SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 209

 

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 9, 2023  PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 

THE MEDIA FIASCO:

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) have released documented evidence that photographers working with the international media joined in covering the brutal acts of murder perpetrated by Hamas terrorist on Saturday, October 7^th in Israel’s southern communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip.

Reportedly, Hamas photographers were hired by the media as “stringers” (free-lancers).  Associated Press (AP) and Reuters, who are usually, first on the scene reporting the news are, first and foremost, being accused of allowing this to happen, as well as CNN, and the New York Times.

The organization, Honest Reporting, broke the news which the GPO said, “crosses every red line, professional and moral.” Four photographers who worked for these networks are the ones that were embedded in Hamas units as Hamas breached the barriers that allowed them to attack Israeli southern towns, documenting the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians. The early morning presence of these photographers, in the areas that were attacked by Hamas, is raising serious ethical concerns. The big question is whether Hamas coordinated its actions with these so-called media representatives.

At the same time of this breaking news today, the GPO sent out a message to journalists that their safety cannot be fully guaranteed in the Gaza Strip. Therefore, it was decided to limit access to Gaza by journalists as has been happening for all civilians in recent weeks. The GPO emphasized that the Erez Crossing remains closed, as it was devastated by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

It’s expected that the news cycle will become focused on these accusations of the media, and it is wise if Israel feeds this current cycle, offering spokespeople to talk about the issue for at least 48 hours.

This is because, at the same time this media fiasco is happening, the IDF is close to attacking the Hamas stronghold in the area of Shifa hospital, where it is possible that Gaza terrorists are hiding in hospital wards adjacent to patient wards. It is a known fact that Hamas command and control centers are located under the hospital, supposedly abandoned by Hamas. Israeli military officials have warned the Shifa hospital director to move patients out of the hospital, as Israel may have to use firepower in the wards to attack militants who may be using the patients as human shields.

It is still not known, yet, if this is the area where some of the hostages might be found.

PRAYER POINTS:

*Pray for wisdom and understanding to come to Israeli leaders in how to position themselves ahead of the media, as they have not been so savvy in their strategies until now   

*There is a department in the Prime Minister’s office called the National Public Diplomacy Directorate that has not appeared to be particularly useful throughout this war. Pray that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s staff will give much more attention to analyzing and disseminating information through this department, focused on reaching public opinion, using methods that will not feed the media frenzy against Israel.

 *Pray that Israeli military and government spokespersons will be in an offensive posture rather than a defensive posture, when it comes to explanations to the media for Israel’s military actions.

*Pray for international and local journalists to show responsibility in their coverage of this war, rejecting lies and liars in their use of sources, and looking to tell Israel’s story through truth and accuracy. Pray for more stories that show God’s miraculous intervention, His compassion and care, His love and protection over the citizens of Israel and of Gaza. Pray that the faith of citizens will be increased, as they read stories of God’s intervention in the lives of the Israeli people through miracles, signs, and wonders.

*Pray for His justice to come, and pray against any injustice that is operating through the media. Ask the Lord to tear apart demonic structures and expose ungodly and unholy ties formed against Israel in media circles.

*Habakkuk 2:1-2: “I will stand at my guard post. And, station myself on the tower; And I will keep watch to see what He will say to me, And, what answer I will give [as His spokesman] when I am reproved. Then the LORD said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.

Proclaim that the messages out of Zion will be real news, not fake news, and clearly understood of what God’s intentions are, so that believers can be effective in their prayers, like the sons of Issachar, sensing the times and seasons we are in, and what Israel should do!  (See 1 Chronicles 12:32).

 

REPENTANCE, FAITH, MIRACLES:

The rescue of an Israeli female soldier, and other miracles being reported, is building faith in Israel!  A video story was widely reported about the dedication of a mother, who cried out for the rescue of her female soldier daughter. This mother did everything she knew in her heart to do before God, while her family and community also stood with her in prayer. The rescue was one of the greatest stories in Israel’s modern history, of the IDF’s courage to save a soldier on the battlefield that has been taken hostage. The story went viral in Israel! At the Knesset, a female MK talked about this mother’s great faith, wishing that she, herself, had that kind of faith (called emunah in Hebrew).

There have been testimonies by believers, including a soldier we know who is serving on the northern border. He has said that there has been a great openness among Israelis to hear the gospel, especially among the soldiers.

There have been several videos released of soldiers praying, singing, and reciting Hebrew prayers before going onto the battlefield in Gaza. And, stories of miracles that have been reported on podcasts by Israeli religious Jews.

Recently, Israeli MK Rabbi Yehuda Glick, along with Rabbi Tuli Weisz, led a National Day of Prayer in Jerusalem. While it was not officially called for by the Prime Minister and his war cabinet, it was a beginning of repentance in the nation among the Jews. It was also the first time that Orthodox rabbis invited Messianic believers to be with them in prayer. A full-page ad in the Jerusalem Post of Evangelical Christians and Messianic Jewish leaders throughout the west, showed a connection between rabbis and other religious Jews in prayer and solidarity with Israel during this time. Sponsored by the organization Israel365, the ad stated: “Day of Prayer Upon the Shloshim of the Hamas Massacred. The Israel365 Action Network is working with churches and synagogues to advocate more effectively for Israel across the United States.”

