Thank you for all you made possible on our recent Outreaches!

Thanks to your support of Jewish Voice Ministries, in April, we went to Zimbabwe with much-needed food aid, and in June, we held a full-scale Medical Outreach in Dawro, Ethiopia. Here’s what your support did for the people there.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

I am so encouraged and blessed by you and your partnership with Jewish Voice. Together, we are standing with and praying for Israel and the Jewish people

As you will see in this week’s news stories below, there is much to pray for – including the tenuous ceasefire with Hamas; Iran and the potential nuclear deal; and the resurgence of COVID-19 in Israel due to the highly contagious Delta variant.

In addition, I’m sure you heard about the tragic condo tower collapse in Florida. As of today, 18 people were confirmed dead and more than 145 still missing. Many who lived in that building are Jewish, which led to Israel Defense Forces coming to help with the rescue and recovery efforts. Please pray for all involved at the scene as well as the many families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

One more news item we can be praying for – there have been reports that a meeting is in the works between U.S. President Joe Biden and new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for next month in Washington, D.C. Let’s lift up these two leaders and this time they will have together, that Israel and the United States will continue to have a strong, mutually beneficial relationship.

TRUCE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS STILL FRAGILE

The United Nations’ senior Middle East representative told the UN Security Council that the truce between Israel and Hamas remains very shaky. This was days after the Palestinians warned that violence in Gaza could start again, The Jerusalem Post reported.

“I urge all sides to refrain from unilateral steps and provocations, take steps to reduce tensions, and allow these efforts to succeed,” UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland told the UN Security Council.

“Everyone must do their part to facilitate ongoing discussions to stabilize the situation on the ground and avoid another devastating escalation in Gaza,” Wennesland said.

“The UN is working closely with all concerned parties and partners, including Egypt, to solidify a ceasefire, allow the entry of urgent humanitarian assistance and stabilize the situation in Gaza,” Wennesland added.

U.S. TARGETS IRAN-BACKED MILITIA GROUPS WITH AIRSTRIKES

On Sunday, the Pentagon announced that it had carried out targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, The Times of Israel reported.

“At President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces earlier this evening conducted defensive precision airstrikes against facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in the Iraq-Syria border region,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

“Given the ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq, the president directed further military action to disrupt and deter such attacks,” Kirby said.

There have been more than 40 attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq since the beginning of the year. More than 2,500 American troops are deployed in Iraq as part of an international coalition to fight the jihadist Islamic State group.
 

NEW PRIME MINISTER HINTS AT ISRAEL’S INVOLVEMENT IN ATTACK ON IRAN NUCLEAR SITE

During a graduation ceremony speech for Israeli Air Force pilots last Thursday, Prime Minister Bennett seemed to hint at Israel’s role in a recent attack on an Iranian nuclear site. He spoke just a day after an Iranian centrifuge production facility outside Tehran was struck by an alleged drone attack.

“Our enemies know — not from statements, but from actions — that we are much more determined and much more clever, and that we do not hesitate to act when it is needed,” Bennett said, according to The Times of Israel.

The prime minister referenced Israel’s strike on Iraq’s nuclear reactor nearly 40 years ago. He said Israel’s prime ministers have always had a “sacred responsibility not to allow an existential threat to the State of Israel. Then it was Iraq, today it is Iran.”

BENNETT AND GANTZ TALK ABOUT DESIRE TO WORK WITH U.S. REGARDING IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL

In the same speech, Bennett seemed to be breaking from the policy of his predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding working with the United States concerning the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal.

The previous government refused to discuss the JCPOA with the U.S. except to share its disapproval of any continued conversations with Iran about the agreement. 

Bennett and Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who also spoke at the graduation, said Israel is cooperating with the U.S. on the Iranian nuclear issue. At the same time, both said Israel would ultimately defend itself if necessary.

CORONAVIRUS CABINET DECIDES AGAINST MAJOR NEW RESTRICTIONS BUT REIMPOSES INDOOR MASK REQUIREMENT

For the first time since Israel’s new government was sworn in, a renewed coronavirus cabinet met because of a COVID-19 resurgence resulting from the highly contagious Delta variant.

The cabinet discussed increased testing, enforcement on Israel’s borders and boosting the effort to vaccinate teenagers. The indoor mask requirement was reintroduced on Friday, but the cabinet did not add any major new restrictions, according to The Times of Israel.

