Friday, September 13, 2024

Intifada Threat Looms Large in Judea and Samaria

by Elisha Ben Kimon ~ Ynetnews

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 | The Israel Defense Forces [IDF] has entered the final phase of its current operations in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, as tensions escalate sharply across the region. In the past 10 days, the IDF has carried out Operation Summer Camps within refugee camps in northern Samaria, eliminating 64 terrorists and seizing dozens of weapons. Military officials emphasized that the operation is ongoing.

Concerns are growing over signs of a potential Palestinian intifada [Palestinian violent uprising], including large-scale unrest and a significant increase in attacks on roads and settlements. Israeli security forces are focused on three main areas. First, there are numerous warnings of imminent terror attacks, particularly from northern Samaria, where the IDF has been operating. A recent bombing in Tel Aviv, which narrowly avoided a larger tragedy, is thought to be linked to an organized terror ring in Nablus.

Second, there is concern about the spread of terror from northern Samaria to other parts of the West Bank, particularly Hebron. Last month, two car bombs exploded near Gush Etzion, and three police officers were killed in an attack near Tarqumiyah in two separate incidents. Both involved terrorists from the Hebron area, where Israeli officials warn that Hamas has a significant presence that could escalate the situation further.

Third, there is rising tension along Israel’s eastern border following a deadly attack at the Allenby Crossing, where three Israelis were killed. The IDF fears this could incite unrest among young Jordanians and Palestinians in northern Samaria. Hamas and Iran are believed to be working to expand their influence in Jordan, possibly recruiting young Jordanians in the wake of the attack. Iran is also attempting to smuggle advanced weaponry into the region, which could dramatically destabilize the security situation.

In recent weeks, videos have been circulating online showing armed terrorists marching through refugee camps, often surrounded by civilians. These images are seen as fueling a sense of triumph among terror groups. Israeli security forces have faced criticism for not eliminating the gunmen. “These videos are serious, and we don’t take them lightly,” a senior military official said. “We are killing terrorists. Many of the leaders in Jenin are no longer walking those streets—they have been eliminated.”

Security officials explain that most of the terrorists are masked and strategically film their actions near civilians to avoid being targeted. While airstrikes remain an option, the military is being cautious to avoid unnecessary casualties, especially among children, as this could undermine Israel’s broader security objectives in Gaza, the north and the West Bank.

Source: (Excerpt from an article originally published by Ynetnews on September 8, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Hoheit (¿!)/Wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
Cry out on behalf of the Jewish people who have bravely established homes, farms and businesses in Judea and Samaria, the biblical heartland. These Israelis face terror attacks as they drive on their roads as well as threats of terror in their communities. Pray that any attacks being planned in the city of Hebron, the burial place of Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs, will be uncovered and stopped before they can be implemented.

Scripture

“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. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”

- Genesis 13:14b–17

‘Hamas Can Smuggle Hostages Out of Gaza,’ Netanyahu Warns

by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews

Friday, 6 September 2024 | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said Hamas could smuggle hostages out of Gaza in tunnels under the Philadelphi Corridor.

In an interview on Fox News, Netanyahu said. “To ask Israel to make concessions after this murder is to send a message to Hamas, ‘Murder more hostages. You’ll get more concessions.’ That’s the wrong thing to do.”

Netanyahu described the 14-kilometer (8.6-mi.) strip that runs along the Gaza–Egypt border as the gateway to Iran. “That presses Hamas. That prevents them from rearming. That prevents Gaza from becoming this Iranian terror enclave again which can threaten our existence,” he said. “It’s the way to prevent them from smuggling hostages that they keep through the ceasefire into Egypt, into the Sinai, where they can disappear and they’ll end up in Iran or in Yemen and they’re lost forever.”

When asked what he thinks about the four American hostage families who are pressuring US President Joe Biden to make a deal with Hamas over Israel. Netanyahu responded, “I don’t judge the families. They are going through enormous anguish. Some of them went through this horrible anguish of worrying about the fate of their loved ones to grieving about those who were murdered in cold blood. We have a responsibility both to get the hostages out, but also to prevent Gaza from becoming a terror enclave again.”

