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Every week, we post seven to ten news stories from Israel with a suggested prayer focus and scripture for each one, guiding readers how to pray for Israel’s most urgent needs. This Prayer Update is also sent to over 18,000 subscribers every Friday by e-mail. Sign up HERE if you would like to receive this Prayer Update by e-mail.
US to Present New Gaza Cease-fire Proposal at Doha Summit
by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews
White House Special Envoy for the Middle East Brett McGurk
Wednesday, 14 August 2024 | The United States is set to unveil a new proposal for a cease-fire and hostage release deal at a summit in Doha on Thursday, marking what is being billed as a last-ditch effort to reach an agreement.
The Biden administration is expected to exert significant pressure on all parties to immediately approve the proposed framework, though both the White House and mediators are bracing for the possibility of its failure. Details of the new proposal, and how it differs from previous ones, remain unclear.
Last week, the White House issued a statement on behalf of the mediators, saying, “As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties.”
The proposal is anticipated to address key issues raised by both sides, but is not expected to deviate significantly from prior offers.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denied a New York Times report claiming he had toughened his stance in hostage release talks. The report cited documents outlining five new Israeli demands made in late July, including a stipulation that Israeli troops remain along the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza–Egypt border.
“Israel neither changed nor added any conditions to the outline. On the contrary, as of now, it is Hamas that has demanded 29 changes and has not responded to the original outline,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. “Israel stands firm on its principles according to the original outline: Maximizing the number of living hostages, maintaining Israeli control over the Philadelphi Corridor and preventing the passage of terrorists, weapons and ammunition to northern Gaza.”
White House Special Envoy for the Middle East Brett McGurk is scheduled to travel to Egypt for talks on the border situation before joining CIA [Central Intelligence Agency] Director William Burns in Doha for the summit.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to meet on Wednesday with members of Israel’s negotiating team, with observers closely watching to see if Mossad [Israeli intelligence agency] Director David Barnea will be granted greater latitude in the negotiations.
Photo Credit: U.S. Department of State from United States/Wikimedia.org
Photo License: Wikimedia
Prayer Focus
Pray for Israel’s leaders, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as they face considerable pressure from the US administration to agree to a cease-fire proposal. Pray that PM Netanyahu will keep his eyes upon the Lord and remain steadfast in his determination not to compromise Israel’s security in any way. Proclaim the blessing that King David spoke to his son Solomon, asking the Lord to give him wisdom and understanding.
Scripture
Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.
What to Expect from a Hezbollah Attack
by Yoav Zitun ~ Ynetnews
Israel’s Iron Dome firing a defense missile
Friday, 9 August 2024 | Israel’s defense establishment aligns with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s perspective, acknowledging that a significant portion of Hezbollah’s objectives has already been realized: the anticipation of revenge remains a top media focus in Israel without a single rocket being fired, following the assassination of Hezbollah’s top military commander Fu’ad Shukr in Beirut’s Dahieh district.
The heightened readiness of the Israeli Air Force [IAF], Home Front Command and Northern Command has entered its second week since the dual assassination, which saw the death of Shukr followed by the killing of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in an operation attributed to Israel.
Preparations were completed by the weekend, with the remaining time until Lebanon and Iran respond being used to strengthen coordination with regional allies, primarily the US, with expectations that Israel will again receive air cover and strategic depth to counter the anticipated attack.
The worst-case scenario for the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] is a coordinated, swift assault from both Iran and Lebanon, but defense and political leaders now assess the likelihood as low. Recent assessments suggest that Hezbollah will strike first, while Iran deliberates its response to Haniyeh’s assassination.
Foreign media reported that the operation in Tehran was conducted internally, in collaboration with local elements, using an explosive device, rather than a small, precise aerial strike from outside Iran. This detail is crucial; if confirmed by the ongoing Iranian investigation, it reduces the chances of a severe retaliation by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in the form of hundreds of missiles and drones targeting Israel.
According to Politico, US officials conveyed through intermediaries that if the explosion that killed Haniyeh resulted from a covert Israeli operation involving a remotely detonated device and did not harm any Iranian civilians, Tehran should reassess its plans for an attack on Israel.
