In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 23a
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 23a
July 18 - 22, 2011
SPECIAL EDITION: FOCUS ON THE DEBT CEILING
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
1. DEBT SHOWDOWN: OBAMA PRESSES FOR "SOMETHING BIG"
2. OBAMA WALKS OUT OF DEBT CEILING TALKS
3. ON THE DEBT: OBAMA SILENCES THE PRESS
4. REP. WEST: OBAMA NEEDS TO ADMIT HIS ECONOMIC POLICIES FAILED
5. SOCIAL INSECURITY
6. HOUSE SCHEDULES VOTE ON "CAP, CUT AND BALANCE" PLEDGE
7. REP. ALLEN WEST INTRODUCES "THE PRIORITY SPENDING ACT"
8. PRESIDENTIAL THREATS AND TANTRUMS SIGNAL NEED FOR CHANGE
9. OBAMA MEETS DALAI LAMA
1. DEBT SHOWDOWN: OBAMA PRESSES FOR "SOMETHING BIG"
Struggling to avert an unprecedented national default, congressional leaders jettisoned negotiations on a sweeping deficit-reduction package Friday despite a plea from President Barack Obama to "do something big" to stabilize America's finances. Instead, lawmakers embarked on competing fallback plans as a critical Aug. 2 deadline neared, a House Republican version given little chance of success, even by some supporters, and a bipartisan Senate approach holding out more promise to avert what Obama called financial "Armageddon."
Late Friday, the Treasury Department announced it was resorting to the final steps in an unusual series designed to avoid exceeding the current $14.3 trillion debt limit. Numerous officials have cautioned that a default will occur if the limit is not increased by Aug. 2, warning also of a calamitous effect on a national economy struggling to recover from the worst recession in decades.
At the behest of conservatives, House Republicans announced plans to vote next week on legislation to permit more borrowing automatically if Congress approves a balanced-budget constitutional amendment. Senate approval of that amendment seemed extremely unlikely in a vote set for the next few days. At the same time, Senate leaders from both parties worked on their own fallback measure that would allow Obama to raise the debt limit without a prior vote by lawmakers, discussions that now have expanded to include House officials and top White House aides. (AP) Read more.
- It is time to "circle the wagons" in prayer around the executive branch, lest reckless decisions be made in a panic based on an illusion. Take up the Sword of the Spirit and bind any influence that would cause our leaders to make hasty and unwise decisions in this pivotal moment in American history. May calmer heads prevail; and may only the perfect will of God be done for America, and for our economic well-being, in days ahead.
- "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18)
2. OBAMA WALKS OUT OF DEBT CEILING TALKS
A fourth straight day of negotiations intended to head off a possible government default ended on a tense note Wednesday, with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and President Barack Obama squaring off over the Republican's call for a short-term extension of the federal debt ceiling.
At one point, Obama said the political wrangling confirmed what the public considers to be the worst of Washington, according to Democratic sources familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of not being identified. Multiple sources, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said Obama told the gathering that "this could bring my presidency down," referring to his pledge to veto any short-term extension of the debt ceiling. Sources say he vowed, "I will not yield on this."
. . . Cantor, R-Virginia, told reporters after Wednesday's meeting that he proposed a short-term agreement to raise the federal debt ceiling, a position Obama has previously rejected. "That's when he got very agitated and said I've sat here long enough -- that no other president -- Ronald Reagan -- would sit here like this -- and that he's reached the point that something's gotta give," Cantor said, adding that Obama called for Republicans to compromise on either their insistence that a debt-ceiling hike must be matched dollar-for-dollar by spending cuts or on their opposition to any kind of tax increase.
"And he said to me, 'Eric, don't call my bluff.' He said 'I'm going to the American people with this,'" Cantor quoted Obama as saying. "I was somewhat taken aback," Cantor said. When he continued to press the issue, Cantor said, Obama "shoved back from the table, said 'I'll see you tomorrow' and walked out." (POLITICO) Read more.
- Pray for this president whose current behavior is like that of a petulant child. The president never expected to encounter obstacles; obviously he doesn't know how to deal with frustration, and his lack of maturity is being demonstrated to the American people. He has gone to the American people with an unintended message: bullying and immaturity. Pray for wisdom for Rep. Eric Cantor (R - VA) that he will stand for what he knows is right for the American economy. Remember that a "cantor" is the singer in the Jewish services; God frequently sent the musicians into battle before the warriors entered. Pray for the protection of Eric Cantor in his battle against the president's economic desires.
