SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 116

Jerusalem, Israel 

 

MID-FEBRUARY 2017

Israel and the Nations

THE TRUMP-NETANYAHU MEETING -- MAJOR FOCUS ON IRAN EXPECTED

U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on February 15, 2017 for what should be an historic meeting and a new start for both countries. Iran is a topic that Middle East analysts expect will be the main focus of the White House discussions. 

Major General (res.) Yaacov Amidror, former National Security Advisor to Netanyahu, thinks that the U.S. and Israel will focus on how to succeed in preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear state at the end of the 15 year Iran nuclear deal. This agreement, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed by the P5+1 nations (the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Russia and China), plus the EU, in 2015.

According to Amidror, “The bad agreement which was signed by the previous (Obama) Administration might lead to a situation in which, at the end of that period, the Iranians will be in a better position to acquire military nuclear capability and Israel will face a stronger Iran than before.”

That kind of legitimacy given to Iran by the previous American government has contributed to an overall sense that the agreement was not good for Israel or for the United States. Amidror thinks this will lead to better cooperation between both allies in the future.

The other concern that Trump and Netanyahu are expected to discuss has to do with Iran’s long military reach – not just its strategic arms expansion in the Middle East – but how that is affecting global stability. 

Amidror explains that the two allies will also have to figure out, along with other countries, how to contain Iran, to destroy ISIS, and to stop radical Islam, which has strengthened its grip on the Middle East. “Israel and the Americans, here in this case, have a historic moment in which they can build something totally new, based on the same interest – that which we are sharing with so many Arab countries in the Middle East.

Reportedly, Netanyahu spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah, and Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi before embarking on his trip to America. Partnerships between Israel and the Gulf Countries are becoming more known, publicly, and it is no secret that these nations, along with Saudi Arabia, see Israel as providing a military umbrella if Iran’s hegemonic ambitions are not contained.

Trump, as well, has been talking with Arab leaders, and some analysts speculate that Egypt may be working behind the scenes in trying to establish an Arab peace deal with Israel. 

Ambassador Dennis Ross, a Distinguished Fellow with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, thinks that Netanyahu will want to talk to Trump about the importance of teaming up with Sunni Arab countries. “The level of cooperation between Israel and the leading Sunni states, vis-à-vis Iran, and vis-à-vis ISIS, is an asset for the U.S. And, we should be thinking of how to take advantage of it, and what more can be done to take advantage of it, both to counter the Iranians and to counter ISIS.”

Israel could become part of a U.S-led Middle East coalition; a moderate bloc with Sunni Arabs states, to crush ISIS. But, Israel is also worried about Iran’s influence on its norther border with Syria, where Hezbollah, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, and Shia militias have had an increased presence. They have propped up the army of Syrian President Bashar Assad. 

Ross says the agenda between the U.S. and Israel should include a strategic approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ross does not believe that Netanyahu is against U.S.-Russian cooperation.

“He wants to be sure that, at a minimum, that whatever comes out of Syria, it can’t be a new front that Israel faces on its border, with the Revolutionary Guards and with Hezbollah.” 

That is also a concern of Israeli Brigadier General (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser. He states that if Iran has its way, Syria could become a base from which the Iranians would exert their military power in the Middle East and beyond. 

“This possibility that they will have a contiguous axis, starting in Iran and ending in the Mediterranean with Hezbollah, is something that we all should be extremely worried about. This has to stop.”

The Russian military build-up in Syria is problematic for Israel. Netanyahu has met with Putin several times in past months, not only making sure that there is no accidental conflagration between Israel and Russia over Syria. Netanyahu also wants the continuous flow of weapons from Iran through Syria to Hezbollah to cease. 

So far, Russia has been passive when Israel has gained intelligence information and knocked out some of these arms shipments. But, how long will that last?  Also, Russia has, reportedly, built a strong military base in Syria, including the possible placement of anti-missile defense systems in the country, which would make it more difficult for targeted Israeli airstrikes against Syrian aggression in the future.

For now, if Trump is able to get Russia to distance itself from Iranian influence in Syria, encouraging the Russians to move diplomatically closer to Turkey, Ross thinks that would be a positive step.

Meanwhile, Amidror says much depends on what will happen in the Middle East, and how Israel will be integrated into American efforts. “It is known that when a new administration is coming in, it takes time to shape the policy.”

Both men would agree that the meetings between the U.S. and Israel will be publicly deemed successful, because Trump and Netanyahu want to move forward from the negativity that existed between Israel and the former Obama Administration. 

According to Ross, “There is a strong presumption to send a message of how close things are between the two leaders.” 

There’s also an excitement building in Washington that the U.S. and Israel will make the effort to be on the same page strategically and practically. Furthermore, that the strategic alliance between both countries will be brought to a higher level, because the Israeli and American people want it that way.

“There are many plans in a man’s heart. Nevertheless, the LORD’S counsel – that will stand.”

