Jerusalem, Israel
ISRAEL CHANGES GOVERNMENTS AND STRATEGIES TOWARDS PEACE
Israel’s 32nd government was sworn in this evening, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. A priority in the agenda of new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be the complex issues associated with arms smuggling from Sudan and other rogue states into Gaza. This non-stop smuggling has helped to re-build the weapons arsenal of Hamas since the Gaza War ended in January 2009.
Israel’s continued crackdown on arms smugglers will be only one of the issues that Netanyahu will be confronted with in his new job. He will also have to deal with a shaky unofficial temporary cease-fire with Hamas, along with the continued pressure on Israel’s government to release terrorists with blood on their hands in a prisoner swap that could bring home Israel’s P.O.W. Corporal Gilad Shalit.
After recent negotiations for Shalit’s release failed, under the direction of the Olmert government, Israel decided to limit the benefits that Hamas prisoners in Israeli jails will receive in the future. Israeli analysts predict that if this plan goes into effect it will backfire on Israel because international human rights advocates can be expected to blame Israel for inhumane treatment of prisoners. This is predicted to occur despite the fact that Hamas is not adhering to international human rights laws regarding Shalit, who is being held in a secret hideaway in Gaza, not able to connect with his parents or the Red Cross.
Speaking at a recent briefing for diplomats and journalists at the Jerusalem Center For Public Affairs (JCPA), Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yair Naveh, former Commander of the IDF Central Command and Gaza Division, talked about the goals of Fatah and Hamas, including Iran’s influence on these groups and others in the Middle East region. One of Naveh’s main jobs in the IDF has been to expertly identify terrorist activities within the Jewish State and stop terrorism on the home front.
What the Palestinians and the Global Community expect from Israel
In 2000, Naveh met privately with Brigadier General Saib Ajez of the Palestinian armed forces. He learned that the Palestinians do not see their home as Gaza, but instead want to occupy towns and cities in Israel, such as Yavne, Ashkelon, Hadera, and Tel Aviv. Their long range perspective is much deeper than the kind of peace process Netanyahu is expected to try and navigate with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Naveh believes that Israelis are accustomed to a Western worldview where life is highly valued, but the Palestinians are concerned with obtaining land. “For the Palestinians... land is associated with respect, dignity and honor,” he said.
It is a known fact within the international community that Hamas does not want to recognize Israel, stop violence against civilians, and adhere to previously signed agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). But, few international leaders are willing to accept what Fatah officials within the government of Abbas actually claim. Earlier this month, in reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah, Muhammad Dahlan, former PA Security Commander, said Hamas did not need to recognize Israel’s right to exist because Fatah has never done that.
Fatah wants a democratic state of Palestine instead of recognizing the Jewish state of Israel. The Palestinian group had hoped years ago that the Arab populations both in Gaza and in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) would double, and that, demographically, Israel would cease to have a Jewish majority within its borders. Then, Israel built the infamous security fence which created a separation between the Palestinians and the Israelis. This allowed Israel time to expand Jewish communities on Israel’s side of the fence.
This was a major factor that caused Abbas to push for a two-state solution several years ago. This two-state concept was first mentioned in the global arena during a speech by former U.S. President George W. Bush before the U.N. General Assembly on November 10, 2001. He said, “We are working toward the day when two states – Israel and Palestine – live peacefully together within secure and recognized borders as called for by the Security Council resolutions. We will do all in our power to bring both parties back into negotiations. But, peace will only come when all have sworn off forever incitement, violence, and terror.”
Despite the Road Map, which called for incitement, violence, and terror to stop, the Palestinians continued their war against Israel. Bush, however, continued to push for a two-state solution throughout the rest of his presidency, and today, it has become the slogan for the global community when trying to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Dan Dyker, a Senior Foreign Policy Analyst at the JCPA, told this writer that current U.S. President Barack Obama is clearly advancing a two-state solution. “That has become the brand in the United States. And, Israel has bought into that brand.” But, Dyker claims that Netanyahu will take a different approach with the Palestinians, and will promote the concept of an “economic peace” during future peace negotiations.