It was decided to conduct full genetic sequencing of COVID variants detected in anyone arriving in Israel. And earlier in the day, ministers in the full cabinet declared that anyone who travels to countries forbidden by the Israeli government due to their high COVID mortality rates will be fined $1,500.

Prime Minister Bennett said, “Our approach is simple: Maximum protection for the citizens of Israel with minimum disruption to routine and the economy in Israel. Masks instead of restrictions. Vaccinations instead of lockdowns. The Delta variant, as it has been said, infects 50 percent more but we know that the vaccine works. It simply works.”

ISRAEL POSTPONES REOPENING OF BORDERS TO VACCINATED TOURISTS UNTIL AUGUST

Last Wednesday, Israel’s government voted to delay the planned reopening of the country’s borders to vaccinated tourists. This decision was made due to concerns about new COVID strains, including the current Delta variant that was first identified in India.

A statement issued by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett postponed the reopening from July 1 until August. Bennett’s office also said all Israelis will now have to sign a declaration before flying abroad that promised they will not travel to several countries designated “high risk” by Israel’s Health Ministry, The Times of Israel reported.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for: 

• The ceasefire to hold between Israel and Hamas
• Wisdom for the leaders of Israel and the U.S. in dealing with Iran
• Protection for Israel from Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• The citizens of Israel to be protected from the COVID-19 Delta variant and other new strains of the virus
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

Thank you for the blessing of your partnership and for standing with Israel and the Jewish people through all the ups and downs – especially throughout this past year. You have shown that you are strong and courageous on Israel’s behalf, and I am grateful.

As you read the news stories below, you’ll see why I selected the verse above. With so much going on regarding Iran and their new president, Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza as well as COVID numbers on the increase again – we must continue to lift Israel and her people in prayer.

Let’s pray for strength and for courage and that Jewish people will turn to Jesus the Messiah because He will be with them always, wherever they go and in whatever situation they face. Thank you.

Iran’s president-elect refuses to meet with Biden or negotiate on missiles, support of terror groups

On Monday, Iran’s president-elect staked out a hardline position when he first spoke after his landslide victory. Ebrahim Raisi said simply “no” to the possibility of meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, AP News reported.

Raisi also said his administration would not allow negotiations with world powers aimed at reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal to continue unless they are beneficial to Iran. He promised to salvage the deal to secure relief from U.S. sanctions that have impacted Iran’s economy. But Raisi ruled out any limits on Iran’s missile capabilities and its support for regional terror groups.

Meanwhile, Iran is enriching uranium at 60%, its highest level ever, though still short of weapons-grade levels, according to The Times of Israel.

Iran-based Fars News Agency reported that Raisi said in response to a question that “from the perspective of Iran, the Palestinians are the owners of Palestine.” He added that “before the Zionist region feels threats from us, they should feel deterred by the Palestinian people and its resistance groups.”

Raisi is a 60-year-old cleric and protégé of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He received nearly 62% of the 28.9 million votes in last Friday’s presidential election. It was the lowest voter turnout in Iran’s history. Millions of Iranians stayed home in defiance of a vote they saw as skewed in Raisi’s favor. Candidates who could have put up a fight in the election were barred from running.

Raisi will become the first serving Iranian president sanctioned by the US government even before entering office, in part over his time as the head of Iran’s internationally criticized judiciary — one of the world’s top executioners.

Hamas talks with UN failed, leader threatens escalation

During a meeting on Monday between Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, Sinwar said Israel must allow the transfer of $30 million in donations from Qatar into Gaza. He threatened to escalate tensions if his demands are not met, according to a report by Kan News, an Israeli TV station.

The report described the meeting as “difficult” and quoted Sinwar as saying at the end of the meeting that “there are no signs of a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupation is trying to blackmail us.”

Sources believe the issue regarding the transfer of donations from Qatar can be resolved next week after the planned visit to Egypt by an Israeli delegation, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Tensions are still high on Israel’s southern border with Gaza while Egypt and the United Nations continue to try to broker a formal ceasefire to stop Hamas rocket attacks. And the terms of even an informal ceasefire agreement to prevent a renewal of last month’s 11 days of violence have not been worked out.

