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The Israel Report Volume I, Number 10a
Inside Israel
Sunday, August 11, 2013
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Photo of Excavation of King David's Palace, in Judea
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Today's Headlines
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Headlines for News Inside Israel
- U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ARRIVES IN ISRAEL
- TOP IDF OFFICER: HEZBOLLAH MARKED OUR ARTILLERY GUNS
- IN EGYPT: ISRAEL'S SINAI DILEMMA
- NETANYAHU UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL EMERGENCY HERNIA OPERATION
- ANTI-SEMTISM AND ANTI-ISRAELISM ARE GETTING LOUDER
- CANADA: 'AL QUDS DAY' SPEAKER CALLS FOR ISRAELIS TO BE KILLED
- MAYOR BARKAT: JERUSALEM IS ONE OF THE SAFEST CITIES IN THE WORLD
- U.S. DECRIES SETTLEMENT ACTIVITY, CONFIRMS INDYK HEADED TO ISRAEL
- BIBI'S CHOICE OF THE PALESTINIANS OR IRAN IS A CRUEL ONE
- KERRY USES FEARMONGERING TO PROMOTE PEACE DEAL
- BENNETT - 'THIS IS OUR LAND'
- 1,OOO JURISTS TO EU: SETTLEMENTS ARE LEGAL
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1. U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ARRIVES IN ISRAEL
36 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives arrived in Israel on Monday as part of a U.S. Congressional Delegation to the region from August 5 to August 11. The delegation, led by Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening.
Prime Minister Netanyahu urged Congress to continue the pressure on Iran: "Iran's president said that pressure won't work. Not true! The only thing that has worked in the last two decades is pressure. And the only thing that will work now is increased pressure. I have said that before and I'll say it again, because that's important to understand. You relent on the pressure, they will go all the way. You should sustain the pressure."
Congressman Joseph Kennedy of Massachusetts, one of the 36 Members of the delegation, issued a press release before the trip reaffirming his commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship: "It will underscore the deep friendship between Israel and the United States, as well as the strong alliances we share on everything from global security to economic development and immigration." (Embassy of Israel) Read more.
- Offer praise that these 26 members of Congress are devoting some of the time during this recess period to visit Israel and to learn, first-hand, of the challenges that nation is facing. Ask our Lord to grant each member "eyes to see and ears to hear" that which Abba would have them to understand in this challenging environment. Pray that Congress will continue to support Israel as it faces the growing threat of a nuclear Iran. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "Ears that hear and eyes that see- the Lord has made them both." (Proverbs 20:12)
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2. TOP IDF OFFICER: HEZBOLLAH MARKED OUR ARTILLERY GUNS
"Hezbollah's involvement in the war in Syria has not disrupted its preparedness for a war with Israel-the opposite is true," the chief artillery officer of the IDF's [Israel Defense Forces'] Northern Command said Wednesday [August 7].
Speaking to Ynet, Colonel Yaron Formosa said Hezbollah gunmen have become proficient in the use of advanced weapons due to the fighting in Syria. "They are continuing to prepare for a war against us, and an isolated incident on the border can lead to deterioration. We are prepared to go to war even tomorrow morning," said the officer.
Meanwhile, the IDF is continuing to investigate the explosion early Wednesday near an IDF force, which was reportedly operating some 400 meters (1,300 feet) within Lebanese territory, near Rosh Hanikra. Four IDF soldiers sustained light to moderate wounds in the blast.
Colonel Formosa stressed that despite Hezbollah's heavy losses in Syria, the Shiite group's lookouts are constantly monitoring IDF activity along the border. "We saw them marking the positions of our artillery guns so they can target them in a war. As a counter measure we are building embankments to protect the weapons and ammunition."
The chief artillery officer said most of the rocket-launching pads the IDF would attack in case a war breaks out have been moved from open areas to villages. "It is difficult to operate in an urban setting. For many Lebanese it will be intolerable. Hezbollah may purposely prevent the civilians from fleeing to the north," he said. "But Hezbollah has tens of thousands of rockets that are aimed at Israel, and we will not be able to operate against them only with artillery fire or the air force. We will need a ground maneuver as well."
Colonel (res.) Yaakov Zigdon, who served as chief artillery officer during Operation Accountability, said "Hezbollah will determine when the next war erupts. We fired 23,100 shells a week during Operation Accountability. They made the difference and gave the north two years of calm. We decided to damage villages after the residents left for Beirut due to our warnings, and they returned to destroyed homes.
"Israeli civilians from the north to the center may be 'held hostage,' and no government will agree to this," he added. "Every war is measured by the period of calm it provides until the next war breaks out." (By Yoav Zitun, Ynetnews, August 7, 2013) Read more.
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
- Thank God for the preparations made by the Israel Defense Forces. Pray for wisdom and safety for the troops that are standing ready against war in the North.
- "Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them." (Ezekiel 34:27)
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3. IN EGYPT: ISRAEL'S SINAI DILEMMA
Sinai, like Gaza, has become a hornet's nest of terrorist activity, but unlike Gaza, the vast desert province is part of sovereign Egyptian territory, placing Israel in an ongoing dilemma on how to deal with emerging threats. On the one hand is the need to respect Egyptian sovereignty and maintain the strategically vital peace treaty with Cairo. On the other is the obligation to defend southern Israel from the rising terrorist threat.
Reports emerging from the Sinai Peninsula of an Israeli drone strike on a jihadi rocket-launching cell remain unconfirmed. Israeli defense officials have been keeping quiet, and there is no way to independently corroborate the claims. However, if Israel did carry out the strike, this would signify a dramatic precedent, marking the first time the IAF has conducted a pinpoint, preemptive counterterrorism strike on Egyptian territory.
Sinai, like Gaza, has become a hornet's nest of terrorist activity, but unlike the Strip, the vast desert province is sovereign Egyptian territory, placing Israel in an ongoing dilemma on how to deal with emerging threats. On the one hand, there is the need to respect Egyptian sovereignty and maintain the strategically vital peace treaty with Cairo, while on the other there is the obligation to defend southern Israel from the rising terrorist threat. It seems fair to assume that the dilemma becomes moot when the lives of Israeli civilians or members of the security forces face an immediate threat, with little time to formulate a response. Human life should take precedence over all other considerations.
The IDF's Southern Command assumes that the next attack from the peninsula is only a matter of time. The Sinai balancing act is set to continue into the foreseeable future. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Lift up P.M. Netanyahu and his military advisers as they seek to cope with this dilemma. The Lord God Jehovah will grant them His wisdom so that the lives of innocent Israeli civilians are spared. Priority of life must come first, before all other diplomatic considerations. Thank the Lord that as they seek His wisdom, it shall be given to them. In His Name, amen.
- "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." (James 1:5 NLT)
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4. NETANYAHU UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL EMERGENCY HERNIA OPERATION
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent an emergency hernia operation overnight Saturday. The procedure went smoothly, doctors said, adding that the prime minister was recovering nicely.
The premier, 63, was said to have felt pain around his navel, prompting his personal physician Dr. Tzvika Berkovich and surgeon Aryeh Durst to examine him. A CT scan showed he had an umbilical hernia. The decision to operate was taken immediately, doctors said. The procedure lasted about an hour, starting just past 2:30 am (Israeli Time)
Local media said Netanyahu was in "good spirits" before the procedure, and that his blood pressure and pulse were normal. He hadn't needed a wheelchair to carry him to the operating room.
Netanyahu's operation was performed at Jerusalem's Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital by a medical team led by Durst and Aviram Nissan, head of the surgery department. Netanyahu was first put under a local anesthetic during the operation. The Prime Minister was discharged Sunday afternoon.
He was scheduled to convene a Cabinet meeting Sunday to finalize the first stage of the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of the resumption of peace talks - but the Prime Minister's Office said that the session would be chaired by Ya'alon.
His weekly Cabinet meeting, regularly scheduled for Sunday mornings, has been postponed.
The second round of peace talk meetings, set to take place in Jerusalem and Jericho, are still scheduled for Wednesday.
- Offer praise for this fast work on behalf of the health of the Prime Minister of Israel. Praise Yahweh, too, that during the entire time, he was not under general anesthesia and hence is still functioning as Israel's head of state today.
As the Israeli delegation prepares to go into the next round of "peace" talks on Wednesday in Jerusalem and in Jericho, ask our Lord to go before them, that only His perfect will be accomplished during these discussions. We ask this in the Name of our Messiah, Yeshua, amen. (Times of Israel)
- "In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." (Isaiah 63:9)
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5. ANTI-SEMTISM AND ANTI-ISRAELISM ARE GETTING BOLDER, LOUDER, AND CLEARER EVERY DAY!
