran and Syria has now been extended to Lebanon, which Syria still considers part of Greater Syria.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has tripled its force since the Lebanon War of 2006, with 42,000 rockets on-hand that supposedly can reach Israel’s nuclear facilities in Dimona.
While this strategic military cooperation is going on between Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, including the training and arming of terrorist groups within the region, European officials, especially France and England are preparing the ground for greater diplomatic cooperation with Syria in the future. This move is expected to encourage American President-Elect Barack Obama to engage in the diplomatic exchange so that the U.S. can keep its leadership role in the Middle East.
Recently, British Foreign Secretary David Milband visited Syrian President Bashar Assad, encouraging a comprehensive Middle East peace deal, which would include Syria. The UK has worked on building a partnership with Syria during the past 18 months, working for comprehensive peace, security and stability in the region. Miliband denied that Syria was building a nuclear reactor for military purposes.
PRAYER POINTS:
• Pray that the nations would not fall into deception regarding Syria’s role as a rogue state and part of an axis of evil in the Middle East. There is no indication that Syria’s President Bashar Assad has any intention of pulling away from Iran, nor of its proxy, Hezbollah in Lebanon. If anything, Syria is building closer ties with Iran, Lebanon, and Russia (who supplies Syria with arms and training), as well as terrorist groups in the region.
• It appears that to-date Syria is not going through a change in strategic defense thinking. Pray that every evil plan within the Syria, Lebanese, Iranian, and Russian government would be exposed, reported fully, and seen clearly by the international community. (See Psalms Chapters 35 and 37).
• Pray that the plans of men will be brought to the light according to Luke 12:2-3, which states, “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”
• Pray that the Lord will judge the wicked deeds of evil powers in the Middle East. Cry out for righteousness to guard this region; for all wickedness to cease, especially in the halls of power in governments. Proclaim that the Lord will put down His enemies according to Hebrews 10:13.
• Declare Psalm 108:5, “Be exalted O God, above the highest heavens. May Your glory shine over all the earth.” Through God, Israel shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down her enemies. (See verse 13).
PALESTNIAN CONTROL OVER KEY WEST BANK CITIES
October 23, 1998, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat signed the Wye River Memorandum, a political accord that gave the Palestinians full control over seven West Bank cities. It also gave the Palestinians shared control with Israel over other cities in the territories, such as Hebron.
Since the beginning of 2008, current Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has encouraged the deployment of newly trained Palestinian troops into Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, and in December, Bethlehem. (They are already deployed in Ramallah and Jericho years ago during the implementation of the Oslo Accords). Hundreds of Palestinian troops, currently training in Jordan, are expected to be deployed in other cities in 2009 such as Tulkarm and Kalkilya. These cities are included in the Wye River agreement.
Implementing the new deployment plan has been under the direction of Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayad, who has expanded Palestinian troops into these cities with the knowledge and cooperation of international leaders in the Quartet (UN, EU, U.S. and Russia).
This plan, plus the recent release of another 250 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, is all an effort at boosting the popularity of current Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who wants to keep his presidential powers beyond the January 2009 deadline. That is when his presidential rule will be challenged by Hamas. Israel is concerned that Hamas might try to take over the West Bank in early 2009, adding to its successful take-over of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
Israeli officials also believe that this plan will ensure that if and when a Palestinian state is established, the new Palestinian government will have a functioning and effective security force in place.
But, it’s clear that these same officials do not know if the newly deployed Palestinian troops can effectively stop a Hamas takeover, let alone protect Israel. And, if Hamas cannot be stopped, what will happen to this Palestinian force that has been trained to police these cities?
Moreover, if feuding Hamas and Fatah groups end up reconciling with one another, will this not unite the West Bank and Gaza, and won’t these troops become part of one large Palestinian army that fights against Israel in the future?
It’s inconceivable that Israel would trust Fatah, a terrorist group that has now become an official Palestinian army. Even though currently Fatah is helping Israel to crackdown on Hamas, both Hamas and Fatah are Palestinian “brothers”, and the perception that Fatah would continue its loyalties towards Israel in a more permanent way is idealistic thinking. Eventually, the Palestinians will unite and their common enemy will be the state of Israel, not each other.
PRAYER POINTS:
• Israel is under the delusion that a two-state solution is possible. God intends that there be one nation in the land that includes the mountains of Israel, and that it not be a divided land. (See Ezekiel 37:22). Pray for Israel to see and embrace this reality despite world pressures.
• Pray according to Ezekiel 37:26-28, which describes the true covenant of peace that the Lord wants to have with Israel; not like the covenant of peace they are trying to establish now, in the natural, with the Palestinians and Arab states.
• Pray that the mountain of radical Islamic terror be removed from Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and from the hearts of Palestinians living on the high places in Israel. (See Mark 11:23-24).
• Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is that God’s judgments will come upon the earth (Mark 13:33).
WATCH!
Monday, November 17, 2008
SITUATION ANALSYIS -- VI
Jerusalem, Israel
Barack Obama’s surge to power has left some conservative Jews worried about how he will tackle complex Middle East issues that affect Israel’s security. An Exit Poll taken in Israel, of absentee American-Israeli voters, found that a majority of them voted for John McCain because they thought he would do a better job at handling U.S.-Israel relations.
But, an overwhelming majority of American Jews living in the U.S. voted to put Obama in office. Most of them voted for what they perceive will be Obama’s U.S. domestic policies rather than what they hope will be his foreign policy initiatives concerning Israel. Yet, these same American Jews are also watching for signs that Obama’s pro-Israel promises will ring true.
Israeli-American Rahm Emanuel has been positioned in the future Obama Administration as his Chief of Staff. This has been a relief to some American Jews, but others feel the appointment has more to do with pushing Obama’s legislative agenda through the Democratic majority in Congress.
During this transitional period in the U.S., Obama’s priorities will be to solidify who his staff, cabinet, and political advisors will be when he takes the office of the American presidency in late January 2009. He will be looking at solutions to deal with the burgeoning U.S. financial crisis that has affected global financial markets. Following that, it’s expected that he will turn his focus towards finding a suitable withdrawal timetable for U.S. troops to pull out of Iraq, while aiming to fortify troops in Afghanistan. Next in line will be his controversial attempt to dialogue with Iranian leaders, something Israel opposes. The results of that diplomatic exchange will signal to Israel and the international community as to whether Iran’s ambitious nuclear program can be halted by diplomacy and sanctions, or whether military action will be necessary.
Not only will President Obama be dealing with Iran’s insistence to continue its nuclear program; but he will also have to decide what to do about North Korea’s current obstinacy regarding its nuclear program. Furthermore, Syria’s denial of a nascent nuclear program has International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) weapons inspectors insisting on further investigation. They say traces of uranium have been found at the site bombed by Israeli forces on September 6, 2007.
Meanwhile, it is too early to tell whether Barack Obama will surface as a global leader decisive in actions, especially in being able to keep Russia contained regarding its political and military ambitions. Russia’s leaders would like the nation to rise to superpower status once again. Currently, Russia’s parliament is trying to amend laws which would open the door for Vladimir Putin to re-emerge as president of the Russian people. In doing so, his intention to get a foothold in the Middle East, by strengthening his ties with Iran and Syria and their terrorist proxies will continue. Through massive arms sales, military bases and training offered in strategic cooperation agreements with rogue states in the region, Russia will be flexing its Middle East muscle, challenging Israel’s ability to have a qualitative edge, military, over its Arab neighbors.
