Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Israel Report Volume I, Number 8a
July 28, 2013
SPECIAL EDITION: PEACE TALKS TO RESUME
"And He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"
(Exodus 33:14)
|
Headlines in This Issue
|
|||
 |
||||
- BOMBSHELL! EU REDRAWS ISRAEL BORDERS TO 1949 LINES
- PEACE TALKS EXPECTED TO RESUME
- ISRAEL RESPONDS TO RESUMPTION OF NEGOTIATIONS
- BENNETT: BAYIT YEHUDI OPPOSITION TO '67 LINES PAID OFF
- NETANYAHU TO BRING REFERENDUM BILL TO VOTE
- ISRAEL, PALESTINIANS STILL AT ODDS OVER BORDERS AHEAD OF TALKS
- NETANYAHU: PALESTINIANS WILL NEED TO MAKE CONCESSIONS
- ISRAEL TO FREE PALESTINIAN PRISONERS IN PEACE TALKS RENEWAL
- ISRAELI TERROR VICTIMS OPPOSE RELEASING TERRORISTS
- ISRAEL WILL MAKE "SERIOUS TERRITORIAL CONCESSIONS FOR PEACE"
- "THIS HAS BEEN OUR LAND FOR ALMOST 4,000 YEARS"
|
||||
|
||||
1. BOMBSHELL! EU REDRAWS ISRAEL BORDERS TO 1949 LINES
For the first time, the EU formally forbids trade with bodies located beyond 1949 Armistice lines, including Golan.
The European Union has issued orders forbidding its member states from cooperating, transferring funds, giving scholarships or research grants to bodies in Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem , and even the Golan Heights, Haaretz wrote Tuesday.
The new instruction, promulgated by the European Commission, which is the operative arm of the EU, sets parameters for cooperation between the EU and its members states, on the one hand, and Israeli governmental and private elements on the other. The instructions are for the years 2014 - 2020 and will go into force on Friday, July 18.
The decision also states that any future agreement signed with Israel must include a section that says the "settlements" are not part of sovereign Israel and therefore not included in the agreement.
A senior source in the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that the new EU decision is dramatic, and can be called "a true earthquake." (Arutz Shiva) Read more
[Reported by Hebrew National News]
- Most gracious Father, we pray that Prime Minister Netanyahu will stand with the people of Israel to provide housing and will not agree with the Palestinians to a building freeze in Judea and Samaria. God, we also pray that P.M. Netanyahu will not surrender the vast majority of land liberated in the 1967 Six Day War. Guide him to hold onto the victories won in the past. Anoint Mr. Netanyahu with the power of the Holy Spirit to not surrender Ariel or any other city to be evacuated and surrendered to the PA, who are consulting with top Fatah terrorist group officials. God, surround Israel with myriads of angels to cast out their enemies. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
- "Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless; For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you." (Proverbs 23:10-11)
[Reported by Hebrew Nation News on Sunday, July 21, 2013]
|
||||
|
||||
2. PEACE TALKS EXPECTED TO RESUME
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced last Friday the expected resumption of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians in Washington. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, reiterated his desire at the beginning of the cabinet meeting this week to see the upcoming peace negotiations succeed: "We are committed . . . to peace and security. We are now making an effort to resume the diplomatic process. I see this as a vital strategic interest of the State of Israel, first of all because we want peace." He continued, "These will not be easy negotiations, but we will enter into them with integrity, sincerity and the hope that this process will be conducted responsibly, seriously and substantively."
In remarks given while meeting Japanese Foreign Minister Mr. Fumio Kishida on Wednesday, Prime Minister Netanyahu repeated, again, his desire for peace: "We both want to see peace between Israel and the Palestinians. I hope that soon we will be able to see the beginning of peace talks. Our team is ready - we've always been ready." (Embassy of Israel) Read more.
"- 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)
|
||||
|
||||
3. ISRAEL RESPONDS TO RESUMPTION OF NEGOTIATIONS
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Saturday, 20 July 2013), released the following statement in the wake of US Secretary of State John Kerry's announcement on the resumption of the diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians:
"I view the resumption of the diplomatic process at this time as a vital strategic interest of the State of Israel. It is important in and of itself in order to try and bring about the conclusion of the conflict between us and the Palestinians, and it is important in light of the strategic challenges that are before us, mainly from Iran and Syria.
With the resumption of the diplomatic process, we are faced with two main goals: Preventing the creation of a bi-national state between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River that would endanger the future of the Jewish state and preventing the establishment of an additional Iranian-sponsored terrorist state on Israel's borders, which would endanger us no less.
I would like to thank US Secretary of State John Kerry for putting in the great efforts that have led to the resumption of the process. I expect that the talks will be conducted in a serious and responsible manner.
As Prime Minister of Israel, I am committed, first and foremost, to the security of the citizens of Israel and I will strongly uphold the security demands of the State of Israel, as well as its vital interests." (Embassy of Israel) Read more.
- Father, rise up and send angels to stand beside Prime Minister Netanyahu and hold him steady and strong to put forth a God-given plan for peace. Withhold him from making any damaging concessions that would affect negatively the State of Israel or its people. Give PM Netanyahu double godly determination to speak wisely and be unmovable in his stand to protect Israel and the future hopes of the people. Hold up Your hand against the PA leaders that their treachery, lies and deception be unveiled immediately and Netanyahu walk away. In the Name of Jesus' we pray.
- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with my eye." (Psalm 32:8)
|
||||
|
||||
4. BENNETT: BAYIT YEHUDI OPPOSITION TO '67 LINES PAID OFF
Israel's Likud Beytenu and Bayit Yehudi politicians warned against releasing prisoners and freezing settlement construction Saturday night. Party spokespersons waited until after the Sabbath to respond to US Secretary of State John Kerry's Friday-night announcement that peace talks will be renewed.
Economy Minister Naftali Bennett said his party's standing up for its principles - that it will not sit in a government that will negotiate on pre-'67 lines - proved itself. "When we insist, we can hold negotiations without preconditions, without a freeze, and certainly without the bizarre demand to base them on '67 lines," he said. "As negotiations open, we will make sure to continue regular life and construction in Judea and Samaria and Jerusalem."
Bennett also said he will not agree for the EU to take part in the negotiation, since their directive against funding in Judea and Samaria proved they are not an unbiased party. (Jerusalem Post)
- Pray for the Lord's favor and strength to be upon political leaders who, against all odds and pressures, refuse to divide the land of Israel.
- [He will be . . .] "a strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. (Isaiah 28:6)
[Reported by JNN News]
|
||||
|
||||
5. NETANYAHU TO BRING REFERENDUM BILL TO VOTE AFTER BENNETT ULTIMATUM
The government will vote on a basic law requiring a referendum on peace treaties on Sunday, after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's office distributed a copy of the legislation to ministers for review Thursday.
(July 25) Basic Law: Referendum is expected to be approved in a ministerial vote and brought to the Knesset for a first reading Wednesday.
The PMO is looking into the possibility of bringing it back for second and third (final) readings on the same day, so it would become law next week, a senior government source said.
The speedy legislative process is explained in the PMO's introduction to the bill, which reads: "In light of significant diplomatic developments leading to the opening of negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, the government sees an importance and urgency, together with talks, to pass a Basic Law requiring a referendum in the case of an agreement or government decision requiring the concession of law, judiciary and management of territory in the State of Israel."
The prime minister's quick movement on the bill comes three days after Economy Minister Naftali Bennett threatened that the Bayit Yehudi would not support the government's budget, which will be brought to a vote Monday, if no progress is made on the referendum bill. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Ask the Lord to grant His wisdom to the members of the Knesset as they consider and vote upon this very serious move. [In Israel, it takes several "readings" and votes before any bill becomes a law.]
- "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority . . ." (I Timothy 2:1-2)
|
||||
|
||||
6. ISRAEL, PALESTINIANS STILL AT ODDS OVER BORDERS AHEAD OF TALKS
Israel will not bow to the Palestinians' demand on the borders of their future state before peace talks begin but will meet their request for the release of some prisoners, Israeli officials said on Saturday. US Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday that Israel and the Palestinians had laid the groundwork to resume talks after an almost three-year stalemate, but that the deal was not final and required more diplomacy.
Remarks made Saturday by Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon and Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz suggest the sides still face major stumbling blocks before negotiations can move ahead. The Palestinians say the talks must be about establishing a future state in Judea and Samaria, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, with borders that existed before Israel captured those territories in a 1967 war. Steinitz said, "There is no chance we will agree to enter any negotiations that begin with defining territorial borders or concessions by Israel, nor a construction freeze."
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the apparent progress but did not indicate what steps Israel would take to ensure the talks resume, if any. "The resumption of the peace process is a vital strategic interest of the state of Israel," Netanyahu said in a statement. (Reuters/Arutz-7) [Reported by JNN]
- Pray government leaders in the US, Israel (and worldwide) will not seek to "divide the land," for the sake of a false peace that will never endure.
- "And I will give unto you, and to your seed after you, the land wherein you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." (Genesis 17:8)
|
||||
|
||||
7. NETANYAHU: PALESTINIANS WILL NEED TO MAKE CONCESSIONS
The Palestinians will need to make concessions during negotiations that will enable Israel to ensure its security and protect its vital national interests, PM Netanyahu said at the opening of Sunday's cabinet meeting. The prime minister stressed that any agreement would be brought to the nation in the form of a referendum for its approval.
Netanyahu reiterated that in his mind restarting the diplomatic process was a "vital" Israeli strategic interest, and that he would be guided by two principles: to thwart the creation of a bi-national state, and to prevent the establishment of another Iranian-backed terrorist state on Israel's borders. "We will need to find the balance between those two things," he said, adding that to do this the Palestinians would need to make concessions. (J.Post)
- Over the years, the Palestinians have not been willing to make one tiny concession, or a single good will gesture, towards peace with the Jewish state. Israel has made them all - only to be rewarded with further unreasonable demands from PA leaders.