Increase in Israel’s COVID numbers blamed on fast-spreading Delta variant

The number of coronavirus patients within the education system in Israel has tripled over the past week, The Times of Israel reported on Monday. The majority of cases are students, but staff members have also tested positive.

The Delta variant of the coronavirus, which originated in India, is being blamed for some 70% of the new COVID-19 cases, according to health authorities in Israel.

Health Ministry officials in Israel are strongly recommending that 12- to 15-year-olds get vaccinated against COVID as soon as possible and a vaccination drive among teenagers is being fast-tracked.

In addition, the Health Ministry is working on a series of measures to reduce COVID-19 infections linked to international arrivals.

“Within a few days, we will impose strict enforcement at the airport on those who fly to forbidden countries, dangerous countries with high COVID morbidity,” said Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz. “There will also be heavy fines on those who ignore the instructions and endanger the health of the citizens of Israel.”

Israel’s foreign minister confirms landmark visit to UAE is scheduled for next week

Next Sunday, Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid will fly to the United Arab Emirates for a two-day official visit, his office confirmed Monday.

This will be the first time an Israeli minister has visited the Gulf state in an official capacity, according to The Times of Israel.

Lapid will officially inaugurate the Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• Wisdom for Israeli leaders and other world leaders in dealing with Iran’s new president-elect, Ebrahim Raisi
• A peaceful transition for Israel’s new government and God-given wisdom for Israel’s leaders
• Protection for Israel and her people from Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• God’s provision and direction concerning the JCPOA nuclear deal negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, especially in light of the newly elected Iranian president and his hardline stance
• Israel to be able to contain the latest COVID-19 variant
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

After the challenges of last year, it’s such a blessing and answer to prayer that we’ve already held three Outreaches in 2021! I’d love to tell you about our recent Outreach to the Beta Abraham community in Fiche, Ethiopia.

I was first introduced to the critical medical needs of the Beta Abraham community in Ethiopia during a dinner with the elders in 2004. We committed to help, but it took two years to get all of the government approvals and organize the medical workers, including doctors. Our first of what became annual Medical Outreaches to the Beta Abraham took place in 2006.

Because of those early Outreaches, members of the Beta Abraham heard the Good News and believed in Jesus the Messiah! That led to the formation of the first
Beta Abraham Messianic congregation.

Ministering alongside this congregation, this 2021 Outreach was a large Medical Clinic with a mobile LifeStraw distribution to Jewish villages. A LifeStraw is a life-saving water filter that enables people in remote villages to have safe, clean water.

We ministered alongside the Beta Abraham Messianic congregation as they prepared to plant a new Messianic congregation in this area.

Jewish Voice has been working alongside this congregation for 13 years — and I would never have imagined the fruitfulness this partnership would bring about, especially during this most recent Outreach in Fiche, Ethiopia!

Because God is working through you, our compassionate partners, 8,631 people received critical care at our Clinic, including medical care for 3,894, dental care for 967, eye surgery for 112 and reading glasses for 2,113.

While meeting physical needs is one of the greatest acts of compassion we can provide, there is something even greater...

Through your support, we were able to share the message of salvation in Jesus directly with Jewish people in the remote villages of Fiche.

They are so persecuted and feared that they’ve been pushed out of society to the outskirts of town — some even forced to live at the cliff’s edge on very barren ground.

Our team, alongside the Beta Abraham Messianic elders:

• Presented the Gospel to the leading Beta Abraham elders in Fiche, who after discussing what we shared, invited us back and personally escorted us into Jewish villages over the next several days. This is when we were able to proclaim the message of salvation in Jesus!
• Prayed and shared the Good News with over 320 Jewish people at our prayer tent just outside our Medical Clinic.
• Distributed Lifestraw units to 252 Jewish families and their communities.
• Shared God’s heart for Israel’s salvation with regional pastors who expressed their desire to partner with us to reach their Jewish communities with the Gospel. They gave their full support of the Beta Abraham Messianic community to come and plant a new Messianic congregation in Fiche!

While ministering at the Clinic and in the Jewish villages, we were able to hand out 120 Bibles. Thank you for giving to make it possible to bless people with their own copies of God’s Word!

And since the Outreach, the Beta Abraham Messianic elders in Fiche have traveled back to those villages to follow up with the Jewish elders and their communities and will continue to visit in the weeks and months ahead. We believe we will see an abundant harvest of seeds that have been planted, prayed for and watered in that region for years!

