It has been a difficult week in Israel. Protests and counter-protests have filled the streets. Major votes have taken place in the Knesset. There has even been what some have labeled a “coup attempt” against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I will share some details below and will provide you with links to where you can get even more information. For now, I am asking that you continue to pray for Israel. The liberal elites have been steering the nation down a very destructive road, but now the conservative majority is beginning to fight back. It has gotten ugly at times, and it will likely continue to be so. Please pray that God brings peace and righteousness to the nation, its people, and its leaders.

Prime Minister Netanyahu Received Pacemaker

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a pacemaker implanted on Sunday, a week after having to be hospitalized. That initial incident, which doctors say was caused by dehydration, revealed some urgent problems that needed to be addressed.

Many were surprised when it was later revealed by the hospital doctors that Bibi has hidden from the public long-term heart issues. The prime minister later released a video from the hospital expressing his gratitude and telling his supporters, “As you can see, I’m doing great.”

Judicial Reform Passes and the Left Wing Explodes

Sunday night saw the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv filled with conservative supporters of judicial reform and the Netanyahu administration. On Monday, the first bill of the judicial reform, the “Reasonableness Standard Bill”, was approved by the Knesset 64-0, after the opposition members left before the vote. Monday night, the streets filled again, this time with liberals expressing their outrage at the legislative body’s action. This bill was the first step in turning the country back into what the government of Israel was 30 years ago, before the Supreme Court began to expand their oversight. The word “reform” here is not referring to some new shrinking of the Supreme Court’s mandate, while pouring more power into the legislative branch, as the liberal, fake news press will tell you. It is restoring the walls of the checks and balances to where they were three decades ago. This reversion to what once was is essential for the health and future of Israel.

Possible Coup Attempt in Israel

It’s no surprise to anyone in Israel that former prime minister Ehud Barak is not a member of the Bibi Netanyahu fan club. The extent of his disdain for the current prime minister has taken some off guard. A video clip has been circulating through social media that shows that Barak has been plotting a coup d’état against Netanyahu for several years now. The governmental and social crisis stemming from the judicial reform bill appears to have provided him the opportunity to implement his plan. Is this real or are people reading too much into a video? For Israel’s Transport Minister Miri Regev, it is more than enough. She has sent a letter to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara asking for a full investigation to be opened into Barak’s actions.

Israel’s Enemies Betting that the Country will Implode

If you put a senior commander from Iran’s Quds Force, two Iranian security officials, and leaders from Hamas together in a room for three hours, what do you get? You get a plan for the destruction of Israel, of course! What was unusual about this meeting was that its plan of action was one of inaction. Given the extent of the division and unrest within Israel over the judicial reform, they determined that they should just lay low for a while and see if Israel implodes. In fact, they were concerned that if they did act, it could rally people around Netanyahu, strengthening his position. By Quds and Hamas standards, it is truly a brilliant plan. They understand that the progressive left anarchists in Israel are doing a far better job in weakening Israel’s government and military than they themselves could, even if they started a war.

The Miracle of Israel’s Economy

Israel was facing a financial perfect storm. Contention and strife filled the Knesset. Hundreds of thousands of people from both sides of the judicial issue had taken to the streets. Pundits from the full gamut of media methods were predicting doom and gloom for Israel’s economy. Then, for the coup d’gras, on Tuesday Morgan Stanley lowered Israel’s credit rating, while Moody’s warned of a “significant risk” of “negative consequences for Israel’s economy and security situation.” The threat of one of these could damage the economy. But all of them at once? This was going to be a fiscal bloodbath. The financial sector waited for Wednesday’s inevitable stock market crash. But as the hours rolled by, the prophecies of economic destruction did not come to pass. In fact, at the end of the day Israel’s stock market was up! Will there be financial struggles in Israel in the future? There could be, particularly with the dogged determination of the progressive left media to drag Netanyahu down and nuke the judicial reform. Even Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, recently made comments about how the Israeli media is irresponsibly sowing fears in the hearts of the many in Israel. Of course, he sees this as a good thing. But don’t believe the naysayers. The rumors of the death of Israel’s economy are greatly exaggerated. On the contrary, the economy of the State of Israel continues to be the strongest in the world!