The Power of Hamas
Meanwhile, General Naveh told journalists and diplomats at the JCPA briefing that Hamas is a religious and political organization that Israel helped to establish over 20 years ago when the Jewish state wanted to create an alternative to Fatah. Now, Israeli leaders are beginning to understand that whether they are dealing with Fatah or Hamas, the goals are much more similar than they originally thought.
According to Naveh, a main goal of Hamas is that “there will be no sovereign political reality in the Middle East except the Palestinians and Hamas.” Hamas has copied the successes of Hezbollah in Lebanon by providing help to poor Gazans through social welfare programs including hot meals in schools; improved education; summer camps for children; transportation; and housing (especially after Israel’s Defense Forces demolish the houses of terrorists). As a result, Hamas has greatly increased its popularity among the Palestinians.
The political view that Hamas leaders carry is that once they turn Gaza into a Hamas state they will be able to expand their power into the West Bank. They believe they will accomplish this politically and militarily. “This is the biggest vision of Hamas,” states Naveh. He says that Iran has become a key player in helping Hamas. There has been a more radical religious system implemented in Gaza, and more women are wearing the veil as extremism and fanaticism take hold within the population. In this way, Iran has extended its influence among the Palestinians, along with training, funding, and arms supply to terrorists helping to develop the military capabilities of Hamas.
Iran’s Nuclear Threat – a different point of view
Israeli leaders have expressed various viewpoints on whether they believe that Iran would use a nuclear weapon against Israel in the future if the Islamic Republic is able to acquire one. Naveh’s opinion is that Iran would not use the weapon against Israel, but instead, would threaten the Jewish State. Naveh believes that Iran’s goal is a Palestinian Middle East that embraces the ideology of Iran. Therefore, he sees Iran developing a strategy of “forward divisions”: Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border; Hamas on Israel’s southern border with control of Israel’s heartland (the West Bank – Judea and Samaria); Syria on Israel’s northern and eastern border. Naveh claims that Iran would like to see a situation of civil uprising and terrorism in Israel that would weaken the Jewish State.
Naveh warns that an Iranian nuclear umbrella would allow Hezbollah and Hamas to beleaguer Israel, and once the Jewish State was bogged down, this would help Iran in its goal of achieving greater dominance in the region. This threatens Israel and moderate Arab states, which is one reason these states have considered taking a pro-active approach in deterring Iran from its nuclear ambitions. Naveh’s assessment is not to focus so much on Iran pushing the nuclear button in the future, but rather the possibility of regional deterioration into full blown terrorism because of Iran’s ability to threaten states in the Middle East if Iran acquires a nuclear arsenal.
The Philadelphi Corridor
The Philadelphi Corridor, the porous border between Egypt and Gaza, was named in secret Israeli military encoded maps. The term was then used in military jargon, and has now been associated with hundreds of tunnels that go deep underground. From Rafah into Gaza, Bedouins and Palestinians smuggled cows, drugs, and missiles, with each tunnel costing about $20,000 per month to run. Originally, Rafah residents did the smuggling as a family business. But, when Hamas took over Gaza, the weapons smuggling increased.
According to Naveh, as soon as Hamas controlled Gaza, Israeli military forces worked at separating Gaza from the West Bank. This proved to be a successful plan when Israel fought Hamas during the recent Gaza War. At that time, there was quiet and a semblance of order in the West Bank. Meanwhile, Naveh claims that terrorism can only be deterred “night to night, house to house”, not by air strikes. Only this way can you fight terrorism, he explains. You cannot win without securing the area. This is a veiled implication that Israel did not have complete victory in its recent war against Hamas.
Some Israeli politicians and military officials believe that Netanyahu will have to order the IDF to re-take the Philadelphi Corridor in order to stop arms smuggling; and, go back into Gaza to root out Hamas in order to stop rocket attacks on Israeli southern border towns. Naveh believes that the military achievements during the Gaza War were good, but those achievements are slowly eroding. Furthermore, he is concerned that behind Hamas are even greater forces that Israel will have to contend with. Islamic Jihad may increase its military power, followed by Al Qaeda. Finally, the greatest existential threat to Israel is Iran.