This past Friday, Hizbullah chief, Hassan Nasrallah, boldly declared that the total elimination of Israel is in the interest of all the Arab and Moslem world . . . not just for the benefit of the Palestinians. Add to that the declarations of countless Moslem clerics that it is the OBLIGATION of Moslems everywhere to undertake jihad for the destruction of Israel and for the "liberation" of Al-Quds (what they call Jerusalem), and you have a clear picture of what they have in mind. Why would anyone every think for one moment that Israel would be allowed to exist in true peace with anyone of the Islamic faith, or with any of her Arab neighbors? The leaders in the West surely know this. Perhaps that is why Joel 3 is so significant now.
Take a moment and view this video of a Moslem in Toronto speaking about Israel and the Jews. He has a plan for the Jews, who currently abide in the Land.
The Israeli intelligence agencies (IDF and Shin Bet) presented their report of the terrorist attacks that occurred in July. In this one month, 38 Israelis were injured in terrorist assaults. Among these victims were infants and small children. Rock throwing attacks were directed against buses, against pedestrians and against families traveling in their cars. A minimum of 55 firebomb attacks by Palestinians was enacted over the 31 days of July . . . mainly directed against Jews in Judea and Samaria (attacks which the world considers justified because they are against Jewish settlers). A youth from an Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem attempted to set a Jewish owned automobile ablaze in the neighboring community of Abu Tor. When the police intervened, several youth gathered to throw rocks at them. Violence against the Jews within and outside of Israel is increasing each day. The Moslem leaders have given the green light, and the demanded concessions (placed upon Israel by the West) have given the Arabs the sense that they have the upper hand over the Jews. Arab Moslem pride is running as high as their confidence in the soon coming demise of Israel at their hands. (Source Anonymous)
Prayer Points:
--Pray for the protection of the Jewish people within Israel and those who abide or travel in the nations.
--Pray for the angelic hosts of YHVH to visibly appear in battle array, between the Arab attackers and the Jews they threaten. Terrify the enemies of Israel, Lord, and assure Your own people of Your protection.
--Pray for YHVH to personally deal with those Moslem leaders, who call for the destruction of the Jews. Pray for Him to deal also with the non-Moslems throughout the world that apathetically don't care about these threats, or who support them with agreement.
--Pray for true believers among the Gentiles to arise in intercession, but also to speak against this wickedness . . . taking their stand with the Jewish people.
--Pray for YHVH to deal with the deluded Jews, who take a stand with Israel's enemies, against the nation. These misguided individuals give support to Israel's destruction; believing that YHVH disapproves of the Jewish state existing before the Messiah comes. WAKE THEM UP, LORD!
Scripture:
Joel 3 - entire chapter
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6. CANADA: 'AL QUDS DAY' SPEAKER CALLS FOR ISRAELIS TO BE KILLED
The former president of "Palestine House," a Canadian NGO accused by the government of showing a "pattern of support for extremism," has called for the forced ethnic-cleansing of all Israelis. Elias Hazineh days ago addressed a crowd of anti-Israel activists in Toronto during the annual Al Quds Day march. "We have to give them an ultimatum," he said of Israelis, "you have to leave Jerusalem; you have to leave Palestine."
But Hazineh did not stop there. Dismissing negotiations, he called for the forced ethnic-cleansing of Israeli Jews as a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict: "We say get out or you're dead. We give them two minutes and then we start shooting! And that's the only way they'll understand." Nearly one million Jews were ethnically-cleansed from Arab states following the establishment of Israel, and today make up around half of the entire Israeli population. Elias finished his speech by calling for war against the Jewish State. (INN) [Reported by: VNN News]
- Pray leaders such as Elias will be stripped of influence and penalized for stirring up murderous violence against the Jewish people and the state of Israel.
- "Let all those who hate Zion be put to shame and turned back." (Psalm 129:5)
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7. MAYOR BARKAT: JERUSALEM IS ONE OF THE SAFEST CITIES IN THE WORLD
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat is promising to develop Jerusalem for the benefit of younger citizens as well as olim (new immigrants). Barkat spoke at a huge aliyah event last week in Jerusalem. "We're becoming a place for tourists, for residents, for investors, and I'm eager to develop the city for the benefit of olim and of young people," he said. Barkat, who will seek a second term as mayor this coming October, said his plans for the next five years, if he is re-elected, include a dramatic increase in the job market. "Along with that, we're expanding education and other elements of quality of life." Mayor Barkat added that Jerusalem is one of the safest cities not only in Israel, but in the entire world. "Los Angeles has 10 times more crime per capita," he said. "Walk the streets of Jerusalem and you'll see that the residents and the visitors feel extremely safe." (Arutz-7)
[Reported by: VNN News]
- Offer a chorus of praise for this report. Praise God -- Jerusalem IS indeed, "one of the safest cities in the world." Continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, daily, and go to the website for Eagle's Wings Ministries (here) to join millions on October who will also be praying for the peace of Jerusalem. Amen.
- "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee." (Psalm 122:6)
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8. U.S. DECRIES SETTLEMENT ACTIVITY, CONFIRMS INDYK HEADED TO ISRAEL
Special envoy to meet with diplomatic officials in Jerusalem before going to Jericho for another round of discussions
Washington criticized Israel for a recent move to support settlements, and confirmed that its new Mideast peace envoy will be in Jerusalem and Jericho next week for a second round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Thursday that Martin Indyk and deputy special envoy Frank Lowenstein would travel to the region to facilitate talks to craft a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
On Wednesday, sources in Jerusalem told The Times of Israel that Indyk, who was hand-picked by US President Barack Obama to be Washington's point man at the talks, was scheduled to meet with officials from the Prime Minister's Office, the Foreign Ministry, and members of Justice Minister Tzipi Livni's negotiating team.
Earlier this month, the cabinet expanded its list of West Bank settlements eligible for government subsidies, a decision that came just days after the resumption of the long-frozen peace talks. The cabinet approved a range of housing subsidies and loans for more than 600 Israeli communities deemed "national priority areas." The list includes poor towns in Israel's outlying areas as well as dozens of settlements.
Psaki said US officials were speaking with the Israeli government to express US concern about these settlements.
"We do not accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity and oppose any efforts to legitimize settlement outposts," Psaki said. "The secretary has made clear that he believes both of the negotiating teams are at the table in good faith and are committed to working together to make progress."
On the Palestinian side, all Palestinian factions belonging to the PLO with the exception of Fatah have refused to take part in a committee to oversee negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian due to their principled rejection of negotiations, the London-based daily A-Sharq Al-Awsat reported on Wednesday.
One week ahead of the resumption of negotiations in Jerusalem, no Palestinian oversight committee is yet in place, senior Palestinian sources told the daily.
"This committee was meant to be headed by President Abu Mazen [Mahmoud Abbas] and include the secretary generals of the factions as well as a few members of the [PLO] Executive Committee. But all the factions in the PLO refused; the Democratic Front, the Popular Front, the People's Party, and others," a source was quoted as saying. (Times of Israel) Read more.
- --Pray for that NOT ONE of these prisoners will be released.
--Pray for the families of these victims to receive the support of the Israeli citizenry. Rise up as one voice against this initiative.
--Pray that the Lord will remove this threat by His own hand.
--Pray for the cancellation of these "peace" talks, lest Israel get sucked deeper into this trap of false peace, which will desperately endanger all of Israel.
--Pray for Netanyahu to have the wisdom and leading of YHVH in ALL decisions.
--Pray for YHVH to forgive the US administration for forcing Israel to make these evil concessions, which no other nation would ever make, or be asked to make.
- "For thus says the LORD of hosts, "After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye.'" (Zech. 2:8)
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9. BIBI'S CHOICE OF THE PALESTINIANS OR IRAN IS A CRUEL ONE
Benjamin Netanyahu must either give up precious parts of the Land of Israel or remain alone against what he sees as a threat of destruction.
Many readers might find this hard to believe, but for the first time in two decades there's a decent chance for an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. This isn't because of the will of each side's leaders, but because of their weakness, the U.S. government's unprecedented determination and Iran's nuclear program. Since the beginning of the talks in Washington, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been dutifully conveying utter disdain, and the Palestinians have been projecting pessimism. No, Netanyahu hasn't changed, and despite the forecasts he hasn't been talking to the heralds of history in light of what appears to be his last term in office.
But Benjamin "no preconditions" Netanyahu has agreed, under American pressure, to enter negotiations under the precondition of releasing 104 prisoners, including the worst murderers, without any promise of compensation. This was the direct result of an American secretary of state determined to stay off the prestigious list of predecessors who failed in Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking, backed by an American president in his second term who is no less committed.
