 |
Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | July 15, 2011 |
 |
1. US, European Legislators Opposed to Palestinian Unilateralism
2. Iranian Missile Technology Raising International Concerns
3. Israel Sets Maritime Borders
4. Peace Process Gaps Too Wide for Quartet Public Diplomacy
5. Qassam Rocket Damages House
6. Fly-In Doesn't Really Get Off the Ground
7. The Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend.
8. Interpol Tells Lebanon to Arrest Hariri Murder Suspects
9. UN Envoy: Hamas Enlists Kids in Gaza
1. US, European Legislators Opposed to Palestinian Unilateralism
Palestinian aspirations for United Nations' recognition of a Palestinian state took another symbolic blow late last week, as legislators in both Europe and the US made clear their opposition to the unilateral Palestinian move. The US House of Representatives, a branch of the Congress [US parliament], passed a non-binding resolution that threatens the Palestinians that going to the UN will have "serious implications" for US aid to them and "harm United States-Palestinian relations."
Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post reported that around 100 European Parliament members endorsed a letter asking Europe to discourage Palestinian unilateralism. Both expressions come as the Palestinians face a Friday [July 15] deadline to file for a Security Council vote on UN recognition so it can take place during this September's General Assembly meetings.
According to The Jerusalem Post, the European parliamentarians' letter calls for renewed negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and upon the EU to "discourage unilateral Palestinian efforts to attain UN recognition." The letter was sent to European Union foreign affairs head Catharine Ashton and was addressed to her and the different EU member nations.
The letter contained strong words for the dangers of Palestinian unilateralism saying that while a peace deal will require "difficult compromises" by both sides, "Palestinian unilateralism at the UN would erode the room for such compromises by committing current and future Palestinians to non-negotiated positions. A unilateral move will not bring reconciliation; it will not bring stability; it will not bring peace. Rather, it will most likely fell the peace process for good."
The letter also expressed fears that Palestinian unilateralism will unrealistically raise Palestinian expectations, which could lead to violence if they are disappointed.
US legislator and the head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, was even stronger. In a statement on the Committee Web site, Ros-Lehtinen slammed the Palestinians and their leader Mahmoud Abbas. "Whenever the Palestinian leadership, past and present, has actually been asked to sign a peace agreement with Israel, it has always refused," said Ros-Lehtinen.
She noted that "the Palestinian Authority [PA] has rejected every offer of peace from Israel. The PA has refused to negotiate directly with Israel. The PA has refused to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. It has failed to crack down on violent extremism and anti-Israel incitement…
"Instead of negotiating directly with Israel, the Palestinian Authority is pursuing unilateral recognition of a 'Palestinian state' from various foreign governments, with an eye on recognition of such a state by the UN this fall. Palestinian leaders also keep threatening violence to extract concessions."
Ros-Lehtinen's call upon the Palestinians was concise but strong. "To demonstrate they are true partners for peace, what Palestinian leaders must do is simple: the opposite of what they've been doing.
"They must sit down and negotiate directly with Israel, without preconditions; encourage Palestinians to accept Israel, instead of tolerating and encouraging violent extremism and anti-Israel incitement; and recognize Israel's right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 11, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that international pressure will be successfully placed on the Palestinians, keeping them from moving toward UN recognition of statehood, forcing them into negotiations based on recognition of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state in the region.
Scripture
"He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God"(Psalm 98:3).
Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post reported that around 100 European Parliament members endorsed a letter asking Europe to discourage Palestinian unilateralism. Both expressions come as the Palestinians face a Friday [July 15] deadline to file for a Security Council vote on UN recognition so it can take place during this September's General Assembly meetings.
According to The Jerusalem Post, the European parliamentarians' letter calls for renewed negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and upon the EU to "discourage unilateral Palestinian efforts to attain UN recognition." The letter was sent to European Union foreign affairs head Catharine Ashton and was addressed to her and the different EU member nations.
The letter contained strong words for the dangers of Palestinian unilateralism saying that while a peace deal will require "difficult compromises" by both sides, "Palestinian unilateralism at the UN would erode the room for such compromises by committing current and future Palestinians to non-negotiated positions. A unilateral move will not bring reconciliation; it will not bring stability; it will not bring peace. Rather, it will most likely fell the peace process for good."
The letter also expressed fears that Palestinian unilateralism will unrealistically raise Palestinian expectations, which could lead to violence if they are disappointed.
US legislator and the head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, was even stronger. In a statement on the Committee Web site, Ros-Lehtinen slammed the Palestinians and their leader Mahmoud Abbas. "Whenever the Palestinian leadership, past and present, has actually been asked to sign a peace agreement with Israel, it has always refused," said Ros-Lehtinen.
She noted that "the Palestinian Authority [PA] has rejected every offer of peace from Israel. The PA has refused to negotiate directly with Israel. The PA has refused to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. It has failed to crack down on violent extremism and anti-Israel incitement…
"Instead of negotiating directly with Israel, the Palestinian Authority is pursuing unilateral recognition of a 'Palestinian state' from various foreign governments, with an eye on recognition of such a state by the UN this fall. Palestinian leaders also keep threatening violence to extract concessions."