Israelis hope that whoever becomes Prime Minister in the February 2009 general elections in the Jewish State will have common ground on the diplomatic front with Obama and his political team. It’s a wait and see attitude in Israel right now.
PRAYER POINTS:
(1) Pray that Obama will listen and clearly understand the security needs that Israel has.
(2) Pray that Israel will not be pressured by international leaders to compromise in regard to a two-state solution; especially if that solution leaves the Jewish State lacking defensible borders.
(3) Pray that American and global leaders will have discernment in understanding the real intentions behind the Arab Peace Initiative.
This Initiative would be part of a regional comprehensive peace deal between Israel and Arab states. But, it backs Israel into a corner. The plan requires that Israel withdraw to pre-1967 borders, relinquish the Golan Heights and divide Jerusalem. It also threatens a sustainable Jewish majority in Israel by demanding that tens of thousands of so-called Palestinian refugees be allowed to return to live in Israel.
Pray that the new U.S. administration understands the dangers in this Initiative that undermine Israel’s survival. Right now, Obama’s advisors are encouraging him to embrace the Initiative.
(4) Pray that a new Israeli government, led by a new Israeli Prime Minister, will have much wisdom, and be stable, strong and united in order to deal with the Iranian threat before the Islamic State has nuclear capability.
(5) Pray for Israel’s general elections in February 2009, and for the government coalition that will be formed at that time, according to 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
The three main candidates for the office of Prime Minister have stated their party platforms in general terms. However, in the past, an Israeli Prime Minister under pressure from the U.S. and the international community, has been known to concede on core issues, against the wishes of a majority of Israeli citizens.
Pray that this kind of compromise is avoided at all costs.
(6) Declare that He who keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep, according to Psalm 121:4. Remind the Lord that you will give Him no rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth (Isaiah 62:6-7).
(7) God watches over His Holy Land and Holy City of Zion. Whoever touches Israel touches the apple of God’s eye. Proclaim Zechariah 2:8, and pray that the nations come into alignment with God’s plans for Israel, especially for Jerusalem.
(8) As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, now and forevermore. Declare Psalm 125:2, and pray for God to keep watch over His Holy City for it to remain united.
(9) Pray for the protection and well-being of Israeli citizens who are currently under rocket attack in Sderot, Ashkelon, and in the Negev. Pray that though a thousand may fall at their side, and ten thousand at their right hand, the rockets shall not come near them. (Psalm 91:7).
(10) Read Psalm Chapter 2. May it be a stern warning to the new U.S. Administration and to the global community -- that God will judge how they treat His Son and His covenant land of promise.
Barack Obama’s surge to power has left some conservative Jews worried about how he will tackle complex Middle East issues that affect Israel’s security. An Exit Poll taken in Israel, of absentee American-Israeli voters, found that a majority of them voted for John McCain because they thought he would do a better job at handling U.S.-Israel relations.
But, an overwhelming majority of American Jews living in the U.S. voted to put Obama in office. Most of them voted for what they perceive will be Obama’s U.S. domestic policies rather than what they hope will be his foreign policy initiatives concerning Israel. Yet, these same American Jews are also watching for signs that Obama’s pro-Israel promises will ring true.
Israeli-American Rahm Emanuel has been positioned in the future Obama Administration as his Chief of Staff. This has been a relief to some American Jews, but others feel the appointment has more to do with pushing Obama’s legislative agenda through the Democratic majority in Congress.
During this transitional period in the U.S., Obama’s priorities will be to solidify who his staff, cabinet, and political advisors will be when he takes the office of the American presidency in late January 2009. He will be looking at solutions to deal with the burgeoning U.S. financial crisis that has affected global financial markets. Following that, it’s expected that he will turn his focus towards finding a suitable withdrawal timetable for U.S. troops to pull out of Iraq, while aiming to fortify troops in Afghanistan. Next in line will be his controversial attempt to dialogue with Iranian leaders, something Israel opposes. The results of that diplomatic exchange will signal to Israel and the international community as to whether Iran’s ambitious nuclear program can be halted by diplomacy and sanctions, or whether military action will be necessary.
Not only will President Obama be dealing with Iran’s insistence to continue its nuclear program; but he will also have to decide what to do about North Korea’s current obstinacy regarding its nuclear program. Furthermore, Syria’s denial of a nascent nuclear program has International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) weapons inspectors insisting on further investigation. They say traces of uranium have been found at the site bombed by Israeli forces on September 6, 2007.
Meanwhile, it is too early to tell whether Barack Obama will surface as a global leader decisive in actions, especially in being able to keep Russia contained regarding its political and military ambitions. Russia’s leaders would like the nation to rise to superpower status once again. Currently, Russia’s parliament is trying to amend laws which would open the door for Vladimir Putin to re-emerge as president of the Russian people. In doing so, his intention to get a foothold in the Middle East, by strengthening his ties with Iran and Syria and their terrorist proxies will continue. Through massive arms sales, military bases and training offered in strategic cooperation agreements with rogue states in the region, Russia will be flexing its Middle East muscle, challenging Israel’s ability to have a qualitative edge, military, over its Arab neighbors.
Israelis hope that whoever becomes Prime Minister in the February 2009 general elections in the Jewish State will have common ground on the diplomatic front with Obama and his political team. It’s a wait and see attitude in Israel right now.
PRAYER POINTS:
(1) Pray that Obama will listen and clearly understand the security needs that Israel has.
(2) Pray that Israel will not be pressured by international leaders to compromise in regard to a two-state solution; especially if that solution leaves the Jewish State lacking defensible borders.
(3) Pray that American and global leaders will have discernment in understanding the real intentions behind the Arab Peace Initiative.
This Initiative would be part of a regional comprehensive peace deal between Israel and Arab states. But, it backs Israel into a corner. The plan requires that Israel withdraw to pre-1967 borders, relinquish the Golan Heights and divide Jerusalem. It also threatens a sustainable Jewish majority in Israel by demanding that tens of thousands of so-called Palestinian refugees be allowed to return to live in Israel.
Pray that the new U.S. administration understands the dangers in this Initiative that undermine Israel’s survival. Right now, Obama’s advisors are encouraging him to embrace the Initiative.
(4) Pray that a new Israeli government, led by a new Israeli Prime Minister, will have much wisdom, and be stable, strong and united in order to deal with the Iranian threat before the Islamic State has nuclear capability.
(5) Pray for Israel’s general elections in February 2009, and for the government coalition that will be formed at that time, according to 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
The three main candidates for the office of Prime Minister have stated their party platforms in general terms. However, in the past, an Israeli Prime Minister under pressure from the U.S. and the international community, has been known to concede on core issues, against the wishes of a majority of Israeli citizens.
Pray that this kind of compromise is avoided at all costs.
(6) Declare that He who keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep, according to Psalm 121:4. Remind the Lord that you will give Him no rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth (Isaiah 62:6-7).
(7) God watches over His Holy Land and Holy City of Zion. Whoever touches Israel touches the apple of God’s eye. Proclaim Zechariah 2:8, and pray that the nations come into alignment with God’s plans for Israel, especially for Jerusalem.
(8) As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, now and forevermore. Declare Psalm 125:2, and pray for God to keep watch over His Holy City for it to remain united.
(9) Pray for the protection and well-being of Israeli citizens who are currently under rocket attack in Sderot, Ashkelon, and in the Negev. Pray that though a thousand may fall at their side, and ten thousand at their right hand, the rockets shall not come near them. (Psalm 91:7).