The American message to Netanyahu, even if not stated quite so starkly, is this: Sometime in the summer of 2014, Iran will activate its heavy-water reactor in Arak, which can provide it with plutonium for a nuclear bomb. From that moment, the plant cannot be attacked without risking a Chernobyl-like environmental disaster. If the Israelis want backing for an attack on Iran in the summer of 2014, they have to clear the table of the Palestinian issue.
. . . Netanyahu, who considers removing the Iranian nuclear threat his historic mission, is swiftly nearing his own slaughterhouse pen, as Ariel Sharon used to call such irreversible situations. At the entry to the pen stand the U.S. president and secretary of state, who are much more sympathetic to the Palestinian narrative than to the Israeli position. But Barack Obama and John Kerry won't hesitate to wave the cattle prod at Mahmoud Abbas either; the Palestinian president finds himself isolated in the Arab world now more than ever.
It's unclear whether by that time Abbas will be ripe for signing his name to end the conflict. It's certain that Netanyahu won't be ripe for the concessions needed to secure that signature. But the choice for Netanyahu will be cruel: Either give up precious parts of the Land of Israel or remain alone against what he sees as a threat of destruction.
The reactor in Arak, like the uranium enrichment plants in Natanz and Qom, remind him of the furnaces at Auschwitz. He has asked more than one person, "Can you imagine us seeing the Auschwitz furnaces being built and then waiting until people are put in them before we attack?" The Americans will force him to face the moment of truth: No more talk - either attack or don't.
The military's senior officers will be of no help in this case. Netanyahu will have a hard time urging them to mount a unilateral attack against Iran without American support or international legitimacy - for a country that will be seen as rejecting peace. For many Israelis this might sound like the deal of the century: an agreement with the Palestinians and the removal of the Iranian threat, all in one. For Netanyahu it will be no easier than Sophie's choice - nearly impossible. He will balk and resist, but in his case, he who shouts last, laughs best. (Haaretz) Read more.
- Father God, remind Netanyahu of all the many times in history that You, as the Lord God of Israel, fought for the Land and the people and that Your hand has always been upon them and will be forever. This is their promise from God throughout the ages of the ages. Father, begin to move mightily for them with astounding miracles and revelations that will bring glory to the God of their fathers and cause all the nations to fear because of Your power. Israel and the people will never stand alone. God put His Name in Jerusalem and God with Netanyahu is the majority and wins the victory. In the Name of Jesus, Yeshua, we pray, amen.
- "According to their deeds, accordingly God will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompense. So shall they fear the Name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:18-19)
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10. KERRY USES FEARMONGERING TO PROMOTE PEACE DEAL
. . . tells US Jewish leaders he fears for Israel's future if no peace deal
At White House, secretary highlights Israel's growing isolation, demographic challenges; Jewish leaders call for Abbas to moderate tone in upcoming UN speech.
Secretary of State John Kerry and an elite US diplomatic team met with a small group of American Jewish leaders at the White House Thursday night to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks that resumed last month. An optimistic-sounding Kerry asked the Jewish leaders for their help in supporting the newly restarted talks, The Times of Israel learned, saying that he feared for Israel's future if a peace deal is not reached.
Kerry told the fewer than two-dozen representatives of Jewish organizations that he really believes that both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas realize that there is a strategic imperative to act now. He noted that Israel faces the threat of diplomatic isolation and a demographic clock.
A number of the Jewish leaders pressed Kerry on Abbas's upcoming address to the United Nations General Assembly. They expressed hope that Abbas would change the tone of his rhetoric during his speeches to the world body - a good-faith gesture to demonstrate outward Palestinian willingness to engage in peace talks. One observer noted that Kerry seemed receptive to the idea.
Other Jewish representatives pushed for Kerry to ask Abbas to recognize Israel as a Jewish state.
Kerry told the leaders that one of the lynchpins of the current peace process is the separation of Israel's security assurances from the general negotiations, assurances he said would be guaranteed in a separate agreement with the US. The security track is being worked out under the auspices of retired Marine Corps general John Allen, who is currently Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's special adviser for the Middle East Peace.
Kerry also emphasized the economic development track being pursued with the Palestinians, particularly the encouragement of private investment in the West Bank. The secretary of state, who announced less than a month ago the resumption of talks, said that this round of negotiations could be separated into five different components: security, economic development, international outreach, public outreach in the form of an open appeal for support, and the diplomatic negotiations themselves. These components, Kerry told the Jewish leaders, were effective when used in concert with the others.
Kerry did most of the talking during the 90-minute meeting, but he was joined by nearly a dozen administration officials including White House Special Envoy for Mideast Peace Martin Indyk, National Security Adviser Susan Rice, senior adviser Frank Lowenstein and deputy national security adviser for strategic communications Ben Rhodes. Indyk remained silent, and Rice only spoke briefly, focusing on how deeply President Barack Obama was committed to the peace process.
The meeting was not listed on the public calendar for the White House, where it was held, or for the State Department. Unlike at the previous meeting with US Jewish leadership, held in March prior to Obama's visit to Israel, the president was not present at Thursday's talk.
The Jewish leadership was a virtual who's who of the American Jewish community, representing a broad political spectrum, including representatives from the Orthodox Union as well as J Street, and including leaders such as the Anti-Defamation League's Abe Foxman and the Conference of Presidents' Malcolm Hoenlein.
This meeting was a soft sell for most attendees, without Kerry pressing them to take the message of support for peace talks home to their respective communities. The hard sell - a more organized push to market the peace talks to centrist US Jews - is anticipated to come later in August, in the run-up to Rosh Hashanah. (Times of Israel)
- Father in heaven, by Your mighty power encompass all those involved in the peace talks and map out the godly plan and purpose for Israel's future dealings with the Palestinian mindset. Set the will of God in place. Deliver Israel from all fears of a backlash by their enemies. Hold Netanyahu in the hollow of Your hand and protect him with godly wisdom and God-given discernment to recognize the deceptive plans of their enemies. We call on God Almighty to stand with Israel as is promised in the Bible and to stand against those who would destroy Israel. In the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.
- "And Moses said unto the people, Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today; for the Egyptians (enemies) whom you have seen today, you shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." (Exodus 14:13-14)
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11. BENNETT - 'THIS IS OUR LAND'
Bennett: Good Thing Pioneers Weren't Like Livni
In spite of left-wing opposition, gov't approves Judea and Samaria towns as part of "national priority" list.
A fierce debate broke out in Sunday's cabinet meeting as Minister of Economy and Trade Naftali Bennett of the Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home) faction faced off against Justice Minister Tzipi Livni of Hatnua over the topic of Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.
Livni expressed opposition to the government's inclusion of Judea and Samaria towns as "national priority" areas. "I don't understand why we have to include those towns? We must not include growth, or give preference, to dangerous areas," she argued.
Bennett slammed her statement. "We're lucky that the pioneers of Kibbutz Hanita didn't think like you," he told Livni, referring to a town built in northern Israel in response to Arab attacks on Jews in 1936, in pre-state Israel. He agreed that Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria face unique dangers.
"Three-year-old Adelle Biton felt that," he said. Adelle Biton was critically wounded in an attack on her family's car. "Due to the danger alone, these communities must get national benefits to encourage settlement in Judea and Samaria," he argued. Bennett also criticized Minister of Environmental Protection Amir Peretz (Hatnua) for his opposition to the plan. Peretz lives in the Negev town of Sderot, which has frequently suffered from terrorist rocket attacks. "Amir Peretz lives in an area no less dangerous than Judea and Samaria," Bennett pointed out. He added, "This is our land."
The government approved the list of "national priority" regions, including Judea and Samaria towns, with a vote of 15 in favor to 4 against. Those who opposed were Hatnua ministers Livni and Peretz, and Yesh Atid ministers (Yair Lapid's party) Yael German and Yaakov Peri. (INN) Read more.
- Sometimes votes are very helpful to see where people stand. Danny Danon of Likud and Naftali Bennett of Bayit Yehudi both stand for: NO TWO STATE SOLUTION. And in this case, Naftali Bennett spoke out and persuaded and voted for the inclusion and expansion of Judea and Samaria. Keep watching . . . keep praying for Danny Danon and Naftali Bennett. The young lions of Yehudah are indeed roaring.
- "And the Lord said unto Moses, 'This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give this land unto your seed." "Prepare to take as your own, for within three days you shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God gives you to possess it. The Lord your God has given you rest, and has given you this land." (Deut. 34:4, Joshua 1:11,13)
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12. 1,OOO JURISTS TO EU: SETTLEMENTS ARE LEGAL
1,000 Jurists have notified the EU, and provided evidence that the Jewish settlements in the "West Bank" are legal under international law.