Ros-Lehtinen's call upon the Palestinians was concise but strong. "To demonstrate they are true partners for peace, what Palestinian leaders must do is simple: the opposite of what they've been doing.
"They must sit down and negotiate directly with Israel, without preconditions; encourage Palestinians to accept Israel, instead of tolerating and encouraging violent extremism and anti-Israel incitement; and recognize Israel's right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 11, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that international pressure will be successfully placed on the Palestinians, keeping them from moving toward UN recognition of statehood, forcing them into negotiations based on recognition of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state in the region.
Scripture
"He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God"(Psalm 98:3).
2. Iranian Missile Technology Raising International Concerns
Iran has claimed to have carried out in February a successful long-range missile test into the Indian Ocean with two missiles with a range of 1,900 kilometers [1,180 miles], according to the Fars News Agency. If true, that would easily put all of Israel within range of such a missile, as well as southwestern Europe, including the Ukrainian capital of Kiev.
Moscow and Athens are both 200 kilometers [124 miles] beyond that range, assuming the missiles were to originate in Iranian silos in the northwestern city of Tabriz. Meanwhile, the report comes as the UK's top diplomat has claimed the Iranians have conducted covert missile tests of missiles technically capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and Israel is expressing new concerns about Iran and North Korea's relationship.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, in comments to the UK Parliament on June 29 that were posted on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Web site, noted that Iran has been "carrying out covert ballistic missile tests and rocket launches, including testing missiles capable of delivering a nuclear payload in contravention of UN resolution 1929."
The fact that Iran was conducting some missile tests in secret caught the eye of Israeli missile expert Uzi Rubin, who noted in a recent conference call sponsored by The Israel Project that Iran has in the past boasted about some of their tests. Rubin-the original national program manager of the Israeli Arrow missile defense program and who now is the owner and founder of Rubincon Defense Consulting-said in the call that about a year-and-a-half ago Iran "used every single missile test to brag and to intimidate and to make a celebration."
"All of a sudden [they are] hiding their long-range missile test. This is another question-I don't have a good answer for that." Rubin did note, however, that acquiring nuclear-capable missiles is the easiest main stage in developing nuclear weapons-acquiring nuclear materials and making the warhead are harder and take longer. He also listed at least two Iranian missiles that technically have nuclear capability.
Furthermore, Rubin pointed out that long-range missiles don't need nuclear warheads to wreak mass havoc. He said he believes, based at least in part on what he called indirect evidence, that Iran has acquired missiles unveiled by North Korea that by his calculations should travel about 3500 kilometers [2,174]. Once those missiles are operational, they would put huge portions of Europe-including the German capital of Berlin-within range. Rubin said that Paris and Brussels could be in range as well.
While he noted that Iran has repeatedly denied that they are threatening Europe, the danger to a city like Paris could be huge once Iran has enough missiles. "Although they are not equipped with nuclear warheads yet, even with the explosives, just think about 10 or 12 one-ton explosive charges exploding in a busy city in daytime," said Rubin. "The number of casualties is frightening."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will keep Israel and the rest of the world safe from any threat of Iranian violence.
Scripture
"I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible" (Jeremiah 15:21).
Moscow and Athens are both 200 kilometers [124 miles] beyond that range, assuming the missiles were to originate in Iranian silos in the northwestern city of Tabriz. Meanwhile, the report comes as the UK's top diplomat has claimed the Iranians have conducted covert missile tests of missiles technically capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and Israel is expressing new concerns about Iran and North Korea's relationship.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, in comments to the UK Parliament on June 29 that were posted on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Web site, noted that Iran has been "carrying out covert ballistic missile tests and rocket launches, including testing missiles capable of delivering a nuclear payload in contravention of UN resolution 1929."
The fact that Iran was conducting some missile tests in secret caught the eye of Israeli missile expert Uzi Rubin, who noted in a recent conference call sponsored by The Israel Project that Iran has in the past boasted about some of their tests. Rubin-the original national program manager of the Israeli Arrow missile defense program and who now is the owner and founder of Rubincon Defense Consulting-said in the call that about a year-and-a-half ago Iran "used every single missile test to brag and to intimidate and to make a celebration."
"All of a sudden [they are] hiding their long-range missile test. This is another question-I don't have a good answer for that." Rubin did note, however, that acquiring nuclear-capable missiles is the easiest main stage in developing nuclear weapons-acquiring nuclear materials and making the warhead are harder and take longer. He also listed at least two Iranian missiles that technically have nuclear capability.
Furthermore, Rubin pointed out that long-range missiles don't need nuclear warheads to wreak mass havoc. He said he believes, based at least in part on what he called indirect evidence, that Iran has acquired missiles unveiled by North Korea that by his calculations should travel about 3500 kilometers [2,174]. Once those missiles are operational, they would put huge portions of Europe-including the German capital of Berlin-within range. Rubin said that Paris and Brussels could be in range as well.
While he noted that Iran has repeatedly denied that they are threatening Europe, the danger to a city like Paris could be huge once Iran has enough missiles. "Although they are not equipped with nuclear warheads yet, even with the explosives, just think about 10 or 12 one-ton explosive charges exploding in a busy city in daytime," said Rubin. "The number of casualties is frightening."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will keep Israel and the rest of the world safe from any threat of Iranian violence.