- "Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. But you are forgers of lies, you are all physicians of no value. Oh that you would altogether hold your peace! And it should be your wisdom." (Job 13:3-5)
|
||||
|
||||
8. STEINITZ: ISRAEL TO FREE PALESTINIAN PRISONERS IN PEACE TALKS RENEWAL
Israel has agreed to a long-standing Palestinian demand to release Palestinian prisoners in order to resume peace talks, but will not yield on other central issues, International Relations Minister Yuval Steinitz said Saturday. "There will be some release of prisoners," Steinitz told Israel Radio. "I don't want to give numbers but there will be heavyweight prisoners who have been in jail for dozens of years. It will not be simple, but we will make that gesture." There are about 100 pre-Oslo prisoners in Israeli jails. Steinitz added there is no chance Israel will agree to "enter any negotiations that begin with defining territorial borders or concessions by Israel, or a construction freeze." (Jerusalem Post; Reported by JNN]
- Father, we look to the mighty God of Israel to combat the release of Palestinian prisoners (terrorists) for the peace talks to resume. Freed terrorists do not equate to bringing peace. We therefore, pray that the power of God will stand at the door with key and lock intact that not one terrorist be released from prison relating to peace talks. Let not the enemies of Israel be released, Lord. By the power of the Blood of Jesus, block this strategy so that there not be condemned terrorists released. In Jesus' Name.
- "Behold, God breaks down and it cannot be built again: he shuts up a man, and there can be no opening." (Job 12:14)
> > > Note: We will run a special edition on the pending release of Palestinian prisoners later today.
|
||||
|
||||
9. ISRAELI TERROR VICTIMS OPPOSE RELEASING TERRORISTS FOR NEGOTIATIONS
The majority of Israeli terror victims are opposed to releasing terrorists in order to jump start peace negotiations with the Palestinians. So says Mark Belzberg, Chairman of One Family, an Israeli organization which assists Israeli victims of Palestinian terrorism.
Belzberg is responding to a US suggestion that Israel release Palestinian terrorists from the pre-Oslo period as a goodwill gesture to encourage the Palestinian Authority to negotiate with Israel. Israel has agreed to release 82 Palestinian terrorists with blood on their hands in the course of four stages over the next eight months, yet has refused to set free Israeli Arab security prisoners. "Whenever terrorists are released, it brings back the horror and terror, even if the released terrorist wasn't the one who did it to you," said Belzberg. "It hits the terror victims in the heart. It brings back grief and anger and it is very difficult for them."
Although Israeli terror victims oppose releasing terrorists, Belzberg reports that the victims are often less opposed to releasing terrorists if it results in saving a Jewish life. "Jews are willing to do any thing to save another Jewish life," he says. "The Jewish people are willing to pay a price to save someone from injustice." For example, Belzberg says, half of the Israeli terror victims supported the Gilat Shalit prisoner exchange for this reason. Although it was painful for them to see murderers walk free and in many cases return to terror, they saw the tangible benefit that a young man was able to have his life back, he says. (United with Israel) Read more.
- Lord God, we ask You to create a more equitable plan than to release hard-core terrorists with blood on their hands to establish peace. Releasing terrorists to resume their deadly deeds for peace is an antithesis that cannot be challenged. We therefore call on the mighty God of heaven to step into these negotiations with a more intelligent and legitimate plan of negotiations. Block any plan that does not fall into Your perfect will. You know the end from the beginning, Lord. We pray in Jesus' Name.
- "And what one nation in the earth is like Your people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to Himself, and to make Him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for Your land, before Your people, which You redeemed to Yourself from Egypt, from the nations and their gods." (II Samuel 7:23)
|
||||
|
||||
10. STEINITZ: ISRAEL WILLING TO MAKE "SERIOUS TERRITORIAL CONCESSIONS FOR PEACE"
In anticipation of the upcoming renewal of peace talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians, International Relations Minister Yuval Steinitz told the The British Telegraph newspaper that Israel was willing to compromise in order to reach an agreement.
"We are prepared to make considerable concessions and it's not going to be easy," Steinitz said, The Telegraph newspaper reported on Thursday.
"We are ready for a two states for two people solution," he said.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Steinitz stated: "Both sides will have to make very significant concessions and very difficult concessions. We will probably have to make very serious territorial concessions."
"And the Palestinians will have to make also both territorial concessions - because there will be settlement blocks - but more important still they will have to recognize the very existence of the Jewish people and the Jewish state," the international relations minister added.
Steinitz added that the Palestinians refugees from the Israeli war of 1948 would also have to abandon the "right of return" to their homes.
On Jerusalem the minister was uncompromising and said that the "status quo was the only option." (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- The Jews cannot give away land that was given to them. No matter how severe the pressure set upon them to do so, thank our Lord that the strength of His Presence on the land is greater than any other force. Praise the Lord! He will protect his own.
|
||||
|
||||
11. "THIS HAS BEEN OUR LAND FOR ALMOST 4,000 YEARS"
Ministers and Members of Knesset were among those who came to the Samaria town of Shilo on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a unique new tourism center.
While there, they called to "switch discs" and to focus not on what the Palestinian Authority is asking Israel to give, but on what Israel must keep.
Minister of Economy and Trade Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) said, "My suggestion for the Israeli negotiating team is that before they sit down to talk, they come here to Givat Haroeh, because this has been our land for almost 4,000 years already.
"I promise in the name of the Israeli government that we will continue to build, and you will see it soon," he declared, in an apparent nod to reports that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promised Bennett he would allow construction tenders.
Deputy Foreign Minister Zev Elkin (Likud) said, "It's symbolic that we are meeting here as diplomatic talks begin. I think that everyone who is here and who sees this understands our place here."
He added, "In negotiations, we need to talk about why we are here. Not about why we should leave, but about why to stay forever.
"The time has come to switch discs - instead of talking about what we are giving up, we need to talk about where we are going to stay."
Like Bennett, Deputy Transportation Minister Tzipi Hotovely (Likud) expressed confidence that Jewish communities in Samaria will flourish. "I'm here to say that the 'whole land of Israel' is still the vision . . . There are many in the Israeli government who will not give these places up, and who will even be sure they are built up."
The center opened Wednesday has been called Migdal Haroeh. It includes a unique high-tech display that allows visitors to see Bible plays against a real-life backdrop. (INN) Read more.
- The covenant of the Lord -- His Word -- cannot be broken. Thank Him that He will be faithful to His Word and He will, indeed, protect His children who have lived on this land for almost 4,000 years.
- "And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the Lord their God." (Exodus 29:45-46)
The Israel Report
Volume I, Number 8b
Focus: Release of Prisoners; Focus on Judea and Samaria
"And He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" (Exodus 33:14)
Release of Prisoners:
Special Report
After a lengthy meeting today, to consider the issue, Israel's government Cabinet voted to release 104 Palestinian terrorist prisoners in a goodwill gesture to jumpstart the peace negotiations scheduled to begin this week.
The PA refused to come to the table without this release. Concluding with a vote of 13 to 7, with two abstentions, the leaders of Israel agreed this morning to release 104 Palestinian terrorists in 4 stages over a 9 month time period. If the talks break down at any point, the release of prisoners will stop. A selected committee of Israeli leaders will carefully determine which prisoners will be released and the order of their release.
Tragically, the Obama administration, through John Kerry, promised this Israeli concession to Abbas, and then pressured Israel to make it. As a result of this decision the heart of Israel has been freshly torn. For some, this move is a severe betrayal. For others, it is a necessary evil to endure. Surely, P.M. Netanyahu and this cabinet must know something that we don't know.
I suspect that the US veto, necessary to hold back the formation of a unilateral Palestinian State in the UN next month, is the issue at stake, and was the source of the successful pressure. Additionally, I suspect, the support of the USA in an attack against Iran (along with vital military supplies that Israel needs daily) were a part of the pressure applied to force this concession.
As the Prime Minister announced this prisoner release today, he visibly demonstrated much pain and sadness on his face, as he acknowledged the pain it would cause to the bereaved Jewish families, who suffered the loss of loved ones at their hands. He spoke of this move as being a great injustice against the Jewish people (a clash of the principles of justice), and a terrible thing to have to do; but that greater, more horrible things would happen if we did not agree to this release. For the sake of the nation it was necessary ("a necessary step to ensure Israel's essential national interests.").
Personally, my heart is broken for the families of those who were killed by these terrorists. It matters little that these imprisoned terrorists were convicted and jailed prior to the Oslo Accords. Their sentences were to be life behind bars, but now these murderers will be returned to the Palestinian people as heroes . . . as those, who were able to break the Jewish will and to humiliate their resolve. The families of their victims will have to endure these celebrations in honor of vicious murderers.
For the Palestinians this concession is a sign that the Jews, through the pressure applied by the nations, will give them everything they demand; a sure sign of the end of Israel. One cannot help but have the feeling that (regarding these "peace talks" to begin in Washington this Tuesday) this prisoner release agreement has put Israel at a very weak position, before they even convene at the home of John Kerry. However, I must be continually aware that the strength of YHVH will be demonstrated in greatest power when Israel is in seen in her weakest possible position. [Source Anonymous]
PRAYER REQUESTS:
--At this moment, the nation of Israel is greatly divided about this prisoner release. Many feel that they can no longer support or trust P.M. Netanyahu. PRAY FOR THE TRUTH TO COME FORTH, SO THAT ASSUMPTIONS THAT DIVIDE THE PEOPLE WILL NOT PREVAIL. PRAY FOR UNITY AMONG THE PEOPLE!
--Pray for the Prime Minister and for the plan that he is working on. Pray that it is YHVH's plan and that it will expose the deceit and wickedness being prospered through the Palestinian, Humanistic, and Islamic strategies to entrap Israel. Pray that He will be given the wisdom of the Most High
--Pray for the people to discern what is going on in this "chess game" for Israel's survival. Pray for politics and personal offense to fall away, so that wisdom and truth prevail.
--Pray that the negotiations will break down BEFORE a single prisoner is released.
--If P.M. Netanyahu is following the track that YHVH has ordained for him to walk, pray that he and his government will stand. Pray for the people to trust and to follow the lead that YHVH has ordained.
--Pray that YHVH would keep His hand heavily upon those, who are determining who is to be released . . . as well as upon those planned for release.
--Pray that the High Justice of Heaven will come down to impact this situation of Palestinian prisoners. Pray that the fear of YHVH will paralyze any plans or efforts to shed more Jewish blood at the hands of these Palestinians being released.
--Pray for YHVH's comfort to be upon the families of the terror victims. Pray that their rage will not be turned against the Israeli government, but against those nations/individuals demanding these things, and threatening Israel in the process.