While the international community debates the Iran nuclear issue, Israel’s new government will already be focused on neutralizing the forces that Iran uses as proxies against Israel...Hamas, Hezbollah and other militant groups. Israeli leaders will work, strategically, to wipe out terrorist threats on their northern and southern borders while preparing for a more serious confrontation with Iran.
“And, you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Matthew 24:6.
Prayer Points:
1. Pray for the new Netanyahu coalition government, especially concerning new foreign policy initiaves. Declare that Netanyahu will cling to the Lord’s statutes throughout his tenure as Prime Minister, according to Psalm 119:33.
2. Declare Psalm 25:22, that God will redeem Israelis out of all their troubles.
3. Pray for the King’s favor of protection for the Jewish people, according to Esther 8:11.
4. Proclaim Psalm 35:1 for Israel in the face of enemy opposition. Pray that God will deliver Israel from her enemies, and that the angel of the Lord will encamp around those in Israel who fear Him (Psalm 34:7).
5. Agree in prayer that the Lord will bring to light the intentions and plans of men that are against His chosen people, according to Psalm 37.
6. Pray that Israel’s borders will be shielded by the Lord’s invisible army. (Joshua 1:4; Joshua 1:7-9). Declare that the Israeli people will be obedient to God so they can receive their land inheritance.
7. Intercede that all Israel will pay attention to the Lord’s commandments, especially during this Passover season, remembering His promises to Moses; meditating on the Lord’s word day and night. (Exodus 12:1-28).
A News Prayer Network, providing prayer points on current issues in the news, from Jerusalem to the rest of the world
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- X
Jerusalem, Israel
THE FORMATION OF ISRAEL’S NEXT GOVERNMENT
Recent reports indicate that the Labor Party, under the chairmanship of Ehud Barak, will be joining the next government of Israel. Likud leader, Benjamin Netanyahu has been given the responsbility to put together a government, which most likely, will include Labor, Israel Beitenu, and Shas. Negotiations continue with smaller right-wing parties. Netanyahu has until April 5 to form a government after being given a 2 week extension by Israel's President, Shimon Peres. But, Netanyahu is expected to finish negotiations before that time.
The official Israeli election results from the Central Elections Committee were published in the public records February 18, 2009. Israeli President Shimon Peres then began consulting with Knesset factions with the goal of determining which Knesset member should try and form the next government coalition.
His invitation came on the heels of political maneuvering by both Israeli Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni, leader of the Kadima Party and Netanyahu.
Livni won the February 10, 2009 general election by a narrow lead, but she was not considered able to put together a successful coalition. The left-wing parties she had a natural alliance with lost votes due to an Israeli population swing towards the “right”.
Netanyahu enjoys strong support among a majority of Israel’s new incoming Knesset members, especially those who align themselves with the right-wing bloc.
DIVISIONS ON MAJOR ISSUES
Divisions remain among Israelis on core issues that involve future political, diplomatic, and military decisions. There’s a weakness in Israeli foreign policy strategies set by leaders because of these divisions. The election results indicate the continued polarization between Jew and Arab; left-wing and right-wing; secular and religious.
ELECTORAL REFORM
Israel is about to swear in its 32nd government in 60 years of statehood. Since 1988, no Knesset has served out its full term. There’s always been a coalition crisis that instigates early elections.
As Israel’s political parties bicker over who will be in Netanyahu's government, one thing is certain... Electoral reform will be on the agenda of the 18th Knesset. This may be Israel’s most fractured government to-date. The electoral system needs the reforms to create political stability. There are too many factions pursuing single-interest issues. There is not enough cohesiveness between major political blocs. There is little unity among Israeli leaders except around one core issue – Iran.
Currently, a political party trying to get into the Knesset needs to garner 2% of the votes in the general election. Those members of the Knesset who want electoral reform will try to raise that threshold to, perhaps, 5%. In the U.S. there are two major parties elected to Congress – Democrats and Republicans. In Israel’s recent election, 12 parties made it past the electoral threshold, and all will be represented in the 18th Knesset.