Scripture
"I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible" (Jeremiah 15:21).
The Cabinet on Sunday [July 10] ratified an agreement with Cyprus which sets Israel's maritime borders. Lebanon has rejected the borders set by the two countries, claiming the state is impinging on its naval territory, but Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Israel would not cede "one centimeter." Lieberman also denied reports that the US supports Lebanon's claims, calling them "nonsense."
"We have already concluded an agreement on this issue with Cyprus...Lebanon, under pressure from Hizbullah, is looking for friction, but we will not give up any part of what is rightfully ours," he said in a radio interview. The borders delineate an area thought to contain natural gas as well as oil reserves.
Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau said the Lebanese government was being petty. "If they have complaints with nothing but goodwill and neighborly desire for coexistence they must take steps just like any other civilized country-and hold clarifications and negotiations with us," he said. Landau added that Israel had constructed a professional agreement by working with "international law experts and experts from the Cypriot government."
"The border between us and them has been unequivocally set-this is our legally and professionally-based opinion that will be placed on the table of the UN," he said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the economic benefits that could come from setting the borders. "The border delimits the state's economic rights, including the right to make use of natural resources at sea. The border Lebanon achieved in [submitted to] the UN is set significantly southward of the one offered by Israel, it conflicts with the borders set by Israel and Cyprus and, surprisingly, the borders Lebanon itself has set with Cyprus. Our goal is to set the lines in keeping with the principles of international law," he said.
(By Ronen Medzini, Ynetnews, July 10, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Lebanon's attempts to interfere with Israel's maritime border agreement with Cyprus, aimed at claiming areas thought to contain valuable natural resources, will be unsuccessful. Pray that Israel will maintain rights to those natural resources that are rightfully theirs.
Scripture
"But I have said to you, 'You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.' I am the LORD your God, who has separated you from the peoples" (Leviticus 20:24).
"We have already concluded an agreement on this issue with Cyprus...Lebanon, under pressure from Hizbullah, is looking for friction, but we will not give up any part of what is rightfully ours," he said in a radio interview. The borders delineate an area thought to contain natural gas as well as oil reserves.
Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau said the Lebanese government was being petty. "If they have complaints with nothing but goodwill and neighborly desire for coexistence they must take steps just like any other civilized country-and hold clarifications and negotiations with us," he said. Landau added that Israel had constructed a professional agreement by working with "international law experts and experts from the Cypriot government."
"The border between us and them has been unequivocally set-this is our legally and professionally-based opinion that will be placed on the table of the UN," he said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the economic benefits that could come from setting the borders. "The border delimits the state's economic rights, including the right to make use of natural resources at sea. The border Lebanon achieved in [submitted to] the UN is set significantly southward of the one offered by Israel, it conflicts with the borders set by Israel and Cyprus and, surprisingly, the borders Lebanon itself has set with Cyprus. Our goal is to set the lines in keeping with the principles of international law," he said.
(By Ronen Medzini, Ynetnews, July 10, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Lebanon's attempts to interfere with Israel's maritime border agreement with Cyprus, aimed at claiming areas thought to contain valuable natural resources, will be unsuccessful. Pray that Israel will maintain rights to those natural resources that are rightfully theirs.
Scripture
"But I have said to you, 'You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.' I am the LORD your God, who has separated you from the peoples" (Leviticus 20:24).
4. Peace Process Gaps Too Wide for Quartet Public Diplomacy
The Mideast Quartet-consisting of the US, European Union, Russia and the United Nations-was unable to present a public statement on the Israel-Palestinian following a dinner meeting of Quartet representatives on Monday [July 11], with a US senior administration official saying afterwards that the gaps between the Israelis and Palestinians are still too large for public diplomacy by the Quartet.
Speaking to reporters in comments posted on the US State Department Web site, the US official nonetheless attempted to sound optimistic about the meeting. However, the lack of a statement following the meeting implies possible disagreement between the different Quartet members as to how the international community should move forward.
The US official cast the lack of a joint statement aside, noting that not all meetings have such statements. He said the high-level Quartet representatives described their discussion-which was on comparing notes and where to go next in attempting to jumpstart dormant Israel-Palestinian peace talks-as "excellent and substantive with a full and complete exchange of views."
The official explained this instance of public silence as due to the ineffectiveness at this time of a public statement on the peace process in light of the differences between Israel and the Palestinians. He said that when the sides were ready to resume talks, the Quartet could mark it with a public statement, noting there's "a time and a place" for both public and private diplomatic steps.
"The principals concluded this evening, based on their recent conversations with the parties, that there are still gaps that are impeding progress," said the US official. "And they concluded that realistically, for the Quartet, more work needs to be done to close those gaps before the Quartet can go forth publicly with the kinds of statements that might allow the parties to actually break through the impasse… We need to do more work privately, quietly with the parties, in order to see if we can't close these gaps." The senior administration official took care not to publicly specify what those gaps are.