--Pray, appealing to the Great Judge, for Him to rule regarding this, and all other concessions being demanded of Israel.
--Pray that the Jewish people will turn to YHVH as their helplessness and increasing weakness, arising from these evil ploys and demands, corner them in the days ahead.
--Pray for an increased power in the decree of the intercessors within Israel, regarding these developments.
- IT IS WRITTEN: "At that time Michael shall stand up,
The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
And there shall be a time of trouble,
Such as never was since there was a nation,
Even to that time.
And at that time your people shall be delivered,
Every one who is found written in the book." (Daniel 12:12)
Knesset Votes on Referendum
In addition to the prisoner release, today's cabinet approved and sent a bill to the Knesset that will require a national referendum of the citizens of Israel . . . requiring their agreement to the move . . . before any accord is assigned that will impact the territory of Israel proper (any area that is now under Israeli law and sovereign governance). That bill will be debated this week, and could come to a vote in the Knesset on Wednesday. Hopefully the bill will be amended to include all the territory that Israel now oversees in the contested territory. If amended, the settlement areas of Samaria and Judea would be included in this referendum. If passed without being amended, all the areas of the "West Bank" would not be included, and could be lost to Israel against the will of the people. It does appear that any land swap or any change in the status of Jerusalem would have to pass a vote of the people even if the government approved such a horror.
Israel must not surrender any national sovereignty to the US or to any nation or body. A great shaking is about to take place. NOTE: The Palestinian negotiating team will be headed by chief PLO negotiator, Saeb Erekat, and by the top Fatah official, Mohammed Shtayyeh. Tzipi Livni and Yitzhak Molho will head the Israeli team. (Source: Anonymous)
PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Pray for this bill to be amended immediately, so that all the contested areas will come under a public referendum requirement. Pray that it passes quickly and with a large margin.
--Pray for a new love of the Land, and for a renewed understanding of the purpose and place of the Jewish people in the plans of YHVH, will appear in the hearts and minds of the Israelis in the coming days
--If an accord, requiring land swaps and severing portions of Jerusalem, emerges (God forbid!), pray that the people of Israel will overwhelmingly vote against every one of the terms. It's time for Israel to stand alone with YHVH against the nations and against the powers of hell.
- IT IS WRITTEN: "He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans." (Job 5:12)
Legal group to Kerry: Pre-1967 lines as basis for talks contravenes US commitments
Legal Forum for Israel says any US guarantee over borders violates US promise given to then-prime minister Ariel Sharon.
Any US guarantee to the Palestinians that the upcoming negotiations with Israel will be based on the pre-1967 lines would be a violation of written US commitments given to then-prime minister Ariel Sharon, former Foreign Ministry legal adviser Alan Baker wrote in a letter sent this week to Secretary of State John Kerry.
Baker wrote the letter on behalf of the Legal Forum for Israel, along with another attorney with the group, Yossi Fuchs. The forum, formerly called the Legal Forum for the Land of Israel, was set up in the wake of the Gaza withdrawal to promote the rights of the evacuees.
The group quotes from US president George W. Bush's letter to Sharon on April 4, 2004, which it said was given as a political quid pro quo, in return for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.
According to that letter, "As part of a final peace settlement, Israel must have secure and recognized borders, which should emerge from negotiations between the parties in accordance with UNSC Resolutions 242 and 338. In light of new realities on the ground, including already existing major Israeli population centers, it is unrealistic to expect that the outcome of the final status negotiations will be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949, and all previous efforts to negotiate a two-state solution have reached the same conclusion."
These commitments were later affirmed by a large majority of the US House of Representatives, and - as Baker and Fuchs wrote to Kerry - was "also given legal affirmation as part of an Israeli governmental decision and attached to the disengagement implementation law of October 27, 2004."
The letter, however, has since been the source of contention, with former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton distancing the Obama administration from its commitments.
In June 2009 she said, "In looking at the history of the Bush administration, there were no informal or oral enforceable agreements.
That has been verified by the official record of the administration and by the personnel in the positions of responsibility."
But Elliott Abrams, who handled Middle East affairs at the National Security Council from 2001 to 2008 and was involved in drafting the letter, disputed Clinton's interpretation in an opinion piece that appeared in 2009 in The Wall Street Journal.
"These statements are incorrect," Abrams said of Clinton's remarks. "Not only were there agreements, but the prime minister of Israel relied on them in undertaking a wrenching political reorientation - the dissolution of his government, the removal of every single Israeli citizen, settlement and military position in Gaza, and the removal of four small settlements in the West Bank."
Baker and Fuchs wrote that "we would assume, and expect the US administration to uphold this presidential commitment without any reservation or change."
In addition, they wrote, "In the various documents comprising the 'Oslo Accords' (1993-99) the PLO and Israel agreed to conduct negotiations on the issue of 'borders.' The term "pre-1967 lines" has never been a factor in these agreements, nor has it figured in other accompanying documentation such as the 2003 US sponsored 'Performance- Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.'" (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
'Settlers' Answer Kerry - in Washington
The 'Samaria Foreign Ministry' meets with U.S. leaders. Congressman: Time to do away with the nonsense about '67 borders.'
The Samaria Regional Council has answered United States Secretary of State John Kerry's pressure to restart talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority with its own campaign in Washington, D.C
Samaria leaders established their own Foreign Ministry earlier this year after realizing that other groups were not going to take the lead in promoting Israeli communities in the region.
Its delegates met with more than 20 U.S. Senators and Members of Congress. "We opened a very crucial door to the world of the United States of America, to many Congressmen, many Senate members, who right now are willing to listen," Shay Attias, Samaria's Chairman of Foreign Affairs, told Arutz Sheva.
One of the delegates' best tools for arguing their point was a simple topographic map that emphasized Israel's vulnerability to attack without the hills of Samaria.
Congressman Trent Franks told Arutz Sheva that he and fellow pro-Israel Congressmembers have contacted European officials and urged them to "do away with this nonsense about the '67 borders. Those '67 borders are not defensible for Israel."
It's "outrageous" that Israel asked to go to those borders, which would make Israel helpless, he added.
Franks also denounced the pressure on Israel to release PA murderers as a precondition to talks. "No. There should be no preconditions for Israel. Israel has always tried to do everything they could to seek peace . . . To suggest that they have to release murderers. . . in order just to talk, is an outrageous injustice," he accused.
Attias reported mixed feelings after the round of overwhelmingly successful talks with U.S. leaders. "On the one hand I'm very glad because they were listening, they were willing to open their hearts and minds, and they actually proposed very practical ways to help," he said.
"However on the other hand I'm very sad, because I understand that for the past few years there was no one that actually promoted, advocated, Judea and Samaria in these very places," he lamented. The pro-Israel groups in Washington have largely avoided arguing on behalf of Israel's presence in those regions, he explained.
Samaria Regional Council head Gershon Mesika plans to continue the region's diplomatic efforts, Attias added. Delegates plan to return to both the U.S. and to Europe, where they previously managed to convince EU parliamentarians to come see Samaria for themselves - a visit that had an impact on the MPs' views.
Under Mesika's leadership, the Council has also led a successful campaign to bringIsraeli public figures to see Samaria. (INN) Read more.
- Offer praise to the Lord for the wonderful reception that was given this special delegation from Samaria when they visited key legislators on Capitol Hill this past week. Pray for "fruit that will remain" for their efforts, and that the U.S. will stand STRONG on behalf of a united Israel -- one which refuses to sacrifice Judea and Samaria for the cause of a false peace. Amen.
- " . . . for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. . . ." (Zech. 2:8)
White House Reporter Bill Koenig Accompanies Shomron Delegation on Capitol Hill
www.watch.org
I had the honor and privilege to accompany four leaders from Samaria to Capitol Hill for their meetings with 20 senators, congressmen and congresswomen on Tuesday and Wednesday.
This was the first time that any leader or group of leaders representing Samaria and/or Judea have had such extensive meetings on Capitol Hill.
Tommy Waller of HaYovel Ministries and his staff coordinated the trip along with the Shomron Regional Council. His son Joshua and Aaron Murphy did an excellent job in scheduling the meetings and coordinating the visits. God's favor was obvious in all aspects of preparation and in the success of the meetings.
[HaYovel brings 150 to 200 volunteers in late summer and early fall each year to harvest the vineyards of Samaria.]
The Shomron Regional Council represents approximately 30,000 Israeli citizens across 33 communities in the Shomron (Samaria). They also have a significant influence with the larger communities in Samaria and Judea.
The leaders from Israel were:
- Gershon Mesika, director of the Shomron Regional Council
- Yossi Dagan, assistant director of the Shomron Regional Council
- Shay Attias, director of public diplomacy for the Shomron Regional Council
- David Ha'ivri, the liaison director for the Shomron Regional Council
Putting this important week in perspective, it took three years to get a visa to the United States for Gershon Mesika through the American Consulate in Jerusalem. Despite numerous requests for a reason for the delay, they did not respond (or have to do so by law). But the reason is obvious.
It was necessary for five Congressmen to assist Yossi Dagan in getting his visa so he could join the group. . . .
[To read the entire article, go here.]
Focus: Release of Prisoners; Focus on Judea and Samaria
"And He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" (Exodus 33:14)
|
Release of Prisoners
|
|||
|
||||
Release of Prisoners:
Special Report
After a lengthy meeting today, to consider the issue, Israel's government Cabinet voted to release 104 Palestinian terrorist prisoners in a goodwill gesture to jumpstart the peace negotiations scheduled to begin this week.
The PA refused to come to the table without this release. Concluding with a vote of 13 to 7, with two abstentions, the leaders of Israel agreed this morning to release 104 Palestinian terrorists in 4 stages over a 9 month time period. If the talks break down at any point, the release of prisoners will stop. A selected committee of Israeli leaders will carefully determine which prisoners will be released and the order of their release.
Tragically, the Obama administration, through John Kerry, promised this Israeli concession to Abbas, and then pressured Israel to make it. As a result of this decision the heart of Israel has been freshly torn. For some, this move is a severe betrayal. For others, it is a necessary evil to endure. Surely, P.M. Netanyahu and this cabinet must know something that we don't know.