Proverbs 19:21

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 115

Jerusalem, Israel

FEBRUARY 2017 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

*Israel’s recent “settlement bill” passed in the Knesset, with the encouragement of Israel’s right-wing government coalition. This bill allows 4000+ homes to become legal that were built on land that was originally in Israel’s hands, but eventually became private Palestinian property. The controversial bill calls for full compensation to Palestinian property owners. The passing of the bill has already caused an uproar in Europe. The EU cancelled a summit with Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared to French President Francois Hollande that this bill represents a “theft of Palestinian land.” The timing of the passing of the bill has been a complication for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has been in diplomatic meetings in the U.K. with Prime Minister Theresa May and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. Theresa May has been against Israel’s settlement expansion and may use this as leverage in her meetings with Netanyahu. Also, the concern is how this will play out when Netanyahu meets with U.S. President Donald Trump on February 15th in Washington. Some Israelis think the bill will be brought to the Israeli Supreme Court and will be declared unconstitutional.

Psalm 125:3: “FOR THE SCEPTER OF WICKEDNESS SHALL NOT REST UPON THE LAND OF THE RIGHTEOUS, SO THAT THE RIGHTEOUS WILL NOT PUT FORTH THEIR HANDS TO DO WRONG.”

*Netanyahu, in his meetings with U.K. leaders has been focusing on the ballistic missile threat coming from Iran. Recently, Iranian leaders said it would only take 7 minutes for one of their ballistic missiles to hit Israel. Saber rattling on the part of Iran is heating up, as Israel, the U.K., and the United States seek to form a triangular alliance against the Islamic Republic.  

Psalm 2: 6-8:  “I HAVE INSTALLED MY KING ON ZION, MY HOLY MOUNTAIN. I WILL PROCLAIM THE LORD’S DECREE: ‘HE SAID TO ME, YOU ARE MY SON. TODAY, I HAVE BECOME YOUR FATHER. ASK ME, AND I WILL MAKE THE NATIONS YOUR INHERITANCE, THE ENDS OF THE EARTH YOUR POSSESSION.’ ”    

                                                                                              

Psalm 2:11-12:  “SERVE THE LORD WITH FEAR AND CELEBRATE HIS RULE WITH TREMBLING. KISS THE SON, OR HE WILL BE ANGRY AND YOUR WAY WILL LEAD TO YOUR DESTRUCTION, FOR HIS WRATH CAN FLARE UP IN A MOMENT. BLESSED ARE ALL WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM.” 

While Netanyahu tries to keep Iran as the main focus of his talks in Israel and overseas, his right-wing government coalition is focusing more on the issue of settlements. This division could affect Netanyahu’s talks with international leaders, as Israel needs a clear foreign policy initiative. The nations are waiting for it! Also, reportedly, Israel’s inactions in Syria, especially regarding an increased militant presence on Israel’s borders, could open up the Golan Heights to a greater presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces in the future. 

Our focus as intercessors is to pray and declare that, ultimately, it is the Lord who will fight on behalf of Israel.

Psalm 44:2-8:  “WITH YOUR HAND YOU DROVE OUT THE NATIONS AND PLANTED OUR ANCESTORS; YOU CRUSHED THE PEOPLES AND MADE OUR ANCESTORS FLOURISH. IT WAS NOT BY THEIR SWORD THAT THEY WON THE LAND, NOR DID THEIR ARM BRING THEM VICTORY; IT WAS YOUR RIGHT HAND, YOUR ARM, AND THE LIGHT OF YOUR FACE, FOR YOU LOVED THEM. YOU ARE MY KING AND MY GOD WHO DECREES VICTORIES FOR JACOB. THROUGH YOU, WE PUSH BACK OUR ENEMIES; THROUGH YOUR NAME, WE TRAMPLE OUR FOES. I PUT NO TRUST IN MY BOW; MY SWORD DOES NOT BRING ME VICTORY; BUT, YOU GIVE US VICTORY OVER OUR ENEMIES; YOU PUT OUR ADVERSARIES TO SHAME. IN GOD, WE MAKE OUR BOAST ALL DAY LONG, AND WE WILL PRAISE YOUR NAME FOREVER.”

Zephaniah 3:16-17:  “ON THAT DAY THEY WILL SAY TO JERUSALEM, ‘DO NOT FEAR, ZION; DO NOT LET YOUR HANDS HANG LIMP. THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU; THE MIGHTY WARRIOR WHO SAVES. HE WILL TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN YOU; IN HIS LOVE, HE WILL NO LONGER REBUKE YOU. BUT, HE WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH SINGING!”

Psalm 108:13: “THROUGH GOD WE WILL DO VALIANTLY, AND IT IS HE WHO SHALL TREAD DOWN OUR ADVERSARIES.”