LOSSES AND GAINS
While it is expected that the Kadima Party, headed by Livni, will remain in the opposition, the Labor Party, headed by Barak, now has a chance to improve its status as a strong partner within the new coalition government.
The Labor Party lost a substantial amount of votes in the February 2009 general election. Citizens remember the indecisive military victory at the end of the Second Lebanon War in 2006. Amir Peretz, Labor Party Chairman, then, was inexperienced in his position as Defense Minister during that war. Israelis haven’t forgotten how humiliated they felt about the government’s conduct, and how weak Israel’s Defense Forces (the IDF) performed at the time.
Barak, one of the most decorated generals in Israel’s history, was somewhat successful, as Israeli Defense Minister, in overseeing Israel’s battles with Hamas in the recent Gaza war. Yet, his Labor Party still lost the confidence of many Israelis who voted at the polls.
Avigdor Lieberman of Israel Beitenu experienced a significant surge in popularity during the election campaign. Lieberman’s main point of contention has been with the Israeli Arabs living inside the State of Israel. He has wanted to introduce a Citizenship Law in the Knesset. It would require all citizens, including Israeli Arabs to sign a loyalty document; learn the national anthem; and express their loyalty to the Jewish State.
Lieberman’s tough attitude towards Israeli Arabs has garnered favor among Israeli Jewish citizens. They want the nation to appear strong and not weak in the face of Arab hostility -- both inside and outside the country.
Israel Beitenu stated their objectives clearly throughout the election campaign, wanting to address the problems in Israeli society, and hoping to change the status quo. Israel Beitenu has demanded alterations in Israeli law to accommodate civil marriages; and, is looking for solutions to simplify the conversion process to Judaism.
Interestingly, 20% of Israeli Arabs voted for Jewish parties rather than Arab parties during Israel’s general elections. A surprising number voted for United Torah Judaism (UTJ), a right-wing Haredi party. UTJ called on the Arabs to help them battle the influence of Israel Beitenu, because they considered Lieberman racist towards the Arabs and too secular towards the ultra-Orthodox Jews.
A total of 21 women will sit in the next Knesset, the largest number ever to be in the legislative body since the state of Israel was born in 1948.
FOREIGN POLICY DIFFERENCES
Livni, even sitting in Israel's opposition, is expected to challenge Netanyahu's government, especially regarding the diplomatic process. She supports a two-state solution – Israel, side-by-side, a Palestinian state. She also supports a withdrawal from most of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). She has negotiated on the division of Jerusalem. Her position on the Golan Heights is not clear, but she would be expected to challenge Netanyahu to sign a comprehensive peace deal with Syria that would include a withdrawal from the Heights.
Netanyahu is more of a hardliner. His national security strategy is to develop military strength to prepare for battles against Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah, and to keep Syria in check.
Though Netanyahu doesn’t rule out a type of Palestinian state in the future, where the Palestinians will have some kind of self-rule, he wants to take a different approach to Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. He does not want to be pushed by the international community to work out a “land for peace” deal with the Palestinians.
Reciprocity is important to Netanyahu. He wants to see the Palestinians do their part to crackdown on terror, collect weapons from terrorist groups, stop incitement on the streets and in the schools. If the Palestinians show a willingness to advance in peace negotiations at this level of reciprocity, Israel will do its part to open borders, stop building in settlements, and consider giving more military oversight to the Palestinians in the West Bank.
In addition, Netanyahu wants to approach peace negotiations from the bottom-up. He has a plan that would provide economic incentives to help the Palestinian build a better life. His idea is to introduce massive financial investment into the Palestinian sector. He is also calling for regional cooperation with Jordan.
Livni prefers the top–down approach. She wants Israel to carry forth the diplomatic process she began under Ehud Olmert's government. She is looking for a solution that requires an international agreement on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Once an agreement is finalized, and approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet, Livni would most likely look to Israeli citizens to fulfill their obligations to the Palestinians, obeying the rule of law. Forcing settlers to withdraw from their homes in the West Bank could start a civil war.