We see this also as a network that can be used to gather the Jews together for a future move of Aliyah from North America, as well! 

Continue to pray for full repentance on a national governmental level in Israel. Netanyahu has said that the government, including himself, will eventually have to speak to how the attack was allowed to happen in the first place.  He also said, "Everyone will have to give answers on the debacle - including me -- but all that will happen only after the war."

PRAYER POINTS:

*Keep praying for boldness and courage on the part of the Body of Messiah in Israel to continue to share the gospel wherever possible, asking the Lord for signs and wonders to accompany the testimony of His Word! (See Romans 15:19).

*Pray that the Body of Messiah, worldwide, will continue to view Israel as a major focus of God’s attention in this critical hour.

*Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

*Romans 2:9: There will be trouble and distress (calamity) for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.”  (Note: This is why it is imperative to share the gospel with the Jew first! Get them saved!!)

*Acts 3:26: “It was for you, first of all, that God raised up His Servant and Son (Jesus), and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.”  (See also 2 Chronicles 7:14).

*1 Corinthians 1:24: “But, to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), the Messiah is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

*Psalm 71:15: “My mouth will tell of Your righteous deeds, of Your saving acts all day long – though I know not how to relate them all.”

*Psalm 119:46: “I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and will not be ashamed.”

 

A WARNING OF WHAT IS COMING “THE DAY AFTER” THE WAR HAS ENDED IN GAZA:

A certain sector of Israeli society, made up of liberal former high-ranking military officers, from Israel’s security branches, have been releasing, to the media, their plans for “the day after” the Gaza war is over.

In their plans, which are circulating through media zoom forums, they are pressuring the Israeli government to consider taking Israel out of the discussion of who will be the controlling force in Gaza. The Israeli government has expressed that it does not want overall control over the citizens of Gaza, but as in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), the IDF wants a situation of security control. This is because they have been able to bring the military into Palestinian areas when Israel finds there are terrorist cells forming that could harm the Israeli population. This way, the IDF is able to constrain terrorist attacks from emanating out of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). They want to do the same in Gaza.

These former military officers are pushing the scenario of a temporary force made-up of Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, and the Abraham Accord nations, to stand in the gap until there is stability in Gaza. Then, they are encouraging a new Palestinian Authority rule in the area, with non-Hamas supporters (which would be impossible to know who are and who aren’t). The current Palestinian Authority has no legitimacy, no legal right (according to their own by-laws), and very little civilian support as a governing body to rule over the Palestinians. There would have to be new elections in the Palestinian territories to put in place a proper ruling authority.

In the scenario being pushed by the liberal former military officers, the heartland of biblical Israel (The West Bank/Judea and Samaria), would be united with Gaza as one entity – something most Israeli conservative leaders, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, have not encouraged. This would be the formation of a Palestinian state, side-by-side Israel.

This is a non-biblical division of the land of Israel, which would forsake God’s land covenants with the Jewish People. So, these liberal former high-ranking military officials are now planning to bring back the call for a “two-state solution,” which has also been the cry of the Biden Administration, which emanates from the U.S. State Department.

Reportedly, Arab leaders, speaking in the Arab media, said they would be content with the Palestinians from Gaza sent to Egypt, and the Palestinians from the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) sent to Jordan. But, both the Egyptian and Jordanian governments are adamantly opposed to this option. Egypt has not been cooperative in the current war, regarding the displacement of Gazans to the southern part of Gaza, and has only supplied limited humanitarian aid, medicines, and medical help needed. Jordan, which reportedly, has a Palestinian population of 70-80%, is heavily involved with the Palestinians both in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and Gaza. But, they are not willing to take any responsibility for what happens to those Palestinians in the future.

One of these former high-ranking military officials was asked how the Palestinians in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) could eventually be trusted to take over Gaza, since a majority of them were Hamas supporters even before the war. The response was to deny this was true (though the information was given from a well-known pollster). He called for Israel to trust the Palestinians, and his only solution to the problem was the formation of a Palestinian state.

Some believers think the Middle East is on the verge of a Psalm 83 war. Why should Israel trust nations that surround it, when these nations could turn around and conspire against the Lord and against His land?

Psalm 83:3-5: “With cunning, they scheme against Your people, and conspire against those You cherish, saying, ‘Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more. For with one mind, they plot together; they form an alliance against You.’ ”

PRAYER POINTS:

Declare and remind God of His covenant promises regarding the land given to Israel through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to steward for Him. (Psalm 105:8-10; Exodus 6:8; Leviticus 26:42; Joshua 1:4; 1 Corinthians 16:16-17).

Ask God to contend with those who contend against Him and Israel. (Isaiah Chapter 35).

Put in the hearts of liberal-leaning secular Israelis, who do not know Your Word, a strong sense of Your eternal land covenant with them and with all of Israel!