You can see why I was so excited to share this update with you — and why each Outreach is so vital. I can’t wait to share more details about the next two Outreaches that just wrapped up!

And we’re not done serving the “Lost Tribes” yet.

I hope you will pray for the three remaining 2021 Outreaches happening this summer and fall.

While you pray, will you also please consider a gift to help make more Outreaches like this one possible? Your gift today will help meet critical physical and spiritual needs during these Outreaches. We must prepare now, so the sooner I can hear from you, the better.

As you know, we don’t meet physical needs on Outreaches and leave it at that. We’re there to change hearts at the same time as we’re mending bodies.

Each Outreach opens that door as we meet physical needs -- from medical and dental care to clean water and food. Meeting these needs lets the men, women and children in the areas where we are working know how much we care.

And then we get the chance to pray for them, provide Bibles and share the Good News!

As I shared earlier, the global coronavirus pandemic limited our 2020 Outreaches. But this limiting also forced us to seek the Lord for new strategies to make Outreaches even more effective. Strategies like changing our model to include smaller, more nimble mobile Outreach teams that can work easily in even smaller communities who need our help. 

It also led us to renew our focus on sharing the message of the Messiah, Jesus, with the Jewish people we reach through this ministry. 

This comes at the perfect time since the pandemic brought about a spiritual openness among Jewish people unlike anything we have seen. The fear and uncertainty created by the coronavirus has led people to look for hope and search for answers.

Our greatest hope — and what we pray constantly for — is that each and every person we bless with physical help, like medical care and clean water, will ALSO receive the Good News and, along with it, eternal life.

When people come to faith in Jesus the Messiah, lifelong fellowship with others is critical to their well-being and fruitfulness as Believers. That’s why coming alongside Messianic congregations like we did with the Beta Abraham in our first Outreach of 2021 is so important.

Please partner with us again today to reach even more Jewish people in Africa with both physical and spiritual healing!

When you do, I have something especially fitting to express my thanks for your gift of $75 or more. It’s a bag of our exclusive Buna Bet Coffee — ground from Ethiopian beans. The country is the birthplace of coffee, and Buna Bet means “coffee house” in Amharic — the official language of Ethiopia.

You can start your day with a special cup of coffee knowing you’re helping transform the lives of God’s Chosen People around the world.

Please give today to reach the “Lost Tribes of Israel” and their neighbors with the hope of the Messiah Jesus and meet critical physical needs.

I hope to hear from you soon. We have three more Outreaches to prepare for this year, and your prayers and support make a life-changing difference in the lives of Jewish people in Africa. Thank you and God bless you!

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,
Jonathan Bernis

What’s the saddest day on the Jewish calendar? It’s Tisha B’Av, and this year, it begins at sunset on Saturday, July 17 and ends at sundown on July 18. Tisha B’Av is an important Jewish holiday. Here are nine things to know about Tisha B’Av.

1.Tisha B’Av means the ninth of Av. Av is the name of a summer month on the Hebrew calendar, and the ninth day falls either in July or August.

2.Tisha B’Av is the most sorrowful day of the Jewish year because it commemorates a surprising number of tragedies that have happened to the Jewish people on this very same date throughout history. Most importantly, both the first and second Temples were destroyed on the ninth of Av hundreds of years apart.

3.Other tragedies that came upon the Jewish people throughout history on the ninth of Av include:

• In 135 C.E., the Bar Kochba Revolt was quashed and hundreds of thousands of Jewish people were killed. After the Revolt, the Roman Emperor Hadrian changed Judea’s name to Syria Palestina after Israel’s long-time enemy, the Philistines
• In 136 C.E., Hadrian leveled what remained of the Temple in Jerusalem, leaving only what we know today as the Temple Mount
• In 1096 C.E., the first Crusade officially began. Thousands of Jewish people were killed or persecuted during these campaigns attempting to force them to convert to “Christianity”

4. Tisha B’Av is preceded by three weeks of mourning, beginning on the 17th of Tammuz, marking the day that the Romans breached Jerusalem’s walls in 69 C.E. The event led to the Temple’s destruction in 70 A.D. Mourning intensifies on Av 1 through the 9th.

“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”
Exodus 15:13 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

I want you to know how grateful I am for you and for your love and compassion for Israel and the Jewish people. Your partnership is a great encouragement to me, today and every day.