A mammoth jurists' petition delivered to European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton states that the EU is wrong in holding that Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria are illegal, and that the term "1967 lines" does not exist in international law.
The letter is signed by over 1,000 jurists worldwide.
Among the signatories are former justice minister Prof. Yaakov Ne'eman; former UN Ambassaor Dr. Meir Rosen; Britain's Baroness Prof. Ruth Deech, Prof. Eliav Shochetman and Prof. Talia Einhorn. They include legal scholars from the U.S., Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, Chile, Czechoslovakia, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Malta, Holland, Norway, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan, South Africa, Sweden and, of course, Israel.
The man behind the initiative is Dr. Alan Baker, Israel's former ambassador to Canada and legal adviser to the Foreign Ministry, who currently heads the International Action Division of the Legal Forum for Israel. Baker was also a member of the three-person committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Edmond Levy, known as the Levy Committee, which pronounced that Judea and Samaria were not occupied territory.
Dr. Baker explained to Arutz Sheva that there is "no such thing" as the 1967 lines. "There never was such a thing. The matter of the borders is on the agenda of the negotiations, The EU cannot dictate a subject that is on the agenda of the negotiations. The pre-1967 lines are (1949) armistice lines. These are not recognized lines or security lines. In the Oslo process, it was agreed between us and the Palestinians that the matter of borders will be negotiated. The term '1967 lines' does not appear anywhere in our agreement with the Palestinians, therefore it is a legal and factual aberration to determine that these are our lines."
"The second thing is the determination that the settlements are illegal according to international law. It is true that most of the world thinks so, but that does not make it true legally. Legally, the clause in the Geneva Convention that they use to say that settlements are illegal, was not intended to refer to cases like our settlements, but to prevent the forced transfer of populations by the Nazis. This is not relevant to the Israeli settlements." (Israel Behind the News) Read more.
- Offer praise for this good report! This fact-finding commission has indeed arrived at the truth: the settlements of Judea and Samaria are legal and must be included in this peace process. Ask our Lord to bring forth His promised blessing upon those nations represented in this petition, and pray that the EU will reverse its position and honor the ancient boundaries of Israel. In the Mighty Name of our Elohim (God), amen.
- "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." (Proverbs 22:28) "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Gen. 12:3)
The Israel Report
Volume I, Number 10b
News in the Region
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Photo of Excavation of King David's Palace, in Judea
Headlines for News in the Region
1. U.S. AWAITS 'CREDIBLE STEPS' ON IRAN AS NETANYAHU CALLS FOR INCREASED PRESSURE
World pressure kept Iran from gaining nuclear weapons in the past, and is preventing it from crossing the nuclear threshold now, PM Netanyahu said Tuesday in response to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's comment that threats against Iran do not work. "Iran's president said pressure won't work. Not true," Netanyahu said during a meeting with 36 Democratic US Congressman in his office. "The only thing that has worked in the last two decades is pressure. And the only thing that will work now is increased pressure," he said. He added that it was important to understand that if the pressure on the Islamic Republic was relaxed "they will go all the way." Netanyahu's comments came just after Rouhani gave his first press conference since taking office on Sunday, saying he was "determined" to resolve a dispute with the West over Teheran's nuclear program and was ready to enter "serious and substantive" negotiations on the issue. But, he said, the other side should realize a solution could be reached "solely through talks, not threats." (Jerusalem Post)
Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz has pointed out that Rouhani wrote a book in 2011 in which he discussed foreign policy doctrines and explained how to be "a wolf in sheep's clothing." The Islamic Republic's constant ploy - in a bid for time - has been to engage the West in fruitless negotiations regarding its clandestine nuclear development program. Meanwhile, behind the scenes it has continued to speed forward towards the capability to build nuclear weapons.
- Pray Western leaders will not be deceived by a practiced "wolf in sheep's clothing."
- "Let no man deceive you by any means . . " (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
[Reported by: VNN News]
2. NEW IRANIAN LEADER'S RANT SHOWS HIS TRUE COLORS
NEW YORK-The president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), Ronald S. Lauder, on Friday [August 2] called remarks made by Iran's incoming President Hassan Rouhani "proof that he is not the moderate many in the West believe he is" and that "he is more likely to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad." On the regime's annual "Palestine Day," Rouhani reportedly called Israel "an old wound on the body of the Islamic world for years" that "should be removed." He had also questioned the need for peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
Lauder declared: "People in the West should not delude themselves into believing that a man who says such despicable things is, or can be, a partner for dialogue. Rouhani hasn't even been sworn it yet but he already sounds like his predecessor Ahmadinejad, who wanted to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth. There is reason to believe that he will follow in Ahmadinejad's footsteps.
"Any normal person wants wounds to heal. But Iran's current leader prefers that they fester and remain sore. If Iran was interested in the fate of the Palestinians it would promote peace in the region and not hatred," he pointed out.
The WJC president added: "Tehran wants to make the world believe that the election of a new president provides an opportunity to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear program. However, as long as the ranting against Israel and the Jews does not stop, and as long as Iran's leadership incites both in words and in actions to hatred, it is foolish and dangerous to regard the new president as a moderate. The threat Iran poses to the world is as real under Rouhani as it was under Ahmadinejad. People who call for the destruction of another state cannot be trusted," Lauder said. (By World Jewish Congress, August 2, 2013) Reported by: Bridges for Peace
- Pray that the world's leaders will not support the anti-Semitic remarks made by Rouhani. Pray that these leaders will have an open ear to the Holy One of Israel.
- "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:5)
3. IRAN'S PURSUIT OF MILITARY NUCLEAR CAPABILITY CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE
P.M. Says Iran Has Set 7,000 New Centrifuges Spinning Since Presidential Election
The Wall Street Journal reported this week that U.S. officials believe Iran could begin producing weapons-grade plutonium by next summer. Officials also stated that Iran has developed a second rocket-launching facility used to test ballistic missiles. The news of the acceleration of Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities comes despite Iranian election results calling for change and despite the pressing requests by the international community for Iran to halt and reverse its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The Israeli government also reported this week that Iran has installed 7,000 centrifuges since the election of Hassan Rowhani, indicating that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons continues at a relentless pace.
Prime Minister Netanyahu urged the international community to treat Iranian President Rowhani's recent statements for more talks about Iran's nuclear program with caution: "Iran's work and quest towards the achievement of atomic weapons not only continues, it continues unabated - it's actually accelerated...Iran is determined to get the bomb and we must be even more determined to prevent them from getting it."
He continued, "I know that some place their hopes on Iran's new president. He knows how to exploit this and yesterday he called for more talks...And while everybody is busy talking to him, he'll be busy enriching uranium. The centrifuges will keep on spinning." (Embassy of Israel) Read more.
- Lord God, we pray for Iran and their relentless pace in pursuit of nuclear weapons with the sole intent of destroying Israel. Strike the root of this driving acceleration to produce deadly weapons-grade plutonium and pull this root out of the ground that it die. Cut off their power to succeed, Lord God, in their deadly pursuits. In Jesus' Name we pray.
- "The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens." (Psalm 113:4)
4. REPORT: IRAN BUILT NEW ROCKET LAUNCHING SITE
Iran has built a new rocket launch site which, according to military analysts, is likely to be used for testing ballistic missiles, The Telegraph reported Wednesday [August 7].
The report was based on satellite images of the structure, published by IHS Jane's Military and Security Assessments weeks after the Iranian government said it was building new space launch bases for its domestic satellite program.
According to The Telegraph, the new site is close to Iran's first space center in the northern Semnan province, and analysts' estimates suggest that it is designed to test ballistic missiles using solid fuel rather than launch space rockets, seeing as the site has no storage for the liquid rocket fuel used in the Iranian space program.
The IHS Jane's Military and Security Assessments' images show a tall launch tower on a launch pad and an exhaust deflector.
The Telegraph report added that analysts noted that Iran was already building at least one other site for this purpose, and that there was no indication the Shahrud base was a nuclear facility.
Earlier this week, Iranian President Hassan Rohani said Iran was prepared to enter "serious and substantive" negotiations on the nuclear issue.
The solution to the nuclear issue, he stressed, can be reached "solely through talks, not threats," noting he was "seriously determined" not only to resolve the nuclear issue, but also to preserve Iran's rights, among which the "undeniable right" to enrich uranium, and address the other side's concerns. (By Ynetnews, August 8, 2013) Read more. [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
Note: Bridges for Peace is posting a photo of this launch site, taken by NASA. You can view this photo by going here.
- Pray that any weapon Iran may be building for use against Israel will not prosper. Pray that the testing of offensive weapons will not be successful.
- "'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me, 'says the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17)
BREAKING: ISRAEL CAPABLE OF UNILATERAL STRIKE ON IRAN, IF THE U.S.
