BFP-UPDATE Israel Current News with Prayer Focus February 16, 2012

Friday, February 17, 2012

BFP-UPDATE Israel Current News with Prayer Focus February 16, 2012

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February 17, 2012

Israelis, Palestinians Cooperate in Tragic Bus Accident
Iranian Regime Hails Major Breakthrough in Nuclear Fuel Enrichment
Israeli Hero: Envoy's Wife Spotted Terrorist
Palestinian Authority TV Song Longs for a World without Israel
Arrow Missile Defense Battery to Be Deployed in Central Israel
Commander of US Fifth Fleet Warns of Iranian Suicide Craft
Hamas Division Deepens Haniyya Reiterates No Recognition of Israel
Anonymous Hackers Threaten "Crusade" against Israeli Web Sites
Croatian President Asks for Forgiveness for the Holocaust
Israeli Village for Earthquake Victims Inaugurated in Turkey

Israelis, Palestinians Cooperate in Tragic Bus Accident
Medical teams from the Israeli Magen David Adom (MDA) and the Palestinian Red Crescent paramedic services worked together on Thursday to save children and teachers from a bus accident in which eight people were killed and dozens injured. The wounded were evacuated to Israeli and Palestinian hospitals.
Israeli President Shimon Peres also called Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas to share his condolences for the tragedy. The cooperation and condolence call occurred despite the diplomatic impasse between the sides in currently-suspended peace talks.
A press release from MDA said a truck and the bus carrying schoolchildren were involved in the accident, in which the bus overturned and caught fire. After receiving a call regarding the incident, MDA declared it a mass-casualty event "immediately," according to the press release, with "large forces" of medical units, along with senior officers, being alerted. Palestinians arrived at the scene and began evacuating the injured to hospitals in Ramallah.
The Israeli forces, upon reaching the site, evacuated eight wounded to Israeli hospitals, including two seriously-injured persons. The press release said leaders of both MDA and the Palestinian Red Crescent met at the scene, during which MDA Director-General Eli Binn offered "as many units of blood as were necessary."
Israeli hospitals are world-renowned and foreign patients travel from abroad to be treated by Israeli doctors. In light of that and within the context of the two organizations' cooperation, the release noted that the MDA head also offered "to place at the Red Crescent's disposal considerable MDA forces" to move the injured from Ramallah hospitals to Israeli ones.
MDA Director-General Binn was quoted by the press release as saying, "There is no doubt that the cooperation between all of the forces that worked together at the scene enabled, and is still enabling, the saving of lives and the giving of the best possible medical care to those who were injured in the accident. In such cases, there is no significance to the ethnicity or origin of the victims and we all work to one end - saving lives."
Meanwhile, President Peres phoned his Palestinian counterpart Abbas following the bus accident, in which seven of the dead were children. "I would like to express my sorrow over this tragedy and to convey my condolences to the families that lost their dear children," Peres was quoted by his office as telling Abbas. "The State of Israel will continue to provide medical assistance to the injured as is necessary."
Abbas, for his part, thanked Peres for the gesture and was quoted by Peres' office as saying, "This is a terrible tragedy for the Palestinian people in which - to my sorrow - many were killed and injured."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also responded to the tragedy. Netanyahu's spokesman, Ofir Gendleman, said on Twitter that the Israeli premier "sends his condolences to the Palestinian families who lost loved ones today and offers the PA any assistance it may require."
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, February 16, 2012)

Prayer Focus
Pray for those that mourn this day, for parents who have suddenly lost a child, for the Arab-Israeli bus driver, and others suffering from trauma. Thank God that in time of crisis, Palestinians and Israelis can work together for good.

