IDF combat units were being deployed to the border with the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip Monday afternoon following a rocket attack earlier in the morning that wounded seven people when it struck a private home in Moshav Mishmeret in central Israel. Hamas issued a statement saying the firing of the J-80 long range rocket was a mistake, but IDF Brig.-Gen. Ronen Manelis told reporters that there would be a response, adding “The launch was carried out by Hamas from one of the group’s launchpads. We see Hamas as responsible for everything that happens in Gaza.”

IDF and Israel Police units were deployed in and around the Golan Heights over the weekend amidst fears of unrest following last Thursday’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty in the territory by US President Donald Trump. In a Tweet, President Trump announced that “After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!” The move prompted sharp criticism from many governments around the world.

Reports emerged in various media outlets over the weekend that Germany has attempted to protect Iran from censure by keeping its investigations into attempts by agents of the Islamic Republic to purchase components for its renegade nuclear and ballistic missile programs in Europe. German officials were evasive and defensive in their response to media questions about the reports, with some analysts predicting that a major diplomatic row between Berlin and some of its most important allies is imminent.

Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández and Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă both announced during speeches Sunday evening at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference that their governments would soon open diplomatic embassies to Israel in Jerusalem. The moves prompted mixed reactions from various world governments.

Israeli spacecraft Beresheet took and posted another “selfie” over the weekend with the planet Earth in the background, this time from 265,000 km away, according to Space IL and Israel Aerospace Industries, which jointly launched the craft. Beresheet is scheduled to land on the Moon on 11 April.

The movement to Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) Israel suffered another defeat over the weekend as Israeli gymnast Alexander Shatilov won the gold medal for the floor exercise during the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series in Doha, Qater and Hatikvah, the national anthem of Israel, was played at the medal ceremony. It was the first time the song was played respectfully at a public event in the Gulf Arab country.

At this strategic watershed moment, one can discern the logic of the policy that has guided the Netanyahu government’s approach to Gaza over the past decade – that it is in Israel’s interest for Hamas to remain in control until the group is rejected by its own people.

While an array of recent controversies have developed from members of Congress around the US’ support of Israel, the fact is America is and was always pro-Israel.  This is built on the foundation of early American leaders who understood the significance of Israel based on common Judeo-Christian values and solid biblical imperative.

The ICEJ “Israel in Crisis Fund” was set up to give Christian supporters of Israel a way to contribute in practical ways to the physical protection of Israeli communities. We’re providing life-saving bomb shelters, fire-fighting equipment and other aid to help those who have been traumatized by war and violence. Please help us protect and bless these precious people who are under fire in Israel today.