As you pray through these scriptures remember that He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. And, nothing is too difficult for our God, and His Messiah Yeshua -- the ruler of men and of all the kingdoms of this earth! May Israel find quiet, stillness and rest in the Lord in the midst of a chaotic Middle East. (See and proclaim Psalm Chapter 46 over Israel!).

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 114

 Jerusalem, Israel

JANUARY 15, 2017 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

"Behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; and, He will reign as King and act wisely. And, do justice and righteousness in the land.”  JEREMIAH 23:5

PRAISE REPORT:  

The Paris Peace Conference was a “dud”. Many prayed for confusion and chaos to set in, and reports indicate that is exactly what happened! Britain only sent diplomats that were “observer” status; not heads of state. The UK refused to sign the Paris declaration, which further weakened the goals of the international participating leaders. 

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry promised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in another UN Security Council resolution before the transfer of power in America on January 20th, Any such resolution could further damage Israel’s interests. This declaration from Kerry is probably because the UK already had the ability to “veto” any upcoming resolution, and may have used the veto, if necessary. In addition, Trump had said he would help Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May with the BREXIT. He wants trade with Britain to be successful. So, Theresa May is looking ahead, counting on good relations with the Trump Administration, in exchange for the U.K.'s weakening of the Paris peace initiative. This may be the reason that Britain, though it voted for the UN Security Council anti-settlement resolution 2334 in December, decided not to participate in the final declaration of the Paris Peace Conference in January.

COMING UP:

The European Parliament is considering an anti-settlement resolution. It will not have much impact on diplomacy, but is another attempt to detract from the Trump presidency; and, to try and thwart God’s plans concerning Israel. 

PRAYER POINTS:

*75 countries participated in the Paris Peace Conference. It was a failed attempt by the French to become a new Middle East power broker. The conference was also an effort by the international diplomatic community to prepare the Palestinians for sovereign statehood on Israeli territory! It put Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the limelight, giving greater power to his unilateral diplomatic de-legitimization campaign against Israel.

God’s judgement will come because of the way the nations are treating His Anointed Son, and His Chosen People, Israel (see Psalm Chapter 2). PRAY for the nations! There is increased deception among heads of state, especially concerning their views of Israel. PRAY for increased discernment. 

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

“The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever. The plans of His heart from generation to generation.”  PSALM 33:10-11

“Folly is joy to him who lacks sense. But a man of understanding walks straight.”  PROVERBS 15:21

“Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous will walk in them.  But, transgressors will stumble in them.”  HOSEA 14:9

*There is a battle in the heavenlies going on; an attempt by hostile nations at the UN Security Council, the Paris Conference, and at the EU to stop this major “shift” in governmental realms in the United States. This new government could reverse failed American foreign policy over the past 8 years, especially concerning the Middle East. It is a new beginning. It is the Lord “shifting” from what was… to what is and what will be. The enemy wants to stop President Trump from accomplishing his goals, especially concerning a positive new direction towards Israel.

Warning to enemy nations and organizations that are trying to usurp God’s plans:

“What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them with ropes made of lies, who drag wickedness behind them like a cart.”  ISAIAH 5:18

“Woe to those who enact evil statutes. And, to those who constantly record unjust decisions.” ISAIAH 10:1

“For the ruthless will come to an end and the scorner will be finished. Indeed all who are intent on doing evil will be cut off.”  ISAIAH 29:20

“For this is a rebellious people, false sons, sons who refuse to listen to the instruction of the LORD.” ISAIAH 30:9

“The nations have sunk down in the pit which they have made; in the net which they hid, their own foot has been caught. The LORD has made Himself known; He has executed judgment. In the work of His own hands the wicked is snared.”  PSALM 9:15-16

THIS MONTH, DECLARE OVER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP THESE WORDS:

“Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.”   2 TIMOTHY 2:15

TRUMP IS THE 45^TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. PROCLAIM ISAIAH 45:1-8 OVER HIM:

“Thus says the LORD to Cyrus His anointed, whom I have taken by the right hand; to subdue nations before him, and to loose the loins of kings; to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:                                                           

I will go before you and make the rough places smooth. I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places; so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. For the sake of Jacob My servant, and Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name; I have given you a title of honor though you have not known Me.  I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun, that there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. The One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.                                                                                                                            

God’s Supreme Power: Drip down, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, and righteousness spring up with it. I, the LORD, have created it.”            

ISAIAH 45:1-8

PRAY FOR THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL:

“Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.”  1 CHRONICLES 12:32

 “Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. PSALM 119:66

MORE PRAYER POINTS:

*PRAY for U.S. Jews who are being threatened by acts of anti-Semitism in increasing numbers. The American Jewish community recently witnessed bomb threats in Florida, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

*PRAY for Jews in Germany who are not being treated well by local courts. Recently a German court called a synagogue torching a “justified action to criticize Israel.”  This will only give way to more anti-Semitic acts. Ask the Lord to intervene and cause the German government to act with righteousness and justice on behalf of the Jewish community in Germany.