He denied his political interests played a role in his decisions. “I am not interested in my political future, I am interested in my country’s future. This war would be over yesterday if Hamas laid down its arms and released all the hostages. It would be over in two seconds. Hamas is refusing to do that. The obstacle to the end of this war is Hamas. The obstacle to the release of hostages is Hamas. The ones who butchered, murdering six people in cold blood, riddling them with bullets and then firing bullets into their heads is Hamas. It’s not Israel, it’s not me.”

Source: (Excerpt from an article originally published by Ynetnews on September 5, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Office of Speaker Mike Johnson/wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
Continue to cry out in prayer for the hostages still being held in captivity after eleven horrific months, praying they will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Lord has heard their weeping. Pray that any plans by Hamas to remove them from Gaza or murder them in cold blood would be foiled before they can be implemented. Beseech the Lord that they will be released quickly.

Scripture

Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled. I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows old because of all my enemies. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.

- Psalm 6:2, 6–8

Doctor by Day, Fighter Pilot by Night

by Einav Halebi ~ Ynetnews

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 | On the morning of October 7, Major (res.) Dr. D embarked on what seemed like a routine shift at the hospital. In his green scrubs, he made himself a cup of coffee—then the sirens blared.

“Seems like an operation in Gaza is about to start,” he told his wife as they retreated to their safe room in Yavne. “I’m heading to the hospital to relieve the duty officer, and later today, I might be called to the squadron.”

Dr. D isn’t just a surgical resident at Sheba Medical Center; he’s also a combat navigator for the F-16i Sufa squadron at Ramon Air Base. This unique dual role, which revealed its profound interconnectedness that morning, demanded immediate action.

“By seven, as the situation became clear, I told my wife, ‘I’m heading to the squadron.’ I changed into my flight jumpsuit, but five minutes later, the hospital called: ‘There’s an urgent surgery. You should come in early.’ I switched back to my scrubs, and moments later, the squadron called: ‘Get here as fast as you can.'”

And so, Dr. D dashed to Ramon Air Base. “I was among the first to arrive, went straight into operations and was assigned a plane. Within half an hour, we were airborne.”

Many wonder where the IAF was that morning. “I can assure you, the IAF’s mobilization was tremendous. Everyone who was called, and even those who weren’t, arrived.

Starting as an officer in the Paratroopers, Dr. D flew two sorties that Saturday and has since participated in over 120 offensive and defensive missions. “Point to a spot on the map where the IAF operates—and I can tell you we’ve been there.”

He served continuously until February but has been splitting his time between the cockpit and the operating room since. “There were days when I’d perform surgery in the morning and head to the squadron in the afternoon.”

When we met Dr. D at the hospital, he had just finished a six-hour-long surgery. At the squadron, as our interview concluded, he was called for an urgent sortie. He refused to disclose the target: perhaps Gaza, maybe Lebanon or maybe another location.

At 42, married and a father of two daughters (“My wife, Maya, is the real powerhouse”), he grew up in Bat Yam and Rishon Lezion.

Holding two of the most prestigious titles—pilot and doctor—he doesn’t consider it anything special. “I sit in traffic like everyone else, shop at the supermarket like everyone else, cook and do the dishes.” During our conversation, he was even scolded for running the washing machine at the wrong speed.

In his youth, he dreamed of being a pilot but wasn’t accepted into the course. He enlisted in the paratroopers, fought as a squad commander during Operation Defensive Shield, attended officer school and returned to the battalion as a platoon leader. After four years, he tried again—this time succeeding and completing the course as a combat navigator.

A decade later, he decided to test his luck with medical school, and wasn’t accepted on his first attempt. “In both cases, I wasn’t prepared enough,” says Dr. D. “I think if I had joined the pilot course at 18, I wouldn’t have finished it. Every success in my life started with failure.”

