January 27th, 2025 | Messianic World Update | IDF Leadership Resigns Over October 7 Response as Hamas Hostage Release Continues

Shalom, everyone, I'm Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries, bringing you the latest Messianic World Update. Today's date is January 24, 2025, and we have significant developments to report from Israel and the ongoing situation in Gaza.

The aftermath of October 7th continues to reverberate through Israeli society and military leadership. This week saw major changes in the IDF command structure, with Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announcing his resignation and taking responsibility for the military's response to the Hamas attack. The head of the Southern Command has also stepped down, marking a period of accountability within Israel's defense establishment.

On a more hopeful note, four more hostages are expected to be released this Saturday, including civilian Arbel Yehud, who is currently held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The other three women to be released are reportedly soldiers. Disturbing intelligence reveals that some hostages were kept in humanitarian zones, including UNWRA shelters, with Palestinian civilians complicit in their detention.

The IDF continues its operations in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), particularly in Jenin and Tulkarim, targeting terrorist activities. They've established over 900 checkpoints and deployed seven additional battalions to maintain security. Meanwhile, negotiations for remaining hostages continue, with Israel seeking information about the status of 65 people still in captivity. Of particular concern is the status of the Bibas family. The parents and their two children, ages 4 and 10 months, were taken from their home at gunpoint on October 7th. 

In diplomatic developments, Trump has said that he hopes Israel will not attack Iran while diplomatic options may still work; however, he followed those statements by saying that if Israel did attack Iran, he wouldn’t object. Turkey's increasing involvement in Syria presents new challenges as they attempt to fill the power vacuum and challenge Israeli interests in the region.

The global Jewish community faces increasing challenges, with anti-Semitic incidents rising by 340% worldwide. France leads in reported incidents, while Australia continues to see attacks on Jewish institutions. Here in the US, an academic presentation by an IDF doctor was canceled due to security concerns.

Here at home, President Trump continued to sign executive orders concerning immediate deportation of illegal immigrants as well as foreign students who participated in the pro-Palestinian protests seen on college campuses. Additionally, President Trump revoked the security clearance of 51 intelligence employees, particularly those who signed the letter regarding the Biden laptop. This includes former Secretary of State Antony Blinkin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. 

As we monitor developments around the world, we must remember that these events align with prophetic expectations for Israel and the Jewish people in these last days. 

Please continue to pray for Israel and for all of the hostages’ safe return, for President Trump as he implements sweeping changes in our government, and for the Middle East. 

Shabbat Shalom to all of you.