(10) Read Psalm Chapter 2. May it be a stern warning to the new U.S. Administration and to the global community -- that God will judge how they treat His Son and His covenant land of promise.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- V
Jerusalem, Israel
TRANSITIONAL TIMES IN ISRAEL
Global change and turbulence, in political and economic spheres, have been dominating media headlines, taking the focus off Israel's political situation which has remained critical since the summer of 2008. At that time Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's political career was shaken by accusations of corruption, forcing him to step down as head of the Kadima party, making way for a new Prime Minister to emerge in Israel.
Tzippi Livni was elected to lead the Kadima party, form a new government, and become the second female Prime Minister in Israel's history. But, she proved unsuccessful in pulling together a wide coalition of partners from Israel's various political parties. Now, Israelis are looking towards new elections in February 2009.
The current lack of strong leadership at the helm of the Israeli government is a sign of weakness that is allowing Israel's enemies to consolidate and formulate new strategies of aggression.
The vacuum in Israel, politically, has already caused Fatah and Hamas to look for greater common ground. Hoping to reconcile and become united, with the help of Egyptian mediators, these two groups could be looking at the possibility of forming a national unity government in 2009. (A reconciliation conference is expected to take place in Egypt in November 2008). This would undermine Israel's efforts to keep Hamas isolated within the global community.
Some analysts say the current effort to unite the two groups is to the benefit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who is looking for a way to curry favor with all Palestinians and stay in power after his presidency expires in January 2009.
POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY AND TERROR
During this current period, when U.S. leadership is also in transition and there is less American mediation efforts on the Middle East track, Hamas also has little incentive to try and negotiate a prisoner swap with Israel. Such a swap would result in the release of Israel's P.O.W. Gilad Shalit who has been in captivity for more than two years.
Currently, Hamas and Israel share a temporary cease fire, but it is only in effect until December 2008.
Israel's present political vacuum could embolden Hamas and other terror groups to look to the first six months of 2009 as a time for stepped up attacks on Israel, especially in the West Bank and Jerusalem. (Since this summer, there have been eight terror attacks in the Jerusalem area). Furthermore, Hamas could try and renew rocket fire from Gaza into Israeli towns in the Negev.
The peace and quiet that Gazans have experienced during the current cease fire between Hamas and Israel has given a boost to Hamas. The group's efforts to supply the Gazan population with needed resources of food, shelter, and health services have solidified their political and military control over the area.
HEBRON
Meanwhile, the recent deployment of hundreds of Palestinian policemen into Hebron was approved by Labor party head and current Defense Minister Ehud Barak. This is Barak's way of boosting Mahmoud Abbas' popularity in the West Bank. (Some in Israel think that by helping Abbas stay in power, they are keeping at bay more extreme Palestinian elements that would like to seize the presidency).
However, the small Hebron enclave of settlers, outnumbered and constantly threatened by a much larger Palestinian population, claim that the recent deployment is a recipe for disaster. While the extra numbers of Palestinian police are supposedly cracking down on Hamas and also on crime in the city, the settlers say that they, themselves, are now in greater danger.
HOT SPOT
Look to Hebron becoming a hot spot in 2009, ignited by less of an IDF presence in the area (therefore, less protection for the settlers living there), and greater efforts by the PA police to take control over this ancient historical and biblical city.
These changes in Hebron could upset the delicate balance between Jews and Palestinians living there.
Hebron is considered the largest city in the West Bank, located 30 kilometers outside of Jerusalem. The Jews of Hebron protect the Cave of the Patriarchs where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Leah are buried.
King David, in the Bible, ruled over Hebron. (2 Samuel 2:11), and Jewish claims to the city are strong.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for the protection of the Jewish state during this vulnerable time when the government is in a transitional period and there is no strong leader at the helm.
Pray that God will keep Israel's enemies from being able to penetrate borders, cities, and towns during this political vacuum in the land.
Pray for special protection for the settlers of Hebron.
Pray that Godly leaders will emerge who have courage, strength, vision, and high moral standards; leaders who will govern with integrity.
Pray that righteousness and justice will prevail in the land.
Declare 2 Chronicles 7:14 over Israel today!
"SO SHALL THEY FEAR THE NAME OF THE LORD FROM THE WEST, AND HIS GLORY FROM THE RISING OF THE SUN; WHEN THE ENEMY COMES IN LIKE A FLOOD, THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD WILL LIFT UP A STANDARD AGAINST HIM." Isaiah 59:19
TRANSITIONAL TIMES IN ISRAEL
Global change and turbulence, in political and economic spheres, have been dominating media headlines, taking the focus off Israel's political situation which has remained critical since the summer of 2008. At that time Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's political career was shaken by accusations of corruption, forcing him to step down as head of the Kadima party, making way for a new Prime Minister to emerge in Israel.
Tzippi Livni was elected to lead the Kadima party, form a new government, and become the second female Prime Minister in Israel's history. But, she proved unsuccessful in pulling together a wide coalition of partners from Israel's various political parties. Now, Israelis are looking towards new elections in February 2009.
The current lack of strong leadership at the helm of the Israeli government is a sign of weakness that is allowing Israel's enemies to consolidate and formulate new strategies of aggression.
The vacuum in Israel, politically, has already caused Fatah and Hamas to look for greater common ground. Hoping to reconcile and become united, with the help of Egyptian mediators, these two groups could be looking at the possibility of forming a national unity government in 2009. (A reconciliation conference is expected to take place in Egypt in November 2008). This would undermine Israel's efforts to keep Hamas isolated within the global community.
Some analysts say the current effort to unite the two groups is to the benefit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who is looking for a way to curry favor with all Palestinians and stay in power after his presidency expires in January 2009.
POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY AND TERROR
During this current period, when U.S. leadership is also in transition and there is less American mediation efforts on the Middle East track, Hamas also has little incentive to try and negotiate a prisoner swap with Israel. Such a swap would result in the release of Israel's P.O.W. Gilad Shalit who has been in captivity for more than two years.
Currently, Hamas and Israel share a temporary cease fire, but it is only in effect until December 2008.
Israel's present political vacuum could embolden Hamas and other terror groups to look to the first six months of 2009 as a time for stepped up attacks on Israel, especially in the West Bank and Jerusalem. (Since this summer, there have been eight terror attacks in the Jerusalem area). Furthermore, Hamas could try and renew rocket fire from Gaza into Israeli towns in the Negev.
The peace and quiet that Gazans have experienced during the current cease fire between Hamas and Israel has given a boost to Hamas. The group's efforts to supply the Gazan population with needed resources of food, shelter, and health services have solidified their political and military control over the area.
HEBRON
Meanwhile, the recent deployment of hundreds of Palestinian policemen into Hebron was approved by Labor party head and current Defense Minister Ehud Barak. This is Barak's way of boosting Mahmoud Abbas' popularity in the West Bank. (Some in Israel think that by helping Abbas stay in power, they are keeping at bay more extreme Palestinian elements that would like to seize the presidency).
However, the small Hebron enclave of settlers, outnumbered and constantly threatened by a much larger Palestinian population, claim that the recent deployment is a recipe for disaster. While the extra numbers of Palestinian police are supposedly cracking down on Hamas and also on crime in the city, the settlers say that they, themselves, are now in greater danger.
