Shalom, everyone, I’m Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries, bringing you the latest Messianic World Update. Today’s date is Friday, January 2, 2026.
This is our first broadcast of the new year, and as we enter 2026, the world is anything but quiet. The prophetic pressures on Israel, the Middle East, and the nations continue to intensify, and once again we are watching events unfold that directly impact the Jewish people and the land of Israel.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Florida at Mar-a-Lago with President Donald Trump, following separate meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President, J.D. Vance. According to Netanyahu, these meetings were productive, candid, and largely in agreement on the major threats facing Israel today—especially the growing danger posed by Iran.
Israel presented intelligence showing that Iran has resumed rebuilding its nuclear program, selecting new sites rather than reusing those previously targeted. In addition, Iran is accelerating its production of long-range ballistic missiles with the stated intent of striking Israel once again. President Trump reportedly agreed with PM Netanyahu’s assessment and indicated that if Iran continues down this path, decisive military action may be required.
One of the most sobering moments of the visit came when PM Netanyahu brought the family of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage whose body remains in Gaza. Ran was taken during the October 7th attack while serving as a policeman in southern Israel. His mother spoke passionately, urging that no further phase of negotiations move forward until her son’s body is returned. Israel believes Palestinian Islamic Jihad is responsible, and recent captures of jihad operatives may lead to information about his whereabouts.
PM Netanyahu also emphasized that Hamas has failed to meet the agreed terms of Phase One of the ceasefire—specifically the return of hostages and the disarmament of their forces. Hamas has openly admitted that they are choosing a new leader, with one faction pushing continued war and another seeking negotiations through Qatar. President Trump made it clear that Hamas will be given only a short window to disarm, warning that failure to do so would bring severe consequences.
Tensions rose further following comments by J.D. Vance criticizing IDF operations in Gaza. Let me be clear: the men and women of the IDF are not “trigger happy.” They are defending themselves against terrorists whose stated mission is the extermination of the Jewish people. Hamas has already violated the ceasefire repeatedly, wounding Israeli soldiers. Israel has every right—biblically, morally, and legally—to defend itself.
Netanyahu also addressed the northern front. Hezbollah is actively attempting to rearm and reorganize in southern Lebanon under new leadership. The Lebanese government lacks the will or capability to disarm them, leaving Israel with little choice but to prepare further action. Ground operations in both Lebanon and Gaza appear increasingly unavoidable.
On the strategic front, Israel’s recent military advancements are significant. Modified F-35 aircraft now possess extended-range capabilities, allowing Israeli pilots to strike deep into Iran without aerial refueling. This has not gone unnoticed by the United States, which is now studying similar modifications. Israel has also deployed its new Iron Beam laser defense system—a true game changer for short-range threats like drones, mortars, and rockets—freeing interceptor missiles for longer-range attacks.
In Gaza, Israel continues to map Hamas’ tunnel networks using advanced surveillance, trained dogs, and new technology, including “foam (sponge) bombs” capable of sealing tunnels permanently. At the same time, Israel is intercepting weapon-laden drones crossing in from Egypt and Jordan, preventing further arming of terrorist cells.
I recently interviewed an IDF combat veteran named David “Dudi” Lev, who lives near the Lebanese border and was seriously wounded by an anti-tank missile. His testimony was heartbreaking and powerful. He spoke of what it means to fight, not for ideology, but for your home, your family, your bed, your dinner table. His message was simple: let Israel finish the job once and for all. You’ll be seeing his full interview soon on The Lion’s Share.
We must also confront the larger moral issue. Hamas, Iran, and their allies are not seeking coexistence. They are openly calling for the extermination of the Jewish people. This is not about borders or politics—it is the same hatred that fueled the Holocaust. When leaders say they “support Jews but oppose Israel,” they are speaking nonsense. Israel is the Jewish state. To oppose Israel is to oppose the Jewish people.
Iran has now declared itself at “total war” with the U.S., Israel, and Europe, even as massive protests erupt inside its borders due to economic collapse and inflation. History tells us that regimes under internal pressure often provoke external conflict to distract their population. Israel is on high alert, and I believe further strikes against Iran are not just likely—they are necessary.
If Iran escalates beyond a certain point, Israel possesses a last-resort deterrent: the Jericho weapons system—its nuclear triad designed to ensure national survival. No one wants to see that scenario, but Israel will do whatever is necessary to protect its people.
As believers, we must pray. Pray for Israel. Pray for our leaders. Pray for wisdom, courage, and restraint where possible—but also for resolve where required. These are not ordinary times.
Thank you for watching, supporting Lion and Lamb Ministries, and standing with us as we enter our 31st year of ministry.
Shabbat Shalom to all of you.