Friday, July 5, 2024

Israel Must Make a Fateful Decision

by Shachar Kleiman ~ JNS

Tuesday, 2 July 2024 | As the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] approaches the final stages of its major ground operations against Hamas in Rafah, Hezbollah is ramping up its threats in an attempt to deter Israel from launching a large-scale military operation in Lebanon.

In a recent speech, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah pulled no punches. He hinted at the possibility of the terrorist organization attacking Cyprus, boasted of a force of 100,000 fighters and threatened to invade the Galilee.

Nasrallah threatened that if Israel were to use bases or airports on the island nation, Hezbollah would attack it. While Cypriot officials denied such cooperation, the message seemed directed at the entire Western world: Hezbollah is prepared to turn the war with Israel into a regional conflict. This appears to have been a response to US envoy Amos Hochstein, who has warned the Lebanese of escalation if they don’t progress toward a settlement.

Nasrallah may be hoping that the US and the European Union will exert diplomatic pressure on Jerusalem, but in any case, he has only served to remind the world of the threat his organization poses to many countries. One need only mention Hezbollah’s drug trafficking operations, that stretch from the Middle East to South America. As such, it seems the US might actually support a measured expansion of the offensive.

From Israel’s perspective, the goal on the northern front is crystal clear—pushing Hezbollah and its capabilities away from the border to allow residents to safely return to their homes.

Israel’s Options Seem Poor 

On the surface, all of Israel’s options seem poor. While Hezbollah has withdrawn to about 8 kilometers [3 mi.] from the border, without more significant action by Israel, the terror group could easily return. Lebanon has been run by a caretaker government for the past two years that will struggle to reach a diplomatic settlement. Israel cannot afford to rely on the Lebanese army or an international force to ensure its citizens’ security.

Finally, a war carries many risks that Israel’s Security Cabinet must carefully consider. One can only hope that more experienced voices will prevail regarding the nature of the operation.

Nevertheless, it’s doubtful that Israel will have a better opportunity to fundamentally change the situation in the north. The IDF could take advantage of the current international window of opportunity to destroy Hezbollah’s strategic assets.

In fact, in the nine months since the war began, Nasrallah has discovered that his organization has been infiltrated to a far greater extent than he expected. That Israel has the ability to eliminate a division commander sitting in a house in the Tyre area serves as a warning to Hezbollah’s entire command and leadership echelon.

Just this past week, one of Hezbollah’s regional operations commanders was killed while driving in one of the villages in the Tyre area. It’s no coincidence that Arab sources report Hezbollah has issued guidelines prohibiting the use of cell phones. More than 430 of the organization’s fighters, equivalent to half a battalion, have already been eliminated.

Beyond that, many Lebanese fear war and watch helplessly as a radical Islamist organization drags them to the brink of Gaza-like destruction without being able to do anything about it. One after another, they lament that Lebanon has been hijacked by Nasrallah and anger toward him will grow in the event of a wider confrontation.

A Decision Needs To Be Made

“For all the rockets Hezbollah has, its capabilities are limited,” Lebanese MP Riad Yazbeq recently told Arab media. “It has the ability to cause casualties and damage on the Israeli side, but it cannot change reality. Israel is a country that receives support from the US. It’s a powerful country economically, militarily and technologically, that can return Lebanon to the Stone Age.”

In this context, Dan Naor, a Lebanon researcher and lecturer at Ariel University, believes that Hezbollah “does care about Lebanese public opinion and that’s also the reason it hasn’t escalated to an all-out war.”

With the completion of the main IDF maneuver in Rafah in the Gaza Strip and the diversion of military resources to the north, Israel faces a fateful decision regarding Hezbollah.

Along with continuing to eradicate Hamas in Gaza and pursuing a hostage deal, difficult years lie ahead. In these times, Israel needs internal unity, patience and righteousness. Through these, we can prove to our enemies that we are here to stay.

