VFI News 18 Wounded in Hezbollah Drone Strike, Israel Retaliates Against Iran

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the recent escalations in the ongoing conflict between Israel and it's many enemies in the middle east.

Against the backdrop of mounting tensions, including a barrage of UAVs, ballistic missiles, and diplomatic wrangling, Israel finds itself navigating a precarious landscape.

As Iranian attacks and retaliatory strikes unfold, we delve into the diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and the responses from Israel's allies.

From the heartland of Israel to the Gaza Strip, we analyze the impact of military actions on civilian populations, shedding light on the challenges faced by affected communities. Hear firsthand accounts of the anxiety and resilience exhibited in the face of adversity, as Israelis grapple with the uncertainty of the situation.

Moreover, we examine the implications of decreased Bible reading in the United States for Israel's support, highlighting the interconnectedness of global events. Through it all, we underscore the urgent need for prayers and practical support to navigate these turbulent times.

Stay informed and engaged with VFI News as we provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted dynamics shaping Israel's current reality.

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Fourteen soldiers and four civilians were wounded as an explosive drone fired from Lebanon struck a community center in the northern border town of Arab al-Aramshe on Wednesday, April 17, medics and the military said.

The victims were taken to Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, which said that one was listed in critical condition and four were seriously wounded, with the remaining victims being moderately and lightly hurt. According to the IDF, the five listed in critical and serious condition were soldiers. The four civilian victims were all lightly hurt.

Warning sirens did not sound. The IDF was investigating why the alarms were not activated before the strike, and why the drone was not intercepted. A nearby vehicle was also hit in the attack.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it targeted a building being used by the Israeli military with guided missiles and explosive-laden drones. Though the town has been largely evacuated, soldiers are stationed there and may have used the building as a gathering space.

The terror group said the attack was a response to the killing of three of its members, including two commanders, in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon a day earlier. (TOI / VFI News)

“Lord, we pray for the soldiers and civilians who were wounded during the Hezbollah drone strike on Wednesday. We are praying in Yeshua’s name for their quick recovery and we ask that You ensure they will have no permanent damage to their bodies or a distressed mental state due to the attack. We further pray for the terror organization to be dismantled and for their members to be brought to justice and repent for all the heinous crimes they have committed against Israelis, as well as many other nations.”

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.

Reports emerged early Friday morning, April 19, that Israel had attacked several Iranian sites — including targets near the suspected locations of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Israel’s Army media reported at 5:00 a.m. local time that American media had identified Israeli strikes near the town of Isfahan, Iran, as well as in locations in Syria and Iraq. Reports had claimed on Wednesday that Iran has allegedly removed senior Hezbollah and IRGC members from Syria, in fear of a potential Israeli retaliation.

Another Israeli news agency reported that semi-official Iranian media say that explosions have been heard near the airport at the country’s central Isfahan city, but that the reason is unknown. Isfahan, however, is known to be home to Iran’s fleet of American-made F-14 Tomcats — purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Israeli strikes apparently came in response to a massive Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel over the weekend. Though Israeli and allied air defenses largely intercepted the attack, it marked the first such direct attack by Iran against Israel from Iranian territory.

Israel gave no official comment and there has been no change to the IDF Home Front Command’s instruction to civilians. IRGC put all bases on high alert and the Iranian National Security Council was called for an urgent consultation. One Iranian government official suggested sites may have been targeted by drones launched from within Iranian territory and not missiles. (BB / VFI News)

“Our Heavenly Father, we pray for peace and an end to all hostilities in the Middle East, in Yeshua’s name. May You dismantle the Iranian authoritarian regime and put righteous leaders to govern it, who will abandon the current dangerous nuclear program and will seek peace with our country, as well as all their other neighbors. We ask for protection over the civilians in Israel and that no evil intent will come to fruition. In Yeshua’s name.”

There has been no official confirmation of a strike from Israeli authorities, and state-run media in Iran reported only that air defenses were activated, downplaying claims of the alleged Israeli attack near the Iranian city of Isfahan, some 315 kilometers (196 miles) south of Tehran, and describing the incident as business-as-usual.

The limited nature of the strike reportedly carried out with drones rather than missiles or airstrikes, and the lack of official acknowledgment will likely give the regime in Iran the strategic deniability needed to wriggle out of its aggressive threats to attack Israel a second time, providing an early indication that both Israel and Iran may be seeking to step back from the brink of war.

The attack had been widely expected, with Israel providing indications throughout the week that it would not let an unprecedented Iranian barrage of over 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones early Sunday, April 14, pass without a response, leading to fears of spiraling tit-for-tat attacks giving way to all-out war.

However, there were also indications that the Israel Defense Forces had moderated its attack plans in response to international pressure for restraint. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir a hardliner who has pushed for wide military action against Iran, commented on X with a simple “lame.” (TOI / VFI News)

“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.” - Proverbs 3:31

With all eyes focused on a brewing war between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the state of Tehran’s illicit nuclear weapons program has come under the microscope.

Iran’s sprawling aerial attack, with over 300 suicide drones and missiles on Israel has raised pressing new questions about the Islamic Republic’s capability to fire a nuclear weapon at the Jewish state.

On Sunday, April 14, after rejecting calls that the Biden administration was too soft on Tehran, the White House National Security Communication spokesperson, John Kirby told American media that “Iran is so much dramatically closer to a potential nuclear weapon capability than they were before Mr. Trump was elected.”

David Albright, a physicist who is the founder and president of the Institute for Science and International Security in Washington, D.C., told the news agency that “Iran would need a year or more to build a semi-reliable warhead for a ballistic missile and about two years to reconstitute the Amad Plan so as to be able to serially produce reliable warheads for ballistic missiles, i.e., have a fully developed nuclear weapons production complex.”