- "And when he [Jehoshaphat] had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and those who praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever." (2 Chronicles 20: 21)
3. ON THE DEBT: OBAMA SILENCES THE PRESS
A long-running tiff between the White House press corps and the West Wing over presidential access flared anew today when press secretary Jay Carney faced off with reporters over the right to shout questions at the president during debt talks.
Obama chafes at the time-honored practice of answering questions shouted at him during pooled, non-press conference events - and his staff has often opted for "stills sprays," excluding print reporters or TV cameras who might capture Obama in the less than flattering non-act of snubbing a query.
When asked today why TV crews and print reporters were barred from the pool covering the White House meeting with congressional leaders on the deficit, Carney responded by pointing out that the administration has held two press conferences in the past two weeks and allowed TV cameras into the spray earlier this week.
"People shouted questions at him," Carney said. He then added, "The purpose of the meeting is not to create a circus, but to negotiate, so today we're doing stills only." (POLITICO) Read more.
- President Truman had a sign which stated:"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." The sign seems to apply to President Obama. Refusing to have print reporters and cameras in the news conferences again seems to be bullying and threatening by the president. Again the president doesn't seem to understand his role of office. Pray for the media (in all its forms) that they will seek the truth and not be intimidated by any White House rules impinging on its rights. Pray against political correctness in the media and against any collusion with agencies who want to control what Americans can learn from the media.
- "A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; he purses his lips and brings about evil." (Proverbs 16: 29, 30)
4. REP. WEST: OBAMA NEEDS TO ADMIT HIS ECONOMIC POLICIES FAILED
Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) said President Barack Obama "needs to admit" his economic policies "have failed" America. To back up his assertion, West cited the national debt increase under Obama's watch.
"What people have to understand, there's one simple reason why we're in this situation right now. There has been close to $4-and-a-half trillion dollars of new debt that has come about in two-and-a-half years since President Obama took office," said West after a press conference about the Priority Spending Act of 2011. "So this is a catastrophic situation. That's more debt than from, I believe, 1776 up to 1994 almost. So that's what we're contending with."
"We're also contending with three years of an exorbitant amount of deficits - $1.42 trillion, $1.29 trillion, and then this year possibly $1.65 trillion. So those are the types of things that the president needs to admit: that his economic policies, his tax policies have failed this country." (CNSNews) Read more.
- Offer praise for the words of TRUTH now being spoken by Representatives Allen West, Michelle Bachmann, Steve King, and others that the responsibility for this current mess rests squarely with the Oval Office. You sow what you reap; and we are now reaping the consequences of an economic policy that has sent the nation towards bankruptcy. May we all walk away from this crisis with "lessons learned," and may we never repeat the mistakes of the past, again.
- "Woe to him who piles up stolen goods
and makes himself wealthy by extortion!
How long must this go on?'
Will not your creditors suddenly arise?
Will they not wake up and make you tremble?
Then you will become their prey." (Habakkuk 2:6,7)
5. SOCIAL INSECURITY
The White House may want leaders to "eat their peas" in the debt debate--but not before Obama eats his words over Social Security. Last weekend, the White House tried to get the upper hand in Debt Ceiling talks by implying that the government would start throwing seniors out on the streets if there's no deal by August 2.
On CBS's "Face the Nation," the President said he couldn't "guarantee" that the government would issue Social Security checks after August 2nd. The statement was so ridiculous that it was debunked almost immediately by one of the most liberal members of the Senate on the most liberal network in America: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). . . AARP, the country's largest retirement lobby, was next in line to criticize the tactic. The 40-million member organization fired back at Obama, asking him to stop using "irresponsible rhetoric."
The White House thinks it can create enough panic to force Republicans into a deal more favorable to the guardians of big government. But conservatives know better. The Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that there will be about "$172 billion in federal revenues in August and $307 billion in authorized expenditures. That means there's enough money to pay for, say, interest on the debt ($29 billion), Social Security ($49.2 billion), Medicare and Medicaid ($50 billion), active duty troop pay ($2.9 billion) and veterans affairs programs ($2.9 billion)."