Source: (Excerpt of an article originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on June 30, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: David Cohen/Flash90/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Intercede for Israel’s leaders—both political and military—as they weigh their options with regard to the situation with Hezbollah. Ask the Lord of Hosts to give them wisdom and the strategy that will enable them to defeat the enemy and result in security along the Lebanon border.

Scripture

And he shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”

- Deuteronomy 20:3–4

‘Best Offer so Far’: Israel Receives Hamas Response to Hostage Deal Proposal

by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews

Thursday, 4 July 2024 | Mediators have conveyed to the Israeli negotiation team Hamas’s response to Jerusalem’s hostage deal proposal, the Prime Minister’s Office said Wednesday in a statement on behalf of Mossad, adding that Israel was “reviewing the response and will reply to the mediators in due course.”

Israeli security officials said, “This is the best offer so far; it is a basis for progress.” They noted that several issues have yet to be resolved, such as Israel Defense Forces [IDF] presence on the Philadelphi Corridor on Gaza’s southern end and a veto on the identities of prisoners to be released”

One security official added, “Hamas is moving toward the Biden framework, but the question is whether it will be enough for the Israeli Cabinet.”

Hamas commented on the response they provided, claiming, “We exchanged some ideas with the mediators.” Hussam Badran, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, told Al Jazeera, “We are interested in reaching an agreement to end the war, and our communication with the mediators continues. We exchanged some ideas with the mediators to stop the war and ensure a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

“Our communication with the mediators in Qatar and Egypt is ongoing, and Washington is exerting pressure in its own ways.” Senior Hamas official Basem Naim told the Arab-American site Al-Monitor that “we responded with several ideas to bridge the gap and ensure an agreement on Gaza.”

Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement from a “senior security official” indicating that “Hamas continues to insist on a principle clause in the framework that would prevent Israel from resuming fighting after phase one of the plan, which is unacceptable to Israel. Other gaps still remain unresolved. Israel will continue the negotiations while maintaining military and diplomatic pressure to secure the release of all 120 hostages, both living and deceased.” This statement was released after Israel received Hamas’s response.

The families of the hostages welcomed the progress of the framework but warned that if the government derails the deal, “millions will take to the streets.” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said, “The families of the hostages commend the prime minister for advancing the ‘Netanyahu deal.’ However, given the statements from senior ministers, if the government thwarts the Netanyahu deal for the release of the hostages, there will be no choice but for millions of Israelis to take to the streets.

“The people of Israel repeatedly show in every poll that they support a comprehensive deal to bring back all the hostages. We will not allow ministers to sabotage another deal. This is an Israeli ethos and a supreme human value: no one is left behind.

“The government faces the ultimate moral test of its term: continued abandonment or decisive action for rescue and return. Full return of the hostages, or all citizens of Israel will take to the roads and intersections. We will not abandon the 120 hostages a second time.”

Source: (This article was originally published by Ynetnews on July 2, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Chenspec/Wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
Continue to pray for all those involved: Israel’s negotiating team; families of the hostages; and government leaders. Pray that in this very complex situation, all will seek wisdom and direction from the Lord alone.

Scripture

Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

- Proverbs 2:3–6

Heroic IDF Officer Killed in Jenin Anti-terror Op ‘Jumped from the Vehicle to Aid Wounded’

by Eitan Glickman ~ Ynetnews

Friday, 28 June 2024 | The family of Israel Defense Forces [IDF] Captain Alon Sacgiu, who was killed on Thursday overnight during a counter-terror operation in the West Bank [Judean and Samarian] city of Jenin, is struggling to say goodbye. “He was the smartest, always the first to help, volunteer and assist everyone. He had many plans. He wanted to study and travel. He was a hero and excelled at everything,” said his father, Erwin.

“He came out of Gaza unscathed after five months. He told us the operation in Jenin was routine. An initial investigation reveals that he and another officer were heroes; they jumped from their vehicle to aid the wounded in the medical vehicle that was hit by an explosive device. How many more such incidents will occur in our country?” wondered his mother, Doria.