HOT SPOT
Look to Hebron becoming a hot spot in 2009, ignited by less of an IDF presence in the area (therefore, less protection for the settlers living there), and greater efforts by the PA police to take control over this ancient historical and biblical city.
These changes in Hebron could upset the delicate balance between Jews and Palestinians living there.
Hebron is considered the largest city in the West Bank, located 30 kilometers outside of Jerusalem. The Jews of Hebron protect the Cave of the Patriarchs where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Leah are buried.
King David, in the Bible, ruled over Hebron. (2 Samuel 2:11), and Jewish claims to the city are strong.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for the protection of the Jewish state during this vulnerable time when the government is in a transitional period and there is no strong leader at the helm.
Pray that God will keep Israel's enemies from being able to penetrate borders, cities, and towns during this political vacuum in the land.
Pray for special protection for the settlers of Hebron.
Pray that Godly leaders will emerge who have courage, strength, vision, and high moral standards; leaders who will govern with integrity.
Pray that righteousness and justice will prevail in the land.
Declare 2 Chronicles 7:14 over Israel today!
"SO SHALL THEY FEAR THE NAME OF THE LORD FROM THE WEST, AND HIS GLORY FROM THE RISING OF THE SUN; WHEN THE ENEMY COMES IN LIKE A FLOOD, THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD WILL LIFT UP A STANDARD AGAINST HIM." Isaiah 59:19
Sunday, August 31, 2008
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- IV
Jerusalem, Israel
Ethiopia: It is unknown whether Israeli government officials will abide by their promise to allow almost 9,000 Ethiopian Jews stuck in transit camps to immigrate to Israel. The last of the Falasha Mura's have been obstructed from immigrating by Israeli authorities.
(See Isaiah 43:6 in the Bible's Revised Standard Edition).
(Declare that Israel should not hold these Jews back from returning to the Promised Land!)
Hot Spots
*Lebanon: At least 2,500 Hezbollah guerillas are operating in southern Lebanon, in defiance of UN Resolution 1701. Hezbollah has tripled its military arsenal since the Lebanon War of 2006. It has reportedly obtained 30-40,000 missiles capable of covering 75% of Israel. It is also busy recruiting and training new fighters, as well as expanding its Command Center. Some Israeli defense officials think that Hezbollah currently poses a greater threat to Israel than Iran. One of the reasons is because Israel does not have an anti-missile defense system in place to deter short-range rockets from hitting the Jewish State.
(Proclaim Psalm 91:5-6).
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah still plans to avenge the death of arch-terrorist Imad Muginyeh, and has tried, so far unsuccessfully
to kidnap Israelis traveling abroad.
(Proclaim Psalm 91:9-13 for Jewish people in Israel and the nations who are vulnerable to an attack from Hezbollah. Pray for God's protection and safety over His chosen people).
*Iran: Ehud Barak, Israel's Defense Minister, has said that if Russia delivers its most advanced anti-aircraft missile system to Iran, Israel will neutralize the effectiveness of that system by using a specialized electronic warfare device. This would, in effect embarrass Russian officials and be a blow to Russia's national security. Barak thinks that a nuclear Iran poses a danger to world order. He also stated, recently, that if attacked, Israel is prepared to respond and to succeed uncompromisingly.
(Continue to stand in the gap in intercession -- that God will not allow the enemy to bring the Ezekiel Chapter 38 and 39 war before its appointed time).
*Syria: An illusion of peace based on a progression in talks between Israel and Syria continue to occupy the global news media. At the same time that Israel has agreed to withdraw from the Golan Heights through in-direct negotiations, Syria has not agreed to separate itself from terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas. Nor, has Syria agreed to back down from its close strategic relationship with Iran.
Since Syria has entered into the peace equation with Israel, Syria's President Bashar Assad has enjoyed unprecedented favor with the international community, especially Turkey, France and Qatar. At the same time, Syria has upgraded relations with the Lebanese government.
A new confrontation with Israel is possible if Syria and Iran continue to deliver advanced weapons systems to Hezbollah that pose a major threat to Israel's security. Syria continues to use diplomacy as a pressure on Israel, while preparing for brutal military tactics on Israel's northern border.
Assad has not stopped trying to acquire advanced missile systems, including requests in his recent meeting with Russian officials. He has asked for the delivery of long-range Russian anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. He has also offered to deploy short-range Russian missiles on Syrian territory.
*Russia: Russia has shown its own aggressive tactics in its recent invasion of the country of Georgia. Threatened by US military advances in Europe, (in terms of missile defense), Russia has also deeply disapproved of countries near its borders aligning with NATO forces.
Russia has threatened to attack a U.S. anti-missile defense system if it is deployed in Poland. Russia has also made some serious threats against U.S. measures to deploy a radar tracking system in the Czech Republic, as well.
Some analysts see the Iranian-Syrian-Russian axis (including terrorist proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon) as a rising global power that must be dealt with by the international community. However, many countries, especially those in Europe, would rather do business with these rogue nations and appease them,ignoring both subtle and blatant acts of aggression. Meanwhile, Russia continues to play an active role in the Gulf region, activating Soviet military alliances despite calls for Russia to be excluded from the G8 and expelled from the UN Security Council. Russia is counting on disunity among member states, taking advantage of a weakened Western economy hit by increasing oil prices, and by a dependence on foreign oil supplies.
(Proclaim Psalm 46:6-7: "The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge").
International Diplomacy
U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East has taken a step backwards while U.S. citizens concentrate on domestic policies at home. This transition is a result of a political focus on the upcoming American presidential elections. This vacuum has allowed France and Russia to get a foothold in the Middle East, with leaders of those nations pressing their own agendas, which are not necessarily good for Israel.
(Pray Psalm Chapter 37 on behalf of Israel, especially verse 6. Pray that Israeli diplomats and politicians will walk in God's wisdom regarding every foreign policy initiative presented by the international community, especially during this vulnerable time in diplomacy).
U.S.-Israel Strategic Military Cooperation
The special relationship between Israeli and American defense officials is enhanced by increased cooperation in missile-defense technology. The possibility of war with Iran has caused both nations to deploy more advanced weapons systems that provide greater coordination between air force and army officers. Israel and the U.S. are performing military exercises (simulations and drills) to prepare for deployment of these systems. The U.S. is likely to deploy missile defense systems on ships off Israel's coast to assist in intercepting in-coming ballistic missiles from Iran if war breaks out.
(Pray for U.S. Major General Ido Zehushtan who would be the central commander in charge of missile defense systems in the Middle East region in the event of war). (See Jerusalem Post Frontlines article, titled, "In Advance", Friday, August 8, 08).
(Pray for Israel's ability to protect the Jewish nation in the event of a missile war. One of the ways Israel does this is by flying over enemy territory to deter acts of war and terror).
Vulnerable Skies
Apparently, Hezbollah can now track Israeli Air Force planes from the Mediterranean Sea in the west, to Damascus in the east, because of advanced radar installations located in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Hezbollah reportedly received help from Syrian and Iranian operatives in installing these systems.
Hamas, in Gaza, is thought to have a number of shoulder-to-shoulder air missiles, as well as heavy anti-aircraft machine guns. Therefore, Israel's air force is not flying as much over Gaza as it has in the past.
These sophisticated systems, deployed by Israel's enemies in Lebanon and Gaza make it more difficult for Israeli air force flyovers. This also means the possibility of Israeli aircraft being shot down in the event of war.
