Following the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers by Hamas over a week ago, Israel launched Operation Brother’s Keeper.  The military operation to find and return the teenagers to their families has included searches and arrests of Hamas operatives in the West Bank.

Surprisingly, Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the kidnapping and exhorted the kidnappers to return the youth.  That apparently did not sit well with Hamas leaders who have vowed to “Rain hell on Israel” unless the military operations in the West Bank cease.  Meanwhile, Israel is exhorting Abbas and the Palestinian Authority to break the unity government they recently formed with Hamas.

Abbas finds himself in a very precarious position: trying to appear humanitarian in the world’s eyes, but causing great anger with his new unity government partner, Hamas.  Let’s pray that the Lord uses this situation to bring about a separation of the unity government.

One a separate front, an explosion occurred on the Israeli-Syrian border on the Golan Heights, killing an Israeli teenager and injuring three others.  The explosion is thought to be an anti-tank missile fired from inside Syria.  It is unclear whether the missile was fired by Syrian government or rebel forces.  The IDF has responded with tank fire on positions held by government forces, however.  As the Syrian civil war spills over the borders, Israeli citizens are endangered.

Friends, events continue to stir in and around Israel, reminding us of the need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and her neighbors.  Bible prophecy tells us that eventually every nation on earth will turn against Israel, but God will remain on her side…and will be victorious.  Meanwhile, it is our responsibility as believers to bless Israel and to pray for her.

I hope you’ll join me in doing so!