The12 Day War That Reshaped The Middle East
ICEJ Australia strongly applauds the United States’ decision to strike and destroy three key uranium enrichment sites in Iran: the heavily fortified underground facility at Fordow, as well as Natanz and Isfahan. The US action followed the remarkably effective strikes carried out by Israel on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, which undoubtedly weakened the regime and significantly degraded its nuclear and missile programs. This culminated in a ceasefire to what has now been dubbed the “12 Day War” – another miraculous milestone in the IDF’s history that has reshaped the Middle East for the better.
While Israel lacked the “bunker-busting” bombs and B-52 stealth bombers necessary to fully eliminate Iran’s deeply buried facilities, the US possessed these assets and acted decisively. We commend the courage of the US in taking an action years in the making, and which previous administrations hesitated to take. This followed numerous diplomatic efforts with a radical regime that repeatedly deceived Western negotiators. The US’ demonstration of solidarity with Israel sends a powerful message and sets an example for other nations, including our own. It was an act of moral clarity that will earn global respect and the blessings of God (Genesis 12:3).
We ask that you continue to pray for the protection of the Israeli people, healing for the wounded, freedom for the Iranian people and enduring peace in the region.
Throughout this war, Israel acted with proportionality and precision, taking great care to avoid civilian casualties. By contrast, Iran’s retaliatory strikes did not distinguish between civilians and combatants. These indiscriminate attacks resulted in the tragic deaths of many Israelis, including children, and left hundreds injured. Most egregiously, Iran directly targeted the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, a hospital that serves Jews, Arabs, Christians, and Bedouins alike, and includes many Arab doctors. Miraculously, the section of the hospital that was directly hit had been evacuated just the day before. We pray that God continues to provide such miracles and protect the Israeli people.
Please help us provide practical emergency support to the affected Israeli communities. The ICEJ Aid team has been on the ground assessing the needs of devastated neighbourhoods, including Bat Yam, which has reported immense devastation.
The Raid On Entebbe: A Daring And Miraculous Rescue
As we continue to marvel at Israel’s ability to degrade Iran’s nuclear and ballistic weapons capabilities, and of its intelligence services to operate within Iran with such ease, we also reflect on the broader legacy of the Israeli military and its history of miraculous operations.
Fittingly, yesterday marked the anniversary of the raid on Entebbe (Operation Thunderbolt), a heroic mission carried out by the elite Israeli commando unit Sayeret Matkal on July 4, 1976.
The raid was in response to the hijacking of an Air France plane flying from Israel to Paris, which had stopped over in Athens. The hijackers, consisting of Palestinian and German terrorists, diverted the plane to Entebbe in Uganda. Upon arrival, the terrorists separated the Jewish hostages from the non-Jews and released the latter, which served as a chilling reminder of the Nazi selection process for the Holocaust survivors among the captives.
The hijackers demanded the release of 53 terrorists held in Israeli prisons and threatened to execute the hostages if their demands were not met. But in a post-Holocaust world, Israel was determined not to capitulate. Instead, it would act to protect its citizens and send a clear message to the world that “never again” was not just a slogan. The IDF launched a daring rescue mission, flying covertly over Uganda, storming the terminal, killing the hijackers, and rescuing 102 hostages. The mission was a success, though three hostages were tragically killed during the operation and one was later murdered by Ugandan forces.
The raid was led by Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, the older brother of current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yoni was the only Israeli soldier killed in the operation and is remembered as a national hero. His famous words to the unit, “Follow me”, and the immense courage he displayed have inspired generations of Israelis. His legacy continues to embody the ingenuity and bravery of the IDF, mirrored today in the precise and daring actions against Iran, as well as the war in Gaza, which has similarly included remarkable raids to release hostages. We also remember that 50 hostages remain in Gaza today since being taken captive by Hamas on October 7, and we continue to pray for their imminent return home.
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STAY INFORMED
Watch this informative discussion on current affairs hosted by ICEJ Senior Vice President and Spokesman David Parsons, featuring special guest Yigal Carmon, Founder & President, MEMRI.
𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 13𝐭𝐡.
*𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙤 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙈𝙀𝙈𝙍𝙄 (http://memri.org)
JOIN US IN PRAYER
With the constant threat of attack, the rising witness of Antisemitism globally and the devastation left behind in the lives of so many across Israel – now is the time to gather in prayer and uplift the nation of Israel.
If you would like to be part of ICEJ’s global 24/7 prayer,
click below to join the Australian prayer watch each
Tuesday 2pm-3pm or Wednesday 7am-8am (AEDT).
Blessings,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