(Pray for these vulnerabilities in Israeli air defenses as the Jewish nation tries to increase its deterrence capability against evil aggression. Israel's enemies are vigorous and strong, and their capabilities have multiplied, but God is a constant defender of His chosen people – the "apple of His eye"). (See Psalm 38:21-22; Psalm 71:12-13; Deuteronomy 32:10).
(Pray for Israelis as they prepare for war, according to Psalm 144:1-2. God will not allow Israel to be destroyed). (See Jeremiah 31:35-37).
Prisoner Release
Recently, in defiance of Israel's own "red lines", Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government released almost 200 Palestinian prisoners, including several with "blood on their hands". Some of these terrorists had committed murder against Israeli civilians and were serving time in jail until their recent release. The diplomatic pressure on Israel to please the international community by bolstering political support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has not necessarily advanced the peace process. It has also not cleared the way for a release of Israeli P.O.W. Gilad Shalit.
(Pray that the Israeli government will not enter into any more snares because of a lack of counsel and sound judgment. Declare Proverbs 29:25-26. Pray for Corporal Shalit who is suffering health issues in captivity. Pray that he will be healed supernaturally by God as he waits for deliverance from his captives, and freedom to return to his family in Israel).
(Declare Psalm 121:1-8 for all of Israel during this vulnerable time in Israel's sixty year history)!
Ethiopia: It is unknown whether Israeli government officials will abide by their promise to allow almost 9,000 Ethiopian Jews stuck in transit camps to immigrate to Israel. The last of the Falasha Mura's have been obstructed from immigrating by Israeli authorities.
(See Isaiah 43:6 in the Bible's Revised Standard Edition).
(Declare that Israel should not hold these Jews back from returning to the Promised Land!)
Hot Spots
*Lebanon: At least 2,500 Hezbollah guerillas are operating in southern Lebanon, in defiance of UN Resolution 1701. Hezbollah has tripled its military arsenal since the Lebanon War of 2006. It has reportedly obtained 30-40,000 missiles capable of covering 75% of Israel. It is also busy recruiting and training new fighters, as well as expanding its Command Center. Some Israeli defense officials think that Hezbollah currently poses a greater threat to Israel than Iran. One of the reasons is because Israel does not have an anti-missile defense system in place to deter short-range rockets from hitting the Jewish State.
(Proclaim Psalm 91:5-6).
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah still plans to avenge the death of arch-terrorist Imad Muginyeh, and has tried, so far unsuccessfully
to kidnap Israelis traveling abroad.
(Proclaim Psalm 91:9-13 for Jewish people in Israel and the nations who are vulnerable to an attack from Hezbollah. Pray for God's protection and safety over His chosen people).
*Iran: Ehud Barak, Israel's Defense Minister, has said that if Russia delivers its most advanced anti-aircraft missile system to Iran, Israel will neutralize the effectiveness of that system by using a specialized electronic warfare device. This would, in effect embarrass Russian officials and be a blow to Russia's national security. Barak thinks that a nuclear Iran poses a danger to world order. He also stated, recently, that if attacked, Israel is prepared to respond and to succeed uncompromisingly.
(Continue to stand in the gap in intercession -- that God will not allow the enemy to bring the Ezekiel Chapter 38 and 39 war before its appointed time).
*Syria: An illusion of peace based on a progression in talks between Israel and Syria continue to occupy the global news media. At the same time that Israel has agreed to withdraw from the Golan Heights through in-direct negotiations, Syria has not agreed to separate itself from terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas. Nor, has Syria agreed to back down from its close strategic relationship with Iran.
Since Syria has entered into the peace equation with Israel, Syria's President Bashar Assad has enjoyed unprecedented favor with the international community, especially Turkey, France and Qatar. At the same time, Syria has upgraded relations with the Lebanese government.
A new confrontation with Israel is possible if Syria and Iran continue to deliver advanced weapons systems to Hezbollah that pose a major threat to Israel's security. Syria continues to use diplomacy as a pressure on Israel, while preparing for brutal military tactics on Israel's northern border.
Assad has not stopped trying to acquire advanced missile systems, including requests in his recent meeting with Russian officials. He has asked for the delivery of long-range Russian anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. He has also offered to deploy short-range Russian missiles on Syrian territory.
*Russia: Russia has shown its own aggressive tactics in its recent invasion of the country of Georgia. Threatened by US military advances in Europe, (in terms of missile defense), Russia has also deeply disapproved of countries near its borders aligning with NATO forces.
Russia has threatened to attack a U.S. anti-missile defense system if it is deployed in Poland. Russia has also made some serious threats against U.S. measures to deploy a radar tracking system in the Czech Republic, as well.
Some analysts see the Iranian-Syrian-Russian axis (including terrorist proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon) as a rising global power that must be dealt with by the international community. However, many countries, especially those in Europe, would rather do business with these rogue nations and appease them,ignoring both subtle and blatant acts of aggression. Meanwhile, Russia continues to play an active role in the Gulf region, activating Soviet military alliances despite calls for Russia to be excluded from the G8 and expelled from the UN Security Council. Russia is counting on disunity among member states, taking advantage of a weakened Western economy hit by increasing oil prices, and by a dependence on foreign oil supplies.
(Proclaim Psalm 46:6-7: "The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge").
International Diplomacy
U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East has taken a step backwards while U.S. citizens concentrate on domestic policies at home. This transition is a result of a political focus on the upcoming American presidential elections. This vacuum has allowed France and Russia to get a foothold in the Middle East, with leaders of those nations pressing their own agendas, which are not necessarily good for Israel.
(Pray Psalm Chapter 37 on behalf of Israel, especially verse 6. Pray that Israeli diplomats and politicians will walk in God's wisdom regarding every foreign policy initiative presented by the international community, especially during this vulnerable time in diplomacy).
U.S.-Israel Strategic Military Cooperation
The special relationship between Israeli and American defense officials is enhanced by increased cooperation in missile-defense technology. The possibility of war with Iran has caused both nations to deploy more advanced weapons systems that provide greater coordination between air force and army officers. Israel and the U.S. are performing military exercises (simulations and drills) to prepare for deployment of these systems. The U.S. is likely to deploy missile defense systems on ships off Israel's coast to assist in intercepting in-coming ballistic missiles from Iran if war breaks out.
(Pray for U.S. Major General Ido Zehushtan who would be the central commander in charge of missile defense systems in the Middle East region in the event of war). (See Jerusalem Post Frontlines article, titled, "In Advance", Friday, August 8, 08).
(Pray for Israel's ability to protect the Jewish nation in the event of a missile war. One of the ways Israel does this is by flying over enemy territory to deter acts of war and terror).
Vulnerable Skies
Apparently, Hezbollah can now track Israeli Air Force planes from the Mediterranean Sea in the west, to Damascus in the east, because of advanced radar installations located in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Hezbollah reportedly received help from Syrian and Iranian operatives in installing these systems.
Hamas, in Gaza, is thought to have a number of shoulder-to-shoulder air missiles, as well as heavy anti-aircraft machine guns. Therefore, Israel's air force is not flying as much over Gaza as it has in the past.
These sophisticated systems, deployed by Israel's enemies in Lebanon and Gaza make it more difficult for Israeli air force flyovers. This also means the possibility of Israeli aircraft being shot down in the event of war.
