Is the Netanyahu era coming to a close? Yesterday, after four elections in which he has been unable to form a solid coalition and secure his position as Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu and his right wing allies were dealt a severe blow in the Knesset.
To understand the surprising events which took place, a bit of background is in order. In Israel, after a national election, the first Knesset committee to be formed is the Arrangements Committee. This committee controls the temporary parliament which governs until a coalition can be formed. It is very, very powerful. Normally, the party (in this case, Likud) of the individual tasked with forming a government will also be the majority party on the Arrangements Committee. To the surprise of many, however, the Arrangements Committee formed yesterday consists mostly of a bloc of anti-Netanyahu, anti-Likud parties.
The committee’s first order of business was to consider a proposal by Netanyahu to restructure positions within the Knesset in a way that could enable him to form a coalition. But to the surprise of most, his proposal was rejected out of hand and dismissed. Because Likud currently chairs the Arrangements Committee, it immediately adjourned the meeting to prevent further damage. This leaves the Arrangements Committee effectively paralyzed.
What is particularly sobering is that tables were turned against Netanyahu (and Likud) by a strongly anti-Jewish, radical Islamist party called Ra’am (“Thunder”). Ra’am not only voted against the prime minister’s proposal, but backed an alternative plan put forth by the party of his opponent, Yair Lapid. The unusual turn of events indicates that Mr. Netanyahu is highly unlikely to form a coalition. It also portends the unlikelihood of anyone else doing so before a fifth election. Or perhaps a sixth. What is especially sobering is that any future government might now be forced to appease anti-Jewish Islamist agendas for the first time in Israel’s history.
The situation in Israel is dire. The people are highly divided, angry and in critical need of a functioning government that secures a Jewish state. To make matters even worse, with very weakened governments in both Israel and the US, and limited military skirmishes already underway, Iran seems more aggressive than ever. Gone are the days of peace, pleasure and prosperity.
God has not clearly revealed to us, or to other Israeli followers of Yeshua, who He would want to raise up as Prime Minister at this time. Perhaps this means Netanyahu’s time should not yet be over, but too many of his choices have not aligned with God’s. In any case, we pray rather than speculate. We ask you to pray with us, too. The prayer points below are similar to those we shared with you earlier, but even more critical at this time.
- Repentance. We humble ourselves, turn from our sin and repent on behalf of God’s covenant people Israel. (2 Chronicles 7:13-14)
- Election Process. We pray for righteousness and justice in the election and voting process, with any corruption exposed and justly dealt with. (Proverbs 14:34)
- Voters. May a spirit of grace and supplication convict Israelis to vote for parties whose leaders fear the Lord or stand for righteousness or both. (Zechariah 12:10, Psalm 111:10)
- God’s Choice Leaders. May God give us a coalition government and prime minister through which He can best achieve His purposes for Israel at this time of our restoration. (Psalm 75:6-7, Proverbs 21:1, Daniel 2:21, Proverbs 16:33) We also pray for protection, blessing, the fear of the Lord and salvation for those currently in authority, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, members of the Knesset, the Supreme Court and President Rivlin. (1 Timothy 2:-4)
- Salvation. Let there be a coalition government conducive to the spread of the Gospel, salvations in Yeshua and aliyah for all Jews, including Messianic Jews. (Psalm 24:7-10, 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
- Restore Truth. Let a government be established that exposes and disdains corruption and deception in governance, while upholding truth and righteousness. (Proverbs 14:34, Proverbs 16:12)
- Security. Lord, we ask for a government which is very strong, yet trusts in You, in matters of national defense and security. (Psalms 121 and 91, Zechariah 2:5) We ask You to stay the hand of Iran, to arise and defend the covenant restoration of Your people Israel. (Ezekiel 36-37)
- Globalism. Give us, O God, a government that resists premature surrender to anti-Messiah, Islamist or globalist agendas, and instead embraces its call not to be like other nations. Free Israel from any anti-Messiah restrictions on personal freedoms or institutional strongholds based on anti-Messiah foundations of the modern state. (Ezekiel 20:32, Deuteronomy 28:13)
- Pandemic. We pray for a government that seeks godly wisdom in establishing post-pandemic policies and in transitioning to a post-pandemic economy. (Proverbs 24:3-4)
- Sanctity of Life. We pray for a government that honors the sanctity of life and understands that abortion is murder. (Exodus 20:13)
- Servant Leadership. Raise up shepherd-leaders to govern Your people with father and mother hearts of love for Israel. Give them an anointing to heal and unify the people. (Matthew 23:11, Jeremiah 3:15)
- Religious Strongholds. Let any ultraorthodox Jewish, Islamist and other religious strongholds, that oppose faith in Yeshua be broken. (Luke 11:46)
- Witchcraft. Let no witchcraft or weapon formed against Israel succeed. May all covenants we have made with death be annulled by the blood of Yeshua. (Numbers 23:23, Isaiah 54:17, Psalm 9:15, Psalm 57:2-6, Isaiah 28:14-19)
14. Jerusalem. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, city of the Great King, in every natural and supernatural realm. (Psalm 122)