As with any government shutdown, the President can decide which programs to fund. If he wants to play a political game of Russian roulette with seniors and the military, it's his finger on the trigger. Meanwhile, experts everywhere will just see this ploy for what it is: pathetic. "Social Security has a trust fund," Forbes magazine points out, "and that trust fund is supposed to have $2.6 trillion in it, according to the . . . trustees." (A fact verified by President Obama's own budget director). "If there are real assets in the trust fund, then Social Security can mail the checks, regardless of what Congress does about the debt limit." (Family Research Council)
- Pray that Americans will see the president's rhetoric for what it truly is: pure politics, designed to manipulate Congress. Pray that the media will reveal the truth to Americans, who will contact the White House, demanding an end to the its scare tactics; instead pray that Americans will contact Congress asking our legislative body to stand fast against any more encroachments on our economy. Ask the Lord to either remove our president from office or to renew him so that he repents to the American people for the deception that he has foisted on our citizens.
- "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent." (Revelation 3:19)
6. HOUSE SCHEDULES VOTE ON "CAP, CUT AND BALANCE" PLEDGE
House Republican lawmakers are strategizing how to get a debt deal done in short order and avoid any potential loss in the U.S. credit rating, saying Friday they will vote on legislation next Tuesday to "cap, cut and balance" the budget.
The legislation -- an extension of a pledge introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and signed by dozens of GOP lawmakers this week -- aims to reduce federal spending, impose spending caps over the next decade and require the eventual passage of a balanced-budget amendment to raise the debt ceiling. (Fox News) Read more.
- Please PRAY that Speaker Boehner (R-OH) and his Republican colleagues will HOLD FIRM and REFUSE to RAISE the Debt Ceiling.
- "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously." (Psalm 37:21)
7. REP. ALLEN WEST INTRODUCES "THE PRIORITY SPENDING ACT"
CNS News is reporting that Rep. Allen West has introduced the Priority Spending Act, which would require the federal government to fund the following obligations, in order, before any others when it reaches the statutory debt limit:
(1) Amounts necessary to carry out the authority of the Department of the Treasury provided in section 3123 of title 31, United States Code, to pay with legal tender the principal and interest on debt held by the public.
(2) Such amounts as the Secretary of Defense (and the Secretary of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) determines to be necessary to continue to provide pay and allowances (without interruption) to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including reserve components thereof who perform active service.
(3) Such amounts as the president certifies to the Congress are necessary to carry out vital national security priorities.
(4) Amounts necessary to carry out the authority of the Commissioner of Social Security to pay monthly old-age, survivors', and disability insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act.
- Pray for passage of this bill and other similar pieces of legislation now on the House calendar. Offer praise that this 112th Congress has come to town to get a job done, and they are doing it: reining in reckless spending and bringing our beloved nation once more into a position of fiscal responsibility. Pray!
- ". . . he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)
8. PRESIDENTIAL THREATS AND TANTRUMS SIGNAL NEED FOR CHANGE
When people are dependent on the government, the government can then threaten them, as the president has threatened senior citizens, the disabled and veterans with withholding life sustaining needs to get what he wants. Good stewardship is not spending taxpayer money to renovate Islamic mosques in other countries, or to fund Obamat's disbanded grass roots organizing group, ACORN, in its re-birthed subsidiaries, or nation building efforts with a terrorist organization such as the Moslem Brotherhood, or the murderous Planned Parenthood, or funding Moslem businesses overseas. Good stewardship is also not robbing the Social Security Trust Fund to fund other government programs. This must be stopped.
This nation is at a crossroads. Obama storming out of a meeting invoking Ronald Reagan and throwing a passive aggressive temper tantrum is not good reason to continue government spending at lethal levels. National security and the general welfare of the public are at stake. Now more than ever we need to collectively become a 2 Chronicles 7:14 people, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Our sin is not following the word of God in the first place and it has gotten us into a lot of trouble. Let's change that. Let's decide today to change the course of this nation. (Bill Wilson: The Daily Jot; edited)
- Even though Obama is supposed to have studied Constitutional law in college, he seems not to know that the American government is "of the people, by the people, and for the people." His understanding of the Constitution is to ignore it. Contact your senators and representatives and let them know that they are working for you. Remind any who are on VP Biden's committee on economic policy to tell the Vice President and the President who's the boss here: the American people. Pray that Americans will turn back to God and seek His face and repent for the sins of our nation. Lift your voices loudly and clearly so that not only does the Lord hear but so do our neighbors and our Congress.
- "Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me and such as breathe out violence . . ." (Psalm 27:12)
9. OBAMA MEETS DALAI LAMA
Saturday's meeting (July 16) in the White House Map Room was expected to last at least 30 minutes and will be closed to the news media. But the Obama administration said the question of Tibet was likely to come up.