ISRAELI-AMERICAN RELATIONSHIP
U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to actively and aggressively push for a two-state solution in the Middle East, within the context of a comprehensive peace in the region, most likely focusing on the Arab Peace Initiative.
Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Likud Knesset member, and close advisor to Netanyahu, spoke to this writer about the Arab Peace Initiative in an interview conducted during the Jerusalem Conference in January 2009.
“The good element is that this is the first time the Arab League is calling for general peace with Israel by all the Arab states. This is positive. But, the request for a total withdrawal to the 1967 borders, and the partition of Jerusalem, is totally unacceptable. Even President Obama recognized Israel’s need for defensible borders. And, therefore, I believe this is a non-starter. It is the same in the mentioning of the return of Palestinian ‘refugees’ into Israel, which is totally unacceptable. So, let the Arab League change this initiative in order for us to be able to consider it.”
Several of Israel’s left-wing leaders see the Arab Peace Initiative as a starting point in negotiations, even though Arab states say it is a non-negotiable plan. Part of the coalition agreement between Ehud Barak and Benjamin Netanyahu involves an acceptance of a comprehensive peace deal. This could mean that Netanyahu will be pressured by Barak to enter into negotiations over the Arab Peace Initiative.
OBAMA'S INTENTIONS
Meanwhile, in his second day in office, Obama attended the State Department ceremony that appointed George Mitchell as the new American envoy to the Middle East. Mitchell is an experienced and tough negotiator, and he may very well prod, push, and exert his influence on the peace process to get concessions out of Israel and the Palestinians.
At the State Department, Obama signaled to the world that he plans to apply substantial pressure on Israel and the Palestinians to end the conflict. Furthermore, it is expected that he will look for the two parties to reach a final status agreement during his reign in office.
According to the assessment of one Middle East analyst, Obama’s foreign policy team is made up of centrists who have a pragmatic approach to this region. His team seems to encompass the center position of the Democratic Party.
As Israel forms a national unity government, it will be in line with a centrist approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In that way, Netanyahu is expected to get along with Obama and the American Democratic Congress. The Obama Administration's focus may be to push Israel into a regional peace deal.
Many Likud members in Netanyahu’s own party are hesitant about a “land for peace” deal happening now. Since it appears that Obama favors this idea, because he wants to form an alliance with moderate Arabs countries to bring calm to the region, this already shows the possible friction that may occur between Israeli and U.S. leaders in the future.
An additional point for concern is that, since the Gaza war, fewer Americans are supportive of U.S. ties with Israel, although Congressional support for the Jewish state remains strong.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry will continue to court members of the U.S. Congress, the Jewish community, and grassroots America in order to garner public support, as a cornerstone of Israel’s foreign policy efforts. But, the chemistry between Netanyahu and Obama will determine if the U.S.-Israel relationship will be a smooth or rocky road in 2009 and beyond.
“For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given. And, His name will be called, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end; Upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom; to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7
PRAYER POINTS:
(1) PRAY FOR THE NEW GOVERNMENT BEING FORMED, AND FOR THE 18TH KNESSET:
(a) for humble leaders (Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Proverbs 3:3-4).
(b) for leaders who fear the Lord more than men (Psalm 118:9; Psalm 146:3).
(c) for those, who, through righteousness will bring the blessing of God (Proverbs 14:34; Psalm 37:6).
(d) that there will be no unholy alliances; no blackmailing; no backroom dealings (Leviticus 10:10-11).
(2) PRAY FOR UNITY IN THE NATION OF ISRAEL:
(a) for God’s Presence to come (2 Chronicles 7:1-4).
(b) that God’s Covenant will be acknowledged and obeyed (Exodus 19:5-6).
(c) that God’s Divine Order will be established properly (Exodus 18:19-23).
(d) for Reconciliation: Jew vs. Arab; right vs. left; government vs. settlers; Orthodox vs. secular; ethnic tensions of Ethiopian & Russian immigrants vs. native-born Israelis (2 Chronicles 7:14; Genesis 33:1-4; Genesis 45:1-15; Ephesians 4:2-3).