With the Mideast negotiations process remaining deadlocked, he noted that "we still have a lot of work to do. I can't measure it for you…Ultimately, it's up to them [Israel and the Palestinians]. They've got to make the tough decisions. All we can do-and it's important, but what we do is offer a way to help."
The Quartet representatives did reiterate their support for the speech given by US President Barack Obama in May, although that private agreement was also not expressed officially in a joint statement. In that speech Obama called for negotiations to be based upon the 1967 lines with agreed upon land swaps.
The 1967 lines were armistice lines between Israel and several Arab states, including Jordan and Egypt, prior to the Six-Day War. Used in this context, such a territorial concession by Israel in peace talks would basically give the Palestinians the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip. Obama's proclamation has the potential to harm Israel's negotiating stance by already conceding how much territory Israel would hand over to the Palestinians in a hypothetical deal.
On Tuesday [July 12], US spokesperson Victoria Nuland said in comments posted on the State Department Web site that the Quartet had already issued a statement in May appreciative of Obama's speech on the process and "advocating moving forward to the table based on the vision that the President put forward," and therefore did not need to do another one at this time.
Back in May, the Quartet statement "expressed its strong support for the vision of Israeli-Palestinian peace outlined by U.S. President Barack Obama on May 19, 2011. The Quartet agrees that moving forward on the basis of territory and security provides a foundation for Israelis and Palestinians to reach a final resolution of the conflict through serious and substantive negotiations and mutual agreement on all core issues."
While Obama explicitly referenced the 1967 lines in his speech, the Quartet statement did not, aside from the implied endorsement in expressing support for the Obama speech.
Regarding the meeting on Monday, the US official said the Quartet members felt the sides need to "resume direct negotiations without delay or preconditions and to begin with a preparatory phase of talks to maximize the chances of success."
Along those lines, Israel resumed its call for immediate renewal of talks with the Palestinians on Monday. In a statement posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said in a meeting with Greek President Karolos Papoulias "that he was ready to sit down with the Palestinians tomorrow morning and begin direct negotiations and expressed his regrets that they were refusing."
The Palestinians suspended peace talks last year following the end of Israel's unprecedented 10-month settlement construction freeze and have repeatedly placed preconditions on the resumption of negotiations, yet are now threatening to turn to the United Nations for statehood recognition if peace talks don't succeed.
On Tuesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated those preconditions. In comments quoted by the Palestinian WAFA news agency, Abbas said, "We want them to agree on our basic priority; to resume the negotiations and if they agree on the settlements and borders' issues, we will go to negotiations, but if they do not, then we will go to the United Nations."
Abbas' continued demand that Israel again halt settlement construction comes despite the fact that when Israel partially froze it in 2009-10 the Palestinians did not consider it to be extensive enough to merit a return to even indirect negotiations for months. They also did not resume direct talks with the Israelis until the settlement freeze was nearing its end.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 13, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that any and all negotiations and diplomatic initiatives regarding the peace process be directed by the Lord Himself, that His will and His will alone be done.
Scripture
"And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God" (Nehemiah 6:16).
Speaking to reporters in comments posted on the US State Department Web site, the US official nonetheless attempted to sound optimistic about the meeting. However, the lack of a statement following the meeting implies possible disagreement between the different Quartet members as to how the international community should move forward.
The US official cast the lack of a joint statement aside, noting that not all meetings have such statements. He said the high-level Quartet representatives described their discussion-which was on comparing notes and where to go next in attempting to jumpstart dormant Israel-Palestinian peace talks-as "excellent and substantive with a full and complete exchange of views."
The official explained this instance of public silence as due to the ineffectiveness at this time of a public statement on the peace process in light of the differences between Israel and the Palestinians. He said that when the sides were ready to resume talks, the Quartet could mark it with a public statement, noting there's "a time and a place" for both public and private diplomatic steps.
"The principals concluded this evening, based on their recent conversations with the parties, that there are still gaps that are impeding progress," said the US official. "And they concluded that realistically, for the Quartet, more work needs to be done to close those gaps before the Quartet can go forth publicly with the kinds of statements that might allow the parties to actually break through the impasse… We need to do more work privately, quietly with the parties, in order to see if we can't close these gaps." The senior administration official took care not to publicly specify what those gaps are.
With the Mideast negotiations process remaining deadlocked, he noted that "we still have a lot of work to do. I can't measure it for you…Ultimately, it's up to them [Israel and the Palestinians]. They've got to make the tough decisions. All we can do-and it's important, but what we do is offer a way to help."
The Quartet representatives did reiterate their support for the speech given by US President Barack Obama in May, although that private agreement was also not expressed officially in a joint statement. In that speech Obama called for negotiations to be based upon the 1967 lines with agreed upon land swaps.
The 1967 lines were armistice lines between Israel and several Arab states, including Jordan and Egypt, prior to the Six-Day War. Used in this context, such a territorial concession by Israel in peace talks would basically give the Palestinians the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and the Gaza Strip. Obama's proclamation has the potential to harm Israel's negotiating stance by already conceding how much territory Israel would hand over to the Palestinians in a hypothetical deal.