(Pray for these vulnerabilities in Israeli air defenses as the Jewish nation tries to increase its deterrence capability against evil aggression. Israel's enemies are vigorous and strong, and their capabilities have multiplied, but God is a constant defender of His chosen people – the "apple of His eye"). (See Psalm 38:21-22; Psalm 71:12-13; Deuteronomy 32:10).
(Pray for Israelis as they prepare for war, according to Psalm 144:1-2. God will not allow Israel to be destroyed). (See Jeremiah 31:35-37).
Prisoner Release
Recently, in defiance of Israel's own "red lines", Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government released almost 200 Palestinian prisoners, including several with "blood on their hands". Some of these terrorists had committed murder against Israeli civilians and were serving time in jail until their recent release. The diplomatic pressure on Israel to please the international community by bolstering political support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has not necessarily advanced the peace process. It has also not cleared the way for a release of Israeli P.O.W. Gilad Shalit.
(Pray that the Israeli government will not enter into any more snares because of a lack of counsel and sound judgment. Declare Proverbs 29:25-26. Pray for Corporal Shalit who is suffering health issues in captivity. Pray that he will be healed supernaturally by God as he waits for deliverance from his captives, and freedom to return to his family in Israel).
(Declare Psalm 121:1-8 for all of Israel during this vulnerable time in Israel's sixty year history)!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- III
Jerusalem, Israel
POLITICAL TURMOIL
The recent announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, that he will leave office once a Kadima member is elected to replace him in mid-September, puts Israel in a vulnerable position politically. This now starts a process of transition from Olmert to a new prime minister.
The two candidates that have a possible chance at winning the Kadima internal election are current Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni, and current Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz.
Once Kadima members vote to decide who will lead their party and, ultimately, who will lead the country through early 2009, the newly chosen prime minister still has to retain a strong government coalition. There is speculation that either candidate will look to form a national unity government with Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, and Labor leader Ehud Barak. One major reason for a national unity government would be Israel’s concern over a possible military confrontation with Iran by 2009.
Meanwhile, analysts in Israel predict that new general elections in Israel could take place as early as spring 2009, at which point the Israeli public would be able to participate and elect a new prime minister and party to lead the country. In interviewing Israelis over the past couple of weeks, the impression is that they do not see a potential candidate who they think can adequately run the country. This pessimism is prevalent in Israeli society, as many citizens have lost confidence in the Israeli political system.
PRAYER POINTS:
Scripture indicates that a kingdom, city, or house divided against itself cannot stand. (Matthew 12:25). Therefore, prayers are needed for the Jewish nation to find renewed hope in the possibility of new leadership for the country. Also, pray for “unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace” during this critical transition time, as members of Israel’s political system consider joining forces to deal with the need for safety and security in this hostile region of the world.
What does unite Israelis is the existential threat of a future nuclear Iran. Pray that citizens look beyond their tarnished leaders to the more important issue of the survival of the nation. Pray that the Lord raises up new leadership in Israel that is more concerned for the welfare of the state than personal advancement and power.
Matthew 12:35-37 sheds some light here. Pray that good men, out of the good treasure of their hearts, will bring forth good things and that by their words, they will be justified. Pray that their actions will show good judgment, humility, and true concern for the needs of the population. Pray that whoever becomes prime minister will not sacrifice land for peace, but will look towards being a good steward of the land God has given, and trust Him for Israel to find peace with its enemies.
NATIONS WANTING TO DIVIDE GOD’S LAND
Even though U.S. President George W. Bush is in his last months in office, his administration continues to pressure Israel to divide the land, and concede much of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) to the Palestinian Authority. U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, despite his high unpopularity ratings in Britain, visited Israel recently, and blasted the government for settlement expansion. He urged Israel to compromise with the Palestinians on the land issue.
Any kind of written agreement between Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which is witnessed by the U.S. and the international community, will obligate Israeli leaders. Regardless of how vague that agreement is, it becomes a trap for future Israeli governments that would be obliged to follow the “pre-conditions” accepted and approved by Olmert, Abbas, and Bush.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray that Israel’s current and future leadership will not succumb to pressure through having a fear of man, but will instead trust in the Lord and His security, according to Proverbs 12:25. Declare Zechariah 2:8-13, that America and other nations will not touch the “apple of God’s eye” and that if they do, they will be subject to His righteous judgment.
Pray that the U.S. and the international community will enter into God’s blessings, and will join themselves to the Lord’s plans and purposes. Proclaim the Lord’s possession of Judah as his inheritance in the Holy Land, acknowledging that He will again choose Jerusalem, as He has done so many times in the past.
JERUSALEM
After years of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and a conflict that has lasted throughout the generations, the sticking point that does not allow a settlement and a final peace treaty is Jerusalem. This has continued to be the point of contention between the two peoples.
Recent reports indicate that the Palestinians are uncompromising on this issue. For them, Jerusalem is a red line they will not cross. They want a state of Palestine with Jerusalem as their capital and they have not relented on that demand. Palestinian leaders have declared that the international community must understand that Jerusalem is the core problem.
This is not a new revelation. To keep his government from falling, Olmert made agreements with coalition members that he would not negotiate on Jerusalem. While negotiations reportedly did take place, especially between Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni and Palestinian leaders, such as Ahmed Qurei, it was finally decided that these negotiations would not be part of the current attempt to come up with an agreement by the end of 2008.
Now, even a “declaration of principles” or a “shelf agreement” seems unlikely because of the political climate in Israel. But, adding to that is the issue of Jerusalem...an issue that will not go away, regardless of who becomes the next leader of Israel.
PRAYER POINTS:
Declare God’s sovereignty over Jerusalem and His heart for Zion. Pray for Jerusalem’s peace, according to Psalm 122:1-9. Pray that Jerusalem will remain the undivided eternal capital of Israel. Pray Psalm 48:1-13, especially that God will establish Zion forever. Proclaim Psalm 46:10: “The Lord shall reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations.” Bring Israel before God in your prayers, because, according to scripture, they have joined themselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant, seeking His face in Zion (see Jeremiah 50:4-5; Obadiah 17).
INCREASE IN VIOLENCE
Bulldozer terrorism is the latest attempt by Israel’s enemies to shed blood in the city of Jerusalem. During the past month, the population has been confronted by two terrorists, both coming from East Jerusalem neighborhoods, who tried to kill Israelis, using a bulldozer from a construction site. One Israeli Arab terrorist smashed cars and ran pedestrians over on Jaffa Road. Another used his bulldozer to wound Israelis on King David Street. Both attacks happened in the middle of the day on busy streets in the heart of the city.
Because these Arabs have Israeli citizenship, and supposedly acted on their own (and, not as part of a terror group), this has limited the ability of police and the IDF to thwart such attacks.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for reconciliation efforts between Israeli Jews and Arabs, especially those who are residing in the Jerusalem area. Pray for the Israeli police and army to have insights and wisdom as they increase their intelligence capabilities to stop the terror attacks. Pray that this barbaric act of bulldozer terrorism will cease immediately.
Pray Psalm 125 upon Israel, and upon Jerusalem, especially for God’s protection over the city. (Verse 2: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever”). The Lord promises that Mt. Zion cannot be moved, but abides forever. Pray that the peace process will not move forward in man’s attempt to compromise on Jerusalem.
Declare God’s ability to make His enemies His footstool, and that He will rule in the midst of His enemies, according to Psalm 110:1-2. Ask the Lord to give defense leaders wisdom in how to deter terrorist attacks on Israel’s cities.
