Head of United States Central Command Visits Israel
General Michael Kurilla, head of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) (Source: U.S. Department of Defense)
In a move to demonstrate the United States’ and Israel’s strong relations, General Michael Kurilla, head of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), visited Israel. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi hosted Kurilla. The two visited Israel’s elite Shayetet 13 commando unit and had a briefing from the head of the unit. Discussion focused on recent joint activity with the American navy and intelligence assessments. Kurilla was impressed with the Israeli military combat readiness.
In an Israeli report Halevi said, “We are actively following the changes in the region, with an emphasis on the increase in Iranian hostility and terror activity. Precisely in this sensitive time period, there is great importance in the close relationship between the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and the US Armed Forces, we will continue the cooperation and the common commitment to the security in the Middle East.”
Please pray Israel’s military will remain strong and ready to defend the country and its people. Pray for the leaders’ wisdom as they make hard decisions.
Read more at The Times of Israel. . .
Israeli Knesset Resumes after Recess
Knesset building in Israel (Source: Flickr/Chris Yunker)
Israel’s Knesset will resume sessions after a four-week recess. The summer session will push aside the proposed judicial overhaul, which has been and will continue to dominate the political landscape, in favor of passing the much-needed state budget for 2023–2024. The two-year, three-trillion-shekel state budget must pass by May 29. Otherwise, the Knesset will automatically dissolve, prompting another round of elections.
Different coalition parties want a stake in the budget, which was among the promises made in order to join Likud to form the current government. It is still a long process to pass through the committees and gain approval. This year’s budget is 32 billion shekels (roughly $8.8 billion) higher than last year’s. Many Israelis are complaining about promises to lower the cost of living—including the price of everyday food and supply staples—which lawmakers have not kept to date.
Please pray for wisdom and financial stability for the nation of Israel as this next budget is in the motion. Pray also for those who have food insecurities and are on the poverty line.
Read more at The Times of Israel. . .
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Visits Israel
Governor Ron DeSantis (Source: Flickr/U.S. Secretary of Defense)
Florida governor and potential presidential candidate Ron DeSantis recently visited Israel. While at an event, he addressed the crowd, saying he supported the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He also spoke about his worries regarding Iran. DeSantis said, “What’s right with the Middle East is Israel. What’s right with the Middle East is Israel working with the UAE [United Arab Emirates] and Bahrain. What’s wrong with the Middle East is Iranian terrorism, is Iranian ambition.” During his visit, he was to speak at a conference, tour the West Bank, and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Please pray for continued friendship between American and Israeli leaders.
Chosen People Ministries—Israel Celebrates Partnerships
Our staff continues to do outreach using resources like our free Isaiah 53 Explained books
Israel is very grateful for the good relationships and alliances she has with many countries who stand alongside and help protect her. Please pray for these continued strategic relationships. The same can be said with the believers in Israel. There are many special relationships across ministries and congregations throughout the country. It is a blessing to work together, pray for each other, and share resources and even workers.
A partner ministry recently called to request more Isaiah 53 Explained books in Hebrew and Russian because they were giving them out for free through their online bookstore—and they had too many orders! Not a bad problem 😉. Our heart’s desire is to see the gospel go forth and lives changed, and in Israel we do so together!
Please pray for continued relationships and partnerships to proclaim the gospel to even more people!
