What Really Happened in Iran—Israel braces for Attack

Urgent Prayer Needed for Israel

Israelis are bracing for an imminent multi-front attack from Iran and her proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Gaza, and Yemen after the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh. Now, don’t be fooled by his title: Political Chief. He was a terrorist and a thief. On October 7th, he made a video of himself and his terrorist associates watching the atrocities on TV. Then, they give thanks to the Muslim god for the attacks against Israel. (Watch) He leaves behind a net worth of over $4 billion! How does a terrorist amass such wealth? “Reports indicated that significant funds came from aid, kickbacks, and control over various enterprises in Gaza and other regions.” There was no missile from Israel!

Early reports from Iran’s Republican Guard Corps (IRGC) were that a drone or missile hit Haniyah’s apartment, but it turns out that this was false information. The IRGC were embarrassed by the truth—not to mention that they did not want to get in trouble with the tempermental Ayotollahs. The NY Times and Jerusalem Post have both reported that an explosive device was smuggled into the Islamic nation in June and hidden in the Haniyah’s apartment. It was detonated by someone in the country. 

The NY Times claimed, “Three Iranian officials said it was a catastrophic failure of intelligence and security for Iran and a tremendous embarrassment for the [Republican] Guards, which uses the compound for retreats, secret meetings and housing prominent guests like Mr. Haniyeh.”

While many have criticized Israel for taking out Hamas’ leader at a time when he was leading the negotiations for a cease-fire, reports out of Israel are that Haniyeh has been the problem. The Jeruslaem Post has reported that Haniyeh prevented a deal by constantly opposing part of a potential ceasefire. Iran does not want war

It is unlikely Iran wants all out war with Israel. First, she much prefers keeping Israel occupied with her more lunatic proxies—Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. Second, the US has pledged to support Israel if attacked. In a 30-minute phone call yesterday, Biden “reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis,” according to a statement from the White House. 

Satan rages through his vessels

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, unleashed poisonous rhetoric threatening Israel with all-out war: “We are not talking about separate fronts anymore. This is an open campaign on all fronts, and there is no doubt the war has entered a new phase.” The Jewish nation should prepare for “rage and revenge on all the fronts supporting Gaza.” He predicted that Israel would “weep terribly in the coming days.” 

Of course, fierce rhetoric doesn’t usually result in reality in the Middle East. Not to mention, he would be drawing all of Lebanon into a war they don’t want. 

Nasrallah said that Israel’s killing of Hezbollah’s top commander crossed all red lines, yet it doesn’t bother him a bit that the terrorist organization murdered 12 Arab children on the Golan Heights last Saturday. That is fine…but Israel killing a military leader and terrorists crosses red lines.  How did that work out for you last time?

In April, Israel faced a similar situation. Iran threatened Israel’s civilian population after Israel took out Iranian military commanders. They launched 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at Israel. Israel and her friends intercepted and destroyed 99% of the missiles. I was able to watch and even record those missiles that came near the Mediterranean coast. It was crazy!!!

Roughly a month later, Iran’s president and foreign minister—both murderous antisemites—died when their helicopter crashed. It almost seemed like God himself was against them! No place for pride

It would be easy for Israelis to assume that just as we defeated them in April, we would again. I am reminded that in 1967 we took the Golan Heights, the West Bank and the Sinai Desert in just six days! This was as Egypt, Syria and Jordan prepared to attack Israel. The victory seemed supernatural. But then the world began to heap praise on Israel’s army. We were the toast of the nations. We got proud. 

Six years later, on Yom Kippur 1973, we were attacked by several Arab nations. We were not ready. We were overconfident. While we won the war, we suffered great loses. 

Just as, by all accounts, on October 7th, we were asleep at the wheel. Soldiers had spoken up about Hama's preparations, but no one listened. We can never put our faith in our own strength. Israel must trust in her God. 

Pray for Israel 

As we enter into Shabbat, Israelis are bracing for the coming attack. Pray for Israel to be protected. Pray for my wife, Elana, in Ashkelon and our youngest daughter, Danielle, in Tel Aviv. Danielle doesn’t have a safe room in her apartment. Pray that Israel will cry out to God. 

Thank you!

Shabbat shalom!