As the war in Gaza drags on, the pressure mounts on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is easy to forget that, before October 7, Israel was on the verge of civil war over issues in the government. Netanyahu and the right were pushing for judicial reform, as Israel’s judicial system has, over the years, taken on more law-making than law-enforcing. Those on the left were adamantly opposed, with some reservists threatening not to report for reserve duty in the IDF.

The struggle actually began long before that. As false charges against Donald Trump mounted in the US, Netanyahu was facing his own set of likely trumped-up charges of impropriety in his role as Prime Minister. Israel went through many elections in a short time, as no one could build and maintain a majority coalition required to remain in power.

Finally, Netanyahu cut a deal with right-wing radicals in order to form a very thin majority and win back the premiership. That has proven to be tenuous, as the radical right-wingers used their leverage to push for power.

Now, with war raging, the nation of Israel finds itself in hot water all around. Following the October 7 attack, Netanyahu’s objectives were very clear: eliminate Hamas, get all hostages back, and remove the threat of danger to Israeli citizens living near the Gaza Strip. The world seemed to be sympathetic to Israel’s plight until they took the upper hand in Gaza. Soon much of the world turned on Israel, blaming them for murdering innocent civilians.

Not only that, but pressure rose swiftly from family members of the hostages. They want the Israeli government to press for a deal to release those kidnapped family members. Yet, Hamas’ requirements for a deal include Israel agreeing to a total and complete ceasefire and the return of thousands of terrorist prisoners in Israel, for the ~140 Israeli hostages. To agree to such terms would almost certainly guarantee future hostage-taking by other radical terrorist groups. To make matters worse, the far right-wingers threaten to leave the coalition and force Netanyahu out of office if he agrees to a ceasefire. More moderate right-wingers want a hostage release even if it means significant concessions. If either far right-wingers or the more moderate members of the coalition leave, Netanyahu’s government collapses and Israel could find themselves in multiple elections again, despite the need for unity in fighting the war.

There is even thought that members from opposition parties may agree to join Netanyahu’s coalition. Why would they do so? Because then, they too would have Netanyahu over a barrel. Either he compromises his positions to fit with the whims of the opposition his coalition crumbles.

Anyone who has followed Netanyahu over the years knows what an incredible statesman he is, seemingly able to navigate through the most complicated situations. To see him now, it is easy to see what the impact of the stress has had on the Prime Minister.

World option will continue to grow stronger against Israel. The radical left in Israel is picking up the old mantle they laid down when the war began. Israel’s enemies on every side threaten to attack, and Iran’s threat to wipe Israel from the face of the earth is no idol threat. If that wasn’t enough, the US administration is covertly turning its back on Israel.

Yet, through it all, an interesting thing is happening. Time after time video clips are surfacing, showing men in yeshivas (religious schools) and groups of IDF soldiers singing a song about the coming Messiah! Even a Knesset member declared it from the podium! (See examples here!)

Things are not easy in Israel. Yet, in the hardship, Jesus the Messiah is making Himself known there. Granted, the Jewish expectation of the Messiah is different than the expectations of believers, but could this be the beginning of greater prophecy fulfilled? Could it be Jewish hearts and minds are softening toward the idea of the Messiah’s coming?

Believers, we are to pray. Things in Israel are difficult, but may be falling into place so Jews will welcome Jesus back.

³⁷ “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! ³⁸ See! Your house is left to you desolate; ³⁹ for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

~Matthew 23:37-39 (Emphasis mine)

There is no greater way to bless Israel than to intercede for them, asking the Lord to reveal Himself in ways only He can! 

PS: Tune in tomorrow as we do just that! We will join my good friend, Pastor Saleem Shalash, in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem…straight from the heart of Israel! See you then!