"Obama will highlight his enduring support for dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the Chinese government to resolve differences," the White House said on Friday. "This meeting underscores the president's strong support for the preservation of Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the protection of human rights for Tibetans," it said. China accuses the Dalai Lama of being a separatist who supports the use of violence to set up an independent Tibet.
"Saturday's White House meeting comes at an extra sensitive moment for China, the US' biggest creditor, with leaders in Washington at odds over how to raise the $14,300bn debt ceiling in time to avoid default. China holds more than $1,000bn in Treasury debt and would be particularly exposed should Congress fail to reach a deal by August 2. A US default could rocket up interest rates, sink the value of the dollar and hurt the global economy. Beijing has urged Washington to "adopt responsible policies and measures to guarantee the interests of investors." Obama has asked for congressional leaders to give him proposals by Saturday on how to advance talks on a deal." (Financial Times; Reurters) Read more.
- Take up the Sword of the Spirit and sever any and all ties and covenants that were made today between the Dalai Lama and the President of the United States: Barack Hussein Obama. Bind all spirits of Tibetan Buddhism off of Obama's mind; and ask God to bring cleansing, healing, deliverance and salvation to the man in the Oval Office. May the Gospel of SALVATION be established in the mind of this man, and may he come to know his true Father in heaven. Amen.
- "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Heb. 4:13)
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 23b
July 18 - 22, 2011
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
FOCUS ON ISRAEL
1. US, EUROPEAN LEGISLATORS OPPOSED TO PALESTINIAN UNILATERALISM
2. CONGRESSWOMAN ROS-LEHTINEN: STRONGLY OPPOSES U.N. VOTE
3. PEACE PROCESS GAPS TOO WIDE FOR QUARTET DIPLOMACY
4. QUARTET CONTINUES TO INSIST ON 1967 LINES
5. ISRAEL CALLS FOR RENEWED PEACE TALKS
6. ISRAEL SETS MARITIME BORDERS
7. FLY-IN DOESN'T REALLY GET OFF THE GROUND
8. QASSAM ROCKET DAMAGES HOUSE
1. US, EUROPEAN LEGISLATORS OPPOSED TO PALESTINIAN UNILATERALISM
Palestinian aspirations for United Nations' recognition of a Palestinian state took another symbolic blow late last week, as legislators in both Europe and the US made clear their opposition to the unilateral Palestinian move. The US House of Representatives, a branch of the Congress [US parliament], passed a non-binding resolution that threatens the Palestinians that going to the UN will have "serious implications" for US aid to them and "harm United States-Palestinian relations."
Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post reported that around 100 European Parliament members endorsed a letter asking Europe to discourage Palestinian unilateralism. Both expressions come as the Palestinians faced a Friday [July 15] deadline to file for a Security Council vote on UN recognition so it can take place during this September's General Assembly meetings.
According to The Jerusalem Post, the European parliamentarians' letter calls for renewed negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and upon the EU to "discourage unilateral Palestinian efforts to attain UN recognition." The letter was sent to European Union foreign affairs head Catharine Ashton and was addressed to her and the different EU member nations.
The letter contained strong words for the dangers of Palestinian unilateralism saying that while a peace deal will require "difficult compromises" by both sides, "Palestinian unilateralism at the UN would erode the room for such compromises by committing current and future Palestinians to non-negotiated positions. A unilateral move will not bring reconciliation; it will not bring stability; it will not bring peace. Rather, it will most likely fell the peace process for good."
The letter also expressed fears that Palestinian unilateralism will unrealistically raise Palestinian expectations, which could lead to violence if they are disappointed. (By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 11, 2011)
- Pray that international pressure will be successfully placed on the Palestinians, keeping them from moving toward UN recognition of statehood, forcing them into negotiations based on recognition of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state in the region.
- "He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." (Psalm 98:3)
2. CONGRESSWOMAN ROS-LEHTINEN: STRONGLY OPPOSES U.N. VOTE
US legislator and the head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, was even stronger. In a statement on the Committee Web site, Ros-Lehtinen slammed the Palestinians and their leader Mahmoud Abbas. "Whenever the Palestinian leadership, past and present, has actually been asked to sign a peace agreement with Israel, it has always refused," said Ros-Lehtinen.
