August 9th, 2024 | Messianic World Update | Middle East Tensions, Iran-Hezbollah Threats, and US-Israel Relations
Tensions in the Middle East
Shalom everyone, I'm Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries. Welcome to another edition of Messianic World Update. Today's date is Friday, August 9th of the year 2024, and here's the news for the week.
This week, we've seen both Iran and Hezbollah step back from attacking Israel directly. Sinwar continues to call for a regional war in the Middle East, and the U.S. is putting more pressure on Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire.
All this last week, we were expecting Iran, Hezbollah, the PMU (Popular Mobilization Units), and the Houthi rebels to launch a full-scale attack on Israel. As a result, airlines were canceling service into and out of the Middle East, especially to Israel and Beirut, Lebanon. The war bunker in Israel was activated, and the U.S. moved anti-missile ships into the Persian Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Red Sea, as well as a carrier battle group and a squadron of F-22s to the Middle East.
Everyone was on edge, expecting the war to start at any moment. The anticipation stemmed from two major events: the death of a Hamas leader in a guest house explosion and the killing of Hezbollah's number-two leader in Beirut by an Israeli airstrike. Both incidents fueled the anger and desire for revenge against Israel.
The U.S. Intel advised Israel that a full-scale attack was imminent, leading to heightened vigilance and preparations. However, diplomatic efforts, particularly by the U.S., managed to de-escalate the situation. The new Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, considered to be more moderate, recommended against attacking Israel to avoid national collapse.
Hezbollah, although still contemplating an attack, faces the reality that Lebanon, their host country, would suffer immensely. Israeli forces are prepared to decimate Hezbollah and Lebanon if attacked. Hezbollah's strategy seems to involve depleting Israel's Iron Dome defenses with low-grade rockets before launching more accurate and deadly weapons.
The U.S. has shown strong support for Israel, moving an F-22 squadron to the Middle East. These aircraft are the tip of the spear in military terms, capable of performing all air and ground missions stealthily and effectively. Their presence sends a clear message of deterrence to Iran and Hezbollah.
In the political arena, President Biden continues to push for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages, despite Gaza’s leader, Yahya Sinwar's, outright refusal to negotiate or surrender. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his mission to eradicate Hamas and secure the hostages.
The Biden administration's pressure on Netanyahu includes withholding certain military support needed for the Gaza war. Earlier this week, presidential candidate Kamala Harris intimated that she might agree to an arms embargo against Israel; however, she and the Democratic Party quickly walked back those statements after the press reported the story and a massive outcry on conservative news agencies and social media overwhelmingly demonstrated US citizens’ support of Israel.
The situation remains tense, and Israel's readiness to defend itself is unwavering. The hope is for a peaceful resolution, but Israel is prepared to respond decisively to any threats.
Please pray for us here in this country for the election season, for Israel and victory against their enemies, for the hostages and their swift return to their families, and pray for our fellow believers scattered all around the world, especially those under persecution.
Shabbat Shalom to all of you.