“He and his partner Sharon were supposed to celebrate five years together in Eilat in two days. Now, that won’t happen and we are left with a great void,” she added.

Captain Sacgiu was killed when a second explosive device detonated, likely triggered remotely, which also injured many of his soldiers. One of them is hospitalized in serious condition. Since this morning, hundreds of people have come to comfort the grieving family and Sacgiu’s friends in Hadera.

“Last night, there was a knock on the door and they said, ‘This is the IDF,'” the father recounted. “I thought it was Sacgiu. He was an outstanding student, a sniper in the Duvdevan Unit. He went to officer training, was the sniper officer of the Haruv Battalion and was about to transfer to another unit that we can’t discuss right now.”

The family also released a poignant video from January when Alon returned from three months of continuous fighting in Gaza and received a strong hug from his 8-year-old brother, Ariel.

As noted, the officer, who was posthumously promoted to the rank of captain, served as the commander of the sniper unit in the Haruv Reconnaissance Battalion of the Kfir Brigade and was killed by a powerful explosive device planted deep in the ground at the camp’s entrance.

An initial investigation into the incident suggests forces entered Jenin and its surroundings last night as part of an operation to arrest wanted individuals and locate weapons, as part of the IDF’s operations in the refugee camps and West Bank in recent months.

A double combat engineering force, which included a bulldozer and an armored D9 bulldozer, cleared the route for one of the Haruv Battalion’s forces moving from the north of the refugee camp, with their scoops on the ground to uncover hidden explosives. Two of the explosives, however, buried at a significant depth of at least one and a half meters [4.9 ft], weren’t detected and or neutralized by the force.

As a result, a Namer APC [armoured personnel carrier] passed over the first explosive, which detonated, with the soldiers in the vehicle reporting injuries following the incident. Their fellow troops hurried toward them with a vehicle to help treat and evacuate them, at which stage there was another explosion, likely remotely triggered by terrorists who had eyes on the scene ahead of time.

According to IDF estimates, the second explosive was also buried at least one and a half meters deep [4.9 ft]. The second explosion killed Sacgiu’s and injured other soldiers.

IDF forces quickly treated and evacuated all the injured while continuing the operation with the remaining hundreds of soldiers participating. Findings at the scene indicated different methods for activating the explosives were used, both wired and wireless.

The IDF is investigating the circumstances of the incident and examining how the rescue force dismounted their vehicle, since there’s an established procedure in such situations, which includes finding a safe area to do so in order to prevent risks from hidden mines and explosives.

Source: (This article was originally published by Ynetnews on June 27, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit/Wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
Pray that the family of this fallen soldier will find comfort in the fact that he died while trying to help those who were wounded. May we all be challenged by the example of dedication to saving lives that was demonstrated by Captain Sacgiu.

Scripture

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

- Proverbs 17:17

Hamas Recruiting New Terrorists: Inside the IDF’s Operation in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah Neighborhood

by Yoav Zitun ~ Ynetnews

Monday, 1 July 2024 | Israel Defense Forces [IDF] forces have in recent days been leading raids and operations in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah neighborhood. The troops discovered Hamas had entrenched itself deep within the neighborhood located close to  Israel’s kibbutzes [collective communities] Nahal Oz and Kfar Aza in both civilian and military aspects.

Soldiers have eliminated dozens of terrorists in close-quarters combat, guided by aerial support.

As part of operational searches of civilian structures converted into terrorist infrastructure in the large neighborhood, the soldiers raided a United Nations [UN] school that the terrorists of Hamas’s Shejaiya Battalion were using as a hideout and a warehouse. The troops discovered dozens of weapons, grenades and valuable intelligence documents.

Forces also found an active terrorist command center inside a medical clinic in the neighborhood, equipped with communication devices, documents and observation points.