Tehran is reportedly beginning to share this view, amid warnings that a broad attack on Israel could lead to direct confrontation or even war. However, sources who spoke with Politico said they still anticipate some form of Iranian response, though not immediately.
The psychological campaign
The situation with Hezbollah is different as Israeli officials assess that the response is already prepared and decided upon by the terrorist group’s leadership. Jerusalem anticipates that Hezbollah’s reaction will be powerful but focused on military targets in the north, possibly concentrating on the Haifa area, which houses several IDF bases and strategic facilities.
Additionally, alongside such an attack—which could inevitably spill over into nearby residential neighborhoods—there might be an attempt to widen the conflict by symbolically targeting areas south of Haifa, potentially in the Sharon region.
Hezbollah’s psychological achievement lies in maintaining security tension as a top issue in Israel, even though it has no current impact on the general public. The only disruption felt by tens of thousands of Israelis is the cancellation of hundreds of flights at Ben Gurion Airport during peak tourist season, but the absence of home front restrictions keeps most Israelis’ daily routines unchanged.
The waiting days of early April, between the assassination of the Revolutionary Guards’ General Mohammad Reza Zahedi in Damascus and Iran’s subsequent retaliation with approximately 500 projectiles, have hardened the public, with no rush for supplies or cancellation of major events.
The attack could last from hours to days, depending on the destructive and deadly outcomes regarding Israeli casualties. In war games conducted by security leaders, scenarios were considered where a Hezbollah attack causing significant Israeli fatalities would trigger an immediate Israeli aerial response in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s strategic assets and potentially, with government approval, civilian sites used by Hezbollah.
Security officials believe the IDF will give residents reasonable warning, from minutes to hours, to prepare and stay near or in protected areas. The military anticipates that public compliance, as observed so far, will save lives and prevent further escalation.
However, a large-scale Hezbollah attack, expected to be its most extensive since the 2006 Lebanon War, could expose weaknesses in home front readiness, particularly concerning the lack of adequate shelters.
At the start of the year, Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth revealed a new emergency plan in the Haifa metropolitan area which includes the conversion of large, covered parking lots, some underground, for use by thousands of Israelis without adequate protection. The plan, tested and tweaked in recent months, may be implemented if a Hezbollah attack necessitates it.
However, Hezbollah is expected to aim for precision, targeting military sites in the north, and may employ precision weaponry such as swarms of explosive drones that challenge Air Force detection, or precision-guided missiles from its arsenal which the terrorist group did not have in the Lebanon war of summer 2006.
Distance advantage
The IDF is cautiously optimistic about a potential attack from Iran, thanks in part to the 2,000-kilometer [1,243-mile] distance between the two nations. This distance provides ample warning time, allowing for alarms and intercept measures to be activated, with 10–15 minutes for large ballistic missiles and up to eight hours for drones.
Additional US naval ships in the region have proven effective in detection efforts, but recent history shows vulnerabilities remain. In April, five Iranian missiles breached the defense systems of foreign air forces and the Israeli Air Force [IAF], striking two bases in the north and south, causing property and infrastructure damage without casualties. It’s likely Iran has adapted its strategy and may incorporate additional attack routes through Yemen’s Houthis or pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria.
Potential for regional stabilization
Israel is exploring the possibility of leveraging current tensions to negotiate a comprehensive multi-front resolution to the last 10 months of hostilities, which have not yet escalated into a regional war. This could involve a hostage deal with Hamas to secure the release of several captives. Such an agreement might pressure Hezbollah to hold back, potentially leading to a cease-fire in the north and US-brokered talks to distance the terror group from Israel’s border. This would also allow for reconstruction in the north and south and the replenishment of IDF resources following extensive operations in Gaza.
Senior security officials advocate for this approach, which could stabilize the Middle East rather than drag Israel into a multi-front war—particularly with Lebanon—under less favorable conditions for the IDF. Without such a deal, the ongoing fight in Gaza could leave hostages trapped in dire conditions in Hamas tunnels for months or even years.
The Qatari newspaper the New Arab reports that Western officials are working to persuade regional actors to accept a new comprehensive settlement proposal. The plan aims to prevent retaliatory strikes from Iran and Hezbollah for the assassinations of Shukr and Haniyeh and to halt the war in Gaza.
