January 16, 2026 | Messianic World Update | Iran Protests, Gaza Phase Two, Israel on Alert

Shalom, everyone, I’m Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries, bringing you the latest Messianic World Update. Today’s date is Friday, January 16th, 2026.

This week has been filled with dramatic developments that remind us just how quickly the nations can be shaken and how clearly the Scriptures describe the days in which we are living. From Iran to Gaza, from Washington to Jerusalem, we are watching events unfold that have profound prophetic, political, and spiritual implications.

For more than two weeks, Iran has been gripped by widespread protests against the Islamic regime. Reports indicate at least 2,500 confirmed deaths, with some estimates rising as high as 12,000, and more than 18,000 people arrested. These are not isolated demonstrations; this is a national uprising by citizens desperate to overthrow a brutal and oppressive system. The regime responded as it always has—by shutting down the internet, arresting protesters en masse, and threatening executions to instill fear and silence dissent.

The world watched closely as President Trump publicly condemned the Iranian regime and voiced support for the protesters. He made it clear that continued oppression could trigger U.S. intervention, even militarily. At the same time, there has been debate within the U.S. leadership itself, with Vice President J.D. Vance calling for diplomacy rather than direct military action. This internal divide highlights a broader tension we see today: decisiveness versus restraint, strength versus compromise.

Israel, as expected, went on its highest alert. Iranian threats included the possibility of missile strikes against Israel and U.S. bases throughout the Persian Gulf. Airspace closures, the movement of a U.S. carrier battle group, and discussions of potential strikes using cruise missiles, stealth bombers, and special operations forces, all pointed to how close the region came to a much wider conflict. Ultimately, Iran announced it would halt executions, protests subsided, and the immediate crisis cooled. Once again, the Iranian regime appears to have survived—for now.

At the same time, Phase Two of the Gaza Peace Plan has officially begun. A technocratic committee has been established to oversee Gaza, with members approved by Israel and other nations. The Rafah Crossing has re-opened, allowing traffic between Gaza and Egypt. Yet fighting has not fully stopped. Hamas violations of the ceasefire led to firefights near Rafah, and the issue of disarming—or merely demilitarizing—Hamas remains unresolved. From Israel’s perspective, allowing Hamas to remain in any form is deeply problematic, and rightly so.

We are also seeing increasing efforts to involve Turkey in Gaza’s future, despite strained relations between Ankara and Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Israel continues airstrikes against Hezbollah targets along the northern border, a reminder that Israel remains surrounded by persistent threats on every front.

One of the more unusual developments this week came from reports surrounding the U.S. raid in Venezuela, where a new ultrasonic weapon was reportedly used to incapacitate enemy forces without explosives. While details remain scarce, it is another example of how modern warfare is rapidly evolving—and how the tools of conflict are becoming more sophisticated and unsettling.

From a Messianic and prophetic perspective, these events are not random. Scripture tells us that the nations will rage, governments will falter, and Israel will remain at the center of global attention. The God of Israel is not surprised by any of this. He is guiding history toward His appointed purposes, and Israel remains the apple of His eye.

We encourage you to continue praying—for the people of Iran suffering under tyranny, for wisdom among world leaders, and especially for the protection and peace of Israel. These updates are not meant to inspire fear, but discernment. We are living in days the the prophets long spoke about, and it is more important than ever to stay watchful, grounded in the Word, and faithful in prayer.

Shabbat Shalom to all of you.