“This is further evidence of Hamas embedding itself in civilian structures for terror purposes,” the IDF said in a statement.

During the raid on the large neighborhood, it became clear Hamas forces were deployed in clinic and school complexes in Shijaiyah while setting up dozens of combat positions in places where IDF troops had maneuvered six months ago.

“We arrived there on Thursday and had surrounded the displaced persons complex where Hamas was operating within 40 minutes, extracting valuable intelligence from the area,” an IDF source said. “We had many clashes with the enemy over the weekend, targeting 30 anti-tank squads in the neighborhood and eliminating 40 terrorists. We’re targeting tunnels that allowed Hamas to rehabilitate in Shejaiyah.”

The IDF found Hamas has managed to rehabilitate itself not only militarily in the area, but also financially. The terrorist organization has managed to resume paying salaries to its operatives and recruited hundreds of new terrorists, some of whom are now confronting IDF forces during their current operation in the neighborhood.

Source: (This article was originally published by Ynetnews on June 30, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: IDF/Flickr.com

Photo License: Flickr

Prayer Focus
Beseech the Lord to confront the enemy that hides in secret places, behind the civilian population. Pray for confusion and hesitation on the part of the Hamas terrorists. Pray that the supply of finances coming to Hamas would be cut off permanently.

Scripture

They have now surrounded us in our steps; they have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth, as a lion is eager to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places. Arise, O LORD, confront him, cast him down; deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword.

- Psalm 17:11–13

Netanyahu: ‘Iran Terror Axis on March to Conquer Saudi Arabia’

by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews

Friday, 28 June 2024 | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Thursday with retired US generals and admirals and in a video published by his office, he is heard warning them that the terror axis led by Iran is on the march to “conquer Saudi Arabia.”

The statement comes amid the Biden administration’s efforts for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahu warned against Iran and its proxies, saying: “We also have to deter the other elements of the Iran terror axis. But we have to deal with the axis. The axis doesn’t threaten only us. It threatens you. It’s on the march to conquer the Middle East. Conquer the Middle East. Conquer. That means, actually, conquer. Conquer Saudi Arabia, conquer the Arabian Peninsula. It’s just a question of time.”

A transcript of Netanyahu’s statement was also published by his office. While it seems likely that Netanyahu meant to highlight the dangers of the strengthening of Iranian influence in the region, his remarks suggested a concern about an actual physical occupation.

The meeting with the former US military generals and admirals was held at the Kirya defense headquarters in Tel Aviv, initiated by the Jewish–American organization JINSA (Jewish Institute for National Security of America).

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu reviewed the challenges facing Israel on all fronts with the members of the delegation and “emphasized the determination of Israel Defense Forces fighters and the commitment to returning all of the hostages.” He also stressed that Israel’s war “is the war of the entire Free World,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Iran is fighting us on a seven-front war. Their goal is to have a combined ground offensive from various fronts, coupled with a combined missile bombardment,” Netanyahu told them.

“The first requirement is to cut that hand—Hamas. People who do this thing to us are not going to be there. We have a long battle…but we’ll get rid of them.”

Source: (Excerpt from an article was originally published by Ynetnews on June 27, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: US Embassy Tel Aviv/Flickr/Wikimedia.org

Source: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
The plans of Iran to conquer Israel and the West are not a surprise to the Lord. Ask Him to blindfold and confound this axis of terror that rages against Him.

Scripture

But I know your dwelling place, your going out and your coming in, and your rage against Me.

- 2 Kings 19:27

Helmets for Heroes: Transforming IDF Combat Helmets into Works of Art for Trauma Treatment

by Ynetnews

Tuesday, 2 July 2024 |The BRUSH organization, co-founded by Michael Kahan and Dr. Ilan Preiss, in collaboration with NATAL, the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, has partnered with Israeli artists to create stunning original works of art. These unique pieces were auctioned by the Tiroche Auction House during a special event at the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv, with proceeds dedicated to supporting the psychological rehabilitation of soldiers suffering from trauma.