Iran Closer than Ever to Possible Atomic Bomb Test

A number of European intelligence reports recently translated and published by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) revealed a growing concern that Iran could soon be ready to test an atomic bomb. The Netherlands General Intelligence and Security Service examined Iran’s fast-tracking of its weapons grade uranium manufacturing and concluded that it “brings the option of a possible [Iranian] first nuclear test closer.” AVID went on to say, “Iran is further ignoring the agreements that were made within the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). And by deploying increasingly more sophisticated uranium enrichment centrifuges, it is enlarging its enrichment capacity.”

US CENTCOM Strengthens Its Response to Iranian Ship Seizures

The US is responding to Iran’s increased attempts to illegally seize merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. During a briefing, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said, “In response to a number of recent, alarming events in the Strait of Hormuz, the secretary of defense has ordered the deployment of the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, F-35 fighters, and F-16 fighters to the US Central Command area of responsibility to defend US interests and safeguard freedom of navigation in the region.”

 Ukrainian Drones Hit Two Buildings in Moscow

Two armed Ukrainian drones flew toward the Ministry of Defense in Moscow.  While both did damage, it appears it was not to its intended target. Meanwhile, down in Crimea another drone hit a Russian ammunition depot causing a major explosion. For its part, Russia has kept up its indiscriminate bombing. In Odessa, 25 landmarks were severely damaged, including the early 19th century Transfiguration Cathedral.

North Korea Supplying Arms to Russia

For months, North Korea has been accused of supplying artillery shells and other weapons to the Russian war effort. Both parties deny the allegation, despite the growing proof. Now, in an act sure to keep the rumor mill humming, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has taken a trip to Pyongyang for a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ceasefire in the Korean War. This visit, during which he was joined by a Chinese Communist Party Politburo member, was the first official visit by foreign dignitaries to the hermit kingdom since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Consequences Spread after Sweden Allows a Protest Burn of a Quran

Swedish police allowed an Iraqi national to burn a Quran in Stockholm last month. The militant response to this act has been growing ever since. Last Thursday, protesters burned a portion of the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad. Later that day, the Iraqi government severed relations with Sweden and expelled the Swedish ambassador. In Beirut, Shiite demonstrations spread through the streets at the instigation of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah. In Qatar, Swedish products were removed from supermarket shelves. But rather than quelling the burnings of the Muslim holy book, the incidents of book-burning have increased with copies being set on fire in front of the Egyptian and Turkish embassies in Denmark.

Coup Attempt in Niger

Yesterday, a group from the presidential guard surrounded Niger’s presidential palace in an attempted coup against President Mohammed Bazoum. The president himself was detained inside. Other military units were soon brought up to counter the coup attempt. Currently, there are discussions taking place between the two parties. The Sahel region of Africa has seen four coup attempts in the last three years, with Niger being one of the most stable in the area. Said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, “Niger and President Bazoum has been the West’s only hope on the Sahel region to contain jihadists and Russia’s rising influence.” But, according to Laessing, that is all changed now. “Even if Bazoum survives this,” he said, “the reputation of Niger among Western policymakers as a stability anchor for the Sahel is damaged.”

Fires Rage Globally

Extreme heat has contributed to a rash of wildfires across the globe. Mediterranean Europe has been particularly hard hit with more than forty dead and countless euros worth of damage. In Greece, which is among the worst victims of the blazes, two Hellenic Air Force pilots were killed when their plane crashed while fighting fires near Athens.

Today, Jews worldwide will commemorate Tisha B’Av – an annual fast day in Judaism, named for the ninth day (Tisha) of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar. The fast commemorates the destruction of both the First Temple and Second Temple in Jerusalem, which occurred about 655 years apart, but on the same Hebrew calendar date. But that’s just the beginning. Throughout the history of Israel, Tisha B’Av has notoriously and consistently brought tragedy and devastation to the Jews. I would encourage you to take a moment to read an article Behold Israel has prepared that will give you insight into this day of infamy for our people. You will likely not be surprised to discover that ultimately God brings hope in the end.

It has been a difficult week in Israel. Protests and counter-protests have filled the streets. Major votes have taken place in the Knesset. There has even been what some have labeled a “coup attempt” against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I will share some details below and will provide you with links to where you can get even more information. For now, I am asking that you continue to pray for Israel. The liberal elites have been steering the nation down a very destructive road, but now the conservative majority is beginning to fight back. It has gotten ugly at times, and it will likely continue to be so. Please pray that God brings peace and righteousness to the nation, its people, and its leaders.

Prime Minister Netanyahu Received Pacemaker

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a pacemaker implanted on Sunday, a week after having to be hospitalized. That initial incident, which doctors say was caused by dehydration, revealed some urgent problems that needed to be addressed.

Many were surprised when it was later revealed by the hospital doctors that Bibi has hidden from the public long-term heart issues. The prime minister later released a video from the hospital expressing his gratitude and telling his supporters, “As you can see, I’m doing great.”

Judicial Reform Passes and the Left Wing Explodes

Sunday night saw the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv filled with conservative supporters of judicial reform and the Netanyahu administration. On Monday, the first bill of the judicial reform, the “Reasonableness Standard Bill”, was approved by the Knesset 64-0, after the opposition members left before the vote. Monday night, the streets filled again, this time with liberals expressing their outrage at the legislative body’s action. This bill was the first step in turning the country back into what the government of Israel was 30 years ago, before the Supreme Court began to expand their oversight. The word “reform” here is not referring to some new shrinking of the Supreme Court’s mandate, while pouring more power into the legislative branch, as the liberal, fake news press will tell you. It is restoring the walls of the checks and balances to where they were three decades ago. This reversion to what once was is essential for the health and future of Israel.

Possible Coup Attempt in Israel

It’s no surprise to anyone in Israel that former prime minister Ehud Barak is not a member of the Bibi Netanyahu fan club. The extent of his disdain for the current prime minister has taken some off guard. A video clip has been circulating through social media that shows that Barak has been plotting a coup d’état against Netanyahu for several years now. The governmental and social crisis stemming from the judicial reform bill appears to have provided him the opportunity to implement his plan. Is this real or are people reading too much into a video? For Israel’s Transport Minister Miri Regev, it is more than enough. She has sent a letter to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara asking for a full investigation to be opened into Barak’s actions.

Israel’s Enemies Betting that the Country will Implode

If you put a senior commander from Iran’s Quds Force, two Iranian security officials, and leaders from Hamas together in a room for three hours, what do you get? You get a plan for the destruction of Israel, of course! What was unusual about this meeting was that its plan of action was one of inaction. Given the extent of the division and unrest within Israel over the judicial reform, they determined that they should just lay low for a while and see if Israel implodes. In fact, they were concerned that if they did act, it could rally people around Netanyahu, strengthening his position. By Quds and Hamas standards, it is truly a brilliant plan. They understand that the progressive left anarchists in Israel are doing a far better job in weakening Israel’s government and military than they themselves could, even if they started a war.

The Miracle of Israel’s Economy

Israel was facing a financial perfect storm. Contention and strife filled the Knesset. Hundreds of thousands of people from both sides of the judicial issue had taken to the streets. Pundits from the full gamut of media methods were predicting doom and gloom for Israel’s economy. Then, for the coup d’gras, on Tuesday Morgan Stanley lowered Israel’s credit rating, while Moody’s warned of a “significant risk” of “negative consequences for Israel’s economy and security situation.” The threat of one of these could damage the economy. But all of them at once? This was going to be a fiscal bloodbath. The financial sector waited for Wednesday’s inevitable stock market crash. But as the hours rolled by, the prophecies of economic destruction did not come to pass. In fact, at the end of the day Israel’s stock market was up! Will there be financial struggles in Israel in the future? There could be, particularly with the dogged determination of the progressive left media to drag Netanyahu down and nuke the judicial reform. Even Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, recently made comments about how the Israeli media is irresponsibly sowing fears in the hearts of the many in Israel. Of course, he sees this as a good thing. But don’t believe the naysayers. The rumors of the death of Israel’s economy are greatly exaggerated. On the contrary, the economy of the State of Israel continues to be the strongest in the world!