On Tuesday [July 12], US spokesperson Victoria Nuland said in comments posted on the State Department Web site that the Quartet had already issued a statement in May appreciative of Obama's speech on the process and "advocating moving forward to the table based on the vision that the President put forward," and therefore did not need to do another one at this time.
Back in May, the Quartet statement "expressed its strong support for the vision of Israeli-Palestinian peace outlined by U.S. President Barack Obama on May 19, 2011. The Quartet agrees that moving forward on the basis of territory and security provides a foundation for Israelis and Palestinians to reach a final resolution of the conflict through serious and substantive negotiations and mutual agreement on all core issues."
While Obama explicitly referenced the 1967 lines in his speech, the Quartet statement did not, aside from the implied endorsement in expressing support for the Obama speech.
Regarding the meeting on Monday, the US official said the Quartet members felt the sides need to "resume direct negotiations without delay or preconditions and to begin with a preparatory phase of talks to maximize the chances of success."
Along those lines, Israel resumed its call for immediate renewal of talks with the Palestinians on Monday. In a statement posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said in a meeting with Greek President Karolos Papoulias "that he was ready to sit down with the Palestinians tomorrow morning and begin direct negotiations and expressed his regrets that they were refusing."
The Palestinians suspended peace talks last year following the end of Israel's unprecedented 10-month settlement construction freeze and have repeatedly placed preconditions on the resumption of negotiations, yet are now threatening to turn to the United Nations for statehood recognition if peace talks don't succeed.
On Tuesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated those preconditions. In comments quoted by the Palestinian WAFA news agency, Abbas said, "We want them to agree on our basic priority; to resume the negotiations and if they agree on the settlements and borders' issues, we will go to negotiations, but if they do not, then we will go to the United Nations."
Abbas' continued demand that Israel again halt settlement construction comes despite the fact that when Israel partially froze it in 2009-10 the Palestinians did not consider it to be extensive enough to merit a return to even indirect negotiations for months. They also did not resume direct talks with the Israelis until the settlement freeze was nearing its end.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 13, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that any and all negotiations and diplomatic initiatives regarding the peace process be directed by the Lord Himself, that His will and His will alone be done.
Scripture
"And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God" (Nehemiah 6:16).
Two Qassam rockets were fired from Gaza late Tuesday evening [July 12], exploding in Sdot Negev Regional Council. One of the rockets lightly damaged a home, exploding just a few meters away from it, while the other landed in open spaces. No injuries were reported in the aftermath of the fire. The rocket alert was sounded at 10:15 pm, and residents also received text messages asking them to enter fortified spaces.
Sdot Negev Regional Council head Meir Yifrach said he hopes the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] will dole out a "harsh response" to the continuing fire on civilians. "I guess we're seeing the results of the upcoming September declaration," he said, referring to the Palestinian Authority's intention to appeal to the UN for a unilateral statehood declaration.
"The assessment is that there will be an escalation in violence ahead of September but I hope this will be proved false and this period goes by in peace, especially since the kids are on vacation."
The head of Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, Alon Schuster, said the rocket fire had increased over the past few weeks and also expressed fear of escalating violence. "It appears the regime in Gaza is setting itself free of the restraints it took upon itself after the anti-tank missile fired at the school bus in April," he said, adding that the council had not received any special instructions to observe during summer vacation.
(Excerpts of an article by Shmulik Hadad, Ilana Curiel contributed, Ynetnews, July 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Israel's response to this latest violence will be swift and effective. Pray that the anticipated escalation in violence does not come to pass.
Scripture
"The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways" (Deuteronomy 28:7).
Sdot Negev Regional Council head Meir Yifrach said he hopes the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] will dole out a "harsh response" to the continuing fire on civilians. "I guess we're seeing the results of the upcoming September declaration," he said, referring to the Palestinian Authority's intention to appeal to the UN for a unilateral statehood declaration.
"The assessment is that there will be an escalation in violence ahead of September but I hope this will be proved false and this period goes by in peace, especially since the kids are on vacation."
The head of Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, Alon Schuster, said the rocket fire had increased over the past few weeks and also expressed fear of escalating violence. "It appears the regime in Gaza is setting itself free of the restraints it took upon itself after the anti-tank missile fired at the school bus in April," he said, adding that the council had not received any special instructions to observe during summer vacation.
(Excerpts of an article by Shmulik Hadad, Ilana Curiel contributed, Ynetnews, July 12, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that Israel's response to this latest violence will be swift and effective. Pray that the anticipated escalation in violence does not come to pass.
Scripture
"The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways" (Deuteronomy 28:7).
6. Fly-In Doesn't Really Get Off the Ground
Activists trying to back Palestinian efforts in support of a Palestinian state and the removal of the Gaza blockade suffered another setback in their public relations. The expected 'flytilla' ended in the most part with the majority of Palestinian supporters, who tried to enter Israel via Ben Gurion Airport, being arrested at the airport and then being detained in prison prior to the authorities arranging transport for them back to their country of origin.
Several hundred activists were prevented from boarding flights in various European airports after Israel had identified them as activists who would not be allowed to remain in Israel on arrival. Two pro-Palestinian activists were deported overnight, but another 118 were still in custody. Originally some 800 activists were expected to try and land at the airport under the protest slogan of 'Welcome to Palestine'. A few groups of young Israelis went to the arrival hall and displayed placards reading 'Welcome to Israel.'
As this week is the first week of the summer influx of tourists, several members of the Ministry of Tourism and the airport authority were on hand to distribute flowers to incoming visitors [to try and present the airport as more life as normal].
Some flights from Europe that were known to be carrying activists were diverted away from the main airport Terminal 3 to the quieter Terminal 1 that normally deals with domestic flights and some charters.
Some activists were permitted to remain in Israel after they undertook in writing not to take part in violent disorder or encourage incitement. An estimated fifty individuals managed to evade the screening and went on to the West Bank [Judea and Samaria].
(By Edgar Asher, Isranet, July 10, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord that this potentially dangerous and provocative event was not successful. Thank God for the cooperation of various nations in keeping activists from boarding flights to Israel. Praise the Lord for the many people around the world who prayed for God's intervention in this situation.
Scripture
"Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, Selah. To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!" (Psalm 68:32-35).
Several hundred activists were prevented from boarding flights in various European airports after Israel had identified them as activists who would not be allowed to remain in Israel on arrival. Two pro-Palestinian activists were deported overnight, but another 118 were still in custody. Originally some 800 activists were expected to try and land at the airport under the protest slogan of 'Welcome to Palestine'. A few groups of young Israelis went to the arrival hall and displayed placards reading 'Welcome to Israel.'
As this week is the first week of the summer influx of tourists, several members of the Ministry of Tourism and the airport authority were on hand to distribute flowers to incoming visitors [to try and present the airport as more life as normal].
Some flights from Europe that were known to be carrying activists were diverted away from the main airport Terminal 3 to the quieter Terminal 1 that normally deals with domestic flights and some charters.
Some activists were permitted to remain in Israel after they undertook in writing not to take part in violent disorder or encourage incitement. An estimated fifty individuals managed to evade the screening and went on to the West Bank [Judea and Samaria].
(By Edgar Asher, Isranet, July 10, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord that this potentially dangerous and provocative event was not successful. Thank God for the cooperation of various nations in keeping activists from boarding flights to Israel. Praise the Lord for the many people around the world who prayed for God's intervention in this situation.
Scripture
"Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, Selah. To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!" (Psalm 68:32-35).
7. The Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend
It is sometimes very difficult to understand the motivation that brings countries together, and equally moves them apart. It is often said that the old adage 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' might fit very well in describing Greek-Israeli relations. However there is no doubt that the deterioration in relations between Turkey and Israel over the Mavi Marmara [May 2010 Gaza flotilla] affair and the almost traditional long-term enmity between Greece and Turkey over the Turkish enclave in northern Cyprus has contributed in no small way to a rapid warming of relations between Greece and Israel in a relatively short time frame.
For many years Greece was one of the most outspoken critics of Israel in Europe. On an official level it was very difficult to trade between the two countries because Greek banks made the transactions almost impossible to carry out. There were little or no cultural exchanges, but nevertheless relations remained open, but strained.
However there was one significant natural incident that gave the Greek government and people a special respect for Israel and might very well have been the catalyst for keeping open the diplomatic door.
In August 1953 a series of earthquakes shook the Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Zakynthos. The quakes left very few buildings standing and left the economy of both islands in ruins. Six hundred people died in the quakes and 100,000 people left Kefalonia leaving only 25,000 on the island.
Nations all around the world responded to this tragedy with generous donations of money, medical supplies and other aid arriving from in particular the United States, Britain, France and Norway. However the very first boat to arrive with aid was from Israel.
Four warships of the very nascent Israeli Navy were on routine exercises some kilometers off the Greek coast when they heard SOS signals coming from Kefalonia. The senior Israeli officer in charge of the four naval vessels immediately ordered his ships to cancel the remaining part of the exercise and to head for the island. It was here that emergency food, water and medical help arrived to assist the beleaguered islanders.
The Israelis were the first international group to arrive and get to work saving lives. It was also the first time that Israel had assisted in an international rescue mission. In 1999 the help given by the Israel Navy was officially honored by the Greek government.
In September 1999 another earthquake hit the Greek mainland. This time the Greek government sent a request to Israel for assistance. The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] Homefront Command immediately sent search and rescue teams to the earthquake zone and Israel, together with other countries, helped to rescue victims of the disaster.
Today [July 11] the Greek President Karlos Papoulias arrived in Israel on an official two-day visit. There was now without doubt much warmth between the Greek President and Israel's President Shimon Peres. Peres made it clear that Israel was very grateful for the Greek government's assistance in stopping the [newest] proposed Gaza flotilla leaving any Greek ports. He added that Israel pulled out of Gaza on its own initiative but was 'rewarded' with rocket fire.
The president also thanked his counterpart for aid sent by Greece during the Carmel Forest fire. "Your planes were the first to arrive, we won't forget this", Peres said. "This is not just another state visit, but the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two countries whose history has in one way or another been intertwined for centuries"
(By Edgar Asher, Isranet, July 11, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will strengthen ties between Israel and Greece, as well as Turkey and other nations around the world, building the network of allies Israel so desperately needs in the international community.