In recent days, this proposal has been circulated among Western and Arab parties. It includes a cease-fire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, stable calm, a prisoner exchange, expanded humanitarian aid to Gaza and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for the region.
Photo Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer/Wikimedia.org
Photo License: Wikimedia
Prayer Focus
Pray for the citizens of Israel who have been facing the uncertainty of if, when and where Hezbollah (and Iran) will respond to the recent deaths of terrorist leaders. Pray that they will remain strong and resolute, trusting in God to protect and shield them from all harm.
Scripture
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Jewish Kitchenware Unearthed in Jerusalem’s Ancient Drainage Channel
by JNS
Finds from the ancient drainage channel, more proof of the Jewish roots of Jerusalem
Wednesday, 14 August 2024 | The secrets of the Jewish kitchen dating back two millennia to the time of the biblical Second Temple are being uncovered in Jerusalem’s ancient drainage channel, the Israel Antiquities Authority [IAA] announced on Tuesday.
Items such as expensive oils, grape seeds and 2,000-year-old eggshells were unearthed during an excavation outside the Old City walls in the drainage channel that ran under Jerusalem’s main street during the Second Temple period.
The ancient drainage channel passed under the colorful markets of Jerusalem at the foot of the Temple Mount and along the entire length of the City of David.
“Into the channel’s mouth were swept the detritus of the life above Jerusalem’s main street, where they remained preserved between the walls just as they were at the moment of the city’s destruction,” explained Ayala Zilberstein, excavation director on behalf of the IAA. “Small finds tell us a big story, from Jerusalem’s heyday of prosperity and splendor when its streets bustled with life, until the city’s ebbing moments during the rebellion against the Romans, and its total abandonment following the Temple and city’s destruction.”
In the upper layers of the soil, the excavators discovered remains from the days of the city’s destruction in 70 AD, including complete pottery lamps from the Second Temple period. The soot preserved on their rims remains as a sign of the fire that once burned inside them.
As the archaeologists dug deeper, they uncovered finds indicative of Jerusalem’s splendor and wealth during the Second Temple period, the years during which the city hummed with never-ending activity, the IAA said.
“Through this large variety of pots and dishes that accumulated in the drainage channel, we encounter nearly the complete tableware set of Jerusalem’s residents,” Zilberstein said. “In contrast to the limited set of vessels generally found when excavating a single household kitchen, the channel assemblage is drawn from many houses, and from different streets in town, thus presenting us with examples of almost all wares the city’s merchants had to offer.”
‘Connecting with history’
“In these days, when the word ‘destruction’ takes on more relevance than usual, there is great value, and it is important to look back into our past to remember where we came from and what we went through, to connect with our history, and thus gain a broader view of our life here in Israel,” said IAA director Eli Escusido. “The great wealth of finds reveals to us a magnificent city full of life, which by its nature emphasizes the magnitude of the destruction and engenders our understanding of what was lost.”
Photo Credit: Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority/jns.org
Prayer Focus
Rejoice and give thanks for yet another piece of tangible, physical proof of the millennia-long Jewish existence in Jerusalem that archaeologists recently discovered. Recall those Scriptures that proclaim Jerusalem as the eternal city, the one where the Lord has chosen to dwell.
Scripture
For the LORD has chosen Zion [Jerusalem]; He has desired it for His dwelling place.
Israeli Officials Pessimistic of Hostage Deal, ‘Sinwar Wants Regional War’
by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews
A war-torn neighborhood in Gaza
Friday, 9 August 2024 | Israeli officials on Thursday said they were not optimistic that a cease-fire and hostage release deal could be agreed despite efforts by the United States to secure one.
National Security Advisor spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday that the United States was closer than ever to securing a deal.
The [Israeli] officials said that the American efforts to reach a deal that would mitigate the risk of a regional conflict brought on by an Iranian and Hezbollah attack on Israel depend only on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who they say hopes his war against Israel would expand to encompass the entire region. They believe Sinwar has no incentive, therefore, to allow tensions to reduce.
According to a report in the UAE [United Arab Emirates] the National on Thursday, Sinwar who has replaced Ismail Haniyeh as head of the Hamas politburo after his assassination last month, informed Egyptian mediators that he would not agree to a cease-fire without a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.
