December 19, 2025 | Messianic World Update | Israel, Gaza, Hezbollah & Global Terror

Shalom, everyone, I’m Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries, bringing you the latest Messianic World Update. Today’s date is Friday, December 19, 2025.

As we close out this week, the situation in Israel and across the world continues to intensify, reminding us once again that we are living in prophetic and perilous times. From Israel’s northern border to Gaza, and from the Middle East to Jewish communities worldwide, the pressure against Israel and the Jewish people is increasing on every front.

Northern Front: Lebanon and Hezbollah

On Israel’s northern border, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Lebanese government is either unwilling or unable to deal decisively with Hezbollah. Despite international agreements that require the Lebanese army to disarm Hezbollah and remove them from southern Lebanon, that has not happened. Instead, Hezbollah continues to regroup, rearm, and reestablish training camps and weapons stockpiles.

Israel has responded with multiple airstrikes targeting these facilities. While Israel has made every effort to provide intelligence to Lebanon and urge them to act, when nothing is done, Israel is forced to defend itself. At this point, it appears that lasting peace on Israel’s northern border may only come if the IDF conducts another ground operation into Lebanon to remove Hezbollah once and for all. This is not Israel’s desire, but it may be Israel’s necessity.

Syria and the Protection of the Druze

To the northeast, the IDF remains stationed inside southern Syria. Their mission is twofold: to protect Israel’s northern border and to defend the Druze villages from terrorist attacks. The Druze are an indigenous people of the region who seek to live peacefully with their neighbors, yet they are often targeted by extremist groups because they refuse to conform.

Although Syria now has a new leader who claims to seek peace, Israel remains cautious—and rightly so. His past, along with the continued presence of terrorist elements in Syria, gives Israel little reason for blind trust. When the Syrian government collapsed earlier, terrorists immediately attacked Druze villages, and Israel intervened to protect innocent lives. That protection continues today, and it reflects Israel’s moral clarity in the face of regional chaos.

Gaza, Hamas, and the Yellow Line

In Gaza, the situation remains volatile. Israel continues to hold the Yellow Line, which places roughly 53% of Gaza under IDF control. Hamas has failed to disarm as required, and instead continues to test Israel’s defenses through probing attacks, stabbings, and confrontations along the line—particularly near Rafah.

One of the most troubling issues remains the body of Ron Gvili, believed to be the last remaining hostage from the October 7 attacks whose remains have not been returned. Hamas continues to stall, using this tragedy as political leverage. Inside Israel, voices are growing louder that there can be no progress to phase two of any ceasefire agreement until his body is returned and Hamas disarms, as originally agreed.

The tunnel network beneath Gaza remains a major obstacle. It is estimated that only about 40% of Hamas’s tunnels have been destroyed. These tunnels—funded by billions in international aid meant for civilians—are the backbone of Hamas’s survival strategy. As long as they remain intact, Hamas believes it can outlast Israel. Destroying them is a massive and ongoing task, but it is essential for long-term security.

Global Terror and Rising Antisemitism

Beyond Israel, the rise in antisemitic violence worldwide is deeply alarming. In Sydney, Australia, Jews celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach were attacked by ISIS-linked terrorists, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. This attack followed months of unchecked antisemitic protests and harassment across Australia—evidence of what happens when governments attempt to appease radicalism instead of confronting it.

In the United States, a shooting at Brown University has raised serious concerns about targeted violence against Jews, though authorities remain hesitant to speak openly about motives. Across the globe, the chant “Globalize the Intifada” has become a rallying cry for violent extremists. Encouragingly, the United Kingdom has begun outlawing such phrases as hate speech and arresting those who incite violence.

This is no longer a localized conflict. It is a global ideological war. Islamic terrorist groups and their supporters—Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and others—have exported violence worldwide. Western nations must wake up to this reality and take decisive action to protect their citizens and their Jewish communities.

A Sobering Parallel

This week also brought tragic news closer to home with the reported killing of actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife, allegedly at the hands of their son, an addict. The tragedy illustrates a sobering truth: when addiction or radicalization takes hold, reason and family bonds can be completely destroyed. Terrorism operates the same way. These groups do not want peace, statehood, or aid—they want destruction. Appeasement only invites more violence.

Looking Ahead

Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to visit the White House later this month. President Trump has ambitious plans for the Middle East, and there will undoubtedly be pressure on Israel to conform to those plans. Israel must remain steadfast, discerning, and committed to its God-given responsibility to protect its people and its land.

As we celebrate Chanukah, may the light of God shine in our hearts and homes. Pray for Israel, pray for wisdom for its leaders, and pray for strength in the days ahead.

Thank you for watching, praying for, and supporting Lion and Lamb Ministries. You can find all of our programs on YouTube and at LionandLamb.tv.

Shabbat Shalom to all of you.