IS NOT COMMITTED
Israel is capable of carrying out a unilateral military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities without operational support from the United States, a senior Israeli official stated this week. The spokesperson doubted US intentions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons at all costs. "American conduct regarding Syria, contrary to declarations by President Barack Obama, shows Israel that it cannot rely on US assurances," the Israeli source said. Israel fears the development of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran would ease sanctions on the Islamic Republic in exchange for concessions, and would not satisfy the requirements imposed by Israel. (Jerusalem Post)
5. U.S. SENDS $195M IN HUMANITARIAN AID TO SYRIA; HONORS END OF RAMADAN
To help the Moslems in Syria celebrate the feast of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, the US administration sent a gift of $195 million in food and humanitarian aid. This additional sum brings the total of US aid to Israel's enemies in Syria to $1 billion since the uprising in that nation began. There is no "good side" in this conflict between Moslems. Both sides would like to see Israel destroyed. Honoring the faith and the traditions, that call for the destruction of all infidels, (especially the Jews and the West) by this gift is outrageous. YHVH has caused these two factions of enemies (Sunni and Shiite) to battle each other. We need to stand back and allow Him to sort it, rather than to prop up either side, which will ultimately impact Israel in a negative way. (Source Anonymous)
--Pray for YHVH to forgive the foolishness of this government for doing what is right in its own eyes, while ignoring truth and wisdom.
--Pray that YHVH would have His hand upon this conflict and continue to keep it from spilling over into Israel.
--Pray that Russia will not arise with greater influence at Israel's northern border, as Assad seems to be gaining ground.
6. SYRIA: REBELS ALLEGE ANOTHER CHEMICAL ATTACK BY REGIME
Opposition activists claim that "Syrian regime forces" launched "a series of chemical attacks" on the Damascus suburbs of Adra and Houma, on Monday. Posting videos from the scene of the attacks, activists claimed more than 400 people had shown "signs of exposure to chemical toxic gasses, ranging from shortness of breath, seizure, convulsion, profuse sweating, copious nasal secretions and frothy sputum." Meanwhile, President Bashar Assad declared Syria's crisis will only be solved by stamping out "terror" in reference to rebels fighting his regime. "No solution can be reached with terror except by striking it with an iron fist," said Assad. The fact that US President Barack Obama has ignored his own red line over the use of chemical weapons has not gone unnoticed in Damascus. (Agence France Press)
- Pray for the multitudes of Syrian civilians, their families and children, who are being ruthlessly struck down by Assad's "iron fist." Assad's statements seem a prelude to his justifying the increased use of chemical weapons against the masses. Pray this brutal development will somehow be restrained.
- "Can a corrupt throne be allied with you-
a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
The wicked band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
But the Lord has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the Lord our God will destroy them."
(Psalm 94: 20-23) See also all of Psalm 94.
7. SYRIA'S REBELS LOSING OUT TO JIHADISTS
[Reyhanli, Turkey]-As the bureaucratic red tape in Washington has delayed arming Syrian rebels fighting with the Free Syrian Army (FSA), Jihadists have slowly taken charge of a revolution that has sunk into chaos. They now control large swaths of Syria and are gradually marginalizing FSA units who are becoming increasingly demoralized.
Analysts note an increasing triangulation that pits opposition forces against each other in addition to fighting regime forces.
Conversations with several FSA brigade leaders reveal a rudderless revolution that is barely managing to stay afloat as foreign Jihadists inundate Syria. They complain that if the West does not act soon, all that will be left to salvage is the sunken hopes of a people who desperately wanted an end to five decades of oppression at the hands of the Assad family.
Abu Munthir, a bulky man with a Rottweiler glare, is not eager to tell his story. He hesitates before opening up about his experiences. "At first we worked with the Jihadists," says the 28-year old speaking in the Turkish town of Reyhanli. "They had skills we needed and were good fighters. But soon they began pushing us out and we were too weak to stop them."
In some places such as Aleppo, the FSA can still hold its ground. But in eastern cities such as Raqqa, the Jihadists have completely taken over. "We can't do anything there anymore," laments 31-year old FSA leader Abu Hamza in the Turkish town of Killis. "They are too strong."
. . . In June, Washington pledged to supply the FSA with bullets and the weapons to shoot them. But political infighting between the White House and Congress has held up delivery of the arms. Congressmen are wary of providing weapons that could fall into the hands of Jihadists from Jabhat Al-Nusra and ISI. Radicals have benefited from previous weapons deliveries from Qatar and there is little reason to believe they will be shut out of any future bonanza.
Washington's turf wars are of little concern to Abu Munthir though. He just wants to be able to push the Jihadists out of Syria. "Give me the weapons and I will fight them every day until they are gone," he says. But until the United States does, there is little he can do but curse the Jihadists who have seized his revolution. (The Media Line) Read more. [Reported by Bridges for Peace]
- Pray for the glory of God to shine through Syria. Pray that those who are seeking the true way of the Lord will be shown the correct path.
- "But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him shall glory; but the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped." (Psalm 63:11)
8. EGYPTIAN ARMY TO OFFER COMPROMISE
The Egyptian army and the interim government it set up after ousting elected President Mohamed Morsi, is prepared to offer the Muslim Brotherhood a compromise in order to end the massive street demonstrations and restore stability. According to a report by the Reuters news agency, the Muslim Brotherhood, which Morsi heads, will be offered three ministerial portfolios, have its assets unfrozen and have some of its leaders detained by the army set free.
An American diplomat reportedly took part in the negotiations, visiting a senior Muslim Brotherhood official in jail. Monday [August 5] saw additional American involvement when Senators John McCain (R-Az.) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) arrived carrying President Obama's personal message urging an end to the unrest. Mediators are trying to convince the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood to accept the reality that their leader, Morsi, will not be returning to power as they are demanding.
Meanwhile, attacks on Egyptian policemen and soldiers in the northern Sinai Peninsula continued on Monday when gunmen opened fire wounding three in two separate incidents. An army officer was shot while standing atop his armored vehicle and two policemen were shot while guarding a bank. Both incidents occurred in El-Arish. (The Media Line) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
BREAKING: HEIGHTENED INSTABILITY, BLOODSHED FEARED IN EGYPT AFTER DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS FAIL
(VNN News; August 10, 2013)
Egypt's army-installed government said this week diplomatic efforts to resolve the political crisis had failed and signaled it was gearing to take action against supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi gathered in Cairo. Envoys from the US, European Union, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates had been trying to defuse the crisis and prevent further bloodshed. But President Adli Mansour's office said Wednesday that ten days of international efforts had "ended today."
Soon after, interim PM Hazem el-Beblawi warned that the government's decision to dismantle the protest camps was final. The protesters had "broken all the limits of peacefulness," Beblawi said, accusing them of inciting violence, blocking roads and detaining citizens. Any use of weapons against policemen or citizens would "be confronted with utmost force and decisiveness," he said.
The breakdown in mediation efforts and the threat of action against the protesters brought the political crisis in the Arab world's biggest nation to a dangerous new phrase. "I didn't know it was this bad. These folks are just days or weeks away from all-out bloodshed," US senator Lindsey Graham said after he met officials from both sides in Cairo this week. (Jerusalem Post)
- Pray for a restored stability in Egypt for the sake of its people. Pray that the hand of God will become evident to everyone in Egypt. Pray for a miracle . . . pray.
- "Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established . . ." (Proverbs 24:1-3)
9. EGYPTIAN ANTI-OBAMA VIDEO BLAMES HIM FOR SIDING
WITH THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
Those in Egypt opposed to the Muslim Brotherhood claim Washington has been and still is supporting the Islamists. Posters in Cairo's Tahrir Square, a center of pro-government rallies, depict US President Obama with a beard and turban, proclaiming his "support for terrorism." Another example of the anti-Obama rancor in the country can be seen in a new video clip featuring a song by Egyptian performer Sama Elmasry. Titled "You Obama, Your Father, Mother," it attacks the US president for preferring Islamic radicals over the army. It has gone viral, with over 160,000 views since last week.
It ends with a photo of Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who led the anti-Morsi coup. Sisi in a media interview said the United States did not give adequate weight to the millions who called for Morsi's overthrow. He went on to note the US administration "has a lot of influence with the Muslim Brotherhood," and that he would like Washington to use this leverage to end the current standoff with Morsi supporters. He also noted that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel had been calling him almost daily, but that Obama had not called since July 3. (Jerusalem Post)
- Offer praise that the people of Egypt have the courage to post this video and that at least 160,000 have seen it since. After one year of living under the tyranny of the Moslem Brotherhood and its Sharia Law, headed by President Morsi, the Egyptians have seen the light and are demanding their freedom once again.