Eventually, Dr. D was accepted into medical school and is now in his second year of surgical residency. He sees a resemblance between combat flying and surgery: “Both push you to the edge and require precision, responsibility, decision-making under pressure and the ability to handle failure. You get no points for almost. Either you hit it or you didn’t. If you weren’t precise in altitude, you crashed. If you cut a blood vessel a millimeter off, the result could be catastrophic.”

Additionally, Dr. D notes, “Both professions involve sharp transitions on the spot. You’re on standby at the squadron, making an omelet, and suddenly there’s a siren—and within minutes, you’re airborne. You cross into another country and suddenly, you’re hit by a missile and eject. Ten minutes ago, you were making an omelet, and now you’re hanging by a parachute over enemy territory. The same goes for medicine: a patient who was stable suddenly crashes, and you find yourself in an intense resuscitation in the middle of the calmest shift.”

Flying, Dr. D says, has enhanced his medical professionalism. “The briefing and debriefing culture from the IAF significantly helped my development as a surgeon. Initially, I’d ask colleagues to film everything I did in surgery so I could debrief myself. In the IAF, we use simulators extensively, so I built myself a surgery simulator at home. A shoebox, some Velcro, a few tubes—and it significantly improves you.”

Dr. D also treats wounded soldiers. “There’s no difference between an 80-year-old or a 20-year-old patient,” he says. “We give everyone the best care. But yes—when it’s a soldier, you feel an emotional storm. So, you visit him in the middle of the night, ask how he got injured, and share a bit about your background. We’re in the same boat, whether you’re a paratrooper or an F-16 navigator.”

Balancing between the squadron and the department, Dr. D barely sees home. “Throughout the war, I’ve received full support from Sheba, allowing me to maintain balance across these three worlds.”

He read me a WhatsApp message he sent to his parents after the Iranian attack: “When we finished the briefing at the squadron and understood the weight of the moment—my entire life story converged into that moment, for which I went through everything I did. Although you weren’t there, every life path you’re part of was interwoven there. Thank you, you’re part of it.”

Source: (Excerpt from an article originally published by Ynetnews on September 10, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: IDF Spokesperson Unit/Wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
Pray for the IDF reservists—the brave men and women of Israel who maintain their regular jobs along with their duties as soldiers—and for their families who support them. As Israelis fight against those who would annihilate them, pray for continued inner strength and resilience to continue each day. Pray that all would be drawn into deeper faith and trust in the God of their forefathers who delivers them from their enemies.

Scripture

But I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.

- Psalm 70:5

Hezbollah Hit Israel’s North 1,300 Times in August, Most in One Month Since October 7

by JNS

Friday, 6 September 2024 | August was the most intense month in the conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist group so far, with more than 1,300 attacks on the Jewish state recorded, authorities said on Thursday.

According to the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), Hezbollah terrorists fired no fewer than 1,307 rockets, missiles and drones last month, up 20% from July.

The figure included the some 320 missiles and drones fired as part of Hezbollah’s August 25 attack, which the terrorist organization said came in retaliation for Israel’s targeted killing of top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

The Shin Bet recorded 855 attacks in June, 1,000 in May, 744 in April, 746 in March, and 534 in February. The August figure marked an increase of 400% compared to January, when 334 projectiles were launched across Israel’s northern border.

Between the start of the Hezbollah attacks on October 8 and December 31, a total of 2,000 attacks were recorded.

Hezbollah has attacked the Jewish state nearly every day since October 8, firing thousands of rockets, missiles and drones at Israel, killing more than 40 people and causing widespread damage. Tens of thousands of Israeli civilians remain internally displaced due to the ongoing violence.

Shortly before midnight in Israel on Wednesday night, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) said that it hit more than 10 Hezbollah “military infrastructures and launchers” at three sites in Southern Lebanon.

The launchers “posed a threat to the citizens of the State of Israel,” the IAF said.

Earlier in the day, Hezbollah fired 65 rockets from Lebanon into Israel.

Source: (Excerpt from an article originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on September 5, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today.)