As we look at the significant news from Israel this week – the country has a new prime minister for the first time 12 years – let us take this opportunity to lift Naftali Bennett, the new PM, and the other leaders of Israel up to the Lord. Please join me in praying for God to guide each person, that they would exercise great wisdom and discernment. And also for a spirit of cooperation – that they would work together for what is best for Israel and her people.

As you’ll see, ongoing prayer is needed concerning both Iran and threats from Hamas. Again, thank you for standing with Israel and the Jewish people.

Israel’s new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, is sworn in

Sunday night Israel’s Knesset (parliament) voted to approve the new government formed by Yamina leader Naftali Bennett and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid. This ended Benjamin Netanyahu’s record-breaking 12-year term as prime minister (PM).

The new government passed with 60 MKs (members of the Knesset) supporting it and 59 opposing it, reported The Jerusalem Post.

Bennett was sworn in as Israel’s 13th prime minister and Lapid as the 14th. Lapid became Israel’s Foreign Minister and Alternate Prime Minister. He is slated to become the PM in 2023 after Bennett serves two years.

Bennett convened the government for its first meeting. In his first speech, the new PM called on all sides to display restraint. Bennett said his government would prevent the nuclearization of Iran and would not allow rocket fire on Israeli citizens from the Gaza Strip. He also praised outgoing PM Netanyahu for his hard work for Israel over the years.

President Biden offers congratulations to Israel’s new prime minister

World leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, congratulated Naftali Bennett, the new prime minister of Israel, on Sunday night.

“On behalf of the American people, I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet,” Biden said in a statement, according to The Times of Israel. “I look forward to working with Prime Minister Bennett to strengthen all aspects of the close and enduring relationship between our two nations.”

Biden said that “Israel has no better friend than the United States. The bond that unites our people is evidence of our shared values and decades of close cooperation and as we continue to strengthen our partnership, the United States remains unwavering in its support for Israel’s security.”

The president added that his administration “is fully committed to working with the new Israeli government to advance security, stability and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and people throughout the broader region.”

Bennett responded on Twitter: “Thank you, Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations.”

Biden and Bennett spoke on the phone later in the evening. The new prime minister thanked Biden for his long-standing commitment to Israel and its security, including during Operation Guardian of the Walls, the most recent escalation between Israel and terror groups in the Gaza Strip, reported The Jerusalem Post.

Tensions Rising Again Between Hamas and Israel

On Tuesday, in defiance of a warning from Hamas, Israel held the postponed Flag March through Jerusalem's Old City. The original march came to an end on May 10 because of rocket fire from Hamas at Jerusalem. That began 11 days of intensive fighting between Israel and terror groups in Gaza.

While Hamas didn't fire rockets at Israel, incendiary balloons launched from Gaza over two days have set 26 fires around the Eshkol region in Southern Israel. According to The Times of Israel, more than 30 acres of land containing orchards and wheat fields were destroyed.

In response, the IDF launched several air strikes on buildings in Gaza belonging to Hamas and other terror groups. These were the first airstrikes of the new government and backed up Prime Minster Bennett's past statements that the IDF would react strongly to arson attacks.

Iran nuclear talks resume with round six

On Saturday, a sixth round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. began regarding reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal.

U.S. President Biden has shown a willingness to rejoin the deal under terms that would see the U.S. scale back sanctions and Iran return to limiting its nuclear activity.

The talks involve the remaining parties to the deal – Iran, Russia, China, France, Britain, Germany and the European Union (EU) and are taking place in a hotel in Vienna. The U.S. delegation is in a hotel across the street because Iran has refused face-to-face meetings, according to The Jerusalem Post.

“We are making progress but the negotiations are intense and a number of issues (remain), including on how steps are to be implemented,” an EU spokesman said, adding that the goal was “to find ways to get very close to a final agreement in the coming days.”

U.S. says “hundreds of sanctions will remain in place”

During meetings with U.S. lawmakers on June 8, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke about the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement, The Jerusalem Post reported. 

He said, “we don’t know at this stage whether Iran is willing and able to do what it would need to do to come back into compliance.”

Blinken continued, “I would anticipate that even in the event of a return to compliance with the JCPOA, hundreds of sanctions will remain in place, including sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.”