Scripture
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Iranian Regime Hails Major Breakthrough in Nuclear Fuel Enrichment
Iran has started loading domestically made nuclear fuel at a major research reactor for the first time, despite Western sanctions. The loading ceremony at the plant in Tehran was announced as a major breakthrough and attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. It was broadcast live on state television. Ahmadinejad had announced in a speech last week that Iran would be unveiling something big. The nuclear fuel rods are the first to be produced domestically.
Iran's deputy nuclear negotiator Ali Baqeri said the country had developed its own nuclear fuel because the West had refused to provide it to them. Iran created its own 20% fuel plates for a research reactor in Tehran whose stock of fuel sourced from Argentina in the 1990s was running low. TV reports also said that Iran had made progress in 20% uranium enrichment at its Natanz facility, beyond enrichment activities already under way there.
Last month [January], the Iranians said they had succeeded in building and testing a nuclear fuel rod, a stack of low-enriched uranium pellets bundled together at the core of a nuclear reactor. That announcement appeared aimed at demonstrating Iran's growing sophistication in developing a home-grown nuclear program, amid growing Western fears that the Islamic republic will use its knowledge to build nuclear weapons.
In January, the Governing Council of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed "deep and increasing concern about the unresolved issues regarding the Iranian nuclear program." Iran responded to the IAEA report by calling it a fabrication aimed at bolstering US accusations that Iran was working toward a bomb.
In recent weeks, Western nations adopted tight sanctions against Iran targeting the financial and energy sectors. The European Union imposed a ban of new oil contracts with Iran. On Wednesday [February 15], media reported that Tehran would cut oil exports to six EU countries - Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain - in response to the sanctions.
However, the Oil Ministry denied the reports. Iran claims the EU oil embargo will not cripple its economy as the country had already identified new customers. European sales have so far accounted for about 18% of Iran's total crude oil exports.
(By World Jewish Congress, February 15, 2012)

Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will render any weapons that Iran has or may have powerless against Israel and her supporters. Pray that the enemy will be confounded by their own lies.

Scripture
"'And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,' says the LORD. 'I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.'" - Jeremiah 15:20-21

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Israeli Hero: Envoy's Wife Spotted Terrorist
Heroism in face of terror: An Israeli diplomat's wife wounded in Monday's [February 13] blast in New Delhi apparently spotted the terrorist moments before the attack, managed to get out of her car, and evacuated herself to hospital despite her injury.
Tal Yehoshua Koren, the wife of an Israeli Defense Ministry representative to India, was taken to hospital by rickshaw where she is in mild to moderate condition following surgery. She suffered shrapnel wounds after a terrorist attached an explosive device to the car she was traveling in, wounding four people.
"According to information we received…a terrorist arrived on a motorcycle and attached something to the vehicle. She grasped the situation, showed resourcefulness, managed to get out of the car and evacuated herself to the hospital despite her injury," said her brother, Ido Koren. "Everything happened within seconds."
"She possesses amazing level-headedness; not everyone would have conducted themselves this way," he said. "The motorcyclist managed to get away, but the most important thing is for Tal to feel better, and we're praying for it."
The wounded Israeli's brother said Yehoshua-Koren suffered shrapnel wounds to her back, but added that the fragments were removed from her body successfully. Currently she is still anesthetized and is supposed to wake up within 48 hours, at which point doctors will determine the next steps, relatives said, adding that she may be flown to Israel at that point.
"After seeing the vehicle, all of us realize it was a miracle," her brother said. Meanwhile, more details of the India attack have come to light. A magnetic device was attached to the Israeli Embassy car, which exploded a few seconds later with Yehoshua Koren in it, said Delhi Police Commissioner BK Gupata in an interview with The Times of India on Monday.
Gupta quoted an eyewitness who told the police he saw a person riding a motorcycle attach a magnetic device to the rear end of the diplomatic car Yehoshua Koren was riding in on her way to pick up her children from school. The vehicle continued to travel for a short distance, and then a blast occurred and the car caught fire.
"It was some kind of a magnetic device which was used to target the car," said Gupta. It appears that a remote control may have been used to set off the device and not a timer, said police sources. The attack did not appear to be the work of a local gang, the police said.
(By Aviel Magnezi, Ynetnews.com, February 14, 2012)

Prayer Focus
Thank the Lord that Mrs. Koren was alerted to the danger soon enough to respond. Pray that God keeps all of Israel and her allies alert for the sudden attacks of the enemy.