Photo Credit: Ofer Zidon/Flash90/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Pray for Maj. General Ori Gordin, head of the IDF’s Northern Command, whose mission is to protect Israel’s border with Lebanon and Syria. Pray also for Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and all those who face the task of decision-making in this increasingly tense area of Israel. Pray that they will seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord, who alone is able to keep His people in safety.

Scripture

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence.”

- Psalm 4:8

Jordanian Terrorist Murders Three Israeli Civilians at Border Crossing

by Joshua Spurlock ~ Middle East Update

Monday, 9 September 2024 | A terrorist from Jordan murdered three Israeli civilians at the border crossing between the two countries on Sunday, raising concern about yet another front in the regional war with Iran and its terror proxies. According to the official IDF [Israel Defense Forces] feed on X, the gunman approached the Allenby Bridge border crossing via truck from the Jordanian side and opened fire at Israeli security forces. Three Israelis were murdered: Yuri Birnbaum, Yohanan Shchori and Adrian Marcelo Podsmesser. The terrorist was neutralized.

A post in Arabic to X by the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said the shooter acted alone. The unusual attack by a citizen of a key Israeli ally comes as the Jewish state is already at war with Iran and six other Iranian proxies and allies, including Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alluded to this broader threat in Sunday’s Cabinet meeting.

“This is a difficult day. An abhorrent terrorist murdered three of our citizens in cold blood at the Allenby Bridge. On behalf of the Government and myself, I send condolences to the families of those who were murdered,” said Netanyahu.

“We are surrounded by a murderous ideology led by Iran’s axis of evil…The murderers do not differentiate between us. They want to murder us all, right and left, secular and religious, Jews and non-Jews, until the last one.”

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was even more direct in commenting on the attack, shifting from condolences to the Iranian threat in a Hebrew post to X: “Faced with the Iranian attempts to spread terrorism to our borders and territory—we are increasing our actions and taking the initiative to thwart terrorism in Judea, Samaria and the eastern border and are ready to thwart this effort in every arena—near and far.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s main ally in the US released an unusually subdued statement on the attack. US Ambassador Jack Lew, in a post to X, expressed condolences for those killed “in a terrorist attack”, but issued no formal condemnation on the assault before shifting to other topics such as the Gaza hostage negotiations.

The tepid comments from the US may in part stem from the delicate but critical role Jordan plays in the region. While officially at peace with Israel and a key ally of the West, Jordan also has historically had strong anti-Israel sentiments in its country and even among members of its government. Middle East security analyst and author Seth Frantzman, while calling the attack at the Jordan border “rare”, went on to analyze Jordan’s complicated relationship with Israel in a series of posts on X.

“The Kingdom has not done enough to condemn the October 7 attack and spread messages of moderation; instead it has often sought to balance incitement and inflaming the situation with appeals to its backers in the West, which results in the local population getting one message and those abroad another message,” said Frantzman.

While Jordan has “always balanced this challenge,” the government’s actions have led to the threat of radicalization in the country and then subsequent appeasement of radicals, according to Frantzman. He later noted that “overall the terror threat from Jordan has been low and the Kingdom’s security service is very good. But over the last decade there have been concerning incidents. This includes Iran’s attempt to spread extremism and chaos in the Kingdom and also use the area for smuggling.”

Jordan reinforced this image on Sunday with a weak statement in the Foreign Ministry’s post on X on the attack, referencing the nation’s “firm position in rejecting and condemning violence and targeting civilians for any reason and calling for addressing all causes and escalatory steps that generate it.” The statement effectively implied Israel was to blame for the attack by ending with a “repeated warning” about the “consequences” of Israel’s war in Gaza and counterterrorism in the Judea and Samaria region that Jordan calls the “West Bank.”

In the midst of this complex interregional crisis, Israeli President Isaac Herzog underscored his nation’s resilience. “The peace agreements between Israel and its neighbors are a cornerstone of stability in the region and we trust all parties will thoroughly investigate the incident and work to prevent future attacks,” Herzog said.

