Shalom all,

We are at day 190 of the Gaza War. The number of IDF deaths since the beginning of the ground offensive has now reached 260. The total number of IDF deaths since October 7th stands at 604. We still don’t know how many hostages are still alive or who they are.

As a result of the present situation in Israel, today’s post will briefly highlight matters, rather than attempt to provide analysis or offer suggestions.

Israel remains on high alert today following threats of attack by Iran or its proxies. Reports circulated widely yesterday in all of the news media of anticipated attack on Israel within 24 to 48 hours. Foreign governments issued travel advisories, cautioning their citizens against travel to Israel, and even within Israel, due to the threats, which were being taken seriously. Iran said that it succeeded in its “psychological warfare” against Israel, meaning that it is causing widespread concern throughout the country. The IDF Spokesman says that Israel is prepared for any scenario, not only defensive, but offensive as well. Much can be understood from that short statement about what might be Israel’s response to the threats from Iran.

The U.S. reported movements of missiles and drones inside of Iran. It needs to be remembered that Iran does most of its dirty work through its puppets, whom it supports and supplies, in Lebanon (Hezbollah), Rafiah, Gaza (location of last stronghold, Hamas and Islamic Jihad), Jenin (terror base in Judea and Samaria [i.e., the West Bank]), Iraq (Shiite Militia and pro-Iranian government), Syria (Shiite Militia and ally of Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria).

Earlier this evening, the Home Front Command issued a statement to the effect that ALL educational activities, from camps during the Passover holiday up to an including universities, throughout Israel are cancelled. Gatherings are being limited to no more than 1,000 people in any location.

Commandos from Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized a ship, with partial Israeli ownership, in the Gulf of Oman. Iran says that the seizure of the ship is not related to its planned retaliation for the killing of several IRGC commanders, including two Generals.

Freed Israeli hostage tells how she was captured and then “sold” by civilians from Gaza, who accompanied Hamas, and drove her to the border of the Gaza Strip. She was then transferred to a car at the border and taken to Khan Yunis, where her captors “sold” her to Hamas. From there, she was taken to a tunnel, where she recognized some others from her kibbutz (Nir Oz). The group of captives in the tunnel were divided into smaller groups, included one for elderly and one for sick. She was an emergency-room nurse by profession and her “help” was what kept her alive until she was released on November 30, 2023.

Hamas issued a statement that “it is sticking to its original demands for a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the entirety of Gaza, the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza and other areas, a surge in humanitarian aid and the start of the Strip’s reconstruction.” Stated differently, it wants Israel to surrender to its demands, which Israel has rejected in the past.

For an interesting and clear picture of the present situation facing Israel, I am attaching a link to the article by Majid Rafizadeh, appearing today in Gatestone Institute, entitled: “Israel: Standing Alone Against Multifaceted Threats, Thanks to the Biden Administration”.

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. (Psalm 121)

For thus says the LORD of hosts, “After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8)

Thank you for praying for Israel. May you have a healthy and an encouraging week and remember:

Bless, be blessed and be a blessing.
Marvin