Scripture
"The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" - Psalm 34:7-8
Palestinian Authority TV Song Longs for a World without Israel
Twice in the last two weeks, Palestinian Authority [PA] TV broadcast a song which expressed longing for a world without Israel. The lyrics of the song express a desire for the Israeli cities of Haifa, Jaffa, Acre, Ramle and Nazareth to be part of "my country," which is Palestine, where all cities would be accessible "with no borders":
"Even if our path has grown long, one day we will return:
To Jerusalem, to Gaza, to Acre, to Haifa, oh Lord.
To Jerusalem, to Ramle, to Acre, to Haifa, oh Lord...
I wish I could enter my country with no borders."
Portraying a world without Israel is a recurring PA theme documented by Palestinian Media Watch. The PA frequently reinforces this message through cultural events broadcast on PA TV, including song performances.
The following is the transcript of the song. Note that Nazareth, the Galilee, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Acre, and Haifa are Israeli cities and places:
"I wish I could enter my country with no borders...
I will go about in Bethlehem and in Al-Aqsa [Mosque], which is held captive
I will eat lunch in Nazareth and eat dinner in Beit Sahour...
I do not forget Jenin nor Nablus, and the Galilee
I do not forget you, Jaffa, your long sea [shore]
I will never forget the olives of the Galilee
Even if our path has grown long, one day we will return:
To Jerusalem, to Gaza, to Acre, to Haifa, oh Lord.
To Jerusalem, to Ramle, to Acre, to Haifa, oh Lord...
I wish I could enter my country with no borders."
[PA TV (Fatah), Jan. 30 and Feb. 9, 2012
(By Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinan Media Watch.org, February 14, 2012)

Prayer Focus
Pray that the truth comes through no matter how "sweet" the song is. Pray that the hearts of the Arab people will be turned so that they can see the way of God the Father.

Scripture
"The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." - Psalm 55:21-22
Arrow Missile Defense Battery to Be Deployed in Central Israel
A new Arrow missile defense battery will become operational in 2012 as a part of IDF [Israel Defense Forces] preparations for new security challenges facing Israel. The battery is to be stationed in the center of the country in order to provide maximal response to security threats. The Aerial Defense Network expects that the battery will help better protect Israel from long-range missiles.
The new battery is designed to intercept long-range surface-to-surface missiles with an upgraded version of the Arrow missile. The system will use advanced interceptors, which include a number of sensors to identify and intercept the incoming missiles in a precise manner. The battery will be integrated with the newly installed "Super Green Pine" radar system, which is able to detect missiles at a longer range with greater accuracy.
Further improvements include a new missile control center, a unique addition that will direct all the Arrow batteries in the "Sword Shield" unit. "This is the real conceptual revolution for 'sword shield,'" explained a commander within the unit, First Lieutenant Tomer. "These updates significantly increase the capabilities and resources of the unit. This is an important step in dealing with these threats."
According to Lt. Tomer, the establishment of the new battery is not connected to recent events, but has been in the works since the unit's inception. "However, the weapons on the other side of the border are always in our sites."
The Arrow system is Israel's defense system against long-range missile threats. The Arrow missile can intercept missiles above of the atmosphere, thereby preventing any collateral damage from the interception. It also is a part of Israel's multi-layered defense system, where each integrated system is designed to deal with a unique threat. The role of the Arrow system is to intercept missiles in the upper layer.
The system is in constant development and is on the verge of integrating the newly developed "Arrow 3" missile, an advanced interceptor capable of intercepting missiles at an even longer range. The unit "Sword Shield" is the unit within the Air Force that is responsible for the Arrow system. It includes all batteries that are designed to intercept long-range missiles.
(By Shir Aharon Bram, Israel Defense Forces, February 13, 2012)

Prayer Focus
Pray that all the weapons formed against Israel are powerless. Pray that the defense systems of Israel are backed by a holy army of God.

Scripture
"Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish." - Isaiah 41:11
Commander of US Fifth Fleet Warns of Iranian Suicide Craft
The commander of the US Fifth Fleet has warned that Iran has equipped a number of naval vessels to become suicide craft if it decides to disrupt traffic in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have threatened to do so in the event it is invaded by a foreign country or if its oil industry is frozen by international sanctions.
Speaking in Bahrain, Vice Admiral Mark Fox told reporters that Iran has increased the number of submarines in its fleet along with the number of fast-attack craft. He said, "Some of the small boats have been outfitted with a large warhead that could be used as a suicide explosive device." Experts warn that huge war ships are vulnerable to small, high-speed boats armed as floating bombs.
Fox nevertheless exuded confidence, asserting that, "We are very vigilant, we have built a wide range of options to give the president and we are ready... We are ready today." The threats and counter-threats between Iran and the West will come to a head when EU [European Union] sanctions on Iran's oil industry come into effect in July and American sanctions will prevent third-party countries from purchasing Iranian oil.
(By The Media Line, February 14, 2012)

Prayer Focus
One of the most difficult things in war is fighting an enemy that does not believe in the sanctity of life. Pray that armed forces that may have to contend with the suicide crafts have hedges of protection around that will rebuff the attempts of the enemy.

Scripture
"The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savoir, You save me from violence." - 2 Samuel 22:3
Hamas Division Deepens Haniyya Reiterates No Recognition of Israel
The division within the ranks of Hamas over the agreement reached with Fatah in Doha last week deepened over the weekend. On Saturday [February 11], Hamas leader Mohammad A-Zahar reiterated his condemnation of the deal Hamas leader-in-exile Khalid Meshaal signed with Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas that would have Abbas serve as both president and prime minister in an interim government that would govern until elections can be held.
The original criticism by A-Zahar focused on the alleged illegality of one man holding both posts. But on Saturday, he expanded that view, charging that the agreement was "wrong and not strategic," and complaining that Meshaal failed to consult Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip or abroad before signing. A-Zahar said the Hamas bloc opposing the pact will reach out to Palestinian leaders world-wide in coming days to enlist their support.
Meanwhile, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyya told a vast crowd in Tehran on Saturday that "we will never recognize Israel. The resistance will continue until all Palestinian land, including Al-Quds [Jerusalem], has been liberated and all the refugees have returned." Iranian officials reiterated Tehran's support for Hamas' armed opposition to Israel.
On Saturday night, Israeli warplanes blasted targets in the Gaza Strip after Kassam rockets were fired into Israel. The army reported hits on smuggling tunnels and on a weapons cache with one dead and one injured.
(By The Media Line, February 13, 2012)

Prayer Focus
Pray that division between Hamas and Fatah continues and eventually will weaken Hamas until it is no longer a threat to Israel.

Scripture
"Arise, O LORD, confront him, cast him down; deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword." - Psalm 17:13
Anonymous Hackers Threaten "Crusade" against Israeli Web Sites
The worldwide Internet hacker network "Anonymous" has released a video threatening to launch a cyber war against Israel, which it accuses of committing "crimes against humanity". The video was posted on the Web site "YouTube."
"For too long, we have tolerated your crimes against humanity and allowed your sins to go unpunished," a computer-generated voice says on the video. "You claim to be democratic, yet in reality, this is far from the truth. In fact, your only goal is to better the lives of a select few while carelessly trampling the liberties of the masses."
The video also makes reference to the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran, claiming that Israel has "taken steps to ensure a nuclear holocaust," and that it will not be allowed "to attack a sovereign country based upon a campaign of lies."
The voice says, "Our crusade against your reign of terror shall commence in three steps. Step one will be initiated after the release of this video and will be comprised of systematically removing you from the Internet. Step two will be later disclosed and is already in initiation. And as for step 3, well think of this one as a present from Anonymous to you. We will not stop until the police state becomes a free state."
Members of the Anonymous ring, which is a loosely connected group of hackers operating worldwide, recently announced attacks against the youth movement of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party One Russia and against the Boston police, among others. Palestinian supporters and Israel loyalists have been battling in cyber space for several months.
In January, a Saudi hacker who called himself 0xOmar published tens of thousands of Israeli credit card numbers on the Internet. And in June last year, Anonymous threatened to shut down the Web site of the Israeli Knesset [Parliament]. "This is the beginning of cyber war against Israel; you are not safe anymore," 0xOmar said in an online post, urging hackers from across the Arab and Muslim world to target the Web sites of the Jewish state.
(By World Jewish Congress, February 10, 2012)

