Multiple rockets have been fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip over the past week, escalating tensions once more in Israeli areas surrounding the Gaza Strip.  A radical Salafi-jihadist group, the Omar Brigades, not only claimed responsibility for the attacks, but stated, “The Jews will never enjoy security and safety as long as we are alive.”

Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon responded, “Don’t continue to test us! We will not be tolerant toward attempts to challenge us.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also had pointed comments for the UN and other world leaders when he stated:

“I didn’t hear any international actor condemn this rocket fire, and even in the UN no one is opening their mouth. It is interesting whether this quiet will continue when we act in full force to defend ourselves. Let it be clear, the hypocrisy spreading in the world will not tie our hands when it comes to defending Israeli citizens. This is how we acted in the past, and how we will continue to act.”

The Middle East continues to be a boiling caldron:

• Rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.
• Continued persistence of the P5+1 to cut a nuclear deal with Iran that will threaten the security of the entire Middle East.
• Saudi Arabia threatens to “go nuclear” if Iran is not subdued.
• Chemical weapons use continues in Syria.
• Russia arms Iran with powerful S300 missile system.
• The BDS Movement picks up steam.

Now, more than ever, we must pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122), as well as for Israel’s neighbors and world leaders.  Let’s be found faithful prayer warriors!