December 13th, 2024 | Messianic World Update | Syria Falls: Assad's Flight Triggers Middle East Power Shift and Israeli Strikes

Shalom, everyone, I'm Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries, bringing you the latest Messianic World Update. Today's date is Friday, December 13th, 2024, and the world has seen profound changes this week that I need to share with you.

In a stunning development, the Bashir al-Assad regime in Syria has collapsed. After more than 50 years of Assad family rule, Bashar al-Assad has fled to Russia as Syrian rebels seized control of major cities, including Damascus. Many of the Syrian army troops, left without support from Hezbollah, Iran, or Russia, welcomed the rebels. While the rebel leadership has terrorist roots, the leader, Mohammad al-Jolani, is now positioning himself as a statesman, prompting Syrian refugees to return home from neighboring countries.

Taking advantage of this power vacuum, the U.S. launched extensive airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria, while Israel conducted over 200 comprehensive strikes against Syrian military infrastructure. Israel has effectively neutralized Syria's navy, air force, and army bases, along with chemical and other weapons facilities. This dramatic shift has severely impacted Iran's "axis of resistance," cutting off their corridor to Lebanon and Hezbollah.

The situation has significant implications for regional dynamics. It's particularly devastating for Iran and Hezbollah, while potentially beneficial for Turkey and Jordan. For Israel, while uncertainty remains about Syria's future direction, the collapse of hostile forces around them marks a positive development. However, Iran's accelerated nuclear program poses a new threat, and Israel is now considering direct action against Iranian nuclear sites.

As we watch these events unfold, we're reminded of the prophetic implications, though we must be careful not to hastily apply prophecies like Isaiah 17:1 to current events. What we're seeing is indeed a mixture of wheat and tares, but the overall trajectory appears to be moving in Israel's favor.

Meanwhile, hostage negotiations in Gaza have intensified, with Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. mediating. There's optimism about a possible breakthrough by month's end, especially with President-elect Trump's stern warning about consequences if hostages aren't released by January 20th.

In Israel proper, we're seeing continued terrorist activities from Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), with car rammings, stabbings, and shootings occurring almost daily. This week, a 12-year-old boy was killed in a bus shooting near the Beitar checkpoint. The Palestinian terrorist, who originally fled the scene, later gave himself up to Israeli police. Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to prepare for escalation in the West Bank to address these security threats.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was called to testify in the current corruption case against him in Israeli court. The Prime Minister vehemently denies all the charges, linked to gifts given him by a wealthy friend connected to some projects in Israel, and ended his testimony by stating that the charges and the case were “absurd.”

The Australian synagogue that was set on fire last week has been deemed by the Australian government to be a terrorist attack. Authorities there are still seeking the perpetrators of the arson attack.

Here in the U.S., we’ve been watching a mystery unfold along the Eastern seaboard. A swarm of drones has been detected by citizens and authorities, with the federal government not making any clear statement or giving an explanation. Much speculation and conspiracy theories abound regarding the drones. We will keep watching this story for further developments.

Shabbat Shalom to all of you