He also said he opposed any involvement of the Palestinian Authority, under President Mahmoud Abbas, in the administration of Gaza after the war and any presence of an international force to secure the Strip.
Photo Credit: WAFA (Q2915969) in contract with a local company (APAimages)/Wikimedia.org
Photo License: Wikimedia
Prayer Focus
Continue to intercede for this incredibly complex situation, where agreement to Hamas’s terms will lead to an unacceptable lack of security for the residents of Israel’s southern communities. Cry out on behalf of those Israelis still held hostage in Gaza and for their loved ones, who are suffering along with them. Pray for the Lord to intervene as He did with the people of Amalek in the days of Samuel the prophet.
Scripture
Thus says the LORD of hosts: “I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt.”
Fitch Cuts Israel’s Credit Rating, Leaves Door Open to Further Downgrade
by JNS
Wednesday, 14 August 2024 | Fitch Ratings downgraded Israel’s credit rating to “A” from “A-plus” on Monday, citing heightened geopolitical risks, the ongoing Gaza war, and military activities on multiple fronts.
“Public finances have been hit and we project a budget deficit of 7.8% of GDP [gross domestic product] in 2024 and debt to remain above 70% of GDP in the medium term. In addition, World Bank Governance Indicators are likely to deteriorate, weighing on Israel’s credit profile,” Fitch said in a statement.
The agency also noted that the extension of the Gaza war, or broadening of the conflict, could further harm Israel’s economy and public finances, leading to another downgrade.
The risk of “intense operations” in Gaza going well beyond 2024 suggests continued high military spending, disruption of production in border areas and depressed tourism and construction, Fitch said.
A broader war would result not only in human losses but in more military spending, destruction of infrastructure and “more sustained damage to economic activity and investment, leading to a further deterioration of Israel’s credit metrics,” said the ratings agency.
It noted various events in the region, including the July 27 Hezbollah missile attack on Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, which killed 12 children, followed by Israel’s strike on a Hezbollah commander on July 30 and the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31, (the latter of which Israel did not take credit for).
“These attacks highlight the high level of tensions in the region and the risk of escalation that could further damage Israel’s credit profile,” it said.
The Prime Minister’s Office said, responding to the news, “The Israeli economy is strong and is functioning well. The lowering of the rating is a result of Israel having to cope with a multi-front war that was forced on it. The rating will be raised again when we win—and we will win.”
Factors Fitch cited that could lead it to upgrade Israel’s credit rating are a de-escalation of the conflicts and greater confidence that the debt-to-GDP ratio will return to a downwards trend.
Fitch projected debt-to-GDP to rise to 70% in 2024 and 72% in 2025, above the 71% peak reached during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
The credit agency expects Israel to permanently increase its military spending by close to 1.5% of GDP versus pre-war levels.
It also said that Israel will boost its border presence, expand the draft and increase domestic military production, all of which will add to spending.
Photo Credit: Pixaby/jns.org
Prayer Focus
In the midst of economic uncertainty, pray that Israeli citizens and her leader will look to the Lord for answers and not to the world’s assessment of the situation. Pray especially that the Lord will encourage those families who are struggling financially.
Scripture
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Action
An economic downgrade translates to added financial woes for the people of Israel, where many are already struggling to cover the cost of essentials like food staples and rent. The war has resulted in skyrocketing prices, plunging many more into poverty. We’ve seen the evidence in the additional calls we receive for help to make ends meet. We want to answer every call for assistance. Yet we can’t do it without your help. By donating to our Food Program today, you will take your place as the team of Christians from around the world helping to put food on empty tables, showing Israelis that they are truly not alone.
US Orders Guided Missile Submarine to Middle East Region
by Joshua Marks and Akiva van Kongingsveld ~ JNS
The Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Georgia
Tuesday, 13 August 2024 | Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Sunday and told him that ongoing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps preparations suggest Tehran is readying for another large-scale attack, said a source with knowledge of the call.
During the call with Gallant, Austin reiterated Washington’s pledge “to take every possible step to defend Israel,” a Pentagon readout stated.
