Week of July 23, 2024

A milestone ruling by Israel’s High Court of Justice ended the traditional standing of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) young men being exempt from serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Last week, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved their draft orders. Primarily, 1,000 notices will be sent out in three waves so 3,000 Haredi soldiers will need to report for duty. Usually, the IDF drafts three times a year—roughly in March, July, and November. The ultra-Orthodox community is not happy with the new draft laws. Many claim they will not show up if summoned. The IDF is prepared to send out 24,000 notices if needed and will evaluate each wave of summons and their responses.

Meanwhile, the Israeli secular population is frustrated the Haredi young men have been exempt for years, especially during the current war when so many reserve soldiers have had to leave family, business, and school to fight and defend for months. Rabbis of the yeshivas, where the young Haredi men study the Torah, claim these young men are fighting for Israel by studying the Bible and protecting Jewish tradition. The Court’s verdict came as a surprise for the ultra-Orthodox population.

Please pray for the willing and peaceful draft of ultra-Orthodox young men who can serve their country by study and serving as the IDF needs more capable and willing protectors of Israel.

On Thursday, a drone traveled 1,200 miles from Houthi-controlled Yemen over Egypt and out over the Mediterranean with a final approach over Tel Aviv. There, it dropped its explosive payload on an unsuspecting, sleeping community. The drone caused widespread damage and killed one man because of all the shrapnel. The IDF was not tracking the drone, which took Israel by surprise. In the past nine months, in solidarity with Gaza, the Houthis have launched over 220 ballistic missiles, cruise miles, and drones at Israel—mainly to Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city.

In reprisal for the recent attack and months of airborne aggression, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) planned its first-ever long-range attack on Yemen called “Operation Outreached Arm.” They planned a strike on a Houthi port and fuel depot used to import Iranian weapons and therefore a legitimate military target. Around a dozen IAF aircraft—including F-35 stealth fighter jets, F-15 fighters, reconnaissance aircraft, and refueling planes—were used for the long-range mission. IDF Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a press conference, “This is a complex attack, one of the farthest and longest carried out by the Israeli Air Force. It required careful planning and preparation for a variety of possible threats in the area.” Though Israel notified the United States of the attack before it happened, Israel did not have any outside help in this operation.

Please pray the Houthis will repent of their hatred of Israel and come to know Jesus the Messiah.

Israel’s Air Force One, called “Wing of Zion,” left on its maiden flight with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aboard to fly to the United States. There, he will address both houses of Congress as well as emphasize how Israel “remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East.” Israel is fighting a war on seven fronts and relies on the United States’ strong support. He is flying with a number of family members of hostages held in Gaza who want to plead for the release and lives of their loved ones. Prime Minister Netanyahu said,

I plan to see President Biden, whom I’ve known for over 40 years. This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as senator, as vice president, and as president. It will also be an opportunity to discuss with him how to advance in the critical months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries: Achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies, and ensuring that all Israel citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south.

Please pray for the safety of Netanyahu, his delegation, and the families of the hostages. Pray their voices are heard and pressure is put on Hamas to release all the captives.

A few of our staff recently endured the blaring sounds of attack from our enemies—this time from the Houthis in Yemen. One of our staff was sleeping in the apartment when the drone struck in the middle of the night with no warning, sending panic and worry. It was two neighborhoods away, thus seemingly far enough away—and yet not. Other staff members were in Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat when the sirens sounded very early in the morning, causing the family to bolt awake and run (in under thirty seconds) to the community shelter. Praise God, everyone is alright, but we continually cry to the Lord for peace in our land and for our people.

Meanwhile, during a ladies Bible study in Tel Aviv, they were studying the life of Joseph and the emotional chapter where Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. The ladies discussed their struggles, worries, and prayers to the Lord, hoping He would hear them. Our staff clearly presented the gospel and—praise God—there have been a few not-yet-believers attending as well as some who recently returned to the Lord! Amid struggle, alarm, and worry, the Word of God and His still, strong voice stands firm.

Please pray for our staff and for the spiritual growth of those who are part of this Bible study!