I suspect that the US veto, necessary to hold back the formation of a unilateral Palestinian State in the UN next month, is the issue at stake, and was the source of the successful pressure. Additionally, I suspect, the support of the USA in an attack against Iran (along with vital military supplies that Israel needs daily) were a part of the pressure applied to force this concession.
As the Prime Minister announced this prisoner release today, he visibly demonstrated much pain and sadness on his face, as he acknowledged the pain it would cause to the bereaved Jewish families, who suffered the loss of loved ones at their hands. He spoke of this move as being a great injustice against the Jewish people (a clash of the principles of justice), and a terrible thing to have to do; but that greater, more horrible things would happen if we did not agree to this release. For the sake of the nation it was necessary ("a necessary step to ensure Israel's essential national interests.").
Personally, my heart is broken for the families of those who were killed by these terrorists. It matters little that these imprisoned terrorists were convicted and jailed prior to the Oslo Accords. Their sentences were to be life behind bars, but now these murderers will be returned to the Palestinian people as heroes . . . as those, who were able to break the Jewish will and to humiliate their resolve. The families of their victims will have to endure these celebrations in honor of vicious murderers.
For the Palestinians this concession is a sign that the Jews, through the pressure applied by the nations, will give them everything they demand; a sure sign of the end of Israel. One cannot help but have the feeling that (regarding these "peace talks" to begin in Washington this Tuesday) this prisoner release agreement has put Israel at a very weak position, before they even convene at the home of John Kerry. However, I must be continually aware that the strength of YHVH will be demonstrated in greatest power when Israel is in seen in her weakest possible position. [Source Anonymous]
PRAYER REQUESTS:
--At this moment, the nation of Israel is greatly divided about this prisoner release. Many feel that they can no longer support or trust P.M. Netanyahu. PRAY FOR THE TRUTH TO COME FORTH, SO THAT ASSUMPTIONS THAT DIVIDE THE PEOPLE WILL NOT PREVAIL. PRAY FOR UNITY AMONG THE PEOPLE!
--Pray for the Prime Minister and for the plan that he is working on. Pray that it is YHVH's plan and that it will expose the deceit and wickedness being prospered through the Palestinian, Humanistic, and Islamic strategies to entrap Israel. Pray that He will be given the wisdom of the Most High
--Pray for the people to discern what is going on in this "chess game" for Israel's survival. Pray for politics and personal offense to fall away, so that wisdom and truth prevail.
--Pray that the negotiations will break down BEFORE a single prisoner is released.
--If P.M. Netanyahu is following the track that YHVH has ordained for him to walk, pray that he and his government will stand. Pray for the people to trust and to follow the lead that YHVH has ordained.
--Pray that YHVH would keep His hand heavily upon those, who are determining who is to be released . . . as well as upon those planned for release.
--Pray that the High Justice of Heaven will come down to impact this situation of Palestinian prisoners. Pray that the fear of YHVH will paralyze any plans or efforts to shed more Jewish blood at the hands of these Palestinians being released.
--Pray for YHVH's comfort to be upon the families of the terror victims. Pray that their rage will not be turned against the Israeli government, but against those nations/individuals demanding these things, and threatening Israel in the process.
--Pray, appealing to the Great Judge, for Him to rule regarding this, and all other concessions being demanded of Israel.
--Pray that the Jewish people will turn to YHVH as their helplessness and increasing weakness, arising from these evil ploys and demands, corner them in the days ahead.
--Pray for an increased power in the decree of the intercessors within Israel, regarding these developments.
- IT IS WRITTEN: "At that time Michael shall stand up,
The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
And there shall be a time of trouble,
Such as never was since there was a nation,
Even to that time.
And at that time your people shall be delivered,
Every one who is found written in the book." (Daniel 12:12)
|
Knesset Votes on Referendum
|
|||
|
||||
Knesset Votes on Referendum
In addition to the prisoner release, today's cabinet approved and sent a bill to the Knesset that will require a national referendum of the citizens of Israel . . . requiring their agreement to the move . . . before any accord is assigned that will impact the territory of Israel proper (any area that is now under Israeli law and sovereign governance). That bill will be debated this week, and could come to a vote in the Knesset on Wednesday. Hopefully the bill will be amended to include all the territory that Israel now oversees in the contested territory. If amended, the settlement areas of Samaria and Judea would be included in this referendum. If passed without being amended, all the areas of the "West Bank" would not be included, and could be lost to Israel against the will of the people. It does appear that any land swap or any change in the status of Jerusalem would have to pass a vote of the people even if the government approved such a horror.
Israel must not surrender any national sovereignty to the US or to any nation or body. A great shaking is about to take place. NOTE: The Palestinian negotiating team will be headed by chief PLO negotiator, Saeb Erekat, and by the top Fatah official, Mohammed Shtayyeh. Tzipi Livni and Yitzhak Molho will head the Israeli team. (Source: Anonymous)
PRAYER REQUESTS:
--Pray for this bill to be amended immediately, so that all the contested areas will come under a public referendum requirement. Pray that it passes quickly and with a large margin.
--Pray for a new love of the Land, and for a renewed understanding of the purpose and place of the Jewish people in the plans of YHVH, will appear in the hearts and minds of the Israelis in the coming days
--If an accord, requiring land swaps and severing portions of Jerusalem, emerges (God forbid!), pray that the people of Israel will overwhelmingly vote against every one of the terms. It's time for Israel to stand alone with YHVH against the nations and against the powers of hell.
- IT IS WRITTEN: "He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans." (Job 5:12)
|
Legal Forum for Israel: Giving Truth to the
Lies of the Talks
|
|||
|
||||
Legal group to Kerry: Pre-1967 lines as basis for talks contravenes US commitments
Legal Forum for Israel says any US guarantee over borders violates US promise given to then-prime minister Ariel Sharon.
Any US guarantee to the Palestinians that the upcoming negotiations with Israel will be based on the pre-1967 lines would be a violation of written US commitments given to then-prime minister Ariel Sharon, former Foreign Ministry legal adviser Alan Baker wrote in a letter sent this week to Secretary of State John Kerry.
Baker wrote the letter on behalf of the Legal Forum for Israel, along with another attorney with the group, Yossi Fuchs. The forum, formerly called the Legal Forum for the Land of Israel, was set up in the wake of the Gaza withdrawal to promote the rights of the evacuees.
The group quotes from US president George W. Bush's letter to Sharon on April 4, 2004, which it said was given as a political quid pro quo, in return for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.
According to that letter, "As part of a final peace settlement, Israel must have secure and recognized borders, which should emerge from negotiations between the parties in accordance with UNSC Resolutions 242 and 338. In light of new realities on the ground, including already existing major Israeli population centers, it is unrealistic to expect that the outcome of the final status negotiations will be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949, and all previous efforts to negotiate a two-state solution have reached the same conclusion."
These commitments were later affirmed by a large majority of the US House of Representatives, and - as Baker and Fuchs wrote to Kerry - was "also given legal affirmation as part of an Israeli governmental decision and attached to the disengagement implementation law of October 27, 2004."
The letter, however, has since been the source of contention, with former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton distancing the Obama administration from its commitments.
In June 2009 she said, "In looking at the history of the Bush administration, there were no informal or oral enforceable agreements.
That has been verified by the official record of the administration and by the personnel in the positions of responsibility."
But Elliott Abrams, who handled Middle East affairs at the National Security Council from 2001 to 2008 and was involved in drafting the letter, disputed Clinton's interpretation in an opinion piece that appeared in 2009 in The Wall Street Journal.
"These statements are incorrect," Abrams said of Clinton's remarks. "Not only were there agreements, but the prime minister of Israel relied on them in undertaking a wrenching political reorientation - the dissolution of his government, the removal of every single Israeli citizen, settlement and military position in Gaza, and the removal of four small settlements in the West Bank."
Baker and Fuchs wrote that "we would assume, and expect the US administration to uphold this presidential commitment without any reservation or change."
In addition, they wrote, "In the various documents comprising the 'Oslo Accords' (1993-99) the PLO and Israel agreed to conduct negotiations on the issue of 'borders.' The term "pre-1967 lines" has never been a factor in these agreements, nor has it figured in other accompanying documentation such as the 2003 US sponsored 'Performance- Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.'" (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
|
'Settlers' Answer Kerry - in Washington
|
|||
|
||||
'Settlers' Answer Kerry - in Washington
The 'Samaria Foreign Ministry' meets with U.S. leaders. Congressman: Time to do away with the nonsense about '67 borders.'
The Samaria Regional Council has answered United States Secretary of State John Kerry's pressure to restart talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority with its own campaign in Washington, D.C
Samaria leaders established their own Foreign Ministry earlier this year after realizing that other groups were not going to take the lead in promoting Israeli communities in the region.
Its delegates met with more than 20 U.S. Senators and Members of Congress. "We opened a very crucial door to the world of the United States of America, to many Congressmen, many Senate members, who right now are willing to listen," Shay Attias, Samaria's Chairman of Foreign Affairs, told Arutz Sheva.
One of the delegates' best tools for arguing their point was a simple topographic map that emphasized Israel's vulnerability to attack without the hills of Samaria.
Congressman Trent Franks told Arutz Sheva that he and fellow pro-Israel Congressmembers have contacted European officials and urged them to "do away with this nonsense about the '67 borders. Those '67 borders are not defensible for Israel."
It's "outrageous" that Israel asked to go to those borders, which would make Israel helpless, he added.
Franks also denounced the pressure on Israel to release PA murderers as a precondition to talks. "No. There should be no preconditions for Israel. Israel has always tried to do everything they could to seek peace . . . To suggest that they have to release murderers. . . in order just to talk, is an outrageous injustice," he accused.
Attias reported mixed feelings after the round of overwhelmingly successful talks with U.S. leaders. "On the one hand I'm very glad because they were listening, they were willing to open their hearts and minds, and they actually proposed very practical ways to help," he said.
"However on the other hand I'm very sad, because I understand that for the past few years there was no one that actually promoted, advocated, Judea and Samaria in these very places," he lamented. The pro-Israel groups in Washington have largely avoided arguing on behalf of Israel's presence in those regions, he explained.
Samaria Regional Council head Gershon Mesika plans to continue the region's diplomatic efforts, Attias added. Delegates plan to return to both the U.S. and to Europe, where they previously managed to convince EU parliamentarians to come see Samaria for themselves - a visit that had an impact on the MPs' views.