Austin also noted “the strengthening of US military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions,” including the deployment of a guided missile submarine.
The USS Georgia, an Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarine, was reported to be in the Mediterranean Sea last month. It is a rare move for the United States to publicly announce a submarine’s movement.
Austin also ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group “to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group,” the Pentagon announced.
The expedited arrival follows the deployment of US Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets, which reached the area of US Central Command—the geographic command responsible for the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia—on Thursday.
According to Gallant’s office, the minister “detailed IDF [Israel Defense Forces] readiness and capabilities in the face of threats posed by Iran and its regional proxies, and discussed interoperability with the wide range of US military capabilities deployed to the region.”
“Minister Gallant highlighted the urgency of achieving an agreement for the release of hostages and thanked the US administration for its leadership and commitment to this issue.”
Iran’s unprecedented April 13 attack, which involved more than 300 missiles and explosive drones fired directly at the Jewish state, was largely thwarted, with the IDF and a coalition of international military allies shooting down most of the projectiles.
Sources close to Iran and Hezbollah have said that the expected attack will involve Tehran’s “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Yemen’s Houthis and other terrorist groups.
Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class(SW) James Kimber/jns.org
Prayer Focus
Give thanks for the pledge by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that the US will take every possible step to defend Israel and the visible proof of its intent to do so. Meanwhile, give thanks also that it is the Lord of Hosts who ultimately defends His people, although He may use earthly powers to accomplish it.
Scripture
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
The Palestinians’ Next Move Against Israel in the UN
by Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews
The United Nations building in Geneva
Monday, 12 August 2024 | The Palestinian Authority [PA] is gearing up to present a resolution at the United Nations urging countries worldwide to “distinguish their dealings with Israel from their actions in the occupied territories,” specifically referring to the West Bank [Judea and Samaria]. This proposal, set to be introduced during the first week of the 70th UN General Assembly, which starts on September 10, aims to put into practice the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem violate international law.
The Palestinian proposal will call for the cessation of trade relations with Israel in the West Bank and an embargo on the sale of weapons to Israeli security forces operating in these areas. Additionally, it will address the recognition of a Palestinian state and seek to ensure that the establishment of Israeli diplomatic buildings in these “occupied territories” does not equate to international recognition of Israeli sovereignty over them.
Palestinians will request that the UN ensure that Israel “acts in accordance with international law, including humanitarian law.” The PA also plans to ask Switzerland to convene the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to “determine collective actions to ensure its implementation.”
The proposal is expected to include a “timeline for ending the occupation” and models for a two-state solution. The PA is also considering adding a clause to establish a mechanism that would obligate Israel to pay compensation to Palestinians.
The assessment in Jerusalem is that the proposal will be brought to a vote between September 10 and September 24, with a higher likelihood that it will come in the second week of September. The proposal is expected to pass with a majority vote; however, in its initial stage, it will have limited significance or consequences against Israel.
Last month, the ICJ in The Hague published its advisory opinion on the legality of the Israeli occupation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The president of the International Court of Justice, Lebanese Judge Nawaf Salam, who has previously spoken extensively against Israel, read out the main points of the advisory opinion for about an hour and a half, stating that “the settlements are illegal and Israeli actions in the West Bank amount to annexation.”
Photo Credit: Ank gsx/Wikimedia.org
Photo License: Wikimedia
Prayer Focus
Cry out against the ungodly direction of the UN in its support of the recent ICJ ruling that declared Israel to be an occupying force in the Land of her inheritance. Pray for allies at the UN who will speak out against this resolution and for the strength of Israel’s leaders in the face of the world’s opposition.
Scripture
For thus says the LORD of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”
A Nasrallah Mistake Could Be Israel’s Opportunity to Change the North
by Yossi Yehoshua ~ Ynetnews
Hassan Nasrallah during a discussion with officials from supreme leader of Iran
Tuesday, 13 August 2024 | Tensions run high in Israel as the threat of an attack from Iran and Hezbollah looms after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the IDF’s [Israel Defense Forces] assassination of Hezbollah’s senior commander Fu’ad Shukr in Beirut.
But what will transpire once the Iranians and their Lebanon-based proxies attack will determine the rest of the war that began after the Hamas massacre of October 7.