She noted that "the Palestinian Authority [PA] has rejected every offer of peace from Israel. The PA has refused to negotiate directly with Israel. The PA has refused to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. It has failed to crack down on violent extremism and anti-Israel incitement . . . "Instead of negotiating directly with Israel, the Palestinian Authority is pursuing unilateral recognition of a 'Palestinian state' from various foreign governments, with an eye on recognition of such a state by the UN this fall. Palestinian leaders also keep threatening violence to extract concessions." (Bridges for Peace)
- Offer praise for this strong statement made by Rep. Ros-Lehtinen of the truth. It is not Israel who has been guilty of delaying these peace talks; it has been the Palestinians, all along. Pray for the safety of this member of Congress and all who serve with her, and ask our Lord to cause many others in Congress to lift their voices on behalf of Israel and the truth. Amen.
- "In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it- one from the house of David- one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness." (Isaiah 16:5)
3. PEACE PROCESS GAPS TOO WIDE FOR QUARTET DIPLOMACY
The Mideast Quartet-consisting of the US, European Union, Russia and the United Nations-was unable to present a public statement on the Israel-Palestinian following a dinner meeting of Quartet representatives on Monday [July 11], with a US senior administration official saying afterwards that the gaps between the Israelis and Palestinians are still too large for public diplomacy by the Quartet.
Speaking to reporters in comments posted on the US State Department Web site, the US official nonetheless attempted to sound optimistic about the meeting. However, the lack of a statement following the meeting implies possible disagreement between the different Quartet members as to how the international community should move forward. The US official cast the lack of a joint statement aside, noting that not all meetings have such statements. He said the high-level Quartet representatives described their discussion-which was on comparing notes and where to go next in attempting to jumpstart dormant Israel-Palestinian peace talks-as "excellent and substantive with a full and complete exchange of views."
The official explained this instance of public silence as due to the ineffectiveness at this time of a public statement on the peace process in light of the differences between Israel and the Palestinians. He said that when the sides were ready to resume talks, the Quartet could mark it with a public statement, noting there's "a time and a place" for both public and private diplomatic steps.
"The principals concluded this evening, based on their recent conversations with the parties, that there are still gaps that are impeding progress," said the US official. "And they concluded that realistically, for the Quartet, more work needs to be done to close those gaps before the Quartet can go forth publicly with the kinds of statements that might allow the parties to actually break through the impasse . . . We need to do more work privately, quietly with the parties, in order to see if we can't close these gaps." The senior administration official took care not to publicly specify what those gaps are.
With the Mideast negotiations process remaining deadlocked, he noted that "we still have a lot of work to do. I can't measure it for you . . . Ultimately, it's up to them [Israel and the Palestinians]. They've got to make the tough decisions. All we can do-and it's important, but what we do is offer a way to help." (By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 13, 2011)
- Pray that any and all negotiations and diplomatic initiatives regarding the peace process be directed by the Lord Himself, that His will and His will alone be done.
- "And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God." (Nehemiah 6:16)
4. QUARTET CONTINUES TO INSIST ON 1967 LINES
The Quartet representatives did reiterate their support for the speech given by US President Barack Obama in May, although that private agreement was also not expressed officially in a joint statement. In that speech Obama called for negotiations to be based upon the 1967 lines with agreed upon land swaps.
The 1967 lines were armistice lines between Israel and several Arab states, including Jordan and Egypt, prior to the Six-Day War. Used in this context, such a territorial concession by Israel in peace talks would basically give the Palestinians the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip. Obama's proclamation has the potential to harm Israel's negotiating stance by already conceding how much territory Israel would hand over to the Palestinians in a hypothetical deal.
On Tuesday [July 12], US spokesperson Victoria Nuland said in comments posted on the State Department Web site that the Quartet had already issued a statement in May appreciative of Obama's speech on the process and "advocating moving forward to the table based on the vision that the President put forward," and therefore did not need to do another one at this time.
Regarding the meeting on Monday, the US official said the Quartet members felt the sides need to "resume direct negotiations without delay or preconditions and to begin with a preparatory phase of talks to maximize the chances of success." (Bridges for Peace)
- God, move all the world to recognize that, in the words of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "Israel will not return to the indefensible boundaries of 1967." His position has been clear: "Israel will be generous on the size of the Palestinian state, but we'll be very firm on where we put the border with it. . . Peace must be anchored in security." May all the nations of the world honor the word of this "king" of Israel!
- [Regarding the 1967 lines]: "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)
5. ISRAEL CALLS FOR RENEWED PEACE TALKS
Along those lines, Israel resumed its call for immediate renewal of talks with the Palestinians on Monday. In a statement posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said in a meeting with Greek President Karolos Papoulias "that he was ready to sit down with the Palestinians tomorrow morning and begin direct negotiations and expressed his regrets that they were refusing."
On Tuesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated those preconditions. In comments quoted by the Palestinian WAFA news agency, Abbas said, "We want them to agree on our basic priority; to resume the negotiations and if they agree on the settlements and borders' issues, we will go to negotiations, but if they do not, then we will go to the United Nations."
Abbas' continued demand that Israel again halt settlement construction comes despite the fact that when Israel partially froze it in 2009-10 the Palestinians did not consider it to be extensive enough to merit a return to even indirect negotiations for months. They also did not resume direct talks with the Israelis until the settlement freeze was nearing its end. (Bridges for Peace)
- Give thanks for the consistent, firm and unwavering position on the matter of resuming peace talks that the Israelis have always demonstrated. This firm attitude is a type of the Rock of our Salvation: unmoved and standing in truth. May the anointing and favor that rests upon Mr. Netanyahu continue to increase, as that of his enemies decrease. Amen.
- "Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker." (2 Samuel 3:1)
6. ISRAEL SETS MARITIME BORDERS
The Cabinet on Sunday [July 10] ratified an agreement with Cyprus which sets Israel's maritime borders. Lebanon has rejected the borders set by the two countries, claiming the state is impinging on its naval territory, but Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Israel would not cede "one centimeter." Lieberman also denied reports that the US supports Lebanon's claims, calling them "nonsense." "We have already concluded an agreement on this issue with Cyprus...Lebanon, under pressure from Hizbullah, is looking for friction, but we will not give up any part of what is rightfully ours," he said in a radio interview. The borders delineate an area thought to contain natural gas as well as oil reserves.
Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau said the Lebanese government was being petty. "If they have complaints with nothing but goodwill and neighborly desire for coexistence they must take steps just like any other civilized country-and hold clarifications and negotiations with us," he said. Landau added that Israel had constructed a professional agreement by working with "international law experts and experts from the Cypriot government. . . . The border between us and them has been unequivocally set-this is our legally and professionally-based opinion that will be placed on the table of the UN," he said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the economic benefits that could come from setting the borders. "The border delimits the state's economic rights, including the right to make use of natural resources at sea. The border Lebanon achieved in [submitted to] the UN is set significantly southward of the one offered by Israel, it conflicts with the borders set by Israel and Cyprus and, surprisingly, the borders Lebanon itself has set with Cyprus. Our goal is to set the lines in keeping with the principles of international law," he said. (Ynetnews)
- Pray that Lebanon's attempts to interfere with Israel's maritime border agreement with Cyprus, aimed at claiming areas thought to contain valuable natural resources, will be unsuccessful. Pray that Israel will maintain rights to those natural resources that are rightfully theirs.
- "But I have said to you, 'You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.' I am the LORD your God, who has separated you from the peoples." (Leviticus 20:24)
7. FLY-IN DOESN'T REALLY GET OFF THE GROUND
Activists trying to back Palestinian efforts in support of a Palestinian state and the removal of the Gaza blockade suffered another setback in their public relations. The expected 'flytilla' ended in the most part with the majority of Palestinian supporters, who tried to enter Israel via Ben Gurion Airport, being arrested at the airport and then being detained in prison prior to the authorities arranging transport for them back to their country of origin.
Several hundred activists were prevented from boarding flights in various European airports after Israel had identified them as activists who would not be allowed to remain in Israel on arrival. Two pro-Palestinian activists were deported overnight, but another 118 were still in custody. Originally some 800 activists were expected to try and land at the airport under the protest slogan of 'Welcome to Palestine'. A few groups of young Israelis went to the arrival hall and displayed placards reading 'Welcome to Israel.'
Some activists were permitted to remain in Israel after they undertook in writing not to take part in violent disorder or encourage incitement. An estimated fifty individuals managed to evade the screening and went on to the West Bank [Judea and Samaria]. (By Edgar Asher, Isranet, July 10, 2011)
- Praise the Lord that this potentially dangerous and provocative event was not successful. Thank God for the cooperation of various nations in keeping activists from boarding flights to Israel. Praise the Lord for the many people around the world who prayed for God's intervention in this situation.
- "Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, Selah. To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!" (Psalm 68:32-35)
8. QASSAM ROCKET DAMAGES HOUSE
Israelis Fear Violence Will Increase Ahead of September U.N. Vote
Two Qassam rockets were fired from Gaza late Tuesday evening [July 12], exploding in Sdot Negev Regional Council. One of the rockets lightly damaged a home, exploding just a few meters away from it, while the other landed in open spaces. No injuries were reported in the aftermath of the fire. The rocket alert was sounded at 10:15 pm, and residents also received text messages asking them to enter fortified spaces.