Proclaim Psalm 14:2-6, that the Lord is building up Jerusalem; gathering the outcasts of Israel; healing the brokenhearted; and, binding up their wounds. Thank God that He is lifting up the humble and casting the wicked to the ground. Thank Him, also, that He dettered the second bulldozer terrorist from being able to kill Israelis, by alerting a civilian to shoot the enemy before he could do any more harm.
Pray comfort for the families that lost loved ones in the first attack. Pray for a full healing and recovery for those Israelis who were wounded in both attacks.
AL QAEDA
Recent media reports indicate that Al Qaeda’s presence in Gaza has now been extended to the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), with elements trying to gain a foothold in east Jerusalem.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray confusion into the enemy camp. Pray that the Lord gives Israel insights on how to root out Al Qaeda strongholds in the Palestinian territories and in Jerusalem Arab neighborhoods.
Intercede according to Psalm 121:1-8. Based on that scripture, pray that Israelis look to the Lord for help. Declare that He will now allow their foot to stumble, and that “He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
Pray that Israelis have dreams and visions which bring them understanding that the Lord is their keeper, who will preserve them from all evil. Pray His protection over Israel now and in the future.
PRISONER EXCHANGE AND THE THREAT OF FUTURE KIDNAPPINGS
The recent prisoner exchange between Israel and Hezbollah resulted in the release of four Hezbollah terrorists and one Palestinian murderer with “blood on their hands” This was a red line that Israel was willing to cross in order to retrieve two P.O.W.’s from the hands of Hezbollah – soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.
Unfortunately, because of faulty Israeli Military Intelligence, no one knew if Goldwasser and Regev were alive. For two years their families worked hard at promoting their cause; petitioning the United Nations, the Red Cross, the United States, the EU, and many nations; demanding a report on the welfare of these soldiers kidnapped on the Israeli-Lebanese border, July 2008.
In the end, as thousands of Israelis watched on television, the bodies of these two soldiers came back home in two black coffins. This was a disappointment, not only to Karmi Goldwasser (Ehud’s wife), but to both families who lost their sons.
In addition, there was skepticism in Israel and abroad about the prisoner exchange with critics saying it would lead to a strong price that Israel would have to pay for the release of P.O.W. Corporal Gilad Shalit, who is still being held in Gaza, after more than two years of being captured by Hamas.
Israel faces more kidnapping threats from Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. Israel’s prisoner exchange was seen by Arabs in the region as a further weakening of the resolve of the Jewish state.
In Israel, the prisoner exchange was a uniting factor, as many here mourned, together, the death of Goldwasser and Regev. On the streets, Israeli mothers explained to me that they would want to know the fate of their sons if this happened to their family; and they understood the need for the soldiers to be returned home, even if they were no longer alive, so there could be a proper burial for them.
This one incident showed how Israelis pull together during times of tragedy. It also revealed how the state fulfilled its responsibility to bring its soldiers home in any way possible, assuring new draftees to the IDF that the government can be trusted to meet its obligations.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for the prevention of any future kidnappings by Hezbollah, Hamas or any other terrorist entity. Pray that Hezbollah will be prevented by the Lord from avenging the death of Imad Mugniyeh. Hezbollah has threatened Israel and Jewish groups, worldwide, claiming that Israel assassinated the arch terrorist in Syria earlier this year -- a claim that Israel has continually denied.
Pray protection over Jewish people in Israel and the nations from any attempts by the enemy to strike at Jewish targets. Pray for God’s shield to keep the state of Israel secure; that He would increase intercession on the walls of Jerusalem and throughout the land. Proclaim Psalm 144:1-2 on Israel’s behalf.
Pray that Israel will not be forced to release thousands of Palestinian terrorists in exchange for Corporal Gilad Shalit. Seek the Lord and ask Him to give wisdom and favor to Israeli negotiators so that Shalit can be released soon. Pray for his deliverance and escape, according to Psalm 71:1-16. Ask the Lord to take him out of the hand of the wicked; from those unrighteous and cruel men who are holding him captive.
Pray that Shalit will understand clearly that his hope, trust, and refuge must be in the Lord. Ask the Lord for Shalit to be strengthened and healed supernaturally while in captivity. Intercede that God will hasten Shalit’s release and help him.
According to Jeremiah 31:23-25, pray that the Lord will satiate the weary soul, and replenish every sorrowful soul that has paid a high price in losing their beloved one on the battlefield.
POLITICAL TURMOIL
The recent announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, that he will leave office once a Kadima member is elected to replace him in mid-September, puts Israel in a vulnerable position politically. This now starts a process of transition from Olmert to a new prime minister.
The two candidates that have a possible chance at winning the Kadima internal election are current Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni, and current Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz.
Once Kadima members vote to decide who will lead their party and, ultimately, who will lead the country through early 2009, the newly chosen prime minister still has to retain a strong government coalition. There is speculation that either candidate will look to form a national unity government with Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, and Labor leader Ehud Barak. One major reason for a national unity government would be Israel’s concern over a possible military confrontation with Iran by 2009.
Meanwhile, analysts in Israel predict that new general elections in Israel could take place as early as spring 2009, at which point the Israeli public would be able to participate and elect a new prime minister and party to lead the country. In interviewing Israelis over the past couple of weeks, the impression is that they do not see a potential candidate who they think can adequately run the country. This pessimism is prevalent in Israeli society, as many citizens have lost confidence in the Israeli political system.
PRAYER POINTS:
Scripture indicates that a kingdom, city, or house divided against itself cannot stand. (Matthew 12:25). Therefore, prayers are needed for the Jewish nation to find renewed hope in the possibility of new leadership for the country. Also, pray for “unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace” during this critical transition time, as members of Israel’s political system consider joining forces to deal with the need for safety and security in this hostile region of the world.
What does unite Israelis is the existential threat of a future nuclear Iran. Pray that citizens look beyond their tarnished leaders to the more important issue of the survival of the nation. Pray that the Lord raises up new leadership in Israel that is more concerned for the welfare of the state than personal advancement and power.
Matthew 12:35-37 sheds some light here. Pray that good men, out of the good treasure of their hearts, will bring forth good things and that by their words, they will be justified. Pray that their actions will show good judgment, humility, and true concern for the needs of the population. Pray that whoever becomes prime minister will not sacrifice land for peace, but will look towards being a good steward of the land God has given, and trust Him for Israel to find peace with its enemies.
NATIONS WANTING TO DIVIDE GOD’S LAND
Even though U.S. President George W. Bush is in his last months in office, his administration continues to pressure Israel to divide the land, and concede much of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) to the Palestinian Authority. U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, despite his high unpopularity ratings in Britain, visited Israel recently, and blasted the government for settlement expansion. He urged Israel to compromise with the Palestinians on the land issue.
Any kind of written agreement between Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which is witnessed by the U.S. and the international community, will obligate Israeli leaders. Regardless of how vague that agreement is, it becomes a trap for future Israeli governments that would be obliged to follow the “pre-conditions” accepted and approved by Olmert, Abbas, and Bush.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray that Israel’s current and future leadership will not succumb to pressure through having a fear of man, but will instead trust in the Lord and His security, according to Proverbs 12:25. Declare Zechariah 2:8-13, that America and other nations will not touch the “apple of God’s eye” and that if they do, they will be subject to His righteous judgment.
Pray that the U.S. and the international community will enter into God’s blessings, and will join themselves to the Lord’s plans and purposes. Proclaim the Lord’s possession of Judah as his inheritance in the Holy Land, acknowledging that He will again choose Jerusalem, as He has done so many times in the past.
