Iran Launches Second Major Direct Attack against Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a statement to the public following an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, October 1, 2024. (Source: Avi Ohayon/GPO)
This past week, Iran sent a massive barrage of ballistic missiles toward Israel, sending ten million people into bomb shelters and safe rooms. Israel’s air defenses (the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow systems) worked in perfect harmony as they intercepted most of the 181 missiles sent from Iran. In addition, Jordan worked to intercept missiles as they flew into their airspace. The United States detected the threat and alerted Israel so it could send its citizens to safety as quickly as possible. The American military was also strategic in shooting down missiles. There were some impacts in central and southern Israel, but minimal damage. One Palestinian man was killed by falling shrapnel, and two Israelis were injured.
Many of the ballistic missiles were calibrated to reach Israel’s Air Force bases, but none of the planes, air defenses, and air traffic control towers were damaged. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said, “Iran carried out a serious act tonight and is pushing the Middle East to an escalation. We will act at the place and time of our choosing, in accordance with the guidance of the political echelon. Tonight’s events will have consequences.” Iran fired 300 missiles, drones, and rockets to Israel in April. Israeli defense systems intercepted most of them and reported little damage or injury. This time, Iran claimed that the 181 ballistic missiles they launched last week were in revenge for Israel killing Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iranian leaders.
Please pray for wisdom for Israeli and American leaders as they appraise next steps in stopping Iran’s destructive plans.
Israeli Troops Enter Southern Lebanon for Limited Ground Operations
Israeli elite troops entered southern Lebanon to root out Hezbollah terrorists and infrastructure there. Israel recently made the return of the residents of northern Israel a war goal. They have been displaced from their homes and businesses for a year as Hezbollah started sending rockets and mortars on the border towns on October 8, 2023. The elite 36th Division—which includes the Golani Brigade, the 188th Armored Brigade, the Etzioni Brigade, and other units—joined the ground offensive as well as air support and artillery fire from the 282nd Fire Brigade. The IDF sent warnings in Arabic for immediate evacuation of twenty-four villages in southern Lebanon, asking them to move north past the Awali River.
Over the Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) holiday, the IDF called up four reserve brigades. A statement by the IDF said, “Their mobilization will support the ongoing combat efforts against Hezbollah and the achievement of the war’s objectives, including the safe return of northern residents to their homes.” Many of these elite troops have also fought bravely against Hamas in Gaza over this past year.
“During the raids, paratroopers uncovered dozens of weapons and combat positions, while fighters from the Egoz unit located and destroyed a Hezbollah rocket-launching and explosive storage site,” the IDF said. The Israeli Air Force made 100 strikes on Hezbollah targets over a 24-hour period in support of the limited ground offensive. Regardless, Hezbollah still launched approximately 100 rockets in one day toward the north, the Galilee region and Haifa area. The rockets were mostly shot down by air defense systems or landed in open areas.
Please pray for the safety of Israel’s troops in southern Lebanon as they fight Hezbollah terrorists and aim to dismantle their weapons and infrastructure.
Israel Seals Hezbollah Tunnel in Southern Lebanon
Elite Israeli units recently destroyed 820 feet of underground tunnels and facilities belonging to Hezbollah’s Radwan Forces in southern Lebanon. The tunnel did not cross into Israel, but was used for planning, rest, and to supply a potential mass invasion into northern Israel. The IDF found the underground network during recent cross-border incursions into southern Lebanon. In the tunnel, soldiers found hundreds of weapons, terrorist combat packs, command centers, as well as living quarters with showers, a kitchen, and stockpiles of food.
Please pray Israel finds and destroys more tunnels and underground networks like this.
Our Team in Israel Asks for Prayer
While gathering for a time of prayer and worship on Rosh Hashanah at our Tel Aviv Messianic Center, our team was delightfully surprised to see Yael* walk through the door unexpectedly! She lives in a community in the south affected by the October 7 massacre. Yael had visited the center for a Sabbath dinner a couple of months ago and at that time was deeply touched by the presence of God and asked to hear our team member’s testimony. She listened intently as our staff told the story. A couple of weeks ago, she sent a message asking to reconnect, pray, and read Scripture together . . . and they have begun to meet regularly. On Rosh Hashanah, she was again deeply touched in worship and moved to tears.
Please continue to pray for Yael to make a personal confession of faith and commitment to follow Messiah Yeshua (Jesus).
*name changed