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for: 

• A peaceful transition for Israel’s new government and God-given wisdom for Israel’s leaders, especially new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett
• The ceasefire to hold and peace to continue throughout Israel
• Protection for Israel and her people from Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• God’s provision and direction concerning the JCPOA nuclear deal negotiations between the U.S. and Iran
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

As the verse above makes clear, our God is full of compassion, and He is the very definition of faithful. In this we take heart.

I believe it’s more important than ever for us to show Jewish people that we stand with them. We’re seeing a wave of anti-Semitism in North America, and there is simply no place for this.

Instead, we must serve as examples to the rest of the watching world. We must show compassion and mercy among those who’ve suffered unspeakable loss and trauma. We must show God’s pursuant love in the bond shared between Jewish people in our country and our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Please take a moment to read the stories below about a new government on the horizon in Israel and the man prepared to take office as its 11^th president. Please also read about last month’s fighting in the Gaza Strip and pray about the future. Even as the concerning news transpiring in Israel and the Middle East reaches us, we remain confident in our sovereign God.

As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support for Jewish Voice, Israel and Jewish people around the world.

ISRAEL’S GOVERNMENT UP FOR VOTE THIS WEEKEND

After four elections in two years and four failed attempts to create a stable government, a new unity government led by  Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid will be brought to a vote of confidence and sworn in during a special session of the Knesset on Sunday, according to The Jerusalem Post.

If the unity government gets the expected 61 votes, it will end Benjamin Netanyahu’s record-breaking 12 years as Prime Minister. Neftali Bennet of Yamina will take over as Prime Minister for two years before giving up the position to Yair Lapid in 2023. 

The unity government consists of eight parties, some of which are normally opponents. Particularly the Yamina party, which traditionally aligns with Netanyahu’s Likud party, backs the new government. Several Yamina representatives were on the fence until the last minute but have now signaled their intention to vote for the unity government.

Missing from the coalition are any ultra-Orthodox or right-wing religious parties. However, Ra’am (United Arab List) signed on as the first Arab party to enter a coalition deal.

In announcing the forming of a new government to President Reuven Rivlin, Yair Lapid said, "I commit to you Mr. President, that this government will work to serve all the citizens of Israel including those who aren't members of it, will respect those who oppose it, and do everything in its power to unite all parts of Israeli society.”

ISRAEL’S NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT RECEIVES MOST VOTES EVER

Last Wednesday, Isaac Herzog, the chairman of the Jewish Agency and former head of the Labor party, was elected as Israel’s eleventh president. He received 87 votes, the most a presidential candidate has ever won.

Herzog won over Miriam Peretz, who received 26 votes. Peretz is a social activist who survived the loss of two of her sons in battle and became an Israel Prize-winning educator.

Herzog is the son of Israel’s sixth president, Chaim Herzog, and the grandson of Israel’s first chief rabbi. Herzog’s term will begin when Reuven Rivlin’s ends on July 9

Israel’s president is largely ceremonial but plays a key role in deciding who gets the mandate to form a government following elections. The president also has the power to pardon people and grant clemency.

CONFLICT WITH HAMAS: WAS LAST MONTH’S GAZA BATTLE ONLY THE FIRST?

In May, Israel and Hamas fought an 11-day battle. It began when the terror group launched an intensive attack at Jerusalem. During the fighting, Hamas fired more than 4,300 rockets and mortar shells at Israel, and the Israel Defense Force (IDF) launched some 1,500 strikes on the terror group’s targets in the Gaza Strip.

Many are eager to move forward, to put the fighting in the Strip behind. However, the head of the IDF’s Southern Command said last week that he anticipates more fighting in the future.

According to The Times of Israel, Maj. Gen. Eliezer Toledano sees last month’s conflict as a part of a wider campaign. “The operation ended, or at least its first stage did. The next stage will happen if we see that the security situation has changed,” he said.

He emphasized, “It’s all contingent upon the security situation. If we succeeded with this first stage, that’s great. If we didn’t, we’ll have to continue.”

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• A peaceful transition for Israel’s government and God-given wisdom for Israel’s leaders
• The ceasefire to hold and for peace to continue throughout Israel
• Protection for Israel and her people from Iran, Hamas and other terror groups, as well as for Jewish people around the world from anti-Semitic attacks
• Wisdom in the process of rebuilding and sending humanitarian aid to Gaza
• Jewish people to recognize that true and lasting peace can only be found in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah