Shalom From Northern Israel –
Happy Independence Day to my friends in the United States of America!
It has been another busy week. Between what’s going on here at CONNECT and the rising tension on our northern border, it’s safe to say that my mind is racing frequently. On one hand, I’m ecstatic about what’s on the horizon regarding what CONNECT is enabling us to do, but on the other hand, I know the inevitable is approaching for my country’s confrontation with the largest terror organization on earth – Hezbollah. While stress is certainly my reality right now and worry is the frequent temptation, I’m daily reminded of the need to keep my mind centered on God’s providence in all things. His promise to preserve Israel is sure.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
It’s an amazing reality to consider that Behold Israel will be celebrating 10 years of ministry later this month. When I reflect on all that’s transpired over the last decade, it’s really a multitude of miracles that God is responsible for. He’s done so much for us and I’m in awe to see what He has enabled us to do.
Before I give you some key updates regarding my neck of the woods, here are some essential updates concerning the ministry.
The Ministry
I delivered another MidEast update on Tuesday from CONNECT that touched on a variety of topics concerning current events in my nation and various places in the region. Make sure to tune in to stay up to date. Moreover, on Monday at 9:00 AM PDT, we will be hosting our very first live Q & A from CONNECT with my good friend, Pastor Barry Stagner! This will be followed by another MidEast Update on Tuesday at 12:00 PM PDT. We have some other exciting new content coming in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned!
Just days ago, we released a new podcast, “Israel: Replaced or Embraced?”, wherein my good friend, Dr. Golan Broshi, and I dove deep into the topic of Replacement Theology in the days we’re living in. We’re receiving very solid feedback. Make sure to give it a listen!
Tune in tomorrow, Friday, at 12:00 PM PDT on Facebook & YouTube! From its institution as a nation, the hope of Israel was never found within the people themselves. The foundation of their hope was – and is to this day – sourced in their God. But when the Bible speaks of the hope of Israel, who or what is it referring to? Join Amir as he takes a journey through the Scriptures to identify the hope of Israel past, present, and future. Along the way, you’ll discover that this hope not only applies to Israel, but to the whole world.
Personally, I want to express my deep gratitude for your unconditional love, fervent prayers, and faithful financial support that enables us to do so much. You are co-laborers with us!
As I give you a synopsis of the key events in my region of the world over the last week, I just want to remind you to subscribe to my Telegram channel if you haven’t already. Telegram is where I post real-time news updates concerning Bible prophecy and current events, and it’s the only platform that enables me to be transparent and get the truth out!
The Middle East
The War Within
The internal feud didn’t take a holiday following October 7. In fact, the progressive movement in Israel took advantage of it – even with our military. Two branches of the IDF had a colossal failure on October 7th and ever since. Our intelligence and Air Force. The intelligence failed to alert ahead of time and the Air Force failed to act fast enough to defend the skies of Israel from aerial threats. Interestingly enough, these two branches had the most active members in the judicial reform protests. Make no mistake, October 7th was years in the making. However, unfortunately, a lot of “useful idiots” made it easier for it to take place!
Netanyahu is dealing with pressure that none of Israel’s prime ministers have faced before. Imagine dealing with the internal strife, military conflicts in multiple places, corrupt leaders within, and dealing with a White House that’s constantly giving you ultimatums. Speaking of the White House, Netanyahu made it clear to the Americans that Israel will not accept a situation where Hezbollah decides when to fire and when to start fighting according to what is happening in Gaza. According to the same sources, Netanyahu made it clear to the Americans that we will not accept the issue of Hezbollah on the border fence and the immediate threat to the settlements in the area. The essence of his message to the Americans: Either you will make them (Hezbollah) withdraw beyond the Litani River, or the IDF will push them beyond the river.
The War in Gaza
On one hand, it’s hard to believe that it’s almost been nine months since we went to war with Hamas in Gaza. But on the other hand, after discovering just how complex their underground tunnel system is, it’s not all that surprising. And I’m not even mentioning the complications of fighting against psychopaths who use women and children as shields. Anyway, we’re still there. However, the front has changed from all-out war in Rafah to targeted attacks on terrorists and specific infrastructure as we destroy the tunnel system along the way. Sadly, there are still dozens of Israeli hostages there, most of which we assume to be dead. Regardless, we intend to bring every one of them home. In the meantime, combat rages on. Israeli soldiers are seeing some tough days in Gaza, falling victim to booby-trapped homes and tunnel shafts. Casualties and injuries are continuing to add up. Please continue to pray for them.