All fronts will be affected from Iran, through Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and even the West Bank [Judea and Samaria].
It is important to remember that, amid the evaluations and speculations of what might occur and when, and as the summit to finalize a cease-fire and hostage release deal nears, their fate as well as the ability to return residents of the north to their homes, lies in the balance, as does the threat of a regional war.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah decided to attack Israel in response to Shukr’s assassination. He poses a bigger threat than Iran and can cause much more damage to Israel.
But he will not rush to bring Lebanon into a war that would leave Beirut in as much ruin as Gaza. The Lebanese population does not want war and is pressuring the government and the Shiite terror group to avoid it.
They know well that the Israeli public has shelters to protect them and defense systems to thwart much of Hezbollah’s fire.
The Lebanese have a dysfunctional government and an army that cows down to Hezbollah as well as a crippling economic crisis. “Lebanon is four times as anxious as Israel is,” a senior IDF official told Ynet. “If Nasrallah makes a mistake and launches a disproportionate attack, Israel will have the opportunity to turn the tables and launch a war that will change the reality in its north.”
The official said that the IDF will deliver a severe blow to Lebanon after the Galilee and Golan Heights have been under constant fire for the past 10 months.
A war with Hezbollah would mean Israelis will be under a more dangerous attack than they experienced from Hamas rockets fired from Gaza but that would be a price worth paying to remove the threat from the northern border. Still, such a war could compound the crisis of faith Israelis have had in their government and in the IDF since October 7.
Iran is also anxious, especially amid the US military build-up in the region and the Israeli warnings that any attack would be followed by a response.
The realization that something has changed in Israel and the international coalition that has gathered to protect it, has given the Ayatollahs pause. They still seek revenge but they are also wary of an Israeli retaliation that could shake their own failed economy and threaten the regime.
The failure of the Iranian attack on Israel in April gave more reason for doubt and the Iranians do not want to be seen again as unable to deal a blow on the “Zionist Satan.”
Photo Credit: Unknown author/Wikimedia.org
Photo License: Wikimedia
Prayer Focus
Pray for mistrust and confusion to develop between Nasrallah and the Iranian regime’s leaders. Give thanks that since the beginning of time, God has determined to have a people and land through which He would reveal Himself to the world. His everlasting covenant with the Jewish people and the Land of Israel remains unshaken by the threats of their enemies.
Scripture
Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
One Killed, One Wounded in Palestinian Terror Attack
by JNS
Israeli security and rescue forces at the site of the terror attack in the northern Jordan Valley
Monday, 12 August 2024 | One Israeli was killed and another moderately wounded when terrorists opened fire at their vehicles near the Mehola Junction in the northern Jordan Valley on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] confirmed.
“Terrorists fired from a passing vehicle at several cars in the area of the Mehola Junction on Route 90 in the [sector of the Judea and Samaria Division’s 417th] Bekaa and Emekim Brigade,” the IDF stated.
Magen David Adom [Israel’s ambulance service] medics, working alongside IDF soldiers, pronounced the death of a man in his 20s and evacuated the moderately wounded victim—a 33-year-old male with gunshot wounds to his lower body— to a hospital by helicopter, the emergency service said in a statement.
IDF troops made their way to the scene and opened a manhunt for the terrorists.
The slain victim was identified as Yonatan Deutsch, 23, from the city of Beit She’an. He recently got engaged to get married, local media said.
Last week, Palestinian terrorists twice tried to ambush IDF troops with remotely detonated roadside bombs near the Jordan Valley town of Beka’ot, located some 9 miles south-southwest of Mehola.
In the first six months of 2024, medical authorities recorded 3,272 terror attacks in Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley, including 1,868 cases of rock-throwing, 456 fire-bombings, 299 IED charges and 109 shootings.
Photo Credit: Michael Giladi/Flash90/jns.org
Prayer Focus
Pray that the IDF soldiers serving in the Jordan Valley, part of Israel’s biblical heartland, will receive intelligence of the plans of the enemy and so be able to stop these terror attacks. Pray for protection of the Israelis who are living in Judea and Samaria. Ask the Lord to comfort the family of the young man who was killed in this recent shooting.
Scripture
The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
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