JERUSALEM
After years of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and a conflict that has lasted throughout the generations, the sticking point that does not allow a settlement and a final peace treaty is Jerusalem. This has continued to be the point of contention between the two peoples.
Recent reports indicate that the Palestinians are uncompromising on this issue. For them, Jerusalem is a red line they will not cross. They want a state of Palestine with Jerusalem as their capital and they have not relented on that demand. Palestinian leaders have declared that the international community must understand that Jerusalem is the core problem.
This is not a new revelation. To keep his government from falling, Olmert made agreements with coalition members that he would not negotiate on Jerusalem. While negotiations reportedly did take place, especially between Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni and Palestinian leaders, such as Ahmed Qurei, it was finally decided that these negotiations would not be part of the current attempt to come up with an agreement by the end of 2008.
Now, even a “declaration of principles” or a “shelf agreement” seems unlikely because of the political climate in Israel. But, adding to that is the issue of Jerusalem...an issue that will not go away, regardless of who becomes the next leader of Israel.
PRAYER POINTS:
Declare God’s sovereignty over Jerusalem and His heart for Zion. Pray for Jerusalem’s peace, according to Psalm 122:1-9. Pray that Jerusalem will remain the undivided eternal capital of Israel. Pray Psalm 48:1-13, especially that God will establish Zion forever. Proclaim Psalm 46:10: “The Lord shall reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations.” Bring Israel before God in your prayers, because, according to scripture, they have joined themselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant, seeking His face in Zion (see Jeremiah 50:4-5; Obadiah 17).
INCREASE IN VIOLENCE
Bulldozer terrorism is the latest attempt by Israel’s enemies to shed blood in the city of Jerusalem. During the past month, the population has been confronted by two terrorists, both coming from East Jerusalem neighborhoods, who tried to kill Israelis, using a bulldozer from a construction site. One Israeli Arab terrorist smashed cars and ran pedestrians over on Jaffa Road. Another used his bulldozer to wound Israelis on King David Street. Both attacks happened in the middle of the day on busy streets in the heart of the city.
Because these Arabs have Israeli citizenship, and supposedly acted on their own (and, not as part of a terror group), this has limited the ability of police and the IDF to thwart such attacks.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for reconciliation efforts between Israeli Jews and Arabs, especially those who are residing in the Jerusalem area. Pray for the Israeli police and army to have insights and wisdom as they increase their intelligence capabilities to stop the terror attacks. Pray that this barbaric act of bulldozer terrorism will cease immediately.
Pray Psalm 125 upon Israel, and upon Jerusalem, especially for God’s protection over the city. (Verse 2: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever”). The Lord promises that Mt. Zion cannot be moved, but abides forever. Pray that the peace process will not move forward in man’s attempt to compromise on Jerusalem.
Declare God’s ability to make His enemies His footstool, and that He will rule in the midst of His enemies, according to Psalm 110:1-2. Ask the Lord to give defense leaders wisdom in how to deter terrorist attacks on Israel’s cities.
Proclaim Psalm 14:2-6, that the Lord is building up Jerusalem; gathering the outcasts of Israel; healing the brokenhearted; and, binding up their wounds. Thank God that He is lifting up the humble and casting the wicked to the ground. Thank Him, also, that He dettered the second bulldozer terrorist from being able to kill Israelis, by alerting a civilian to shoot the enemy before he could do any more harm.
Pray comfort for the families that lost loved ones in the first attack. Pray for a full healing and recovery for those Israelis who were wounded in both attacks.
AL QAEDA
Recent media reports indicate that Al Qaeda’s presence in Gaza has now been extended to the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), with elements trying to gain a foothold in east Jerusalem.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray confusion into the enemy camp. Pray that the Lord gives Israel insights on how to root out Al Qaeda strongholds in the Palestinian territories and in Jerusalem Arab neighborhoods.
Intercede according to Psalm 121:1-8. Based on that scripture, pray that Israelis look to the Lord for help. Declare that He will now allow their foot to stumble, and that “He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
Pray that Israelis have dreams and visions which bring them understanding that the Lord is their keeper, who will preserve them from all evil. Pray His protection over Israel now and in the future.
PRISONER EXCHANGE AND THE THREAT OF FUTURE KIDNAPPINGS
The recent prisoner exchange between Israel and Hezbollah resulted in the release of four Hezbollah terrorists and one Palestinian murderer with “blood on their hands” This was a red line that Israel was willing to cross in order to retrieve two P.O.W.’s from the hands of Hezbollah – soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.
Unfortunately, because of faulty Israeli Military Intelligence, no one knew if Goldwasser and Regev were alive. For two years their families worked hard at promoting their cause; petitioning the United Nations, the Red Cross, the United States, the EU, and many nations; demanding a report on the welfare of these soldiers kidnapped on the Israeli-Lebanese border, July 2008.
In the end, as thousands of Israelis watched on television, the bodies of these two soldiers came back home in two black coffins. This was a disappointment, not only to Karmi Goldwasser (Ehud’s wife), but to both families who lost their sons.
In addition, there was skepticism in Israel and abroad about the prisoner exchange with critics saying it would lead to a strong price that Israel would have to pay for the release of P.O.W. Corporal Gilad Shalit, who is still being held in Gaza, after more than two years of being captured by Hamas.
Israel faces more kidnapping threats from Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. Israel’s prisoner exchange was seen by Arabs in the region as a further weakening of the resolve of the Jewish state.
In Israel, the prisoner exchange was a uniting factor, as many here mourned, together, the death of Goldwasser and Regev. On the streets, Israeli mothers explained to me that they would want to know the fate of their sons if this happened to their family; and they understood the need for the soldiers to be returned home, even if they were no longer alive, so there could be a proper burial for them.
This one incident showed how Israelis pull together during times of tragedy. It also revealed how the state fulfilled its responsibility to bring its soldiers home in any way possible, assuring new draftees to the IDF that the government can be trusted to meet its obligations.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for the prevention of any future kidnappings by Hezbollah, Hamas or any other terrorist entity. Pray that Hezbollah will be prevented by the Lord from avenging the death of Imad Mugniyeh. Hezbollah has threatened Israel and Jewish groups, worldwide, claiming that Israel assassinated the arch terrorist in Syria earlier this year -- a claim that Israel has continually denied.
Pray protection over Jewish people in Israel and the nations from any attempts by the enemy to strike at Jewish targets. Pray for God’s shield to keep the state of Israel secure; that He would increase intercession on the walls of Jerusalem and throughout the land. Proclaim Psalm 144:1-2 on Israel’s behalf.
Pray that Israel will not be forced to release thousands of Palestinian terrorists in exchange for Corporal Gilad Shalit. Seek the Lord and ask Him to give wisdom and favor to Israeli negotiators so that Shalit can be released soon. Pray for his deliverance and escape, according to Psalm 71:1-16. Ask the Lord to take him out of the hand of the wicked; from those unrighteous and cruel men who are holding him captive.
Pray that Shalit will understand clearly that his hope, trust, and refuge must be in the Lord. Ask the Lord for Shalit to be strengthened and healed supernaturally while in captivity. Intercede that God will hasten Shalit’s release and help him.
According to Jeremiah 31:23-25, pray that the Lord will satiate the weary soul, and replenish every sorrowful soul that has paid a high price in losing their beloved one on the battlefield.
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 242
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