BRUSH, established after October 7, is a charity dedicated to helping reservist soldiers overcome their mental health challenges. By merging the worlds of art and philanthropy, BRUSH has held events in London and Tel Aviv. In partnership with NATAL, BRUSH provides urgently needed help to reservist soldiers through specific targeted therapies, psychological treatment, counseling, support groups and educational programs tailored to individual needs. Additionally, BRUSH funds cutting-edge research and therapies that advance work in the PTSD [post-traumatic syndrome disorder] space.

The collection of helmets, transformed into powerful works of art, was showcased and sold at the “Helmets for Heroes” event. Each artwork tells a compelling story of resilience, courage and healing. Renowned artists contributed to this meaningful initiative.

Since its launch, BRUSH and NATAL have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through Helmets for Heroes, all benefiting the psychological treatment of soldiers.

Source: (Excerpt from an article originally published by Ynetnews on July 1, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: IDF/Flickr.com

Photo License: Flickr

Prayer Focus
Although it isn’t exactly turning swords into plowshares, give thanks for this initiative that takes a symbol of combat and from it creates a piece of artwork. Ask the Lord to bless the artists who gave of themselves in order that a traumatized soldier could be helped to heal. Pray for the complete restoration of these soldiers who have seen too much to bear.

Scripture

They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

- Isaiah 2:4b

Hezbollah Confirms Death of Top-ranking Terrorist Commander in IDF Strike

by JNS

Thursday, 4 July 2024 | An Israeli strike outside the southern Lebanese coastal city of Tyre on Wednesday targeted one of the most senior Hezbollah commanders to be eliminated since the start of the war, the terror group confirmed.

According to Reuters, Muhammad Nimah Nasser was of the same rank and importance to the Iranian proxy as Sami Taleb Abdullah, who was killed in an Israel Defense Forces [IDF] airstrike last month and was the most senior terrorist to be killed since Hezbollah joined the war in support of Hamas on October 8.

In a statement cited by Al-Akhbar, which is close to Hezbollah, the terror group confirmed the death of “Hajj Abu Nimah,” bestowing upon him the title of “martyr commander.” Israel’s Ynet noted that only two other slain terrorists received the honorific title over the past months.

Lebanese “security sources” told Reuters that Nasser commanded the “Aziz” unit, responsible for terror operations on the southern border.

Confirming the strike, the IDF said, “Nasser entered his position in 2016 and led the rockets and anti-tank missile attacks from southwestern Lebanon toward Israeli civilians, communities and security forces.”

The military continued, “He also directed a large number of terrorist attacks toward Israel both during, and before the war, and he previously held several central roles within the Hezbollah terrorist organization.”

“He was the counterpart of Sami Taleb Abdullah, the commander of the Nasser Unit, who was eliminated last month. Together, they served as two of the most significant Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon,” the IDF statement concluded

‘People Don’t Feel Safe to Go to Their Homes’

After Abdullah was killed in June, Hezbollah launched one of its largest barrages of rockets and explosive drones towards the Jewish state’s north, sparking large fires and lightly wounding two civilians.

Following the news of Nasser’s death, air-raid alerts sounded in the northern city of Kiryat Shmona and Kibbutz Manara, warning of renewed rocket attacks from Lebanon and sending the remaining residents of the mostly evacuated border area scrambling for shelter.

Hezbollah subsequently claimed it fired some 100 Katyusha rockets towards military sites in the Golan Heights and Galilee, per Al-Akhbar. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damages in the attacks, which sparked fires in the central Golan Heights, Channel 12 reported.

Hezbollah has attacked Israel’s north nearly every day since October 8, firing thousands of UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles], rockets and anti-tank missiles at Israeli towns, killing more than 20 people and causing widespread damage. Tens of thousands of Israeli civilians remain displaced due to the violence.