He added, “This horrific act reinforces our resolve to stand firm in the face of terror and we will continue to fight with determination against terrorism and extremist elements which seek to undermine our security and the stability of the whole region.”

Source: (This article was originally published by the Middle East Update on September 8, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today.)

Photo Credit: عماد الدين المقدسي /Wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia

Prayer Focus
Pray that Iran will not be successful in its attempts to infiltrate the Kingdom of Jordan and create conditions like those in Lebanon. Pray that the border between Israel and Jordan will remain peaceful and not become yet another front on which Israel must defend herself. Pray for the comfort of the families of the three Israelis killed while working at the Allenby Crossing.

Scripture

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

- 2 Samuel 22:2b–3

South Africa Trying to Delay ICJ Genocide Case for Lack of Evidence

by JNS

Wednesday, 11 September 2024 | South Africa is attempting to extend the deadline for presenting evidence against Israel at the International Court of Justice [ICJ] in the Hague because it is unable to prove its allegations of genocide, Kan News reported on Tuesday.

The move comes some nine months after the country submitted a suit against the Jewish state over the Israel Defense Forces’ [IDF’s] conduct in the war against the Hamas terror group in Gaza, claiming that the IDF is committing genocide.

South Africa is required to submit its evidence on October 28, but is trying to extend the deadline by several months in the hope that evidence proving their genocide accusations will come from other places.

Kan noted how unusual the tactic is, as plaintiffs generally want to expedite the proceedings and the defendant, in this case Israel, wants to slow it down.

Axios reported on Monday about an Israeli campaign to exact a heavy price in the diplomatic arena for South Africa’s ICJ suit, with the Israeli Foreign Ministry in recent weeks engaged in a diplomatic effort to prevent South Africa from moving forward with the case, including sending a classified cable to the Israeli embassy in Washington and all Israeli consulates in the US.

“We are asking you to immediately work with lawmakers on the federal and state level, with governors and Jewish organizations to put pressure on South Africa to change its policy towards Israel and to make clear that continuing their current actions like supporting Hamas and pushing anti-Israeli moves in international courts will come with a heavy price,” the cable read.

Editor’s note: Israeli media reported late on Thursday that the International Court of Justice in The Hague has since refused South Africa’s request to postpone the deadline to submit evidence showing the alleged genocide.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on September 8, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Bastiaan Musscher/U.N. Photo/ICJ-CIJ/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Israeli media reported late on Thursday that the International Court of Justice in The Hague has since refused South Africa's request to postpone the deadline to submit evidence showing the alleged genocide. Praise the Lord for the ICJ’s refusal! Pray for Israel’s diplomatic corps around the world as they meet with leaders, encouraging them to apply pressure on the South African government to withdraw the charge of genocide. Ultimately, pray that the truth of Israel’s integrity will triumph.

Scripture

For strangers have risen up against me, and oppressors have sought after my life; they have not set God before them. Selah Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is with those who uphold my life. He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth.

- Psalm 54:3–5

Half of Missiles during Iran’s Attack on Israel Failed En Route

by Ariel Kahana ~ JNS via Israel Hayom

Thursday, 12 September 2024 | Iran conducted missile launch tests in August as part of its preparations to attack Israel in response to the targeted killing in Tehran of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. This was revealed on Tuesday by a Western security source involved in efforts to block the Islamic Republic’s revenge plans.

Iran decided to perform the tests before the attack itself, due to the high failure rates of the missiles launched in the major attack on Israel during the night of April 13–14, the Western source explained. The senior source, who is not Israeli, confirmed reports from news agencies that about half of the missiles Iran fired that night failed to reach Israel.

“In the days following the attack, the Iranians believed Israel was lying and didn’t believe that, aside from minor damage to the Nevatim Airbase [near Beersheva], they had failed to hit Israel at all and that their attack had essentially failed,” said the Western source.