Scripture
"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," says the LORD. Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you" (Zechariah 2:10-11).
For many years Greece was one of the most outspoken critics of Israel in Europe. On an official level it was very difficult to trade between the two countries because Greek banks made the transactions almost impossible to carry out. There were little or no cultural exchanges, but nevertheless relations remained open, but strained.
However there was one significant natural incident that gave the Greek government and people a special respect for Israel and might very well have been the catalyst for keeping open the diplomatic door.
In August 1953 a series of earthquakes shook the Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Zakynthos. The quakes left very few buildings standing and left the economy of both islands in ruins. Six hundred people died in the quakes and 100,000 people left Kefalonia leaving only 25,000 on the island.
Nations all around the world responded to this tragedy with generous donations of money, medical supplies and other aid arriving from in particular the United States, Britain, France and Norway. However the very first boat to arrive with aid was from Israel.
Four warships of the very nascent Israeli Navy were on routine exercises some kilometers off the Greek coast when they heard SOS signals coming from Kefalonia. The senior Israeli officer in charge of the four naval vessels immediately ordered his ships to cancel the remaining part of the exercise and to head for the island. It was here that emergency food, water and medical help arrived to assist the beleaguered islanders.
The Israelis were the first international group to arrive and get to work saving lives. It was also the first time that Israel had assisted in an international rescue mission. In 1999 the help given by the Israel Navy was officially honored by the Greek government.
In September 1999 another earthquake hit the Greek mainland. This time the Greek government sent a request to Israel for assistance. The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] Homefront Command immediately sent search and rescue teams to the earthquake zone and Israel, together with other countries, helped to rescue victims of the disaster.
Today [July 11] the Greek President Karlos Papoulias arrived in Israel on an official two-day visit. There was now without doubt much warmth between the Greek President and Israel's President Shimon Peres. Peres made it clear that Israel was very grateful for the Greek government's assistance in stopping the [newest] proposed Gaza flotilla leaving any Greek ports. He added that Israel pulled out of Gaza on its own initiative but was 'rewarded' with rocket fire.
The president also thanked his counterpart for aid sent by Greece during the Carmel Forest fire. "Your planes were the first to arrive, we won't forget this", Peres said. "This is not just another state visit, but the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two countries whose history has in one way or another been intertwined for centuries"
(By Edgar Asher, Isranet, July 11, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will strengthen ties between Israel and Greece, as well as Turkey and other nations around the world, building the network of allies Israel so desperately needs in the international community.
Scripture
"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," says the LORD. Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you" (Zechariah 2:10-11).
8. Interpol Tells Lebanon to Arrest Hariri Murder Suspects
Interpol [international policing organization] has issued Lebanon a notice to carry out arrest warrants against the four members of Hizbullah indicted by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), security sources told Lebanon's Daily Star Saturday [July 9]. The notice by the international crime-fighting agency, the sources said, contains the full names and aliases of the four Lebanese suspects in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. However, the four may have already left Lebanon, a Lebanese news agency reported Saturday.
Hizbullah accuses the STL of being controlled by the U.S. and Israel and has vowed to block the arrest of any of its members in connection with the killing.
(By The Media Line, July 10, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that these suspects be found and arrested and that the true perpetrators be brought to justice.
Scripture
"It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity" (Proverbs 21:15).
Hizbullah accuses the STL of being controlled by the U.S. and Israel and has vowed to block the arrest of any of its members in connection with the killing.
(By The Media Line, July 10, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that these suspects be found and arrested and that the true perpetrators be brought to justice.
Scripture
"It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity" (Proverbs 21:15).
9. UN Envoy: Hamas Enlists Kids in Gaza
WASHINGTON-Israel's UN ambassador, Ron Prosor, told the [UN] Security Council during a debate entitled "Children in armed conflict" that Hamas is using Palestinian children to carry out acts of terror against Israeli children. Prosor mentioned the Fogel family murder, in which three children were killed in the settlement of Itamar. "Terrorists in the Middle East continue to focus their attacks on children," he said, describing the murder of the Fogel children-aged 11, 4, and three months-as they lay sleeping in their beds.
The ambassador also recalled the death of 16-year old Daniel Viflic, who was riding in a school bus when it sustained an anti-tank missile attack from Gaza. He also mentioned that 290 rockets and mortar shells were fired towards Israel so far in 2011, aimed at civilians, including children. "We sustain two attacks a day (on average). This is the daily reality," he told the UN.
Hamas and other terror organizations are enlisting juveniles and using them to carry out attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians, Prosor said, adding that these children are used as shields, along with schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods in Gaza.
The ambassador also mentioned that the children are incited against Israel at schools and mosques, and encouraged to hate Jews and Israeli children. "For these children and for the future of our region, I call on the international community to end the culture of incitement," Prosor said. He added that education should promote peace and tolerance rather than hatred towards the other. "The next generation deserves a better future, without violence, terror, or hatred," he said.
(By Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynetnews, July 13, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this information will cause an outcry in the international community against such horrific abuse of children by the Palestinians.