Sdot Negev Regional Council head Meir Yifrach said he hopes the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] will dole out a "harsh response" to the continuing fire on civilians. "I guess we're seeing the results of the upcoming September declaration," he said, referring to the Palestinian Authority's intention to appeal to the UN for a unilateral statehood declaration.
"The assessment is that there will be an escalation in violence ahead of September but I hope this will be proved false and this period goes by in peace, especially since the kids are on vacation."
The head of Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, Alon Schuster, said the rocket fire had increased over the past few weeks and also expressed fear of escalating violence. "It appears the regime in Gaza is setting itself free of the restraints it took upon itself after the anti-tank missile fired at the school bus in April," he said, adding that the council had not received any special instructions to observe during summer vacation. (Ynetnews)
- Pray that Israel's response to this latest violence will be swift and effective. Pray that the anticipated escalation in violence does not come to pass.
- "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." (Deuteronomy 28:7)
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: OTHER NATIONS
1. IRANIAN MISSILE TECHNOLOGY RAISING INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS
2. SYRIA INCREASING ARMS SHIPMENTS TO HEZBOLLAH
3. INTERPOL TELLS LEBANON TO ARREST HARIRI MURDER SUSPECTS
4. CHINA, IRAN INK MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRADE DEALS
5. ARAB SPRING HARDENING INTO SUMMER OF STALEMATES
1. IRANIAN MISSILE TECHNOLOGY RAISING INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS
Iran has claimed to have carried out in February a successful long-range missile test into the Indian Ocean with two missiles with a range of 1,900 kilometers [1,180 miles], according to the Fars News Agency. If true, that would easily put all of Israel within range of such a missile, as well as southwestern Europe, including the Ukrainian capital of Kiev.
Moscow and Athens are both 200 kilometers [124 miles] beyond that range, assuming the missiles were to originate in Iranian silos in the northwestern city of Tabriz. Meanwhile, the report comes as the UK's top diplomat has claimed the Iranians have conducted covert missile tests of missiles technically capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and Israel is expressing new concerns about Iran and North Korea's relationship.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, in comments to the UK Parliament on June 29 that were posted on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Web site, noted that Iran has been "carrying out covert ballistic missile tests and rocket launches, including testing missiles capable of delivering a nuclear payload in contravention of UN resolution 1929." The fact that Iran was conducting some missile tests in secret caught the eye of Israeli missile expert Uzi Rubin, who noted in a recent conference call sponsored by The Israel Project that Iran has in the past boasted about some of their tests. Rubin-the original national program manager of the Israeli Arrow missile defense program and who now is the owner and founder of Rubincon Defense Consulting-said in the call that about a year-and-a-half ago Iran "used every single missile test to brag and to intimidate and to make a celebration."
"All of a sudden [they are] hiding their long-range missile test. This is another question-I don't have a good answer for that." Rubin did note, however, that acquiring nuclear-capable missiles is the easiest main stage in developing nuclear weapons-acquiring nuclear materials and making the warhead are harder and take longer. He also listed at least two Iranian missiles that technically have nuclear capability.
Furthermore, Rubin pointed out that long-range missiles don't need nuclear warheads to wreak mass havoc. He said he believes, based at least in part on what he called indirect evidence, that Iran has acquired missiles unveiled by North Korea that by his calculations should travel about 3500 kilometers [2,174]. Once those missiles are operational, they would put huge portions of Europe-including the German capital of Berlin-within range. Rubin said that Paris and Brussels could be in range as well.
While he noted that Iran has repeatedly denied that they are threatening Europe, the danger to a city like Paris could be huge once Iran has enough missiles. "Although they are not equipped with nuclear warheads yet, even with the explosives, just think about 10 or 12 one-ton explosive charges exploding in a busy city in daytime," said Rubin. "The number of casualties is frightening." (Bridges for Peace)
- Pray that the Lord will keep Israel and the rest of the world safe from any threat of Iranian violence.
