Israel at War: Week 97

The headlines in Israel announce:

“Hundreds of Thousands gather in Tel Aviv to mark end of nationwide day of hostage protests.” Estimates of 500,000 Israelis attended the rally, and over a million protested across the country.

Another declares: “We want them back”; Israelis strike and protest in call for hostage deal, end of war.

Another states: “Large protests across Israel as national strike for hostages gets underway.”

Another says: “Gal Gadot visits Hostages Square amid nationwide strike urging release.” The article continues, “Israeli actress Gal Gadot stopped by hostages Square Sunday to show support for the families of the hostages during a nationwide strike opposing the government’s expanding of the war in Gaza while negotiations for releasing the remaining 50 captives are stalled.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu responded to this tension of the protests and strike saying, “To make progress on the release of our hostages and ensure that Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel we must complete the mission and defeat Hamas.”

Tensions on the home front, accusations, and a strike gives the appearance of a divided country. Yet Prime Minister Netanyahu remains focused and resolute on the task at hand, the three aims he announced at the war’s beginning, to defeat and dismantle Hamas and to make sure Gaza could not harm and attack Israel ever again. Pray for God’s strength and wisdom for Prime Minister Netanyahu in this time. As Psalm 46:9 reads, “He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.” May His victory be achieved in this Israel-Hamas War.

(Source: The Times of Israel)