(e) that Israel’s citizens will honor and respect the new leaders being appointed (1 Timothy 2:1-8)
(3) PRAY FOR CALM TO COME TO THE NATIONS -- Reconciliation of the nations to God and to Israel:
(a) Kiss the Son lest He be angry (Psalm 2:10-12).
(b) Sheep vs. Goat nations (Matthew 25:32-34).
(c) Swords into Plowshares (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3).
(4) PRAY PROTECTION FOR JEWS FROM GLOBAL ANTI-SEMITISM, AND FROM ACTS OF REVENGE BY TERRORISTS:
(a) Protection from evil plots (Exodus 15:6-13; Esther 8:17).
(5) PRAY THAT ISRAEL WILL FULFILL ITS CALLING TO BE A LIGHT TO THE NATIONS:
(Isaiah 2:3; Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 49:5-6; Isaiah 60:1-2; Zechariah 8:23).
THE FORMATION OF ISRAEL’S NEXT GOVERNMENT
Recent reports indicate that the Labor Party, under the chairmanship of Ehud Barak, will be joining the next government of Israel. Likud leader, Benjamin Netanyahu has been given the responsbility to put together a government, which most likely, will include Labor, Israel Beitenu, and Shas. Negotiations continue with smaller right-wing parties. Netanyahu has until April 5 to form a government after being given a 2 week extension by Israel's President, Shimon Peres. But, Netanyahu is expected to finish negotiations before that time.
The official Israeli election results from the Central Elections Committee were published in the public records February 18, 2009. Israeli President Shimon Peres then began consulting with Knesset factions with the goal of determining which Knesset member should try and form the next government coalition.
His invitation came on the heels of political maneuvering by both Israeli Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni, leader of the Kadima Party and Netanyahu.
Livni won the February 10, 2009 general election by a narrow lead, but she was not considered able to put together a successful coalition. The left-wing parties she had a natural alliance with lost votes due to an Israeli population swing towards the “right”.
Netanyahu enjoys strong support among a majority of Israel’s new incoming Knesset members, especially those who align themselves with the right-wing bloc.
DIVISIONS ON MAJOR ISSUES
Divisions remain among Israelis on core issues that involve future political, diplomatic, and military decisions. There’s a weakness in Israeli foreign policy strategies set by leaders because of these divisions. The election results indicate the continued polarization between Jew and Arab; left-wing and right-wing; secular and religious.
ELECTORAL REFORM
Israel is about to swear in its 32nd government in 60 years of statehood. Since 1988, no Knesset has served out its full term. There’s always been a coalition crisis that instigates early elections.
As Israel’s political parties bicker over who will be in Netanyahu's government, one thing is certain... Electoral reform will be on the agenda of the 18th Knesset. This may be Israel’s most fractured government to-date. The electoral system needs the reforms to create political stability. There are too many factions pursuing single-interest issues. There is not enough cohesiveness between major political blocs. There is little unity among Israeli leaders except around one core issue – Iran.
Currently, a political party trying to get into the Knesset needs to garner 2% of the votes in the general election. Those members of the Knesset who want electoral reform will try to raise that threshold to, perhaps, 5%. In the U.S. there are two major parties elected to Congress – Democrats and Republicans. In Israel’s recent election, 12 parties made it past the electoral threshold, and all will be represented in the 18th Knesset.
LOSSES AND GAINS
While it is expected that the Kadima Party, headed by Livni, will remain in the opposition, the Labor Party, headed by Barak, now has a chance to improve its status as a strong partner within the new coalition government.
The Labor Party lost a substantial amount of votes in the February 2009 general election. Citizens remember the indecisive military victory at the end of the Second Lebanon War in 2006. Amir Peretz, Labor Party Chairman, then, was inexperienced in his position as Defense Minister during that war. Israelis haven’t forgotten how humiliated they felt about the government’s conduct, and how weak Israel’s Defense Forces (the IDF) performed at the time.
Barak, one of the most decorated generals in Israel’s history, was somewhat successful, as Israeli Defense Minister, in overseeing Israel’s battles with Hamas in the recent Gaza war. Yet, his Labor Party still lost the confidence of many Israelis who voted at the polls.