Albright warned that “Iran can make a crude nuclear explosive in about six months, able to be tested underground or delivered by truck, ship or cargo plane. This accomplishment would be enough to establish Iran as a nuclear weapons power.” (FN / VFI News)

“God, we pray for a de-escalation of the conflicts with Iran and we ask that You prevent it from enriching its uranium even further, as well as from creating nuclear weapons of mass destruction. May You protect all citizens of this world from nuclear terror and may You shield us from Iran according to Your Will in Heaven.”

This psalm is a celebration of God's constant and continued protection over His people. Though we may slumber and rest, our God is constantly vigilant and watching over us. We must trust Him as our protector, and rely on Him alone for our reassurance. Though worldly entities may seem tempting, the only stronghold that is always diligent is God's love.

Since October 7th, 7,209 newly wounded military personnel have entered the Defense Ministry’s rehabilitation system, according to official numbers showing high numbers of mental health issues.

Ninety-five percent of them are men under the age of 30 serving in the IDF reserves. Thirty percent of the newly wounded, 2,111 individuals, developed mental health issues of various kinds. For 60%, the psychological wounds were their primary injury.

The Defense Ministry estimates that by the end of 2024, there will be 20,000 newly wounded military members from this war. Some 8,000, or 40%, will face psychiatric challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, adjustment and communication difficulties, and psychotic conditions.

The weeks between Passover and Israeli Memorial Day are generally difficult for military veterans, especially those with mental wounds. The Defense Ministry’s regular support and treatment programs are being expanded for wounded soldiers and their families during this period.

The ministry also requests that family members and friends be especially aware of wounded soldiers’ emotional health at this time and seek help if they notice signs of changed behavior or additional distress. (TOI / VFI News)

“God, we pray for the mental health of all our soldiers who have been traumatized by the horrifying situations they have experienced. We also pray that their families will give them the support they need and accommodate their needs. We pray that You protect our soldiers in Your loving embrace, comfort them, and take away their mental burdens. We also pray in Yeshua’s name for the healing of their physical wounds, along with their mental ones.”

Qatar has played a dual role since the start of the war in Gaza. On one hand, it is a well-known supporter and funder of Hamas, while on the other hand, it is mediating the Israeli hostage release deal. So, what is Qatar’s true face?

“Qatar is at the top of funding terrorism worldwide, even more than Iran,” Dr. Udi Levi, former head of a Mossad unit dealing with economic warfare against terrorist organizations and countries that sponsor terrorism, told Israeli media on Thursday, April 18.

“While Iran does it openly and declares it, Qatar does so in a way I call in English ‘killing me softly,’ by softly killing us. On one hand, it sides with the West, and on the other hand, it funds terrorism.”

“Qatar, as of today, isn’t defined as a terrorist state; therefore, it has immunity,” according to Levi. However, he explains: “Qatar transferred funds through various channels, primarily via their largest foundation, Charai, which is one of the largest funding sources for terrorist organizations in the world.”

“So, while you can't sue a country directly, this foundation is fully controlled by the Qatari royal family and also uses Qatari banks owned by the royal family, like Qatar National Bank, which is also one of Qatar’s main channels for funding terrorism worldwide, and these are the bodies that are exposed to indictments.”

He continues that “there are lawsuits that have been going on for several years. By the way, not all are Israeli victims. Perhaps the most interesting one is by Syrian terror victims who accuse Qatari institutions of being the ones who funded Al-Qaeda and its proxy, the Islamic State in Syria.” (YNet / VFI News)

“‘The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s, from there I will bring you down,’ declares the Lord.” - Jeremiah 49:16

Police removed anti-Israel protesters from Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Thursday, April 18, after the demonstrating students had set up an encampment on a campus lawn, and announced the suspension of those students involved.

In total, 108 people were arrested and given a summons for trespassing, the NYPD said during an early evening press conference. Two people were additionally given a summons for obstruction of governmental administration. The daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was arrested and given a trespass summons, the NYPD said.

NYPD officers also noted that while many of the protesters were peaceful and didn’t resist arrest, around 500 students left their classrooms and told officers they were the “KKK,” “baby killers” and to “go kill ourselves,” a police official said.

“It was very sad to see,” he said. “It’s very troubling when you protest protesting for peace. You should not be using inflammatory comments like we saw. It was very vile,” NYC Mayor Eric Adams said. (FN / VFI News)

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” - 1 Corinthians 14:33

As tensions continue to rise between Israel and Iran, several Iranian athletes expressed support for Israel, despite the risk involved. Mobina Rostami, who plays on the Iranian women’s volleyball team, came out against the attack, expressed support for Israel, and was arrested by the authorities. Now, no one knows where she is.

“As an Iranian, I am truly ashamed of the authorities’ attack on Israel,” Rostami wrote on Instagram on the night of April 13, when Iran attacked Israel with hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles and drones. “But you need to know that the people in Iran love Israel and hate the Islamic Republic.”

Since that message, Rostami’s social media accounts have been closed and she has been arrested. There is great concern about her condition, which is currently unknown.

“Only God knows what they did to her,” friends posted on social media. “We will shove you in a bag,” read one of the responses to her words, from an Iranian account.

The day after the Iranian attack, a series of senior sportsmen in Iran came out openly and with great courage against the regime. The most famous of them is Ali Karimi, a former star of Iran’s national soccer team. Karimi uploaded a post on X, in which hands were seen joined with the Israeli flag and the flag of Iran from before the Islamic revolution in 1979, with the caption: “We are Iran, not the Islamic Republic.” (YNet / VFI News)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 5:10

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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