SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 211

 

Jerusalem, Israel

November 22, 2023  PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 

THE HOSTAGE SITUATION:

We need to keep pressing on in prayer, with a keen focus on the hostage situation -- that ALL of the captives will be set free, not just some of them.

THERE ARE TWO KEY ISSUES – THE LORD’S DESIRE TO SEE MORE FAITH RISE UP IN ISRAEL; AND, ABOUT GREATER SHAKINGS IN THE LAND.

(1)   FAITH increased in Israel!

HEBREWS 11:32-39:

And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.

They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.

These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.

(2)   THIS WAR IS A GREAT SHAKING IN THE LAND! GOD WANTS US TO COME UP HIGHER – TO SEE FROM THE LORD’S THRONE ROOM PERSPECTIVE:

Hebrews 12:22-28:

But, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the Church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

AFTER THE WAR IN GAZA:

On November 19, 2023, the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah denied that Hamas carried out the horrible massacre at the Rave festival near Gaza. Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) actually accused Israel of carrying out that massacre. In the past he denied the existence of the Holocaust, and today he is denying the existence of the Hamas massacre.

The same spirit is operating through this Palestinian leader in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), as it is through the Hamas leaders, Yahye Sinwar and Mohammed Deif.

This is a key point because there is a great focus now on the “day after” Israel is finished in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made this point about Mahmoud Abbas because the root of the issue is how the Palestinians are educating their children. It’s about the fact that Abbas rewards terrorists with money; those who committed crimes against Israel.

After Mahmoud Abbas put his comments on social media platforms, the Biden Administration, reportedly, demanded that he remove his messages, which he did.

The issue here is that the U.S., along with other nations, eventually wants the Palestinian Authority to take over the authority of Gaza.  And, look at who the Palestinian Authority represents (in the comments of Mahmoud Abbas?)

This is a wake-up call for us to pray…

Luke 12:2: “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”

To the hunters who are hunting down God’s people, we declare, according to Jeremiah 16:17: “My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eye.”

Let’s agree together in prayer before the Lord; who is watching over Israel, and over the Jewish People, globally; that He will continue to reveal those voices who ae denying the truth, so that HIS righteousness, justice, and truth, will prevail over every situation before Israel and the nations in Yeshua’s name!

 

ISRAEL’S NORTHERN BORDER WITH LEBANON:

One of Israel’s goals on the northern border has been to push back Hezbollah’s Radwan forces, so that Israeli citizens can return to their homes, safely. However, Israel’s main target is Beirut where the heads of Iran’s proxy forces are located.

Hezbollah did not enter into a full-scale war in the north, but rather created friction in the war with Israel.

While cooperation with the U.S. has been unprecendented, Israel has been restricted by the U.S. on the northern border.  There are diminishing degrees of strategy for Israel to act on because of what the Americans consider important, in order to avoid a full multi-arena war. It is holding Israel back from accomplishing its military goals, but most Israeli officials accept that the benefits of American support are worth it.

One of Israel’s national security officials is currently in the region, checking to make sure the war does not escalate in the north.

Meanwhile, military officials claim that the security situation in the north should be changed, completely, to provide self-confidence and security to Israeli citizens, so they can return to their homes. If northern residents see Hezbollah’s Radwan forces along the northern border, they will not go back to their homes.

Israelis that live in the north are in a state of fear, thinking that there will be terror inside their communities in the future. So, Israel’s military officials realize they need to do something dramatic to change the environment. Israel is not planning to go into a full-scale war. However, if necessary, Israel will do so. The IDF could do heavy damage to Lebanon by an aerial campaign. But, again, Israel is restricted by American policy in the Middle East.

Israel has gone to the UN, demanding that the UN cause Lebanon to comply with UN Security Resolution 1701 (passed by the UN after the Second Lebanon War). Israel will use convincing statements to address the international community of what is not acceptable. Israel will insist that they are able to work with the United Nations and UNIFIL to push back Hezbollah’s Radwan forces to the Bekah Valley or north to the Litani River. If that does not work, Israel’s military forces will take the conflict on the northern border to the next stage. The next stage will be more violent. Israel cannot accept the situation as it is now, where thousands of people have been displaced from their homes.

Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, head of Hezbollah, is on Israel’s map of targets. He is on the IDF’s radar, but it is a matter of context. Israel is not planning automatic action against Nasrallah. It has to do with intelligence gathering, and benefits to Israel’s national security. Israel is fully capable of going after Nasrallah.

PRAYER POINT:

This is an assurance prayer for the residents of the north in Israel, as we proclaim they will overcome their fears and lean on God’s safety, protection and salvation that is available to them:

PSALM 139:

O LORD, You have searched me and known me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD.

You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea,

even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”—

even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You.

For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum!

If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.

O God, that You would slay the wicked—away from me, you bloodthirsty men— who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain.

Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You?

I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.

 

 

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 210

 

Jerusalem, Israel

November 17, 2023  PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

 

THE CONTINUED WAR IN GAZA:

After the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre of Israel’s southern communities, the first phase of the war included fighting Hamas terrorists outside the Gaza border (in Israeli territory). This was followed by Israel unleashing its air power on the northern Gaza Strip. Now, the north has been successfully divided off from the south by IDF forces. Most Gazans have moved to the southern part of the Gaza Strip. On October 27, 2023, Israel began its second phase of the war, sending IDF ground troops into Gaza.

 

HAMAS BATTALIONS:

Calculations by the IDF is that 5,000 Hamas murderers were involved in the massacres of Israelis on October 7^th. All the rest of the Hamas terrorists, approximately 15,000 of them, were spread through 24 Hamas battalions.  Out of the 24 battalions, 14 of them still remain in the Gaza Strip. Israel has taken out the rest of them.  Israel achieved a “decisive victory” over the 10 battalions the IDF eliminated.

Hamas has not been annihilated. They are still active, launching rockets against Israeli towns and cities, though less often. Hamas is continuing to hit Israeli ground forces in the northern Gaza Strip, but not as a military terror unit. They are working as individuals, with RPG’s, and shooting at Israeli tanks.

Shifa hospital has become a symbol in this war. The IDF has evidence that Hamas used human shields in Shifa and other Gaza hospitals, and hid beneath the hospital compounds in basements. Israel entered Shifa hospital to provide this proof to the media, especially that Hamas held hostages under that hospital area.

Gaza City has been a tense area with lots of underground tunnels. The IDF has conquered it.

 

THE IDF’S MILITARY CAMPAIGNS:

The military campaign right now is still in the northern part of Gaza. The first and second campaigns are expected to last until the first part of January 2024.  

The third campaign will be focused on stand-off capabilities, and ground raids, in order to complete the military dimension of the war. The aim is the destruction of Hamas leadership, and the dismantling of the rest of the Hamas battalions which are mainly in southern Gaza. The IDF still has a long way to go to achieve its goals, and Khan Yunis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, is still in its sights.

The third campaign will include a different IDF strategy, employing different capabilities. Israel is leaving the details vague. IDF officials know where the Hamas leadership is located, and they are determined to eventually fulfill their targets in this war, especially going after Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif.

There will be a fourth campaign connected to this war. It will involve rebuilding and reconstructing Gaza. It’s a different mandate, which will include other nations, not Israel. There will be strategies to provide humanitarian aid in the fourth campaign, as well as overall leadership of Gaza, which will include, for a time, an Arab force of some kind. Israel has insisted on having overall security control of Gaza.

 

ISRAEL’S PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES:

Cooperation with the U.S. has been unprecendented in regard to many aspects of the war. American forces have been deployed in the Middle East, to deter Iran and Hezbollah. Tons of U.S. advanced military equipment and arms have been provided to Israel. The U.S is in the region to serve America’s interests, which sometimes clash with Israel’s interests.

 

THE HOSTAGES:

Israeli families are losing patience with the Israeli government over the fate of their loved ones. If there is, suddenly, a hostage deal, military officials say it will create a temporary pause in the fighting. Hamas wants a cease fire, but Israel has said it would only be temporary. 

