A Seven Front War
Though the continued fighting in Gaza is getting most of the press attention, Israel is fighting for its life in many other places as well. Defense Minister Gallant pointed out this week that Israel is fighting a “seven front war” against Iran and its terrorist proxies, not just in Gaza, but in Lebanon, in Syria and in the Bible lands of Judea of Samaria. The mullahs of Tehran are dedicated to seeing Israel wiped off the map, and the Jewish state is being forced to respond to threats from so many different directions. This is a reminder of how important our support and help and prayers are right now.
The Fate of the Hostages
The dozens of Israelis still being held hostage by Hamas forces in Gaza are suffering hardship and peril beyond words to describe. Hamas has made it clear they have no intention of releasing any more hostages. In fact, they issued a demand that they would only even begin to discuss a release if Israel not only instituted a ceasefire but withdrew all troops from Gaza. At this special time of year, we are asking every friend to pray urgently for the protection and ultimate release of these precious people.
A Lack of Moral Clarity
The United Nations passed another resolution this week calling for a “cessation of hostilities.” The resolution notably does not condemn Hamas for the sneak attack that started the war. And yet many nations, including Russia, condemned the resolution for not going far enough to demand Israel accept a ceasefire. There is only one reason there is a war going on, and it is not because Israel wants a war. We must continue to stand against those who are pressuring Israel to stop defending themselves.
Target Tel Aviv
Israel’s second largest city, Tel Aviv, was targeted by at least 30 rockets fired from Gaza in the latest attack far from the border. There had been hopes that Israel might be reaching the point of making it more difficult for such attacks to be launched, but clearly the military operation will have to continue yet further. Hamas terrorists continue to indiscriminately target innocent Jewish people. There is no place in Israel that is safe right now, and there are so many people who need our help.
“As Quickly as Possible”
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told reporters this week that ending the war in Gaza “as quickly as possible” is a top priority for the Biden Administration. The war would end today if Hamas stopped trying to destroy Israel. This is not a war Israel chose…they are fighting for their lives. But this is a war Israel must win, and no nation should be putting pressure on the Jewish state to do anything less than everything required for their future security.