Protect the Israeli leadership from signing any kinds of future accords with Arab nations that will bring a temporary peace, and divide God’s land, in Jesus’ name!

Declare that the nations belong to His Son:

Psalm 2:6-8: “But, as for Me I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain. I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord. He said to Me, ‘You are My Son; today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will surely give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession.’ ”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 208

 

Jerusalem, Israel

OCTOBER 29, 2023 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

On October 27, 2023, Israel entered the next stage of the on-going war with Hamas, sending in a limited number of ground troops, which targeted a specific city in the Gaza Strip. Despite initial media reports, Israel has not entered into a full-scale ground invasion.

Some military experts say that northern Gaza is now destroyed, but it is obvious that Hamas continues to operate from command centers underground, in a sophisticated network of tunnels. Rockets continue to be launched, daily, hitting Israeli cities, in the south, north, and central parts of Israel.

More than 200,000 Israelis are displaced, living in hotels and with friends and relatives in the central part of the state. The numbers of missing Israelis, presumed to be kidnapped, has risen above 230.

The two goals of the Israeli government are to destroy the capabilities of Hamas both in its ability to remain a militant terrorist force, and in its ability to govern Gaza. And, to see every hostage set free and returned to their loved ones.

The current leaders of Hamas are Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. They do not care about the Gazans. They just want to see Israel eliminated. They hold an Islamist Jihadist ideology. They have not been willing to negotiate for the release of the Israeli hostages without outrageous demands. Israel is pressing in to see these Hamas terrorists either release the hostages or suffer the consequences.

PRAYER POINTS:

Pray for the release of the hostages!  We declare that God will set His people free!

Isaiah 51:14: “Soon all you captives will be released! Imprisonment, starvation, and death will not be your fate!”

Isaiah 49:10: “They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.”

Lord bring the fresh water of Your Holy Spirit for Your people who are suffering at the hands of evil men. Take them out of the chains that bind them. Lift them out by Your miraculous right hand!

Zechariah 9:11: As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you, I have set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.

Pray for the protection of the soldiers!

The Israeli soldiers that are remaining inside the Gaza Strip for a short period of time need your prayers for their safety in Israel’s military operations. May their mission be successful and may they return home quickly in Jesus name!

One military expert, a former intelligence official said that during the three weeks waiting on the Gaza border to get their orders to go in, soldiers were being trained for their part in Israel’s ground operations.

Psalm 144:1-2: “Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. (He is my loving ally, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me). “

Psalm 3:3: “But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.”

Psalm 18:2: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

Psalm 18:39: “You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued my enemies under my feet.”

Psalm 59:9: “O [God] my strength, I will watch for You; For God is my stronghold [my refuge, my protector, my high tower].”

Pray for Israel’s Iron Dome, the Lord Himself, to shield all civilians from the constant rocket barrages, and to carry Israel to victory!

The rockets continue to fall on Israeli cities, buildings, and homes, and injuring people.

The military keeps claiming that this is going to be a long war. We declare that this is not going to be a long war; that Israel will move forward, quickly, into a great victory, with signs, wonders, and miracles following!  We pray that the goals set by the Israeli government and military will be accomplished! 

We pray that leaders of nations will not try and stop Israel from meeting those goals; nor constrain the determination of Israelis to see the mission through.

Pray for Israel’s leaders, especially for the security cabinet:

We declare favor and endurance for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the rest of the Israeli war cabinet (especially Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, and Benny Gantz) to fulfill the mission no matter what adverse reactions they may incur along the path to victory!

Isaiah 61:2-3: “From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah!”

Joel 3:16: “The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.”

Micah 4:8: “And you, O tower of the flock, The stronghold of the daughter of Zion; To you shall it come; even the former dominion shall come, The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.”

What does the future hold?

Some say that a new era is coming; that God is going to pour out His Spirit on Israel, and Israelis will begin to come to the Lord in great numbers! Others say that this current period will remain a time of war not peace for a long while, extending beyond Israel into the Middle East region and beyond.  We ask the Lord for continued constrain and refrain of this war expanding to multiple fronts.

Whatever time is coming, we pray that we will endure to the end, without fear or trembling, but in great trust of the Lord, expecting Him to bring faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love! It’s time to reach out to Israelis with the love of God, and introduce them to the Hope of their salvation!

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 207

 

Jerusalem, Israel

October 17, 2023  PRAYER UPDATE

SPECIAL STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT & PRAYER POINTS

Israel and the Nations

 

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

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

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

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEDIA AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY WAR:

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

EGYPT:

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS:

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

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

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

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

SEVERAL PRAYER POINTS:

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God is massing HIS troops, leading Israel into war!

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 206

 

Jerusalem, Israel

OCTOBER 8, 2023  PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 Dear Intercessors,

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

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

 

ATTACK BY HAMAS AND GAZA TERRORISTS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

ISRAEL’S NORTHERN BORDER ON ALERT:

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

Evacuations of northern communities are taking place. 

CURRENT PRIORITIES:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

PRAYER POINTS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCRIPTURES:

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