Things Are Heating Up in the North
Our current confrontation with Hezbollah is like a tennis match, but instead of a bouncy, neon ball, we’re dealing with rockets, missiles, and drones. The IDF is attacking Hezbollah military sites in Southern Lebanon daily while the world’s largest terror proxy fires dozens of rockets into Northern Israel on a regular basis. However, we’re hitting them where it hurts despite the war having not officially begun quite yet. Our targeted attacks on their key personnel and leadership are surely starting to take a toll. Whether they’re in a building, a vehicle, on a bike, or in hiding (so they think) – we’re finding them. As I’ve been saying for weeks, war is imminent. The panic is growing within the ranks of Hezbollah as they continue to make a multitude of threats should a war with Israel begin.
When it comes to targeted attacks, what took place in Lebanon yesterday was critical. The IDF eliminated Abu Ali Nasser, commander of Hezbollah’s Aziz unit! This is a super significant elimination! The elimination of Nasser marked the killing of the most high-ranking Hezbollah commander in the last nine months. But this elimination didn’t go unnoticed. Throughout today (Thursday), we’ve been dealing with nonstop attacks in the northern region of the country. It’s estimated that over 200 projectiles have been launched by Hezbollah so far. Part of an intercepted drone hit a shopping mall in the Israeli town of Acco and injuries are being reported by our military after drones hit IDF bases. If that’s not enough, fires are breaking out all over Northern Israel, including the Golan Heights. The IDF has begun extensive attacks in Southern Lebanon, but it’s going to be a long night.
Again, I sympathize with the people of Lebanon, as so many want nothing to do with this regime running their country. In fact, a member of parliament from the Christian factions threatened to break up Lebanon into two countries if Hezbollah goes to war. And it’s not just Hezbollah in Lebanon we’re dealing with. The other proxies in places like Iraq are preparing to go to war with Israel is well. Iran’s proxy resources north and northeast of our border are vast in number – far vaster than you know.
Iran is Being Swept Under the Rug
The ayatollahs have zero accountability right now given the apathy of the United States. Yes, the Islamic Republic lost its president in a helicopter crash, but make no mistake, Iran is on its way to a nuclear bomb while the world is distracted. The International Atomic Energy Agency recently reported that Iran has installed new and advanced centrifuges and enrichment facilities at the underground nuclear sites in Pardo and Natanz, and in Natanz, it has already begun enriching uranium. There is so much more I could say about their nuclear activity, but it suffices to say, they’re getting a deadly free pass – and they’re loving it. And yes, they’re prepared to enter into any war that takes place between Israel and Hezbollah. This led two notable people in Israel to go public about the possible need for nuking Iran should it be an existential threat during the coming war.
All Eyes on the USA
The gloves are off within the Democratic Party in the USA. 1/3 of Democrats are convinced that Joe Biden needs to remove himself from the presidential race. However, while there are rumors flying of different candidates, the latest news as that he’s hellbent on running in 2024 despite a disastrous first debate last week. There are a couple things that are certain: 1) Who is in the White House has serious implications regarding world affairs. Look at the last three years and ask yourself how the world took a big nosedive for the worst on a continual basis. 2) The world is watching to see what happens with America this year. The globalist movement doesn’t wear a mask anymore and is prepared to do whatever it needs to do to prevent Donald Trump from winning the election. It’s going to be an interesting and messy several months ahead.
These Are the Last Days
The majority of the world is looking at the progressive left mental cases as being on the fringes of our society. However, remember that Satan always works on deceiving both sides to eventually bring about chaos and destruction. After all he is all about stealing, killing, and destroying. The so-called sane, reasonable conservatives – unless they are born again – can be as delusional and poisonous as the left. The ONLY way to stay focused, clear-headed, and sharp in our world – one which is ruled by Satan, the Prince of this World – is with the help of the Holy Spirit and His great power. Shortly before His crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus said these words to His disciples:
John 14:16-17
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.”
The days are evil! We are about to see even greater doses of demonic madness and satanic activity which will lead to wars, chaos, and destruction. Yes, my friends, these are the last days! You can choose to bury your head in the sand in order to simply feel happy, or you can look around you and grasp the severity of our times and seasons. There is hope! There is a way! There is a source for real peace even amidst chaos and war. It’s all in the Messiah! Believe in Him, receive the spirit of truth, and walk in His light in these dark days!
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Awaiting His Return,
Amir Tsafati
Amir, a Jewish Christian, is the founder and president of Behold Israel, a news site to correct the scarcity in trustworthy reportage on issues and events impacting Israel, and to resolve the uncertainty about who or what to believe.
Photo credit: Soman, CC BY-SA 2.5, Link