Iran Closer than Ever to Possible Atomic Bomb Test

A number of European intelligence reports recently translated and published by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) revealed a growing concern that Iran could soon be ready to test an atomic bomb. The Netherlands General Intelligence and Security Service examined Iran’s fast-tracking of its weapons grade uranium manufacturing and concluded that it “brings the option of a possible [Iranian] first nuclear test closer.” AVID went on to say, “Iran is further ignoring the agreements that were made within the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). And by deploying increasingly more sophisticated uranium enrichment centrifuges, it is enlarging its enrichment capacity.”

US CENTCOM Strengthens Its Response to Iranian Ship Seizures

The US is responding to Iran’s increased attempts to illegally seize merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. During a briefing, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said, “In response to a number of recent, alarming events in the Strait of Hormuz, the secretary of defense has ordered the deployment of the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, F-35 fighters, and F-16 fighters to the US Central Command area of responsibility to defend US interests and safeguard freedom of navigation in the region.”

 Ukrainian Drones Hit Two Buildings in Moscow

Two armed Ukrainian drones flew toward the Ministry of Defense in Moscow.  While both did damage, it appears it was not to its intended target. Meanwhile, down in Crimea another drone hit a Russian ammunition depot causing a major explosion. For its part, Russia has kept up its indiscriminate bombing. In Odessa, 25 landmarks were severely damaged, including the early 19th century Transfiguration Cathedral.

North Korea Supplying Arms to Russia

For months, North Korea has been accused of supplying artillery shells and other weapons to the Russian war effort. Both parties deny the allegation, despite the growing proof. Now, in an act sure to keep the rumor mill humming, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has taken a trip to Pyongyang for a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ceasefire in the Korean War. This visit, during which he was joined by a Chinese Communist Party Politburo member, was the first official visit by foreign dignitaries to the hermit kingdom since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Consequences Spread after Sweden Allows a Protest Burn of a Quran

Swedish police allowed an Iraqi national to burn a Quran in Stockholm last month. The militant response to this act has been growing ever since. Last Thursday, protesters burned a portion of the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad. Later that day, the Iraqi government severed relations with Sweden and expelled the Swedish ambassador. In Beirut, Shiite demonstrations spread through the streets at the instigation of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah. In Qatar, Swedish products were removed from supermarket shelves. But rather than quelling the burnings of the Muslim holy book, the incidents of book-burning have increased with copies being set on fire in front of the Egyptian and Turkish embassies in Denmark.

Coup Attempt in Niger

Yesterday, a group from the presidential guard surrounded Niger’s presidential palace in an attempted coup against President Mohammed Bazoum. The president himself was detained inside. Other military units were soon brought up to counter the coup attempt. Currently, there are discussions taking place between the two parties. The Sahel region of Africa has seen four coup attempts in the last three years, with Niger being one of the most stable in the area. Said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, “Niger and President Bazoum has been the West’s only hope on the Sahel region to contain jihadists and Russia’s rising influence.” But, according to Laessing, that is all changed now. “Even if Bazoum survives this,” he said, “the reputation of Niger among Western policymakers as a stability anchor for the Sahel is damaged.”

Fires Rage Globally

Extreme heat has contributed to a rash of wildfires across the globe. Mediterranean Europe has been particularly hard hit with more than forty dead and countless euros worth of damage. In Greece, which is among the worst victims of the blazes, two Hellenic Air Force pilots were killed when their plane crashed while fighting fires near Athens.

Today, Jews worldwide will commemorate Tisha B’Av – an annual fast day in Judaism, named for the ninth day (Tisha) of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar. The fast commemorates the destruction of both the First Temple and Second Temple in Jerusalem, which occurred about 655 years apart, but on the same Hebrew calendar date. But that’s just the beginning. Throughout the history of Israel, Tisha B’Av has notoriously and consistently brought tragedy and devastation to the Jews. I would encourage you to take a moment to read an article Behold Israel has prepared that will give you insight into this day of infamy for our people. You will likely not be surprised to discover that ultimately God brings hope in the end.