The plight of the hostages is a very difficult and complex problem for Israel. It is a triangle of tensions involving: (1) Israel’s goal to hit very high targets at a very high level. (2) Israel’s operational concepts to eliminate those high targets. (3) In the midst of Israel’s military campaign, there are on-going negotiations to free the hostages. It’s an intensive, constant, pressure on the Israeli government and armed forces. PRAYER is needed!

Hamas wants to use the hostages as pawns to achieve their goals:  

·        *To get Palestinian prisoners out of jail.

 *A strategy to stop the war in order for Hamas to survive. With a pause, it gives them time to supply their military capabilities. They want fuel to run their operations in the tunnels. They want refreshment time outside the tunnels. And, they want food that will last them 40 days beneath the ground, isolated from what is happening above them.

 Holding the hostages is their strategy of survival. Hamas has threatened to kill some of the hostages if Israel does not agree to their demands. Sinwar knows that Israel’s combat capabilities will crush his men, so he wants to bring relief to them in the underground tunnels. He needs a ceasefire to enable him to do this. Whether it is called a “pause” or a “temporary ceasefire,” either way, its to Israel’s disadvantage. Yet, the freeing of the hostages is a priority of the Israeli people.

 

ISRAEL’S NORTHERN BORDER WITH LEBANON:

One of Israel’s goals on the northern border has been to push back Hezbollah’s Radwan forces, so that Israeli citizens can return to their homes, safely. However, Israel’s main target is Beirut where the heads of Iran’s proxy forces are located.

The Radwan Regiment is a special operational force of Hezbollah that Israel is contending with on the northern border. Its main goal is to infiltrate the territory of Israel, with a specific focus on northern Israel, expanding into the Galilee. These forces wanted to carry out a similar attack as Hamas did to Israel’s southern communities on October 7th.

Iran’s original plan was for its Axis of Resistance to strike, simultaneously, in a multi-front war against Israel. Iran delayed, but Hamas decided to strike on its own. To the disappointment of Hamas, Hezbollah did not join its secret attack on Israel, Oct. 7th. Hamas then thought that by providing such a victory as a catastrophe in Israel, it would cause all Iranian Axis of Resistance forces to join in, especially Hezbollah and Shiite militias in Lebanon. Israeli military officials have concluded that Iran had other interests, and refused to sacrifice their goals for the goals of Hamas.

Hezbollah did not enter into a full-scale war in the north, but rather created friction in the war with Israel. They have used Palestinians to target civilians, and their own capabilities to target Israeli soldiers. According to Israeli officials, Hezbollah has not had much success.

However, Israeli officials say that Hamas will provide its own success story that Israel had to evacuate 60,000 Israelis in northern border towns. It will, likely, declare that it diverted Israel’s attention from Gaza by forcing the IDF to deploy forces in Lebanon that could have been used in Gaza. Furthermore, Hezbollah could say it managed to disrupt the normal routine of Israeli residences in the north.

So far, Hezbollah has lost 76 operatives. Israel has lost 7 soldiers. Israel’s military experts have concluded that Hezbollah is very strict on equations. Now, Hezbollah is occupied with how to change the equation to something equivalent. However, Israel still has assessed that it is against Iran’s interest to fully mobilize Hezbollah and go to a full-scale war at this time.

While cooperation with the U.S. has been unprecendented, Israel has been restricted by the U.S. in the north.  There are diminishing degrees of strategy for Israel to act on because of what the Americans consider important in order to avoid a full multi-arena war. It is holding Israel back from accomplishing its military goals, but most Israeli officials accept that the benefits of American support are worth it.

Military officials claim that the security situation in the north should be changed, completely, to provide self-confidence and security to Israeli citizens, so they can return to their homes. The northern residences are not expected to rely on Israeli intelligence, nor on IDF sentiment, that states: “We will give you an early warning sign.” If northern residents see Hezbollah’s Radwan forces along the northern border, they will not go back to their homes.