Avigdor Lieberman of Israel Beitenu experienced a significant surge in popularity during the election campaign. Lieberman’s main point of contention has been with the Israeli Arabs living inside the State of Israel. He has wanted to introduce a Citizenship Law in the Knesset. It would require all citizens, including Israeli Arabs to sign a loyalty document; learn the national anthem; and express their loyalty to the Jewish State.
Lieberman’s tough attitude towards Israeli Arabs has garnered favor among Israeli Jewish citizens. They want the nation to appear strong and not weak in the face of Arab hostility -- both inside and outside the country.
Israel Beitenu stated their objectives clearly throughout the election campaign, wanting to address the problems in Israeli society, and hoping to change the status quo. Israel Beitenu has demanded alterations in Israeli law to accommodate civil marriages; and, is looking for solutions to simplify the conversion process to Judaism.
Interestingly, 20% of Israeli Arabs voted for Jewish parties rather than Arab parties during Israel’s general elections. A surprising number voted for United Torah Judaism (UTJ), a right-wing Haredi party. UTJ called on the Arabs to help them battle the influence of Israel Beitenu, because they considered Lieberman racist towards the Arabs and too secular towards the ultra-Orthodox Jews.
A total of 21 women will sit in the next Knesset, the largest number ever to be in the legislative body since the state of Israel was born in 1948.
FOREIGN POLICY DIFFERENCES
Livni, even sitting in Israel's opposition, is expected to challenge Netanyahu's government, especially regarding the diplomatic process. She supports a two-state solution – Israel, side-by-side, a Palestinian state. She also supports a withdrawal from most of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). She has negotiated on the division of Jerusalem. Her position on the Golan Heights is not clear, but she would be expected to challenge Netanyahu to sign a comprehensive peace deal with Syria that would include a withdrawal from the Heights.
Netanyahu is more of a hardliner. His national security strategy is to develop military strength to prepare for battles against Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah, and to keep Syria in check.
Though Netanyahu doesn’t rule out a type of Palestinian state in the future, where the Palestinians will have some kind of self-rule, he wants to take a different approach to Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. He does not want to be pushed by the international community to work out a “land for peace” deal with the Palestinians.
Reciprocity is important to Netanyahu. He wants to see the Palestinians do their part to crackdown on terror, collect weapons from terrorist groups, stop incitement on the streets and in the schools. If the Palestinians show a willingness to advance in peace negotiations at this level of reciprocity, Israel will do its part to open borders, stop building in settlements, and consider giving more military oversight to the Palestinians in the West Bank.
In addition, Netanyahu wants to approach peace negotiations from the bottom-up. He has a plan that would provide economic incentives to help the Palestinian build a better life. His idea is to introduce massive financial investment into the Palestinian sector. He is also calling for regional cooperation with Jordan.
Livni prefers the top–down approach. She wants Israel to carry forth the diplomatic process she began under Ehud Olmert's government. She is looking for a solution that requires an international agreement on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Once an agreement is finalized, and approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet, Livni would most likely look to Israeli citizens to fulfill their obligations to the Palestinians, obeying the rule of law. Forcing settlers to withdraw from their homes in the West Bank could start a civil war.
ISRAELI-AMERICAN RELATIONSHIP
U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to actively and aggressively push for a two-state solution in the Middle East, within the context of a comprehensive peace in the region, most likely focusing on the Arab Peace Initiative.
Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Likud Knesset member, and close advisor to Netanyahu, spoke to this writer about the Arab Peace Initiative in an interview conducted during the Jerusalem Conference in January 2009.
“The good element is that this is the first time the Arab League is calling for general peace with Israel by all the Arab states. This is positive. But, the request for a total withdrawal to the 1967 borders, and the partition of Jerusalem, is totally unacceptable. Even President Obama recognized Israel’s need for defensible borders. And, therefore, I believe this is a non-starter. It is the same in the mentioning of the return of Palestinian ‘refugees’ into Israel, which is totally unacceptable. So, let the Arab League change this initiative in order for us to be able to consider it.”