Pray that this movement, taking down a false "Arab Spring" and bringing forth the potential of a true "Arab Revival" will take root in all nations across the Middle East, so that others will also throw off the shackles of the tyranny of any government under Sharia law. May the nations of the West take note: perhaps it is now the "set time" for revival to visit us, too . . . bringing us out of the darkness of lies to the Glorious Truth of the Gospel of our Lord! Amen and amen.
- "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3)
10. AL-QA'IDA THREAT HAS GROWN
Despite the massive counter-terrorism efforts of the United States and allied nations, the threat from Al-Qa'ida is greater than ever according to Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), the ranking Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Appearing on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, Chambliss said that the threat that prompted the State Department to close embassies and consulates throughout the Middle East this past week was "the most serious threat that I've seen in the past several years."
Chambliss receives classified briefings from military and intelligence agencies. American diplomatic missions have been re-opened in Israel but remain closed elsewhere in the region. The threat emanated from Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Yemen-based franchise of the global terrorist infrastructure that American experts deem to be the most lethal of terrorist organizations. "Chatter" from sources identified as AQAP operatives was intercepted by US intelligence and the decision to close the embassies was taken as a primary precaution. Speaking on the ABC network, Rep. Peter King (R-NY), who chairs the House Homeland Security Sub-Committee, said the threat "was specific as to how enormous it was going to be." (The Media Line)
- Pray for wisdom and direction for those leaders that are fighting against the growth of terror organizations such as Al-Qa'ida. Pray that the plans of the terrorists will come to light before the attacks.
- "Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:9-11)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
11. ISRAEL TO TELL EU: WE WON'T SIGN AGREEMENTS BASED ON SETTLEMENT GUIDELINES
Israel will make it clear to the EU that it will not sign any future agreements that restrict European assistance, grants or investments in Israeli entities with a direct or indirect connection to Judea and Samaria, east Jerusalem or the Golan Heights. Nor will Israel agree to include in agreements with the EU a territorial clause that requires it to acknowledge that its sovereignty does not extend beyond the 1967 lines. The Israeli decision was made by PM Netanyahu on Thursday after extensive consultations with Cabinet members. The new EU guidelines regarding settlements will take effect beginning on Jan. 1.
"We will not sign the guidelines in their present form," said a senior Israeli official. "On the other hand, we want to conduct negotiations with the EU so that the Horizon 2020 agreement for scientific cooperation, as well as other arrangements, can be implemented. If nothing changes it will be impossible to sign. We want to find a creative solution." (Ha'aretz)
- Pray this shameful EU sanction against Israel will be rescinded.
- "And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22 AMP)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LORD, GOD OF OUR FATHERS
(A-don-ni Eh-lo-hay Ah-vo-tay-nu)
"Praise be to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who has
put it into the king's heart to bring honor to the house of the Lord in
Jerusalem in this way." (Ezra 7:27)
From generation to generation, You reign supreme over all the earth. What a comfort it is to know that You are the same God, A-don-ni Eh-lo-hay Ah-vo-tay-nu! From Abraham to Moses to David - the patriarchs and I have the same Lord. How blessed am I!
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his." (Daniel 2:20)
(Source: THE NAME- HaShem: Daily Devotional Worship by Dr. Barri Cae Mallin)
Available on Amazon.com by going here.
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"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." (Philippians 4:23)
ABC's of Elul
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Dear Prayer Partners,
Tonight marks Rosh Chodesh . . . the month of Elul leading up to Rosh Hashana, and a very important time for prayer, repentance and seeking the Lord for ourselves and our nation. We invite all of you to read the information below and to join us in this month of prayer, introspection, and repentance.
Thank you,
Sara Ballenger, Founder and President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
ABC's of Elul
The last month of the Jewish calendar is actually the most important - serving as preparation for the High Holidays.
If you had an important court date scheduled - one that would determine your financial future, or even your very life - you'd be sure to prepare for weeks beforehand. On Rosh Hashanah, each individual is judged on the merit of his deeds. Whether he will live out the year or not. Whether he will have financial success or ruin. Whether he will be healthy or ill. All of these are determined on Rosh Hashanah.
Elul - the month preceding Rosh Hashanah - begins a period of intensive introspection, of clarifying life's goals, and of coming closer to God. It is a time for realizing purpose in life - rather than perfunctorily going through the motions of living by amassing money and seeking gratification. It is a time when we step back and look at ourselves critically and honestly, as Jews have from time immemorial, with the intention of improving.
The four Hebrew letters of the word Elul (aleph-lamed-vav-lamed) are the first letters of the four words Ani l'dodi v'dodi lee - "I am to my Beloved and my Beloved is to me" (Song of Songs 6:3). These words sum up the relationship between God and His people.
In other words, the month preceding Rosh Hashanah is a time when God reaches out to us, in an effort to create a more spiritually-inspiring atmosphere, one that stimulates teshuva.
> > > Please read the entire article by going here.
News in the Region
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Photo of Excavation of King David's Palace, in Judea
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Headlines for News in the Region
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Headlines for News in the Region
- U.S. AWAITS 'CREDIBLE STEPS' ON IRAN AS NETANYAHU CALLS FOR INCREASED PRESSURE
- NEW IRANIAN LEADER'S RANT SHOWS HIS TRUE COLORS
- IRAN'S PURSUIT OF MILITARY NUCLEAR CAPABILITY CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE
- REPORT: IRAN BUILT NEW ROCKET LAUNCHING SITE
- U.S. SENDS $195M IN HUMANITARIAN AID TO SYRIA
- SYRIA: REBELS ALLEGE ANOTHER CHEMICAL ATTACK BY REGIME
- SYRIA'S REBELS LOSING OUT TO JIHADISTS
- EGYPTIAN ARMY TO OFFER COMPROMISE
- EGYPTIAN ANTI-OBAMA VIDEO BLAMES HIM FOR SIDING WITH THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
- AL-QA'IDA THREAT HAS GROWN
- Breaking! ISRAEL TO TELL EU: WE WON'T SIGN AGREEMENTS BASED ON SETTLEMENT GUIDELINES
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1. U.S. AWAITS 'CREDIBLE STEPS' ON IRAN AS NETANYAHU CALLS FOR INCREASED PRESSURE
World pressure kept Iran from gaining nuclear weapons in the past, and is preventing it from crossing the nuclear threshold now, PM Netanyahu said Tuesday in response to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's comment that threats against Iran do not work. "Iran's president said pressure won't work. Not true," Netanyahu said during a meeting with 36 Democratic US Congressman in his office. "The only thing that has worked in the last two decades is pressure. And the only thing that will work now is increased pressure," he said. He added that it was important to understand that if the pressure on the Islamic Republic was relaxed "they will go all the way." Netanyahu's comments came just after Rouhani gave his first press conference since taking office on Sunday, saying he was "determined" to resolve a dispute with the West over Teheran's nuclear program and was ready to enter "serious and substantive" negotiations on the issue. But, he said, the other side should realize a solution could be reached "solely through talks, not threats." (Jerusalem Post)
Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz has pointed out that Rouhani wrote a book in 2011 in which he discussed foreign policy doctrines and explained how to be "a wolf in sheep's clothing." The Islamic Republic's constant ploy - in a bid for time - has been to engage the West in fruitless negotiations regarding its clandestine nuclear development program. Meanwhile, behind the scenes it has continued to speed forward towards the capability to build nuclear weapons.
- Pray Western leaders will not be deceived by a practiced "wolf in sheep's clothing."
- "Let no man deceive you by any means . . " (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
[Reported by: VNN News]
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2. NEW IRANIAN LEADER'S RANT SHOWS HIS TRUE COLORS
NEW YORK-The president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), Ronald S. Lauder, on Friday [August 2] called remarks made by Iran's incoming President Hassan Rouhani "proof that he is not the moderate many in the West believe he is" and that "he is more likely to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad." On the regime's annual "Palestine Day," Rouhani reportedly called Israel "an old wound on the body of the Islamic world for years" that "should be removed." He had also questioned the need for peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
Lauder declared: "People in the West should not delude themselves into believing that a man who says such despicable things is, or can be, a partner for dialogue. Rouhani hasn't even been sworn it yet but he already sounds like his predecessor Ahmadinejad, who wanted to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth. There is reason to believe that he will follow in Ahmadinejad's footsteps.
"Any normal person wants wounds to heal. But Iran's current leader prefers that they fester and remain sore. If Iran was interested in the fate of the Palestinians it would promote peace in the region and not hatred," he pointed out.