Scripture
"Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth" (Psalm 71:4-5).
The ambassador also recalled the death of 16-year old Daniel Viflic, who was riding in a school bus when it sustained an anti-tank missile attack from Gaza. He also mentioned that 290 rockets and mortar shells were fired towards Israel so far in 2011, aimed at civilians, including children. "We sustain two attacks a day (on average). This is the daily reality," he told the UN.
Hamas and other terror organizations are enlisting juveniles and using them to carry out attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians, Prosor said, adding that these children are used as shields, along with schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods in Gaza.
The ambassador also mentioned that the children are incited against Israel at schools and mosques, and encouraged to hate Jews and Israeli children. "For these children and for the future of our region, I call on the international community to end the culture of incitement," Prosor said. He added that education should promote peace and tolerance rather than hatred towards the other. "The next generation deserves a better future, without violence, terror, or hatred," he said.
(By Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynetnews, July 13, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this information will cause an outcry in the international community against such horrific abuse of children by the Palestinians.
Scripture
"Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth" (Psalm 71:4-5).
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
Bridges for Peace - 24 Hour Prayer Calendar Free registration - Signup today ! Isaiah 62:6-7 - I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, [which] shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. |
WHO ARE WE?
For those who are new to the list, Bridges for Peace is a Christian charitable organization, headquartered in Jerusalem, Israel. Since 1977, we have been working to build Christian–Jewish understanding and support for the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. We do this through 14 different aid projects, and by disseminating information about Israel and teaching Christians about the Hebraic roots of Christianity. We have national offices in Israel, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. We also have a Spanish Resource Center.
To receive more information and our other publications, send your e-mail and postal mailing address tointl.office@bridgesforpeace.
We also invite you to visit our Web site at http://www.bridgesforpeace.com
WEEKLY UPDATE SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Feel free to forward this update information to anyone on your e-mail list. To receive it, all they need to do is visit our Web site and click on “Subscribe Now!“ on the home page.
It is our goal to send you news items to help you more effectively pray for Israel in accordance with Psalm 122:6. Therefore, in addition to the news items, we add Prayer Focus, where applicable, so that you can pray along with us for Israel. We will also continue to intersperse positive news items so that our message is not just crisis-oriented. We don't want to be just another news-service provider, but to send an interpretative message ultimately focusing on prayer for Israel.
DONATIONS WELCOMED
Although this “Israel Current News Update with Prayer Focus“ is free and will remain so, subscribers who appreciate the bulletins and who can afford to do so are invited to help us cover our costs by sending a onetime or occasional gift, or a regular donation. To make a donation to Bridges for Peace, a nonprofit, charitable organization whose aid projects are funded by the generous gifts of Christian supporters of Israel, please make your check/money order payable to Bridges for Peace and mail it to the nearest Bridges for Peace office. Most credit cards are accepted.
AUSTRALIA: Bridges for Peace Aust Ltd, PO Box 1785, Buderim, Queensland 4556, Australia. Tel: (61) 7-5479-4229
CANADA: Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 21001, RPO Charleswood, Winnipeg MB R3R 3R2, Canada. Tel: (1) 204-489-3697
ISRAEL: Bridges for Peace International Headquarters, P.O. Box 1093, Jerusalem, Israel. Tel: (972) 2-624-5004
JAPAN: Bridges for Peace, Taihei Sakura Bldg. 5F, 4-13-2 Taihei, Sumida-Ku, Tokyo 130 0012, Japan. Tel: (81) 3-5637-5333
NEW ZEALAND: Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 768, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand. Tel: (64) 9-430-2943
SOUTH AFRICA: Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 1848, Durbanville 7551, Republic of South Africa. Tel: (27) 21-975-1941
UNITED KINGDOM: 18 Heol Ty Gwyn Industrial Estate, Maesteg, Wales CF34 0BQ, Tel: 01656-739494
UNITED STATES: Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 410037, Melbourne, FL 32941-0037, United States. Tel: (1) 800-566-1998
If you wish to make a bank transfer, the details follow:
Mercantile Discount Bank-Jerusalem
Account #28487
Swift Code: Bardilit
Branch #646
Address: 1 Agron Street, Jerusalem, Israel 91710
Telephone: (972) 2-625-1505
FAX: (972) 2-625-8785
Mercantile Discount Bank-Jerusalem
Account #28487
Swift Code: Bardilit
Branch #646
Address: 1 Agron Street, Jerusalem, Israel 91710
Telephone: (972) 2-625-1505
FAX: (972) 2-625-8785
A receipt will be sent for the amount, which is tax-deductible in the United States and Canada.
Editor-in-Chief: Rebecca J. Brimmer
Assistant Editor: Cheryl Hauer
Staff Writer: Joshua Spurlock
Proofreader: Charleeda Sprinkle
Administrator: Tom-John Faul
Administrative Assistant: Heather Gale
Assistant Editor: Cheryl Hauer
Staff Writer: Joshua Spurlock
Proofreader: Charleeda Sprinkle
Administrator: Tom-John Faul
Administrative Assistant: Heather Gale
To subscribe: click here
No comments:
Post a Comment