He added, “It took them some time to understand what actually happened that night and since then they have been in a learning process. After the elimination of Ismail Haniyeh, as part of their preparations for the new attack they wanted to launch against Israel, they conducted missile tests on their territory to assess their functionality and locate the issues.”

He continued: “They are not the only ones learning from past mistakes. The US, Israel and other coalition countries that thwarted the April attack are also assessing where they can improve and how to counter any future attack. The extensive American deployment in the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, is part of this process.”

The Western source shared his experiences from that night at his country’s central command post, saying, “What we saw on the radar that night was an incredible sight. Like science fiction. At first, the drones were launched and were dealt with accordingly.

“But then, a few hours later, the ballistic missiles went up. At that moment, I asked myself if all the efforts put in by many actors to thwart such an attack and all the preparations made in the weeks leading up to it would pay off. And that’s exactly what happened. Within minutes, you saw ‘poof, poof, poof.’ The missiles disappeared from the radar. It was unbelievable.”

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate via Israel Hayom on September 11, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: X/jns.org

Prayer Focus
Give thanks to the Lord that the massive barrage of drones and missiles launched by Iran in April did not accomplish their mission. Pray for the Lord’s continued shielding of His people and the Land of Israel from their enemies. Pray for confusion among all those who work in the Iranian missile program, asking that all future “improvements” would also fail to achieve success.

Scripture

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

- 2 Samuel 22:31

PA Wants UN to Order Removal of 500,000 Jews from Biblical Heartland

by Akiva van Koningsveld ~ JNS

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 | The Palestinian Authority [PA] is circulating a draft resolution asking the United Nations General Assembly [UNGA] to urge Israel to withdraw from Judea and Samaria and remove some 500,000 Israeli citizens living in the territory within six months.

According to a report by Israel’s Channel 12 on Sunday, the resolution, which cites a July 19 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice in the Hague, is expected to be brought to a vote next week.

The 79th Session of the UNGA is scheduled to open on September 10.

In addition to demanding an end to Israel’s civilian and military presence, the draft text urges UN member states to impose sanctions on officials in Jerusalem, banning trade with Jewish businesses in Judea and Samaria and blocking weapons sales to Israel if they might be used in the area.

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon attacked the PA’s move and called on the 193 members of the UNGA to “outright reject this shameful resolution and instead adopt a resolution condemning Hamas, calling on it to release all the hostages immediately.

“Let it be clear: Nothing will stop nor deter Israel in its mission to bring back all the hostages and defeat Hamas,” the Israeli diplomat stated.

“If this resolution passes in the UNGA, exactly one year after the October 7 massacre, the most brutal massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, it would be a reward for terrorism and a message to the world that the barbaric massacre of children, the rape of women and the kidnapping of innocent civilians is a profitable move,” added Danon.

While the Palestinians have a near-automatic majority in the UNGA—including the overwhelming portion of nearly 60 Arab and Muslim governments—resolutions passed by the body are not binding.

On July 19, the International Court of Justice [ICJ], the principal judicial arm of the UN, issued a non-binding, 83-page opinion declaring Israel’s 57-year “occupation” of Judea and Samaria to be “unlawful.”

The non-binding ruling claimed that “Israeli settlements in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and eastern Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law.”

Jerusalem is “obliged to bring an end to its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible,” the UN court added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the ruling, saying that no “absurd” ICJ opinion can “deny this historical truth or the legal right of Israelis to live in their own communities in our ancestral home.”

Despite the PA’s continued efforts to undermine Israel through lawfare, the US administration insists that Ramallah be given control of the Gaza Strip following the cessation of hostilities there.

Source: (This article was originally published by the Jewish News Syndicate on September 8, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/jns.org

Prayer Focus
As the UN General Assembly prepares to vote on the PA resolution next week that would remove Jews from the biblical heartland, pray that voices of support for Israel would arise in the UN from unexpected sources. Pray for Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, that he would have a platform to speak against the “absurd” ICJ opinion, which calls the 500,000 Israelis living in Judea and Samaria “occupiers.”

Scripture

I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, in which they were strangers.

- Exodus 6:4