Under Mesika's leadership, the Council has also led a successful campaign to bringIsraeli public figures to see Samaria. (INN) Read more.
- Offer praise to the Lord for the wonderful reception that was given this special delegation from Samaria when they visited key legislators on Capitol Hill this past week. Pray for "fruit that will remain" for their efforts, and that the U.S. will stand STRONG on behalf of a united Israel -- one which refuses to sacrifice Judea and Samaria for the cause of a false peace. Amen.
- " . . . for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. . . ." (Zech. 2:8)
|
White House Reporter Accompanies Shomron
Delegation
|
|||
|
||||
White House Reporter Bill Koenig Accompanies Shomron Delegation on Capitol Hill
www.watch.org
I had the honor and privilege to accompany four leaders from Samaria to Capitol Hill for their meetings with 20 senators, congressmen and congresswomen on Tuesday and Wednesday.
This was the first time that any leader or group of leaders representing Samaria and/or Judea have had such extensive meetings on Capitol Hill.
Tommy Waller of HaYovel Ministries and his staff coordinated the trip along with the Shomron Regional Council. His son Joshua and Aaron Murphy did an excellent job in scheduling the meetings and coordinating the visits. God's favor was obvious in all aspects of preparation and in the success of the meetings.
[HaYovel brings 150 to 200 volunteers in late summer and early fall each year to harvest the vineyards of Samaria.]
The Shomron Regional Council represents approximately 30,000 Israeli citizens across 33 communities in the Shomron (Samaria). They also have a significant influence with the larger communities in Samaria and Judea.
The leaders from Israel were:
- Gershon Mesika, director of the Shomron Regional Council
- Yossi Dagan, assistant director of the Shomron Regional Council
- Shay Attias, director of public diplomacy for the Shomron Regional Council
- David Ha'ivri, the liaison director for the Shomron Regional Council
Putting this important week in perspective, it took three years to get a visa to the United States for Gershon Mesika through the American Consulate in Jerusalem. Despite numerous requests for a reason for the delay, they did not respond (or have to do so by law). But the reason is obvious.
It was necessary for five Congressmen to assist Yossi Dagan in getting his visa so he could join the group. . . .
[To read the entire article, go here.]
|
Israel Report Continues Later Tonight!
|
|||
|
||||
|
About This Alert
The Israel Report is published weekly by Capitol Hill Prayer Partners.
Permission is granted to distribute this bulletin at will. HOWEVER, WE ASK THAT YOU NOT POST ANY OF OUR PUBLICATIONS ON ANY WEBSITE WITHOUT PERMISSION. Please cite Capitol Hill Prayer Partners as the source for this information. Thank you for praying with us for our leaders and for the nation of Israel.
|
About CHPP
|
|||
|
||||
About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP)
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) welcomes all who wish to join us in prayer for our governmental leaders, and for Israel, asking that "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)
We publish "The Israel Report" every week and we now publish a Daily Brief all other weekdays, as well. News from Capitol Hill is included in the Daily Brief.
You can learn more about the work of CHPP, including its mission statement and how to subscribe others to join our network, by visiting our blog here. Bless you!
|
Thank you for your gifts!
|
|||
|
||||
We Welcome Your Gifts!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) is a 501(c)(3), tax- exempt, faith-based, ministry, dedicated to praying for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-4). CHPP relies solely on the gifts of our readers to continue this work; thus we greatly appreciate your help in supporting this publication. Offerings may be sent to: Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, P.O. Box 5152, Herndon, VA 20172-1970. Please make checks payable to: CHPP. THANK YOU!
DONATE ONLINE!
Now you can also donate online by going here.
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." (Philippians 4:23)
|
Please note
|
|||
|
||||
Editorial opinions that are occasionally cited on the Israel Report reflect the beliefs of the author and are not necessarily our own.
|
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
|
|||
|
||||
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good."
(Psalm 122:6-9)
|
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
|
|||
|
||||
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LIVING GOD
(El Khi)
O Lord, there are inexpressible yearnings within my heart, and You know them all. Only You satisfy, El Khi, Living God. My soul longs for You and I desire Your closeness and Your comfort. O Living God, how I love you. Amen.
"We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near." (Psalm 75:1)
(Source: THE NAME- HaShem: Daily Devotional Worship by Dr. Barri Cae Mallin)
Available on Amazon.com by going here.
The Israel Report
Volume I, Number 8c
SPECIAL REPORT: INSIDE ISRAEL IN THE REGION
"And He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"
(Exodus 33:14)
Photo of Excavation of King David's Palace, in Judea
Headlines: Inside Israel
1. YA'ALON ORDERS FREEZE IN PERMITS FOR EU PROJECTS IN "WEST BANK"
Israel has severed cooperation with the European Union in Area C of the West Bank in response to new measures the EU has taken against settlements. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon ordered the IDF's civil administration to cease cooperation in joint projects with the EU, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
This means that the IDF will refuse to grant new permits or renew existing permits for EU construction projects in Area C, which is territory under Israeli civil and military control. It also will not issue or renew any documents that EU personnel might need for travel in the West Bank or into Gaza from Israel.
In addition, IDF offices in the West Bank, such as the civil administration and the office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, will no longer hold work meetings with EU officials or personnel.
Some of the EU-led projects in the West Bank include a program to train Palestinian Authorit y police officers in basic and advanced policing skills, and a waste removal program.
Neither will receive Israel's cooperation any longer. (Unity Coalition for Israel) Read more.
- Offer a chorus of PRAISE before our Lord for this bold move on behalf of the authorities in Israel. As the EU has now done unto them, so it shall be done to them. This is a scriptural mandate; pray that the EU will reconsider its recent ruling accordingly. Praise God!
- "The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad. A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about. His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled." (Psalm 97:1, 3-4)
2. EU TO LIST HEZBOLLAH'S MILITARY WING AS TERRORIST ENTITY
The foreign ministers of the 28 European Union [EU] countries agreed in Brussels on Monday [July 22] to put the military wing of Lebanon's Hezbollah on the EU list of terrorist organizations, in a major reversal of policy driven by concerns over the group's activities in Europe. Referring to the Burgas terror attack against Israeli tourists on 18 July 2012, which is blamed on Hezbollah, British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who had initially proposed the decision: "When a terrorist attack takes place on European soil, there have to be consequences. Europe has to recognize that and face up to that."
In support of its bid to impose sanctions, Britain also cited a four-year jail sentence handed down by a Cypriot court in March to a Hezbollah member accused of plotting to attack Israeli interests on the island.
To assuage fears that the new measures would further radicalize the Iranian-backed group and destabilize Lebanon, the EU is to keep a political channel open to Hezbollah, ministers said on Monday. Details of the terror list, including the persons that would be affected by it, is still to be crafted.
World Jewish Congress [WJC] President Ronald S. Lauder welcomed the ministers' unanimous decision and called it a "major breakthrough". He said it was a "long overdue step that is very significant because it could help to dry up sources of funding for this organization in Europe." Lauder added that although the distinction between a military and a political wing was an artificial one because Hezbollah had a single command structure, "it will nonetheless have a positive impact if strongly enforced by all EU member nations."
The WJC president rejected the argument that blacklisting Hezbollah could lead to political destabilization in Lebanon. "The facts speak for themselves: It is Hezbollah that is destabilizing Lebanon by illegally maintaining a heavily armed paramilitary organization that threatens its neighbors. It is Hezbollah that is wreaking havoc in Syria by deploying thousands of fighters to support the Assad regime. It is Hezbollah that continues to plant bombs in many places around the world, including in Bulgaria last year. And it is high time that the world starts fighting these fanatics instead of placating them. The world did so with the Taliban in Afghanistan, and it has to do the same with Hezbollah in Lebanon. It is important that we stand united on this," he said.
Hezbollah was set up in Damascus by Iran in 1982 with the aim of fighting Israel after its invasion of Lebanon. Its involvement in the Syrian conflict is widely seen as a major factor helping President Bashar Assad to withstand a two-year popular uprising led by the Sunni Muslim majority against his rule.
- Thank the Lord that the EU has decided to label Hezbollah a terrorist group. Pray that this decision will diminish the power and influence Hezbollah has had in Europe.
- "For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." (Psalm 61:3-4)
3. IDF INTEL CHIEF WARNS: SYRIA BECOMING GLOBAL JIHAD HUB
"Syria is drawing thousands of global jihad activists and radical Muslims from the region and the world who are basing themselves in the country, not only to overthrow (President Bashar) Assad, but also to promote the vision of an Islamic state," IDF [Israel Defense Forces] Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi said Tuesday [July 23].
"Right before our eyes a center of global jihad is developing on a scale that may affect not only Syria and the borders of the State of Israel, but also Jordan and Sinai," he said at an intelligence officers' graduation ceremony, shortly after returning from a work trip to Washington. Kochavi relayed similar warning to senior American security officials.
In April, Syrian rebel group Jabhat al-Nusra, announced that it had merged with al-Qaeda's branch in Iraq to form a new entity called "The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant," and that it was taking orders from Ayman al-Zawahiri, who took over [from] Osama bin Laden as the leader of al-Qaeda.
The Levant is the traditional name referring to the region from southern Turkey to Egypt on the eastern Mediterranean.
Two weeks ago, the BBC reported that representatives of the Pakistani Taliban had visited Syria to set up a base and to assess "the needs of the jihad."
According to Maj.-Gen. Kochavi, the growing Islamist presence may affect not only Syria and the borders of the State of Israel, but Lebanon, Jordan and the Sinai Peninsula as well. "It is possible that in the long run, the winds of change will carry with them an opportunity, but in the short term, the risks are increasing and in some of the sectors, the seeds of additional threats have been sown."
The Israeli security establishment estimates that despite some recent victories by Assad's army, the civil war is far from being over. The rebels control many parts of Syria, including key cities such as Homs and Aleppo.
Hundreds of jihadists have based themselves in the southern part of the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights. Israel fears these jihadists may attempt to infiltrate Israel in order to carry out a terror attack. Renovation work on the barrier that runs along most of the Israeli-Syrian border is expected to be completed next month. (Source: Ynet News) Read more. [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
- Thank the Lord that He is in control and knows each and every person in Syria. Pray that the turmoil in Syria will end soon and that the glory of God will reign in the lives of the Syrian people.
