February 7th, 2025 | Messianic World Update | Netanyahu's U.S. Visit Signals Major Shift in Gaza Strategy as Trump Proposes New Middle East Plan
Shalom, everyone, I'm Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries, bringing you the latest Messianic World Update. Today's date is February 7, 2025. This week has been marked by significant developments in U.S.-Israel relations as Prime Minister Netanyahu spent the week in Washington, meeting with key U.S. government officials, including President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and congressional leaders.
The most notable development is Trump's comprehensive plan that goes beyond Gaza to include what has traditionally been called the West Bank—now officially referred to by the U.S. State Department as Judea and Samaria. This marks a potential end to the long-standing two-state solution approach, with President Trump proposing the relocation of Palestinians to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan.
The Department of Defense has demonstrated unwavering support for Israel with a new $1 billion military package, including 4,700 1,000-pound bombs that can be converted into smart weapons. Congress has also pledged additional support.
President Trump this week signed an executive order to implement sanctions against the International Criminal Court for their false and slanderous accusations against Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials of Israel for their actions in the Gaza War. The ICC issued arrest warrants for the Prime Minister and several Israeli officials several months ago, which has impacted those officials’ ability to travel internationally.
Regarding the hostage situation, we expect three more releases this weekend. However, there's growing concern about the Bibas family, particularly the mother and two children who remain unaccounted for. The revelation that eight of the 33 hostages in the current deal are deceased has cast a somber shadow over the negotiations.
In a significant shift, the IDF is preparing to allow Palestinians to leave Gaza, aligning with Trump's proposal for regional relocation. This comes as sentiment in Israel grows increasingly focused on securing the release of all hostages, with military action remaining a possibility once the current ceasefire ends.
Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels, and Palestinian terrorists in Judea and Samaria continue to launch weapons and engage in attacks on Israeli civilians. The IDF is working to secure the situations in Lebanon and Judea and Samaria, as well as keep the Houthis from launching drones over Israeli territory.
At Messianic World Update, we watch these Middle East situations for how they connect to biblical prophecy. Keep watch on Pres. Trump’s plan, as it could potentially lead to the Jewish people being allowed to worship on the Temple Mount. If that happens, we must also watch to see if there is movement to build an altar. It goes without saying that we are definitely living in prophetic times.
Please continue to pray for Israel and the hostages, pray for President Trump and all he is doing for our nation and Israel, and pray for believers around the world.
Shabbat Shalom to all of you.