Several of Israel’s left-wing leaders see the Arab Peace Initiative as a starting point in negotiations, even though Arab states say it is a non-negotiable plan. Part of the coalition agreement between Ehud Barak and Benjamin Netanyahu involves an acceptance of a comprehensive peace deal. This could mean that Netanyahu will be pressured by Barak to enter into negotiations over the Arab Peace Initiative.
OBAMA'S INTENTIONS
Meanwhile, in his second day in office, Obama attended the State Department ceremony that appointed George Mitchell as the new American envoy to the Middle East. Mitchell is an experienced and tough negotiator, and he may very well prod, push, and exert his influence on the peace process to get concessions out of Israel and the Palestinians.
At the State Department, Obama signaled to the world that he plans to apply substantial pressure on Israel and the Palestinians to end the conflict. Furthermore, it is expected that he will look for the two parties to reach a final status agreement during his reign in office.
According to the assessment of one Middle East analyst, Obama’s foreign policy team is made up of centrists who have a pragmatic approach to this region. His team seems to encompass the center position of the Democratic Party.
As Israel forms a national unity government, it will be in line with a centrist approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In that way, Netanyahu is expected to get along with Obama and the American Democratic Congress. The Obama Administration's focus may be to push Israel into a regional peace deal.
Many Likud members in Netanyahu’s own party are hesitant about a “land for peace” deal happening now. Since it appears that Obama favors this idea, because he wants to form an alliance with moderate Arabs countries to bring calm to the region, this already shows the possible friction that may occur between Israeli and U.S. leaders in the future.
An additional point for concern is that, since the Gaza war, fewer Americans are supportive of U.S. ties with Israel, although Congressional support for the Jewish state remains strong.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry will continue to court members of the U.S. Congress, the Jewish community, and grassroots America in order to garner public support, as a cornerstone of Israel’s foreign policy efforts. But, the chemistry between Netanyahu and Obama will determine if the U.S.-Israel relationship will be a smooth or rocky road in 2009 and beyond.
“For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given. And, His name will be called, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end; Upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom; to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7
PRAYER POINTS:
(1) PRAY FOR THE NEW GOVERNMENT BEING FORMED, AND FOR THE 18TH KNESSET:
(a) for humble leaders (Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Proverbs 3:3-4).
(b) for leaders who fear the Lord more than men (Psalm 118:9; Psalm 146:3).
(c) for those, who, through righteousness will bring the blessing of God (Proverbs 14:34; Psalm 37:6).
(d) that there will be no unholy alliances; no blackmailing; no backroom dealings (Leviticus 10:10-11).
(2) PRAY FOR UNITY IN THE NATION OF ISRAEL:
(a) for God’s Presence to come (2 Chronicles 7:1-4).
(b) that God’s Covenant will be acknowledged and obeyed (Exodus 19:5-6).
(c) that God’s Divine Order will be established properly (Exodus 18:19-23).
(d) for Reconciliation: Jew vs. Arab; right vs. left; government vs. settlers; Orthodox vs. secular; ethnic tensions of Ethiopian & Russian immigrants vs. native-born Israelis (2 Chronicles 7:14; Genesis 33:1-4; Genesis 45:1-15; Ephesians 4:2-3).
(e) that Israel’s citizens will honor and respect the new leaders being appointed (1 Timothy 2:1-8)
(3) PRAY FOR CALM TO COME TO THE NATIONS -- Reconciliation of the nations to God and to Israel:
(a) Kiss the Son lest He be angry (Psalm 2:10-12).
(b) Sheep vs. Goat nations (Matthew 25:32-34).
(c) Swords into Plowshares (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3).
(4) PRAY PROTECTION FOR JEWS FROM GLOBAL ANTI-SEMITISM, AND FROM ACTS OF REVENGE BY TERRORISTS:
(a) Protection from evil plots (Exodus 15:6-13; Esther 8:17).
(5) PRAY THAT ISRAEL WILL FULFILL ITS CALLING TO BE A LIGHT TO THE NATIONS:
(Isaiah 2:3; Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 49:5-6; Isaiah 60:1-2; Zechariah 8:23).
Friday, January 16, 2009
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- IX
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).
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).
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
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 242
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