December 26, 2025 | Messianic World Update | Israel, Gaza, Iran & U.N. Lies
Shalom, everyone, I’m Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries, bringing you the latest Messianic World Update. Today’s date is December 26, 2025.
As we come to the close of this year, Israel finds itself at a critical crossroads. Internal conflicts are consuming the time and attention of Prime Minister Netanyahu, even as the nation continues to face enormous external threats. From political controversy at home to mounting pressure from world leaders, Israel’s leadership is being tested in unprecedented ways.
Much of the turmoil centers on what the media has dubbed “Qatargate,” where one of Netanyahu’s aides has been indicted for allegedly sharing intelligence connected to Qatar. Now accusations are swirling that Netanyahu himself may have been involved. Alongside this controversy, the prime minister is still facing his long-running graft trial, a matter that President Trump has publicly suggested should be pardoned. At the same time, calls are growing for an independent investigation into the failures that allowed the horrific October 7 attack to take place. Families of the victims and survivors are demanding transparency, while political leaders fear a cover-up. All of this creates deep division within Israel at a time when unity is desperately needed.
In the midst of these internal struggles, Netanyahu is preparing to meet with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. This will be their fifth meeting during Trump’s first year back in office, and there is no doubt that serious matters are on the table. Chief among them is Iran. Since the ceasefire, Iran has been rapidly rebuilding its missile capabilities, viewing long-range missile attacks as its most effective weapon. There are also renewed efforts to restore nuclear facilities and air defenses. Netanyahu is expected to present a plan aimed at keeping Iran’s ambitions firmly in check. History tells us that when these two leaders meet, discussions often precede decisive action.
Another major topic will be Gaza. Phase One of the ceasefire has still not been fulfilled: Hamas has not disarmed, and one hostage body remains unrecovered. Yet there is pressure to move on to Phase Two. Israel continues to insist that agreements must be honored before any further concessions are made. Syria will also be discussed, where the IDF remains in the south, protecting Israel’s northern border and defending the Druze villages from terrorist elements. While President Trump seeks to bring Syria back into the fold of the international community, Israel remains cautious, knowing too well the dangers that still lurk there. And of course, Hezbollah in Lebanon remains a constant threat, with talk once again of a possible IDF ground operation if disarmament does not take place.
We also saw this week the release of yet another U.N. report accusing Israel of “genocide” and starvation in Gaza. Let me be very clear: this is propaganda, not truth. The report relied almost entirely on Hamas sources and questionable methodology rather than independent investigation. Even their so-called evidence of starvation was based on arm measurements of children and computer algorithms, not on real proof from the ground. Independent voices and evidence continue to show that while Gaza is suffering because of war, there is no genocide and no widespread starvation as claimed. This is slander against Israel, designed to stir the nations against God’s people. As Scripture reminds us, HaSatan is the father of lies, and lies have always been used to accuse and attack Israel.
Looking ahead to 2026, the question remains: what will become of Gaza? There are several possibilities being discussed. One is internal fracture within Hamas itself, as the leaders live in luxury abroad while the people in Gaza struggle. Another is the rise of anti-Hamas militias—small groups that have already begun to form and, in some cases, cooperate with Israel. There could also be civilian resistance, with people withdrawing support from Hamas and separating themselves from its control. Some even envision a mass movement of Palestinians into cleared northern areas, away from Hamas strongholds, if basic services can be restored.
There is also talk of a future stabilization force, but only after Hamas is disarmed. Some suggest private military elements might be used to spearhead such an effort, keeping national armies out of direct conflict. Turkey has even offered to play a role, though Israel rightly remains suspicious, given Turkey’s support for Hamas. In my view, however, the reality is this: before there can be true peace in Gaza, there will likely have to be a final, decisive operation by the IDF, possibly in coordination with another force, to dismantle Hamas once and for all. And at the heart of that effort must be the destruction of the tunnel network. Only about 40% has been eliminated. As long as those tunnels remain, Hamas believes it can survive. They must be destroyed.
As this year ends, we naturally look back on all that has happened and look forward with hope for better days ahead. We pray for a world where truth prevails, where Israel is secure, and where the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is honored among the nations. Thank you for watching, for praying for us, and for supporting Lion and Lamb Ministries. We invite you to join us on YouTube, our podcasts, and LionandLamb.tv as we continue to bring you news and biblical perspective.
Shabbat Shalom to all of you