- "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." (2 Samuel 22:3)
4. RECORD NUMBER OF CHILDREN IMMIGRANTS LAND IN ISRAEL
The 106 American children on an El Al flight that arrived Monday July 22nd has broken a record for the largest number of youngsters moving to Israel on a single flight, says Yael Katsman, spokeswoman for the Nefesh B'Nefesh, an organization that helps thousands of Jewish immigrants make Israel their home. The children who arrived, the youngest of whom is two months old, are among a total of 2,500 North American immigrants moving to Israel this summer. Also on the flight are 13 olim who have signed up to join the Israel Defense Forces. With this flight, Nefesh B'Nefesh has welcomed the thirty-five thousandth oleh whom the organization has helped make Aliyah.
With so many children on board, Nefesh B'Nefesh made special arrangements to keep the youngsters happy and occupied. In both the JFK and Ben-Gurion airports, Nefesh B'Nefesh arranged for clowns, balloon blowers, and other entertainers. On the flight, Nefesh B'Nefesh gave the children coloring books and engaged them in a variety of special activities. The arrival ceremony is included Gilad Shalit, Minister of Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver, MK Dov Lipman, and Chairman of the Jewish Agency Nathan Sharansky. There are also plans in place to ease the children's adjustment to their new lives in Israel, Katsman adds. "We work together with students entering the school system here to provide them with educational and Hebrew support," she says. The children will also receive online tutoring services to help with their Hebrew studies and other subjects. (United with Israel) Read more.
- Father, what a glorious blessing for Israel to receive these 106 American children who have made Aliyah to their homeland. We pray that they are all guided by Your Holy Spirit and all their needs are provided. How excellent is Your loving-kindness, O God, as the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with Your provision. In Jesus' Name, we offer our prayer, amen.
- "That then the Lord your God will turn your captivity, and have compassion upon you, and will return and gather you from all the nations, whither the Lord your God has scattered you. And the Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will do you good, and multiply you above your fathers." (Deuteronomy 30:3, 5)
5. ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER KING DAVID'S PALACE
Hebrew University Professor Yossi Garfinkel and Israel Antiquities Authority's Sa'ar Ganor recently uncovered what they believe was King David's Palace at Khirbet Qeiyafa, a fortified city in Judea identified with the biblical city of Sha'arayim. Archaeologists have spent the last seven years on the site, discovering unprecedented evidence of the nature of King David's reign. "The ruins are the best example to date of the uncovered fortress city of King David," Garfinkel and Ganor say. "This is indisputable proof of the existence of a central authority in Judah during the time of King David."
Garfinkel and Ganor note that the palace's southern end extended across an area of roughly 1,000 square meters (10,700 square feet) at the top of the city. The wall that enclosed the palace was about 30 meters (100 feet) long and featured an impressive entrance through which one descended to the southern gate of the city, opposite the Valley of Elah. They also discovered a number of rooms around the palace's perimeter showing evidence of a metal industry, with pottery vessels and fragments of alabaster vessels clearly imported from Egypt. . .
The discovery adds an important link to the chain of archaeological evidence, the researchers believe. It teaches us about a kingdom that "knew to establish administrative centers at strategic points. To date, no palaces [had] been found that [could] clearly be ascribed to the early tenth century BCE, as we can do now." The evidence also indicates that Khirbet Qeiyafa was destroyed in one of the battles fought against the Philistines around 980 BCE. "The palace that is now being revealed and the fortified city that was uncovered in recent years are another tier in understanding the beginning of the Kingdom of Judah." (United with Israel) Read more.
- Father, this magnificent find is truly of the Lord's doing in guiding this amazing excavation to uncover such a vast amount of evidence, proving the very existence of the city of King David. To God be all the glory for this discovery of what life was about in David's era. May Your protection be over all this great excavation. In Jesus' Name.
- "The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad. A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about. His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled." (Psalm 97:1, 3-4)
Headlines: In the Region
1. HAMAS REELING FROM EGYPTIAN CRACKDOWN ON GAZA SMUGGLING TUNNELS
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are reeling from another devastating blockade, but this time they are blaming Egypt, the neighboring Arab power they once hoped would end their isolation, rather than their old foe Israel. In a few weeks of digging, dynamiting and drenching, Cairo's troops have destroyed many of the smuggling tunnels that ran under the Egypt-Gaza border and which had provided the coastal enclave with commercial goods as well as weaponry. The Islamist Hamas government, which taxes much of the traffic through the underground passages, has been hit hard by the losses. Hamas' economy minister says tunnel closures since June have cost Gaza around $230 million. (Jerusalem Post)
- Lord God, how we thank You for directing the Egyptians to destroy many of Hamas' smuggling tunnels. They have met with the God of the universe who neither bows nor allows evil to have victory over God's people, Israel. God, continue to expose the enemy and all their entrapments and bring an end to the ungodly work of Hamas. In the powerful Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
- "And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood: and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify Myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord Jehovah." (Ezekiel 38:22-23)
2. EGYPT PREPARING OPERATING IN SINAI AGAINST GUNMEN
Gunmen in Sinai have stepped up attacks on Egypt's police there, killing three policemen in separate attacks there on Thursday [July 18]. Earlier this week three cement workers were killed in a similar incident. Now Egyptian police are massing for an offensive in Sinai, with Israel's tacit support. Israel has already allowed two infantry battalions to be deployed near the towns of Al-Arish and Rafah.
Over the past few years, the Sinai has become increasingly lawless with Bedouins, Palestinians, and other groups using Sinai for smuggling weapons and drugs into both Israel and Egypt. Some of the groups are believed tied to Al-Qai'da, others are criminals.
Egyptian media reports say the army is gearing up for a widespread operation in Sinai, which would be quietly supported by Israel. Israel has long had ties with the Egyptian army and intelligence, which were extremely close during former President Hosni Mubarak's tenure and continued even after he was forced to resign in 2011. Egypt has frequently mediated between Israel and the Islamist Hamas movement which controls Gaza, most recently after Operation Pillar of Defense last November.
Some analysts in Egypt say that despite the extra troops in Sinai, the Egyptian military is hesitant to launch an all-out attack on gunmen in Sinai.
"The army knows there is a big problem in Sinai but with all the other problems the country faces, it does not have the resources to confront this one," General Adil Suleiman of the General International Center for Future Studies told The Media Line.
Others say that the military will launch an attack in Sinai soon. "Once the situation stabilizes, the army will launch operations in the Sinai," General Samih Sif al-Yazm a military specialist at the Al-Jumhuriyya Center for Strategic Studies told The Media Line. "The problem is not a few Bedouin in a hut anymore. It has become serious." (The Media Line)
- Pray that God's hand will be sovereign in the Sinai. Pray that godly wisdom will guide the decisions that are being made and the actions that are taken throughout the region.
- "And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the LORD, be near the LORD our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day may require, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other." (1 Kings 8:59-60)
[Reported by Bridges for Peace]
3. CHRISTIANS HARASSED AND BRUTALLY EXECUTED IN EGYPT
SUMMARY: In July 2013, a group of Islamists chased a Christian businessman, killing the 41-year old and leaving his nephew deeply wounded. After a rooftop chase, the mob beat them and hacked them with axes. This atrocity allegedly happened because Emile Naseem supported the removal of the recently ousted President Morsi from office. Young Christian activists are rising up after realizing that if they do not speak up and act now, they may all be annihilated.
According to the Associated Press, Christian activist Nirvana Mamdouh, 22, said that for far too long Christians remained silent in the face of injustices. She determined it was time to act. She stated boldly, "We cannot have our freedom without blood. It is the price, what can we do?" (WIN Prayer Network) To read all the details AND the excellent prayer points/scriptures, go here.
4. EGYPTIAN MILITARY TO CRACK DOWN ON ARMED PROTEST; MOUNTING TERRORISM
Braving Washington's warning of civil strife, Egyptian Defense Minister Gen. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is not backing away from his resolve to quickly crack down, even by military force, on armed protesters using live bullets on city streets and generating chaos, on Salafist terror in Sinai coupled with a Muslim Brotherhood uprising, and on their Palestinian Hamas collaborators in the Gaza Strip. This is reported by debkafile's sources in Cairo.
When the Obama administration warned Gen. El-Sisi that his actions could generate bloodshed leading to an outbreak of civil war, the Egyptian leader replied that military inaction was the more dangerous course, because terrorism and live fire in protest demonstrations must be controlled forthwith before they too degenerated into civil warfare.
After failing to win the Egyptian defense minister around to its view, Washington announced it was suspending the delivery to the Egyptian air force of four American F-16 fighter planes, as a mark of the administration's displeasure with the military leader's approach. He showed no signs of postponing his plans . . . (DEBKA) To read the full report, go here.
- Offer praise that the new government in Egypt is ignoring Washington's advice, and is set upon dealing with these MB terrorist thugs with force. Pray for the protection of the good people of Egypt; they need our support. Amen.
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
5. TOP U.S. OFFICER URGES CAUTION ON SYRIA INTERVENTION
The top U.S. military officer has warned that intervening in Syria's civil war would cost billions of dollars, might escalate quickly and could turn into a highly risky endeavor for the United States. General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided a list of options for Congress to halt Syria's bloody conflict. It is the first time the Pentagon has explicitly described what it sees as the potential "unintended consequences" from any overt U.S. U.S. military action.
Dempsey's letter to Sens. John McCain and Carl Levin, released late Monday, detailed options ranging from training opposition forces to conducting airstrikes and enforcing a no-fly zone over Syria. Long-range strikes on Syrian military targets, he noted, would require "hundreds of aircraft, ships, submarines and other enablers," and cost "in the billions." Thousands of U.S. troops would be required if Washington wanted to establish buffer zones to protect certain geographic areas or control the proliferation of chemical weapons, the letter asserted.
It followed a testy exchange at a congressional hearing last week between Dempsey and McCain, a leading advocate of intervention, when the general testified about why the U.S. is not doing more to help opposition rebels fighting to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. (Voice of America) Read more.
