Week of March 25, 2025

Since shortly after October 7, 2023, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been working on a secret mission called “Operation Silver Plow.” The details have now come to light. As a result of Hamas’ invasion and murder of 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 251 people on October 7, 2023, the IDF called up thousands of reservists to report and guard the northern border with Lebanon where Hezbollah terrorists operate. Since the border remained relatively quiet for a while, the IDF decided to use the time and personnel to reshape the border to ensure safety for the civilians in the border communities, who feared similar invasions and the use of tunnels from Hezbollah terrorists.

For over a year, the IDF engineering and infantry soldiers cut through about 75 miles of difficult terrain from Rosh HaNikra to Har Dov on Mount Hermon. They cut through dense forests, destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure, and exploded tunnels that were found reaching into Israel, which Hezbollah had spent decades building. Now the entire border is clear and visible for surveillance and guarding. The 146th battalion’s engineering personnel cleared 6 miles of tough terrain. Lieutenant Colonel S. says,

When we found underground bunkers, command centers, rooms for terrorists, observation and firing positions etc., it was a fortified thicket. Now, looking at this area, you can see that the enemy can’t position itself or hide there anymore. . . . here, we saw how Hezbollah was preparing to reach the border fence. You’re walking along, and suddenly you feel something unsteady. You clear the undergrowth, pick up a net, and underneath there’s a wooden panel, and inside there’s a dug-out outpost with complete combat equipment inside a barrel. Under the cover of darkness or fog, all the Redwan forces had to do was take the barrel out, get dressed, pull out the iron frame hidden nearby in the ground, attach the explosive devices, attach that to the wall or fence, and detonate it.

Praise God that Hezbollah, although prepared, did not invade Israel. Please pray for the ongoing work the IDF is doing to create peace and safety along the border with Lebanon.

In preparation for Passover, Israel has decided to import 105 million eggs at a fixed selling price. Israel has already imported about 40 million. Eggs are a staple during Passover in preparing food and in use at the Passover Seder table. The decision to import eggs was based on forecasts of how many eggs would be available considering the weather, the Israel Hamas-Hezbollah War, and the bird flu. Chicken coops in the north normally produce about 73 percent of Israel’s typical yearly production of 2.2 billion eggs. These coops, however, have been severely affected by the war with Hezbollah, bringing down Israel’s egg production. By importing eggs, the government hopes to avoid shortages and price surges.

Please pray for those who are facing food insecurities and for this decision to import eggs to be helpful to them.

Over 100,000 people all over the country (mainly in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv) came out to protest the renewed fighting in Gaza, the firing of Ronen Bar (the head of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency), and the attempts to fire Gali Baharav-Miara (the attorney-general). With higher-than-usual numbers, this week’s rally showed anger and frustration at Prime Minister Netanyahu’s desire to fire Bar and Baharav-Miara in order to gain tighter control of the government.

Opposition speaker Yair Lapid referred to messages from senior government ministers promising they would not adhere to the High Court of Justice if it blocked the unanimous cabinet decision to fire Bar. Lapid said, “if the October 7 government decides not to obey the court ruling, it will turn itself that day, that moment, into a criminal government.” Many are calling for nationwide strikes to let the government know they do not agree with the firings. Another speaker said, “A government in Israel that refuses to obey the High Court of Justice’s ruling is illegal and dangerous. Netanyahu is not above the law.”

At a nearby demonstration for the release of the hostages, many families expressed feeling that their loved ones in Hamas captivity have been abandoned as renewed war in Gaza started after the fragile ceasefire ended. Relatives of the hostages were livid at Netanyahu, whom they see as not prioritizing the return of the hostages and instead choosing a prolonged battle to remove Hamas’ military and governing capacities.

Please pray for the return of the hostages and the removal of terrorists on Israel’s borders.

Can you believe it—in the Tel Aviv area alone, our staff are busy discipling and mentoring eleven new believers?! They are eager to read and study the Scriptures as well as pray through requests and praises. Our staff have mentioned how our events and gatherings have brought in many who are eager to hear about the Lord and find the peace that only He gives. These months since October 2023 have changed many people’s lives. We wanted to praise the Lord for this! Only by His mighty hand and gentle whisper do people’s eyes, ears, and hearts see, hear, and understand the message of salvation! In many other places where our staff serves around Israel, they are seeing fruit. Hallelujah!

Please pray with us for the continued growth of these precious new believers, as well as for wisdom and strength for our staff as they faithfully and lovingly minister to them.

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