“But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. Moreover, it shall be that I will do to you as I thought to do to them.” - Numbers 33:55-56
The disengagement from Gaza was proposed in 2003 by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, adopted by the government in June 2004, and approved by the Knesset in February 2005 as the Disengagement Plan Implementation Law. It was implemented in August 2005 and completed in September 2005. Over 3,000 years ago, King Saul did not heed God’s instruction to execute Agag, and thus led to Samuel’s pronouncement of God’s rejection. About 500 years later, Haman appears on the scene, a descendant of Agag. The book of Esther describes the plan to eliminate the Jewish people, halted only by God’s intervention.
As most of you know by now, the recent war with Hamas was a planned Iranian assault against Israel whereby an internationally recognized terrorist and radical Islamic group, launched over 4000 rockets from Gaza against the cities, towns and villages of Israel. This was an unrelenting, aggressive and unprovoked attack against the citizens of Israel. If it were not for the Iron Dome missile interception system, the civilian casualty figures would have been huge and catastrophic. The message written in the verses from the book of Numbers above is clear. Obey the word of God.
Last week, although still under investigation, Israeli intelligence is pretty certain that the several large wildfires that broke out on the outskirts of Jerusalem were deliberate acts of arson, likely set by Palestinians. The fires were literally in our “back yard”. Our village was spared, but several of the adjoining villages were forced to evacuate. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to property in the fires. An initial estimate put the area of scorched forest at 655 acres.
After a total of 15 years of leadership by Bibi Netanyahu, today, Sunday the 13th of June, the Knesset, Israel’s government, will swear in Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. He will serve the first 2 years, followed by Yair Lapid, who will complete the last 2 years of the term. Many “deals” were cut, including the split premiership, as the “Change” coalition pieced together members of 8 different parties to form the 61 seat majority required, including for the first time in history, an Arab party in the government. If any of the 61 Knesset members, at any time defect, the coalition is dissolved, and new elections scheduled. A fragile government would be an understatement.
And now for some good news!
Limited groups of 30 or less are being permitted in the country on a first come, first serve basis. Application for approval is required. All incoming tourists must by fully vaccinated (proof required), and a negative test result on a nose swab upon entering Israel completed at Ben Gurion airport.
Effective July 1st, individuals will also be allowed in the country with the same requirements. Proof of vaccination, and a negative covid test administered at Ben Gurion airport.
In typical Israeli fashion, these rules are subject to change on a daily basis.
Lord willing hopefully soon, we can be back in action hosting mission teams and serving the Lord.
We are most grateful for your continued support during this challenging season.
Derek Shatto, the young man who brought the skateboard ministry Ride Nature to Israel remains unresponsive, after suffering a traumatic brain injury caused by an automobile accident. Please continue to keep Derek in your prayers, as well as the Orthodox gentlemen, Israel, that the Lord brought into our life.
If you thinking about coming to Israel and have any questions regarding rules & regulations,
our email is: LarryAndBess@Gmail.Com
You can support our work in Israel here: DONATE
Blessings From Jerusalem
Larry & Bess