In an interview on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Israel has “effectively lost sovereignty” over its northern territory.

“People don’t feel safe to go to their homes,” the top diplomat told the Brookings Institute, noting that “absent doing something about the insecurity, people won’t have the confidence to go back.”

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has vowed to continue the attacks until a “complete and permanent ceasefire” is reached in Gaza.

Last month, the IDF formally “authorized and validated” operational plans for a campaign aimed at pushing Hezbollah north of the Litani River, which was also the stated goal of 2006’s UNSC [United Nations Security Council] Resolution 1701. The government is considering launching the operation as early as this month, Germany’s Bild reported on Tuesday, citing diplomatic sources.

On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops in the south that the IDF is “striking Hezbollah very hard every day, and we will also reach a state of full readiness to take any action required in Lebanon or to reach an arrangement from a position of strength.”

Tanks currently leaving the Gaza Strip “can reach as far as the Litani,” he stated, in reference to the river some 10 miles [16 km.] north of the Israeli border.

“We prefer a deal, but if reality forces us, we will know how to fight,” concluded Gallant, according to a readout from his office.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on July 3, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Al-Akhbar/X/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Offer thanks for such accurate intelligence that allowed a precision strike on this Hezbollah commander. Pray that his death will wreak havoc among the ranks of Hezbollah and that any plans for retaliation will be brought to nothing.

Scripture

The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. The increase of his house will depart, and his goods will flow away in the day of His wrath. This is the portion from God for a wicked man, the heritage appointed to him by God.

- Job 20:27–29

UN Probes Accusations of Envoy Funded by Hamas Supporters

by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews

Wednesday, 3 July 2024 | The UN has launched an investigation against Francesca Albanese, the organization’s Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories responsible for issuing reports on the human rights situation in the area.

The probe aims to determine whether Albanese, who consistently accuses Israel of human rights violations, illegally received [US] $20,000 in funding from Hamas-supporting organizations to pay for her trip to Australia and New Zealand during which she pressured a local pension fund to divest from Israel.

Albanese claimed the UN paid for her trip to Australia, but a UN spokesperson refused to confirm her claim. A pro-Hamas Australian organization initially boasted it had “funded” the UN representative’s trip.

Albanese previously served as UNRWA’s [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees] legal advisor and was the first to be condemned for anti-Semitism by France and Germany as a UN representative in charge of writing and filing human rights reports.

In 2022, Albanese was also condemned by the US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism after it was revealed she had launched a fundraising appeal for UNRWA, claiming that “America is subjugated by the Jewish lobby.” Last year, a group of 18 lawmakers from both major US parties condemned Albanese’s refusal to denounce terrorism against Israelis.

The investigation, to be conducted by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, was initiated following a complaint filed in June by UN Watch, an independent NGO based in Geneva. The organization demanded Albanese be removed from the UN.

UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer called on the UN Human Rights Council to remove Albanese from her position due to her financial misconduct and her repeated statements inciting anti-Semitism and justifying Hamas terrorism.

Source: (This article was originally published by Ynetnews on July 3, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: The Left/Flickr.com

Photo License: Flickr

Prayer Focus
Pray that this probe will not be hijacked by the anti-Israel voices at the United Nations and that those who hear the evidence will not be biased. Pray for truth to be revealed and integrity to be restored to this global body.

Scripture

He [God] uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings the shadow of death to light.

- Job 12:22

Mob Attacks Israeli Who Accidentally Entered Palestinian Area

by JNS

Monday, 1 July 2024 | An Israeli man was attacked by Palestinians in Qalandiya just north of Jerusalem on Saturday night, sustaining light injuries, according to local media.

The victim, an ultra-Orthodox Jew in his 70s, was reportedly stoned after entering Qalandiya to refuel his car. In video footage shared on Arabic social media, dozens of rioters can be seen throwing stones at his vehicle.