- Father, we thank You for the input of top US officers in the military, who share their wisdom with our administration. We ask that this input will be taken into consideration when making decisions regarding our desire to stop the Syrian conflict. We ask that all options be considered, and that Your great wisdom will be given to our commander-in-chief of this nation, as he makes decisions that will have an impact, not only in Syria, but all of the Middle East, including Israel, and also will impact us as a nation. We know that You are involved in the affairs of nations, and we ask that You will influence our decision makers for the good of our nation, and all the other nations involved. Thank You, in Your Name, Amen.
- "For by wise counsel you can wage your war, and in an abundance of counselors there is victory and safety." (Proverbs 24:6)
6. U.S. USING SYRIAN REBEL SUPPLY LINES, PREPARES TO SEND ARMS
The United States has quietly been testing the Syrian opposition's ability to deliver food rations, medical kits and money to rebel-held areas as Washington prepares to send arms to the rebel fighters. US officials meet weekly in Turkey with Syrian opposition leaders to work out how best to keep supply lines open to rebel fighters and war-ravaged towns and districts. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Lord, we ask that You will intervene in this situation, and impart wisdom to those making these decisions, especially our president. Make him to know Your wisdom, and to make decisions that will bring glory to You, even if he does not realize he is doing so. We thank You that You do deal with nations, and the affairs of men. We pray Your will be done in this situation. Amen.
- "You are the mighty warriors who do what He says and who obey His voice. You, His armies, praise the Lord; you are His servants who do what He wants. Everything the Lord has made should praise Him in all the places He rules. My whole being, praise the Lord. God of armies, restore us! Make Your face shine, and we will be saved." (Psalm 103:20-22; Psalm 80:8)
SPECIAL REPORT: INSIDE ISRAEL IN THE REGION
"And He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"
(Exodus 33:14)
Photo of Excavation of King David's Palace, in Judea
|
Headlines: Inside Israel
|
|||
|
|
||||
Headlines: Inside Israel
- YA'ALON ORDERS FREEZE IN PERMITS FOR EU PROJECTS IN "WEST BANK"
- EU TO LIST HEZBOLLAH'S MILITARY WING AS TERRORIST ENTITY
- IDF INTEL CHIEF WARNS: SYRIA BECOMING GLOBAL JIHAD HUB
- RECORD NUMBER OF CHILDREN IMMIGRANTS LAND IN ISRAEL
- ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER KING DAVID'S PALACE
|
||||
|
|
||||
1. YA'ALON ORDERS FREEZE IN PERMITS FOR EU PROJECTS IN "WEST BANK"
Israel has severed cooperation with the European Union in Area C of the West Bank in response to new measures the EU has taken against settlements. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon ordered the IDF's civil administration to cease cooperation in joint projects with the EU, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
This means that the IDF will refuse to grant new permits or renew existing permits for EU construction projects in Area C, which is territory under Israeli civil and military control. It also will not issue or renew any documents that EU personnel might need for travel in the West Bank or into Gaza from Israel.
In addition, IDF offices in the West Bank, such as the civil administration and the office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, will no longer hold work meetings with EU officials or personnel.
Some of the EU-led projects in the West Bank include a program to train Palestinian Authorit y police officers in basic and advanced policing skills, and a waste removal program.
Neither will receive Israel's cooperation any longer. (Unity Coalition for Israel) Read more.
- Offer a chorus of PRAISE before our Lord for this bold move on behalf of the authorities in Israel. As the EU has now done unto them, so it shall be done to them. This is a scriptural mandate; pray that the EU will reconsider its recent ruling accordingly. Praise God!
- "The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad. A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about. His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled." (Psalm 97:1, 3-4)
|
||||
|
|
||||
2. EU TO LIST HEZBOLLAH'S MILITARY WING AS TERRORIST ENTITY
The foreign ministers of the 28 European Union [EU] countries agreed in Brussels on Monday [July 22] to put the military wing of Lebanon's Hezbollah on the EU list of terrorist organizations, in a major reversal of policy driven by concerns over the group's activities in Europe. Referring to the Burgas terror attack against Israeli tourists on 18 July 2012, which is blamed on Hezbollah, British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who had initially proposed the decision: "When a terrorist attack takes place on European soil, there have to be consequences. Europe has to recognize that and face up to that."
In support of its bid to impose sanctions, Britain also cited a four-year jail sentence handed down by a Cypriot court in March to a Hezbollah member accused of plotting to attack Israeli interests on the island.
To assuage fears that the new measures would further radicalize the Iranian-backed group and destabilize Lebanon, the EU is to keep a political channel open to Hezbollah, ministers said on Monday. Details of the terror list, including the persons that would be affected by it, is still to be crafted.
World Jewish Congress [WJC] President Ronald S. Lauder welcomed the ministers' unanimous decision and called it a "major breakthrough". He said it was a "long overdue step that is very significant because it could help to dry up sources of funding for this organization in Europe." Lauder added that although the distinction between a military and a political wing was an artificial one because Hezbollah had a single command structure, "it will nonetheless have a positive impact if strongly enforced by all EU member nations."
The WJC president rejected the argument that blacklisting Hezbollah could lead to political destabilization in Lebanon. "The facts speak for themselves: It is Hezbollah that is destabilizing Lebanon by illegally maintaining a heavily armed paramilitary organization that threatens its neighbors. It is Hezbollah that is wreaking havoc in Syria by deploying thousands of fighters to support the Assad regime. It is Hezbollah that continues to plant bombs in many places around the world, including in Bulgaria last year. And it is high time that the world starts fighting these fanatics instead of placating them. The world did so with the Taliban in Afghanistan, and it has to do the same with Hezbollah in Lebanon. It is important that we stand united on this," he said.
Hezbollah was set up in Damascus by Iran in 1982 with the aim of fighting Israel after its invasion of Lebanon. Its involvement in the Syrian conflict is widely seen as a major factor helping President Bashar Assad to withstand a two-year popular uprising led by the Sunni Muslim majority against his rule.
- Thank the Lord that the EU has decided to label Hezbollah a terrorist group. Pray that this decision will diminish the power and influence Hezbollah has had in Europe.
- "For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." (Psalm 61:3-4)
|
||||
|
|
||||
3. IDF INTEL CHIEF WARNS: SYRIA BECOMING GLOBAL JIHAD HUB
"Syria is drawing thousands of global jihad activists and radical Muslims from the region and the world who are basing themselves in the country, not only to overthrow (President Bashar) Assad, but also to promote the vision of an Islamic state," IDF [Israel Defense Forces] Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi said Tuesday [July 23].
"Right before our eyes a center of global jihad is developing on a scale that may affect not only Syria and the borders of the State of Israel, but also Jordan and Sinai," he said at an intelligence officers' graduation ceremony, shortly after returning from a work trip to Washington. Kochavi relayed similar warning to senior American security officials.
In April, Syrian rebel group Jabhat al-Nusra, announced that it had merged with al-Qaeda's branch in Iraq to form a new entity called "The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant," and that it was taking orders from Ayman al-Zawahiri, who took over [from] Osama bin Laden as the leader of al-Qaeda.
The Levant is the traditional name referring to the region from southern Turkey to Egypt on the eastern Mediterranean.
Two weeks ago, the BBC reported that representatives of the Pakistani Taliban had visited Syria to set up a base and to assess "the needs of the jihad."
According to Maj.-Gen. Kochavi, the growing Islamist presence may affect not only Syria and the borders of the State of Israel, but Lebanon, Jordan and the Sinai Peninsula as well. "It is possible that in the long run, the winds of change will carry with them an opportunity, but in the short term, the risks are increasing and in some of the sectors, the seeds of additional threats have been sown."
The Israeli security establishment estimates that despite some recent victories by Assad's army, the civil war is far from being over. The rebels control many parts of Syria, including key cities such as Homs and Aleppo.
Hundreds of jihadists have based themselves in the southern part of the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights. Israel fears these jihadists may attempt to infiltrate Israel in order to carry out a terror attack. Renovation work on the barrier that runs along most of the Israeli-Syrian border is expected to be completed next month. (Source: Ynet News) Read more. [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
- Thank the Lord that He is in control and knows each and every person in Syria. Pray that the turmoil in Syria will end soon and that the glory of God will reign in the lives of the Syrian people.
- "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." (2 Samuel 22:3)
|
||||
|
|
||||
4. RECORD NUMBER OF CHILDREN IMMIGRANTS LAND IN ISRAEL
The 106 American children on an El Al flight that arrived Monday July 22nd has broken a record for the largest number of youngsters moving to Israel on a single flight, says Yael Katsman, spokeswoman for the Nefesh B'Nefesh, an organization that helps thousands of Jewish immigrants make Israel their home. The children who arrived, the youngest of whom is two months old, are among a total of 2,500 North American immigrants moving to Israel this summer. Also on the flight are 13 olim who have signed up to join the Israel Defense Forces. With this flight, Nefesh B'Nefesh has welcomed the thirty-five thousandth oleh whom the organization has helped make Aliyah.
With so many children on board, Nefesh B'Nefesh made special arrangements to keep the youngsters happy and occupied. In both the JFK and Ben-Gurion airports, Nefesh B'Nefesh arranged for clowns, balloon blowers, and other entertainers. On the flight, Nefesh B'Nefesh gave the children coloring books and engaged them in a variety of special activities. The arrival ceremony is included Gilad Shalit, Minister of Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver, MK Dov Lipman, and Chairman of the Jewish Agency Nathan Sharansky. There are also plans in place to ease the children's adjustment to their new lives in Israel, Katsman adds. "We work together with students entering the school system here to provide them with educational and Hebrew support," she says. The children will also receive online tutoring services to help with their Hebrew studies and other subjects. (United with Israel) Read more.
- Father, what a glorious blessing for Israel to receive these 106 American children who have made Aliyah to their homeland. We pray that they are all guided by Your Holy Spirit and all their needs are provided. How excellent is Your loving-kindness, O God, as the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with Your provision. In Jesus' Name, we offer our prayer, amen.
- "That then the Lord your God will turn your captivity, and have compassion upon you, and will return and gather you from all the nations, whither the Lord your God has scattered you. And the Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will do you good, and multiply you above your fathers." (Deuteronomy 30:3, 5)
|
||||
|
|
||||
5. ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER KING DAVID'S PALACE
Hebrew University Professor Yossi Garfinkel and Israel Antiquities Authority's Sa'ar Ganor recently uncovered what they believe was King David's Palace at Khirbet Qeiyafa, a fortified city in Judea identified with the biblical city of Sha'arayim. Archaeologists have spent the last seven years on the site, discovering unprecedented evidence of the nature of King David's reign. "The ruins are the best example to date of the uncovered fortress city of King David," Garfinkel and Ganor say. "This is indisputable proof of the existence of a central authority in Judah during the time of King David."
