This week is shaping up as a very newsworthy week. With President Trump in the Middle East to cut deals, the release of Edan Alexander, and an active war in Gaza in which Netanyahu vows to increase in intensity, there is likely to be lots of breaking news.

Let’s start with the IDF’s attack on a hospital-turned-Hamas-command-center in Khan Younis. Less than an hour ago, Israel’s Air Force dropped no less than 9 bunker busting bombs on the head of Hamas’ top leader, Muhammad Sinwar (the brother of Yahya Sinwar who was eliminated several months ago). Details are still emerging, but the IDF and Shin Bet confirm that Sinwar was their man and he is now dead. It is believed many other terrorist leaders were with him.

That could speed up the IDF’s effort to completely eradicate Hamas…or it could embolden more young and less-experienced jihadists to take up the fight. Either way, Netanyahu has vowed a more intensive campaign once Trump leaves the Middle East.

On another front, President Trump closed a $600 billion deal with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). I’m sure further details will emerge, but $142 billion is said to be earmarked for “defense procurement.”

Again though, deals like that do not come without strings attached. Is America putting Israel in a difficult position in which they will be forced to agree to a peace deal with Hamas and/or Iran in which they are not in favor. Keep praying, my friends.

Another somewhat disturbing tidbit is Trump’s agreement to meet with al-Julani (al-Saraa), the ISIS warrior-turned-Syrian-leader. His regime has already committed terrorism against Druze and other people groups within Syria who do not line up with his dictatorial demands. A leopard cannot change his spots and the wisdom of meeting with a known terrorist does not seem to be the wisest move. But again….it is Donald Trump the deal maker. Will he be able to cause al-Julani to come to heel and remain there? That is a big ask. Pray for wisdom and revelation of any deception used by the Syrian dictator.

Finally, in celebration of Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia, Yemen fired off two missiles at Israel. As we recall, Trump brokered “peace” between the Houthis in Yemen and American vessels in the Red Sea. However, the defense of Israel was not part of that deal. Thankfully, one missile failed and the other was shot down by Israeli defenses. Continue to pray for Israel’s diligence and ability to defend against such attacks.

Lots happening in our world, my friends! With every piece of news, always go back to Scripture and the promises God made. Israel is not going anywhere, but hatred toward them will continue to grow. As Christians, we stand for Israel! Let’s hope the American administration does as well.