Prayer Focus
These people have named themselves judge and jury of the world but do not know the truth. Pray that they will not be able to carry out their threats and that their eyes are opened to the truth.

Scripture
"You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man." - Psalm 5:6
Croatian President Asks for Forgiveness for the Holocaust
President Ivo Josipović of Croatia is currently on an official visit to Israel. Today, with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in attendance, the Croatian President addressed the Knesset.

No doubt having in mind the fact that 80% of Yugoslavia's 80,000 Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, Josipović followed the example of his predecessor Stjepan Mesić and apologized from the Knesset dais over the role his country played in the crimes committed against Jews during the Second World War.
"We need to look into our hearts, and to come to terms with the darkest stain in our history. Here I am, standing before the parliament of the Jewish state, and more importantly, in front of people born in Croatia, and with no ambiguity, I apologize and I ask for forgiveness from all the Holocaust survivors and all the victims," the President said.
He concluded, "We offer our friendship and our partnership for a better future for our countries and our citizens." Josipović also spoke about the need to reach a peace with the Palestinians. "The two words that I returned to on this visit were: peace and cooperation," he said. "Peace for Israel, peace for Palestine."

The Speaker of the Knesset, Reuven Rivlin said in response. "In these important days, in which Croatia is seeking consistently and decisively to establish democratic and liberal values, Croatia is dealing with its past bravely and poignantly. The head-on confrontation with the past, the confrontation with the seeds of hate and racism that are asleep now, and the education of the younger generation may guard against the horrors of the Second World War repeating itself.
The link between Israel and Croatia did not come about from ignoring the difficulties of the past, rather from a direct and brave look, and an honest acceptance of it," the Speaker said.

(By Isranet, February 15, 2012)

Prayer Focus
Thank God for the recognition of wrongs done to the Jewish people. Pray for healing of the Croatians and the Jews and that the perfect forgiveness of God will reign.

Scripture
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3
Israeli Village for Earthquake Victims Inaugurated in Turkey
Three months after an earthquake hit the Van region in Turkey and caused the death of hundreds and left thousands wounded and homeless, an "Israeli village" was inaugurated on Monday [February 12] with 130 mobile homes donated by Israel to the Turkish survivors. '"Only true friends help with such speed and concern," stressed the Turks.
The Defense Ministry delegation led by Dudu Chen the head of the emergency preparedness sector and Marcel Aviv humanitarian aid coordinator, toured the district with their Turkish hosts, the deputy rector of the local university Professor Mehmet Uzer and the governor of Van.
At the inauguration ceremony Van's governor said: "After the harsh earthquake, you appeared, you Israelis, with lots of equipment and lots of good will to help, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are our true friends and the proof is seen before us."
During the tour, Professor Uzer noted that 800 students will soon be housed in the units. "Thanks to you we will be able to get our lives back on track and re-house the students who fled to their families after the disaster." In total, 1,300 citizens who lost their homes in the earthquake will receive housing in the new village.
A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey last October, destroying over 2,000 houses and leaving thousands homeless. A few countries including the US, Israel, and Armenia sent aid including tents medical supplies and blankets to the disaster-hit nation.
(By Yoav Zitun,Ynetnews.com February 16, 2012)

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