The Times of Israel reports that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today in Tel Aviv with several high-ranking Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Secretary Austin expressed clear support for Israel, saying that the US “will make sure Israel has what it needs.”
Secretary Austin, who served as the commander of CENTCOM from 2013-2016, told Prime Minister Netanyahu that “as you know, I was the guy that initially put the ISIS campaign together and I know a lot about ISIS, and this is worse than what I saw with ISIS.”
The Times of Israel article may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, according to those on the ground, the atrocities are unimaginable and sickening, and Secretary Austin’s comments affirm this. In fact, saying the atrocities committed by Hamas have exceeded that of ISIS is a remarkable statement in and of itself.
As widely reported, Israel is currently undertaking military operations on the ground in Gaza to gather hostage-related and operational intelligence, but this is not yet the promised, full-scale assault on the Gaza. Lord have mercy.
In the love of Christ, let’s continue to pray for all involved. Let’s pray for the evil of Hamas to be stopped in its tracks; for the continuing or planned attacks by Hamas, Hezbollah and others who support the attacks (e.g., Iran) to come to an immediate end; for eyes and ears to be opened to the truth of the evil happening in the land of Israel; for strength, wisdom and peace to prevail in the land of Israel; for a quick and just end to these hostilities; for the healing touch of God (spiritual, emotional and physical) to permeate the land; and for praise and thankfulness to be shown to God for His mercy in this whole situation, which clearly must grieve His heart!
Psalm 18:1-3 (NKJV)
A Psalm of David – Spoken to the Lord when David was delivered from the hand of King Saul
“I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; [m]y God, my strength, in whom I will trust; [m]y shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; [s]o shall I be saved from my enemies [emphasis mine].”
Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; [f]or You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!