The WJC president added: "Tehran wants to make the world believe that the election of a new president provides an opportunity to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear program. However, as long as the ranting against Israel and the Jews does not stop, and as long as Iran's leadership incites both in words and in actions to hatred, it is foolish and dangerous to regard the new president as a moderate. The threat Iran poses to the world is as real under Rouhani as it was under Ahmadinejad. People who call for the destruction of another state cannot be trusted," Lauder said. (By World Jewish Congress, August 2, 2013) Reported by: Bridges for Peace
- Pray that the world's leaders will not support the anti-Semitic remarks made by Rouhani. Pray that these leaders will have an open ear to the Holy One of Israel.
- "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:5)
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3. IRAN'S PURSUIT OF MILITARY NUCLEAR CAPABILITY CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE
P.M. Says Iran Has Set 7,000 New Centrifuges Spinning Since Presidential Election
The Wall Street Journal reported this week that U.S. officials believe Iran could begin producing weapons-grade plutonium by next summer. Officials also stated that Iran has developed a second rocket-launching facility used to test ballistic missiles. The news of the acceleration of Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities comes despite Iranian election results calling for change and despite the pressing requests by the international community for Iran to halt and reverse its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The Israeli government also reported this week that Iran has installed 7,000 centrifuges since the election of Hassan Rowhani, indicating that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons continues at a relentless pace.
Prime Minister Netanyahu urged the international community to treat Iranian President Rowhani's recent statements for more talks about Iran's nuclear program with caution: "Iran's work and quest towards the achievement of atomic weapons not only continues, it continues unabated - it's actually accelerated...Iran is determined to get the bomb and we must be even more determined to prevent them from getting it."
He continued, "I know that some place their hopes on Iran's new president. He knows how to exploit this and yesterday he called for more talks...And while everybody is busy talking to him, he'll be busy enriching uranium. The centrifuges will keep on spinning." (Embassy of Israel) Read more.
- Lord God, we pray for Iran and their relentless pace in pursuit of nuclear weapons with the sole intent of destroying Israel. Strike the root of this driving acceleration to produce deadly weapons-grade plutonium and pull this root out of the ground that it die. Cut off their power to succeed, Lord God, in their deadly pursuits. In Jesus' Name we pray.
- "The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens." (Psalm 113:4)
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4. REPORT: IRAN BUILT NEW ROCKET LAUNCHING SITE
Iran has built a new rocket launch site which, according to military analysts, is likely to be used for testing ballistic missiles, The Telegraph reported Wednesday [August 7].
The report was based on satellite images of the structure, published by IHS Jane's Military and Security Assessments weeks after the Iranian government said it was building new space launch bases for its domestic satellite program.
According to The Telegraph, the new site is close to Iran's first space center in the northern Semnan province, and analysts' estimates suggest that it is designed to test ballistic missiles using solid fuel rather than launch space rockets, seeing as the site has no storage for the liquid rocket fuel used in the Iranian space program.
The IHS Jane's Military and Security Assessments' images show a tall launch tower on a launch pad and an exhaust deflector.
The Telegraph report added that analysts noted that Iran was already building at least one other site for this purpose, and that there was no indication the Shahrud base was a nuclear facility.
Earlier this week, Iranian President Hassan Rohani said Iran was prepared to enter "serious and substantive" negotiations on the nuclear issue.
The solution to the nuclear issue, he stressed, can be reached "solely through talks, not threats," noting he was "seriously determined" not only to resolve the nuclear issue, but also to preserve Iran's rights, among which the "undeniable right" to enrich uranium, and address the other side's concerns. (By Ynetnews, August 8, 2013) Read more. [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
Note: Bridges for Peace is posting a photo of this launch site, taken by NASA. You can view this photo by going here.
- Pray that any weapon Iran may be building for use against Israel will not prosper. Pray that the testing of offensive weapons will not be successful.
- "'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me, 'says the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17)
BREAKING: ISRAEL CAPABLE OF UNILATERAL STRIKE ON IRAN, IF THE U.S.
IS NOT COMMITTED
Israel is capable of carrying out a unilateral military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities without operational support from the United States, a senior Israeli official stated this week. The spokesperson doubted US intentions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons at all costs. "American conduct regarding Syria, contrary to declarations by President Barack Obama, shows Israel that it cannot rely on US assurances," the Israeli source said. Israel fears the development of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran would ease sanctions on the Islamic Republic in exchange for concessions, and would not satisfy the requirements imposed by Israel. (Jerusalem Post)
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5. U.S. SENDS $195M IN HUMANITARIAN AID TO SYRIA; HONORS END OF RAMADAN
To help the Moslems in Syria celebrate the feast of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, the US administration sent a gift of $195 million in food and humanitarian aid. This additional sum brings the total of US aid to Israel's enemies in Syria to $1 billion since the uprising in that nation began. There is no "good side" in this conflict between Moslems. Both sides would like to see Israel destroyed. Honoring the faith and the traditions, that call for the destruction of all infidels, (especially the Jews and the West) by this gift is outrageous. YHVH has caused these two factions of enemies (Sunni and Shiite) to battle each other. We need to stand back and allow Him to sort it, rather than to prop up either side, which will ultimately impact Israel in a negative way. (Source Anonymous)
--Pray for YHVH to forgive the foolishness of this government for doing what is right in its own eyes, while ignoring truth and wisdom.
--Pray that YHVH would have His hand upon this conflict and continue to keep it from spilling over into Israel.
--Pray that Russia will not arise with greater influence at Israel's northern border, as Assad seems to be gaining ground.
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6. SYRIA: REBELS ALLEGE ANOTHER CHEMICAL ATTACK BY REGIME
Opposition activists claim that "Syrian regime forces" launched "a series of chemical attacks" on the Damascus suburbs of Adra and Houma, on Monday. Posting videos from the scene of the attacks, activists claimed more than 400 people had shown "signs of exposure to chemical toxic gasses, ranging from shortness of breath, seizure, convulsion, profuse sweating, copious nasal secretions and frothy sputum." Meanwhile, President Bashar Assad declared Syria's crisis will only be solved by stamping out "terror" in reference to rebels fighting his regime. "No solution can be reached with terror except by striking it with an iron fist," said Assad. The fact that US President Barack Obama has ignored his own red line over the use of chemical weapons has not gone unnoticed in Damascus. (Agence France Press)
- Pray for the multitudes of Syrian civilians, their families and children, who are being ruthlessly struck down by Assad's "iron fist." Assad's statements seem a prelude to his justifying the increased use of chemical weapons against the masses. Pray this brutal development will somehow be restrained.
- "Can a corrupt throne be allied with you-
a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
The wicked band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
But the Lord has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the Lord our God will destroy them."
(Psalm 94: 20-23) See also all of Psalm 94.
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7. SYRIA'S REBELS LOSING OUT TO JIHADISTS
[Reyhanli, Turkey]-As the bureaucratic red tape in Washington has delayed arming Syrian rebels fighting with the Free Syrian Army (FSA), Jihadists have slowly taken charge of a revolution that has sunk into chaos. They now control large swaths of Syria and are gradually marginalizing FSA units who are becoming increasingly demoralized.
Analysts note an increasing triangulation that pits opposition forces against each other in addition to fighting regime forces.
Conversations with several FSA brigade leaders reveal a rudderless revolution that is barely managing to stay afloat as foreign Jihadists inundate Syria. They complain that if the West does not act soon, all that will be left to salvage is the sunken hopes of a people who desperately wanted an end to five decades of oppression at the hands of the Assad family.
Abu Munthir, a bulky man with a Rottweiler glare, is not eager to tell his story. He hesitates before opening up about his experiences. "At first we worked with the Jihadists," says the 28-year old speaking in the Turkish town of Reyhanli. "They had skills we needed and were good fighters. But soon they began pushing us out and we were too weak to stop them."
In some places such as Aleppo, the FSA can still hold its ground. But in eastern cities such as Raqqa, the Jihadists have completely taken over. "We can't do anything there anymore," laments 31-year old FSA leader Abu Hamza in the Turkish town of Killis. "They are too strong."
. . . In June, Washington pledged to supply the FSA with bullets and the weapons to shoot them. But political infighting between the White House and Congress has held up delivery of the arms. Congressmen are wary of providing weapons that could fall into the hands of Jihadists from Jabhat Al-Nusra and ISI. Radicals have benefited from previous weapons deliveries from Qatar and there is little reason to believe they will be shut out of any future bonanza.
Washington's turf wars are of little concern to Abu Munthir though. He just wants to be able to push the Jihadists out of Syria. "Give me the weapons and I will fight them every day until they are gone," he says. But until the United States does, there is little he can do but curse the Jihadists who have seized his revolution. (The Media Line) Read more. [Reported by Bridges for Peace]
- Pray for the glory of God to shine through Syria. Pray that those who are seeking the true way of the Lord will be shown the correct path.