- "I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible." (Jeremiah 15:21)
2. SYRIA INCREASING ARMS SHIPMENTS TO HEZBOLLAH
Damascus is increasing shipments of advanced missiles and other weapons to Hezbollah amid continuing unrest in Syria, The Times of London reported Friday quoting Western intelligence officials. The officials said Syria provided Hezbollah with eight Scud D missiles that have a range of 700 kilometers. The missiles "are accurate to within tens of meters and bring all of Israel, Jordan and large parts of Turkey within Hezbollah's range," the officials were quoted by the newspaper as saying. They also said that, "This is the first time that a terror organization has obtained a missile of this type," which is considered a "strategic weapon" that "has been held only by national armies." The Times also quoted an Israeli intelligence official who said Syria "was engaged in a serious arms build-up," adding that the weapons transfers started after the revolution began in Egypt. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- We can more easily see the fulfillment of Isaiah 17:1, for Syria is becoming a horrible threat to Israel, Jordan, and Turkey. Bashar Assad is a hapless puppet in the hands of the regime currently controlling Syria. Many Christians live in Syria, and they need our prayers for protection, for their fervor for Jesus Christ has been diminished by the repression of Islam. Pray against any delivery of the missiles to the Hezbollah in Lebanon. Pray that all the missiles become duds as the Holy Spirit wipes His hand across their power.
- "Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108:13)
3. INTERPOL TELLS LEBANON TO ARREST HARIRI MURDER SUSPECTS
Interpol [international policing organization] has issued Lebanon a notice to carry out arrest warrants against the four members of Hizbullah indicted by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), security sources told Lebanon's Daily Star Saturday [July 9]. The notice by the international crime-fighting agency, the sources said, contains the full names and aliases of the four Lebanese suspects in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. However, the four may have already left Lebanon, a Lebanese news agency reported Saturday.
Hizbullah accuses the STL of being controlled by the U.S. and Israel and has vowed to block the arrest of any of its members in connection with the killing. (By The Media Line, July 10, 2011)
- Lift up every investigation being carried out by Interpol, no matter where they are active in the world. This quiet organization gets results; keep them covered in prayer! In Lebanon, pray that these suspects be found and arrested and that the true perpetrators be brought to justice.
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
4. CHINA, IRAN INK MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRADE DEALS
China and Iran on signed several on infrastructure and trade collaboration agreements Saturday, further testifying to the already strong political and economic ties between the two countries. He Guoqiang, of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Iranian Vice President Mohammad-Javad Mohammadizadeh witnessed the signing ceremony.
According to the Islamic Republic's IRNA news agency, under the agreements, Chinese companies will invest heavily in several major infrastructure projects in Iran, and will also import large quantities of chrome ore from Iran. Iran is currently China's third largest supplier of crude oil, providing China with roughly 12 percent of its total annual oil consumption.
The deals were signed as Tehran and Beijing marked 40 years of diplomatic ties. (YnetNews) Read more.
- Decree division and confusion into this signed agreement. Islam and communism cannot work long together, for both ideologies seek world domination. Any cooperation will soon lead to killing off the other. What kind of infrastructure in Iran is China thinking about? Pray that any shipping of supplies or resources between these two countries will become entangled in red tape. Pray for more outreach of the Gospel into both countries and for the protection of Christians and Jews in both nations.
- "But the Lord is with me as a mighty warrior. Therefore my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten." (Jeremiah 20:11)
5. ARAB SPRING HARDENING INTO SUMMER OF STALEMATES
Among the protest banners in Cairo's Tahrir Square was a hand-drawn map of the Arab Spring with black target symbols covering each country hit by anti-government uprisings since the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt were ousted earlier this year. But the bull's-eyes could easily be replaced with question marks as the groundswell for change has splintered into scattered and indecisive conflicts that have left thousands dead and Western policymakers juggling roles from NATO airstrikes in Libya to worried bystanders in Syria and Yemen. (USA Today)
- Only the LORD knows the plans and purposes He has in store for the nations, even as men believe they have their own agendas. Offer praise to the Lord today for His sovereignty over all; and keep a watchful eye over the activities of the Moslem Brotherhood as they attempt to gain power in each country named. Amen.
- " . . . dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations." (Psalm 22:8)
Publishing Notice
Due to the urgency of the hour regarding all negotiations on the matter of our national debt ceiling, we are releasing this portion of the OCAP to you now.
On Monday evening, the remaining two sections will also be issued: domestic and international news for prayer. Please share these prayer requests far and wide; the hour IS urgent. Thank you!
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LORD OUR GOD (Adoni Ehlohaynu)
"Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool. He is holy." (Psalm 99:5)
Lord God, how I praise You for this wonderful plan of redemption that You had before time began. Thank You that You made a way where there seemed to be no way, Lord our God. You did it back then and I thank You that You continue to work like that today. It is a privilege to be Your child.
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