Israelis that live in the north are in a state of fear, thinking that there will be terror inside their communities in the future. So, Israel’s military officials realize they need to do something dramatic to change the environment. Israel is not planning to go into a full-scale war. However, if necessary, Israel will do so. The IDF could inflict heavy damage on Lebanon by an aerial campaign. But, again, Israel is restricted by American policy in the Middle East.

Israel plans to eventually go to the United Nations, demanding that the it cause Lebanon to comply with UN Security Resolution 1701 (passed by the UN after the Second Lebanon War). Israel will use convincing statements to address the international community of what is not acceptable. Israel will insist that they are able to work with the United Nations and UNIFIL to push back Hezbollah’s Radwan forces to the Bekah Valley or north to the Litani River. If that does not work, Israel’s military forces will take the conflict on the northern border to the next stage. The next stage will be more violent. Israel cannot accept the situation as it is now, where thousands of people have been displaced from their homes. 

Is it inevitable that Israel will eventually go to war in the north?  According to one military spokesman, the answer is, “no.”

Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, head of Hezbollah, is on Israel’s map of targets. He is on the IDF’s radar, but it is a matter of context. Israel is not planning automatic action against Nasrallah. It has to do with intelligence gathering, and benefits to Israel’s national security. Israel is fully capable of going after Nasrallah. An IDF military official said to pay attention to how Israel deals with Gaza – the images will be similar.

 

PRAYER POINTS:

In 2 Chronicles 20:1 we read, “…Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 

PRAY that Israel recognizes that it is the Lord who is fighting on Israel’s behalf!

In 2 Samuel 17:45, we read, “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’ ”

The Lord delivered Goliath into David’s hands, and we declare in the name of Jesus, and in PRAYER that God will deliver Hamas, Hezbollah, the Radwan forces, Iran, and others in the enemy’s Axis of Resistance…. all of them into Israel’s hands! And, the whole world will know that the God of Israel did this!

According to 2 Chronicles 32:8, PRAY that Israel relies on the Lord in battle!  Hamas or Hezbollah may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!

Declare, as stated in Deuteronomy 20:1, that no matter what vast army tries to come against Israel, that Israeli forces will not shrink back in fear, but realize that the Lord is with them, as He was with them when He brought them out of Egypt.

Luke 8:17: “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”

PRAY for the hostages that are in the captivity of Hamas in Gaza -- that the Lord will help the IDF find those hostages, immediately, and bring them ALL to safety, in Jesus name! 

Isaiah 61:3: They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor.”

PRAY for wounded Israeli soldiers in hospital rehabilitation centers throughout Israel – that the LORD will, supernaturally, heal them and restore them through miracles, signs, and wonders – HIS display of HIS splendor!

Proverbs 29:25: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”

Israel sees itself as weaker, militarily, than the United States. So, Israeli leaders lean on America, rather than God, Himself. This is becoming a snare for Israel in the north. PRAY that Israeli officials look to the Lord for their every need, especially, militarily, diplomatically, and politically, as they fight this war.

Acts 3:19: “Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” 

Currently, there are testimonies of miracles happening in Israel throughout this war. This is especially true of secular Jews. They are returning to God in the only way they know how – in being more observant of their traditions. It’s a start!  Do not dismay the day of small beginnings!  There is repentance through their sorrows.

Acts 3:20: “And, that He may send Jesus, the Messiah, who was preached to you before.” 

PRAY for this progressive faith that is at work here in Israel; that the fullness will come – from repentance, to a turn towards God, with forgiveness of sin, and refreshing times before Him. THEN, that the Lord will send Jesus to them; capturing the hearts of His people by bringing them their promised Messiah… that All Israel Will Be Saved!  (Romans 11:25-26).

Hebrews 10:36: “You need to persevere, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”

The “collective whole” of Israel is in the trial of endurance – running the race and wanting to finish it well, especially the believers. In the army, the soldiers are battling the ground forces of Hamas. In the Body of Messiah, we are battling heavenly forces. PRAY that He renews our strength like the wings of an eagle, and that we can soar with Him in heavenly places, receiving His heavenly perspective, in knowing how to PRAY most effectively! May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

Lock your prayer shields with us over Israel!

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.”