Garfinkel and Ganor note that the palace's southern end extended across an area of roughly 1,000 square meters (10,700 square feet) at the top of the city. The wall that enclosed the palace was about 30 meters (100 feet) long and featured an impressive entrance through which one descended to the southern gate of the city, opposite the Valley of Elah. They also discovered a number of rooms around the palace's perimeter showing evidence of a metal industry, with pottery vessels and fragments of alabaster vessels clearly imported from Egypt. . .
The discovery adds an important link to the chain of archaeological evidence, the researchers believe. It teaches us about a kingdom that "knew to establish administrative centers at strategic points. To date, no palaces [had] been found that [could] clearly be ascribed to the early tenth century BCE, as we can do now." The evidence also indicates that Khirbet Qeiyafa was destroyed in one of the battles fought against the Philistines around 980 BCE. "The palace that is now being revealed and the fortified city that was uncovered in recent years are another tier in understanding the beginning of the Kingdom of Judah." (United with Israel) Read more.
- Father, this magnificent find is truly of the Lord's doing in guiding this amazing excavation to uncover such a vast amount of evidence, proving the very existence of the city of King David. To God be all the glory for this discovery of what life was about in David's era. May Your protection be over all this great excavation. In Jesus' Name.
- "The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad. A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about. His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled." (Psalm 97:1, 3-4)
|
Headlines: In the Region
|
|||
|
|
||||
Headlines: In the Region
- HAMAS REELING FROM EGYPTIAN CRACKDOWN ON GAZA SMUGGLING TUNNELS
- EGYPT PREPARING OPERATING IN SINAI AGAINST GUNMEN
- CHRISTIANS HARASSED AND BRUTALLY EXECUTED IN EGYPT
- EGYPTIAN MILITARY TO CRACK DOWN ON ARMED PROTEST; MOUNTING TERRORISM
- TOP U.S. OFFICER URGES CAUTION ON SYRIA INTERVENTION
- U.S. USING SYRIAN REBEL SUPPLY LINES, PREPARES TO SEND ARMS
|
||||
|
|
||||
1. HAMAS REELING FROM EGYPTIAN CRACKDOWN ON GAZA SMUGGLING TUNNELS
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are reeling from another devastating blockade, but this time they are blaming Egypt, the neighboring Arab power they once hoped would end their isolation, rather than their old foe Israel. In a few weeks of digging, dynamiting and drenching, Cairo's troops have destroyed many of the smuggling tunnels that ran under the Egypt-Gaza border and which had provided the coastal enclave with commercial goods as well as weaponry. The Islamist Hamas government, which taxes much of the traffic through the underground passages, has been hit hard by the losses. Hamas' economy minister says tunnel closures since June have cost Gaza around $230 million. (Jerusalem Post)
- Lord God, how we thank You for directing the Egyptians to destroy many of Hamas' smuggling tunnels. They have met with the God of the universe who neither bows nor allows evil to have victory over God's people, Israel. God, continue to expose the enemy and all their entrapments and bring an end to the ungodly work of Hamas. In the powerful Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
- "And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood: and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify Myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord Jehovah." (Ezekiel 38:22-23)
|
||||
|
|
||||
2. EGYPT PREPARING OPERATING IN SINAI AGAINST GUNMEN
Gunmen in Sinai have stepped up attacks on Egypt's police there, killing three policemen in separate attacks there on Thursday [July 18]. Earlier this week three cement workers were killed in a similar incident. Now Egyptian police are massing for an offensive in Sinai, with Israel's tacit support. Israel has already allowed two infantry battalions to be deployed near the towns of Al-Arish and Rafah.
Over the past few years, the Sinai has become increasingly lawless with Bedouins, Palestinians, and other groups using Sinai for smuggling weapons and drugs into both Israel and Egypt. Some of the groups are believed tied to Al-Qai'da, others are criminals.
Egyptian media reports say the army is gearing up for a widespread operation in Sinai, which would be quietly supported by Israel. Israel has long had ties with the Egyptian army and intelligence, which were extremely close during former President Hosni Mubarak's tenure and continued even after he was forced to resign in 2011. Egypt has frequently mediated between Israel and the Islamist Hamas movement which controls Gaza, most recently after Operation Pillar of Defense last November.
Some analysts in Egypt say that despite the extra troops in Sinai, the Egyptian military is hesitant to launch an all-out attack on gunmen in Sinai.
"The army knows there is a big problem in Sinai but with all the other problems the country faces, it does not have the resources to confront this one," General Adil Suleiman of the General International Center for Future Studies told The Media Line.
Others say that the military will launch an attack in Sinai soon. "Once the situation stabilizes, the army will launch operations in the Sinai," General Samih Sif al-Yazm a military specialist at the Al-Jumhuriyya Center for Strategic Studies told The Media Line. "The problem is not a few Bedouin in a hut anymore. It has become serious." (The Media Line)
- Pray that God's hand will be sovereign in the Sinai. Pray that godly wisdom will guide the decisions that are being made and the actions that are taken throughout the region.
- "And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the LORD, be near the LORD our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day may require, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other." (1 Kings 8:59-60)
[Reported by Bridges for Peace]
|
||||
|
|
||||
3. CHRISTIANS HARASSED AND BRUTALLY EXECUTED IN EGYPT
SUMMARY: In July 2013, a group of Islamists chased a Christian businessman, killing the 41-year old and leaving his nephew deeply wounded. After a rooftop chase, the mob beat them and hacked them with axes. This atrocity allegedly happened because Emile Naseem supported the removal of the recently ousted President Morsi from office. Young Christian activists are rising up after realizing that if they do not speak up and act now, they may all be annihilated.
According to the Associated Press, Christian activist Nirvana Mamdouh, 22, said that for far too long Christians remained silent in the face of injustices. She determined it was time to act. She stated boldly, "We cannot have our freedom without blood. It is the price, what can we do?" (WIN Prayer Network) To read all the details AND the excellent prayer points/scriptures, go here.
|
||||
|
|
||||
4. EGYPTIAN MILITARY TO CRACK DOWN ON ARMED PROTEST; MOUNTING TERRORISM
Braving Washington's warning of civil strife, Egyptian Defense Minister Gen. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is not backing away from his resolve to quickly crack down, even by military force, on armed protesters using live bullets on city streets and generating chaos, on Salafist terror in Sinai coupled with a Muslim Brotherhood uprising, and on their Palestinian Hamas collaborators in the Gaza Strip. This is reported by debkafile's sources in Cairo.
When the Obama administration warned Gen. El-Sisi that his actions could generate bloodshed leading to an outbreak of civil war, the Egyptian leader replied that military inaction was the more dangerous course, because terrorism and live fire in protest demonstrations must be controlled forthwith before they too degenerated into civil warfare.
After failing to win the Egyptian defense minister around to its view, Washington announced it was suspending the delivery to the Egyptian air force of four American F-16 fighter planes, as a mark of the administration's displeasure with the military leader's approach. He showed no signs of postponing his plans . . . (DEBKA) To read the full report, go here.
- Offer praise that the new government in Egypt is ignoring Washington's advice, and is set upon dealing with these MB terrorist thugs with force. Pray for the protection of the good people of Egypt; they need our support. Amen.
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
|
||||
|
|
||||
5. TOP U.S. OFFICER URGES CAUTION ON SYRIA INTERVENTION
The top U.S. military officer has warned that intervening in Syria's civil war would cost billions of dollars, might escalate quickly and could turn into a highly risky endeavor for the United States. General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided a list of options for Congress to halt Syria's bloody conflict. It is the first time the Pentagon has explicitly described what it sees as the potential "unintended consequences" from any overt U.S. U.S. military action.
Dempsey's letter to Sens. John McCain and Carl Levin, released late Monday, detailed options ranging from training opposition forces to conducting airstrikes and enforcing a no-fly zone over Syria. Long-range strikes on Syrian military targets, he noted, would require "hundreds of aircraft, ships, submarines and other enablers," and cost "in the billions." Thousands of U.S. troops would be required if Washington wanted to establish buffer zones to protect certain geographic areas or control the proliferation of chemical weapons, the letter asserted.
It followed a testy exchange at a congressional hearing last week between Dempsey and McCain, a leading advocate of intervention, when the general testified about why the U.S. is not doing more to help opposition rebels fighting to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. (Voice of America) Read more.
- Father, we thank You for the input of top US officers in the military, who share their wisdom with our administration. We ask that this input will be taken into consideration when making decisions regarding our desire to stop the Syrian conflict. We ask that all options be considered, and that Your great wisdom will be given to our commander-in-chief of this nation, as he makes decisions that will have an impact, not only in Syria, but all of the Middle East, including Israel, and also will impact us as a nation. We know that You are involved in the affairs of nations, and we ask that You will influence our decision makers for the good of our nation, and all the other nations involved. Thank You, in Your Name, Amen.
- "For by wise counsel you can wage your war, and in an abundance of counselors there is victory and safety." (Proverbs 24:6)
|
||||
|
|
||||
6. U.S. USING SYRIAN REBEL SUPPLY LINES, PREPARES TO SEND ARMS
The United States has quietly been testing the Syrian opposition's ability to deliver food rations, medical kits and money to rebel-held areas as Washington prepares to send arms to the rebel fighters. US officials meet weekly in Turkey with Syrian opposition leaders to work out how best to keep supply lines open to rebel fighters and war-ravaged towns and districts. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Lord, we ask that You will intervene in this situation, and impart wisdom to those making these decisions, especially our president. Make him to know Your wisdom, and to make decisions that will bring glory to You, even if he does not realize he is doing so. We thank You that You do deal with nations, and the affairs of men. We pray Your will be done in this situation. Amen.
- "You are the mighty warriors who do what He says and who obey His voice. You, His armies, praise the Lord; you are His servants who do what He wants. Everything the Lord has made should praise Him in all the places He rules. My whole being, praise the Lord. God of armies, restore us! Make Your face shine, and we will be saved." (Psalm 103:20-22; Psalm 80:8)