He subsequently lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete barrier, sustaining injuries. He was said to have fled on foot towards the Qalandiya Checkpoint, where he was met by Israeli security forces.

The victim was treated by medics on the scene before being evacuated to Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center. His vehicle was set on fire.

A week prior, an Israeli man was killed in the Palestinian city of Qalqilya in western Samaria. The victim, identified as Amnon Muchtar, 66, from Petach Tikvah in central Israel, reportedly owned a vegetable store and was said to have traveled to Qalqilya to buy produce.

The deadly shooting came two days after a 78-year-old Israeli man was mortally wounded near Qalqilya. An initial probe found that assailants had severely beaten the man and stolen his car.

Israelis are barred from entering Qalqilya, along with other regions of Judea and Samaria under full Palestinian administrative and security control, collectively designated Area A under the Oslo Accords.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on June 30, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Flash90/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Give thanks that Israeli security forces were able to rescue this elderly man who mistakenly drove into a Palestinian village. Ask the Lord to heal his wounds, both physical and emotional. Pray that God will comfort the family of the man who was killed as he attempted to buy vegetables for his store. Above all, intercede for the safety of civilians living in the biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria.

Scripture

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.

- Psalm 107:1–2

Presbyterian Church Rejects Christian Zionism, Divests from Israel Bonds

by JNS

Wednesday, 3 July 2024 | The Presbyterian Church (USA) [PCUSA] voted on Monday at its biennial meeting to divest from financial bonds in Israel and to denounce Christian Zionism, Religion News Service reported.

The denomination, which had 8,704 churches and 1.14 million members as of May 2023, voted to “reject Christian Zionism in all its forms” and to issue a report about the “dangers of Christian Zionism” and how “mainline Christians and those of other faiths are complicit, though unaware of connections with Christian Zionism.”

“PCUSA has long singled out Israel for animus, fixation, double standards and demonization. Now PCUSA has voted to divest from Israel bonds and to slam ‘Christian Zionism,’” B’nai B’rith International stated.

“The denomination tragically fails to speak for all its members, for fairness and for truth,” B’nai B’rith added.

A previous version of the resolution referred not to the “dangers” of Christian Zionism but to “heretical views of Christian Zionism.” A prior version of the resolution also referred to the Ten Commandments as “a core requirement of Judaism,” although the new version scrubbed that reference.

The other resolution, which called for boycotting Israel Bonds, addressed the church’s investment in the “sovereign debt,” of “three nation-states that are currently engaged in prolonged occupations: Israel, Morocco and Turkey.”

“Israel has occupied Palestinian territory since 1967; Morocco has occupied Western Sahara since 1976; and Turkey has occupied Northern Cyprus since 1974,” the denomination stated. “Addressing Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territory is especially urgent today, as it is directly connected to the devastating war in Gaza and ongoing violence in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria].”

“On October 7, 2023, amidst the 56th year of Israel’s occupation, Palestinian militants killed 1,139 Israelis and took 241 people hostage. In response, the Israeli military has invaded and bombed Gaza and, in a lesser but still lethal manner, the West Bank,” the denomination said.

Regulatory News Service [RNS] reported that both resolutions were part of legislation that passed unanimously. The denomination “has been sharply critical of Israel and its policies over Palestinians for decades,” it reported. “Two years ago it voted to declare Israel an apartheid state, angering the US Jewish establishment.”

“There is a growing consensus in the church that we shouldn’t be profiting from Israel’s human-rights abuses and, frankly, genocide against Palestinians,” said Bob Ross, a member of the steering committee of the advocacy group Israel–Palestine Mission Network, RNS reported.

Source: (Excerpt from an article originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on July 2, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: klawson/Pixabay/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Declare this biblical truth: that the Lord gave a specific land with unique boundaries to Abram and his descendants—forever. Pray fervently for Christians of whatever denomination who are uncertain as to the validity of this covenant, that they would seek God for understanding.

Scripture

And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.”

- Genesis 13:14–15