- "But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him shall glory; but the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped." (Psalm 63:11)
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8. EGYPTIAN ARMY TO OFFER COMPROMISE
The Egyptian army and the interim government it set up after ousting elected President Mohamed Morsi, is prepared to offer the Muslim Brotherhood a compromise in order to end the massive street demonstrations and restore stability. According to a report by the Reuters news agency, the Muslim Brotherhood, which Morsi heads, will be offered three ministerial portfolios, have its assets unfrozen and have some of its leaders detained by the army set free.
An American diplomat reportedly took part in the negotiations, visiting a senior Muslim Brotherhood official in jail. Monday [August 5] saw additional American involvement when Senators John McCain (R-Az.) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) arrived carrying President Obama's personal message urging an end to the unrest. Mediators are trying to convince the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood to accept the reality that their leader, Morsi, will not be returning to power as they are demanding.
Meanwhile, attacks on Egyptian policemen and soldiers in the northern Sinai Peninsula continued on Monday when gunmen opened fire wounding three in two separate incidents. An army officer was shot while standing atop his armored vehicle and two policemen were shot while guarding a bank. Both incidents occurred in El-Arish. (The Media Line) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
BREAKING: HEIGHTENED INSTABILITY, BLOODSHED FEARED IN EGYPT AFTER DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS FAIL
(VNN News; August 10, 2013)
Egypt's army-installed government said this week diplomatic efforts to resolve the political crisis had failed and signaled it was gearing to take action against supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi gathered in Cairo. Envoys from the US, European Union, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates had been trying to defuse the crisis and prevent further bloodshed. But President Adli Mansour's office said Wednesday that ten days of international efforts had "ended today."
Soon after, interim PM Hazem el-Beblawi warned that the government's decision to dismantle the protest camps was final. The protesters had "broken all the limits of peacefulness," Beblawi said, accusing them of inciting violence, blocking roads and detaining citizens. Any use of weapons against policemen or citizens would "be confronted with utmost force and decisiveness," he said.
The breakdown in mediation efforts and the threat of action against the protesters brought the political crisis in the Arab world's biggest nation to a dangerous new phrase. "I didn't know it was this bad. These folks are just days or weeks away from all-out bloodshed," US senator Lindsey Graham said after he met officials from both sides in Cairo this week. (Jerusalem Post)
- Pray for a restored stability in Egypt for the sake of its people. Pray that the hand of God will become evident to everyone in Egypt. Pray for a miracle . . . pray.
- "Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established . . ." (Proverbs 24:1-3)
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9. EGYPTIAN ANTI-OBAMA VIDEO BLAMES HIM FOR SIDING
WITH THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
Those in Egypt opposed to the Muslim Brotherhood claim Washington has been and still is supporting the Islamists. Posters in Cairo's Tahrir Square, a center of pro-government rallies, depict US President Obama with a beard and turban, proclaiming his "support for terrorism." Another example of the anti-Obama rancor in the country can be seen in a new video clip featuring a song by Egyptian performer Sama Elmasry. Titled "You Obama, Your Father, Mother," it attacks the US president for preferring Islamic radicals over the army. It has gone viral, with over 160,000 views since last week.
It ends with a photo of Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who led the anti-Morsi coup. Sisi in a media interview said the United States did not give adequate weight to the millions who called for Morsi's overthrow. He went on to note the US administration "has a lot of influence with the Muslim Brotherhood," and that he would like Washington to use this leverage to end the current standoff with Morsi supporters. He also noted that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel had been calling him almost daily, but that Obama had not called since July 3. (Jerusalem Post)
- Offer praise that the people of Egypt have the courage to post this video and that at least 160,000 have seen it since. After one year of living under the tyranny of the Moslem Brotherhood and its Sharia Law, headed by President Morsi, the Egyptians have seen the light and are demanding their freedom once again.
Pray that this movement, taking down a false "Arab Spring" and bringing forth the potential of a true "Arab Revival" will take root in all nations across the Middle East, so that others will also throw off the shackles of the tyranny of any government under Sharia law. May the nations of the West take note: perhaps it is now the "set time" for revival to visit us, too . . . bringing us out of the darkness of lies to the Glorious Truth of the Gospel of our Lord! Amen and amen.
- "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3)
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10. AL-QA'IDA THREAT HAS GROWN
Despite the massive counter-terrorism efforts of the United States and allied nations, the threat from Al-Qa'ida is greater than ever according to Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), the ranking Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Appearing on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, Chambliss said that the threat that prompted the State Department to close embassies and consulates throughout the Middle East this past week was "the most serious threat that I've seen in the past several years."
Chambliss receives classified briefings from military and intelligence agencies. American diplomatic missions have been re-opened in Israel but remain closed elsewhere in the region. The threat emanated from Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Yemen-based franchise of the global terrorist infrastructure that American experts deem to be the most lethal of terrorist organizations. "Chatter" from sources identified as AQAP operatives was intercepted by US intelligence and the decision to close the embassies was taken as a primary precaution. Speaking on the ABC network, Rep. Peter King (R-NY), who chairs the House Homeland Security Sub-Committee, said the threat "was specific as to how enormous it was going to be." (The Media Line)
- Pray for wisdom and direction for those leaders that are fighting against the growth of terror organizations such as Al-Qa'ida. Pray that the plans of the terrorists will come to light before the attacks.
- "Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:9-11)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
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11. ISRAEL TO TELL EU: WE WON'T SIGN AGREEMENTS BASED ON SETTLEMENT GUIDELINES
Israel will make it clear to the EU that it will not sign any future agreements that restrict European assistance, grants or investments in Israeli entities with a direct or indirect connection to Judea and Samaria, east Jerusalem or the Golan Heights. Nor will Israel agree to include in agreements with the EU a territorial clause that requires it to acknowledge that its sovereignty does not extend beyond the 1967 lines. The Israeli decision was made by PM Netanyahu on Thursday after extensive consultations with Cabinet members. The new EU guidelines regarding settlements will take effect beginning on Jan. 1.
"We will not sign the guidelines in their present form," said a senior Israeli official. "On the other hand, we want to conduct negotiations with the EU so that the Horizon 2020 agreement for scientific cooperation, as well as other arrangements, can be implemented. If nothing changes it will be impossible to sign. We want to find a creative solution." (Ha'aretz)
- Pray this shameful EU sanction against Israel will be rescinded.
- "And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22 AMP)
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This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
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This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LORD, GOD OF OUR FATHERS
(A-don-ni Eh-lo-hay Ah-vo-tay-nu)
From generation to generation, You reign supreme over all the earth. What a comfort it is to know that You are the same God, A-don-ni Eh-lo-hay Ah-vo-tay-nu! From Abraham to Moses to David - the patriarchs and I have the same Lord. How blessed am I!
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his." (Daniel 2:20)
(Source: THE NAME- HaShem: Daily Devotional Worship by Dr. Barri Cae Mallin)
Available on Amazon.com by going here.
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About This Alert
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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.
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About CHPP
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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!
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Thank you for your gifts!
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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!
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"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." (Philippians 4:23)
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THE MONTH OF ELUL BEGINS TONIGHT
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ABC's of Elul
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Dear Prayer Partners,
Tonight marks Rosh Chodesh . . . the month of Elul leading up to Rosh Hashana, and a very important time for prayer, repentance and seeking the Lord for ourselves and our nation. We invite all of you to read the information below and to join us in this month of prayer, introspection, and repentance.
Thank you,
Sara Ballenger, Founder and President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
ABC's of Elul
The last month of the Jewish calendar is actually the most important - serving as preparation for the High Holidays.
If you had an important court date scheduled - one that would determine your financial future, or even your very life - you'd be sure to prepare for weeks beforehand. On Rosh Hashanah, each individual is judged on the merit of his deeds. Whether he will live out the year or not. Whether he will have financial success or ruin. Whether he will be healthy or ill. All of these are determined on Rosh Hashanah.
Elul - the month preceding Rosh Hashanah - begins a period of intensive introspection, of clarifying life's goals, and of coming closer to God. It is a time for realizing purpose in life - rather than perfunctorily going through the motions of living by amassing money and seeking gratification. It is a time when we step back and look at ourselves critically and honestly, as Jews have from time immemorial, with the intention of improving.
The four Hebrew letters of the word Elul (aleph-lamed-vav-lamed) are the first letters of the four words Ani l'dodi v'dodi lee - "I am to my Beloved and my Beloved is to me" (Song of Songs 6:3). These words sum up the relationship between God and His people.
In other words, the month preceding Rosh Hashanah is a time when God reaches out to us, in an effort to create a more spiritually-inspiring atmosphere, one that stimulates teshuva.
> > > Please read the entire article by going here.
