VFI News US Evacuates Embassy Staff from Lebanon as Iran Tensions Intensify; Hamas Refuses to Disarm

Tensions are rising across the Middle East as Israel prepares for the possibility of a U.S.-led strike on Iran and growing threats from Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah and regional militias.

In this week’s update from Israel, we examine military movements, ongoing diplomatic talks, and what a potential escalation could mean for the region’s security and stability.

Barry also breaks down the widely discussed interview between Tucker Carlson and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, and why it is fueling debate among political and Christian communities worldwide. Get the latest analysis, key developments, and important context shaping the news from Israel right now.

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The US embassy in Lebanon evacuated dozens of its employees on Monday, February 23, via Beirut International Airport amid growing concerns that a military strike against Iran could begin within days. The move came as regional tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate following weeks of heated rhetoric and military posturing. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also postponed his planned visit to Israel from Saturday to the following Monday.

More than 200 American fighter jets are already deployed across the Middle East, with over 300 total when including those stationed in Europe. Among the aircraft are 36 F-15 jets, at least 48 F-35 stealth fighters, 12 F-22 stealth jets based in the UK, and 36 F-16s. In addition to the fighter jets, US forces in the region include more than 100 refueling, command and control, intelligence, and transport aircraft.

The USS Gerald Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, has been spotted near Crete after being dispatched to the region. Several C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft were also seen landing at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday, February 23. A third round of talks between the US and Iran is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. (INN/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we pray in Yeshua’s Name for Your protection over the entire region during this time of great tension. We ask that You guide the leaders of nations toward wisdom and restraint, and that You shield innocent civilians on all sides from the horrors of war. We pray for Your hand to move powerfully in the hearts of decision-makers so that diplomacy may prevail. Grant peace and security to Your people Israel and to all those who call upon Your Name.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Wednesday, February 25, that Iran poses a grave threat to the United States that extends well beyond its nuclear program. Speaking ahead of Thursday’s scheduled US-Iran talks in Geneva, Rubio emphasized that even after Iran’s nuclear program was previously dismantled, Tehran has been working to rebuild elements of it. He noted that while Iran is not currently enriching uranium, it is actively trying to regain that capability.

Rubio pointed to Iran’s large arsenal of ballistic missiles, particularly short-range variants, which threaten American bases in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, as well as US partners across the region. He also cited Iranian naval assets designed to threaten shipping lanes and the US Navy. Iran’s refusal to discuss its ballistic missile capabilities in the Geneva talks is, in Rubio’s words, “a big problem.”

Rubio’s remarks followed comments by Vice President JD Vance, who stated that Washington has evidence Iran is attempting to rebuild its nuclear program. President Donald Trump made similar assertions during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, warning that Iran is also developing missiles capable of reaching Europe and eventually the United States. (INN/VFI News)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2

Ordinary Iranians are preparing for the possibility of war following weeks of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump declared during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, that he will never hesitate to confront threats to America. Many observers interpreted the speech as laying the groundwork for potential military action against Iran.

Iranian state media has focused heavily on the prospect of conflict, while Iran’s foreign minister has stated that a diplomatic agreement remains within reach. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei dismissed claims about the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program and ballistic missiles as “big lies.” Meanwhile, citizens are exchanging tips online about emergency preparedness, including writing down emergency contacts and identifying gathering points in case of internet outages.

Daily life in most Iranian cities appears normal, with markets still stocked, but a heavy sense of anxiety runs beneath the surface. Many families are financially strained by inflation and a weakened currency, making it difficult to stockpile basic necessities. Basic goods such as meat, poultry, and eggs have become unaffordable for many households, with some forced to choose between paying rent and buying food. (JPost/VFI News)

“Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Luke 1:78-79

Ghazi Hamad, a member of the political bureau of the Hamas terrorist organization, rejected Israeli and US demands that the group disarm. In an interview published on Tuesday, February 24, Hamad described the issue as “difficult to resolve” due to “many sensitivities” and called threats to forcibly disarm Hamas “disrespectful to the efforts of the mediators.”

A Palestinian Arab source added that what Israel failed to achieve over two years of conflict will not be accomplished through demands alone, insisting that the immediate priority is ending the Israeli military presence and withdrawal. An Egyptian source said disarmament has been discussed in talks involving Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and a technocrat committee, expressing hope that agreements can still be reached given President Trump’s desire to see his political initiative succeed.

Hamas has repeatedly refused to lay down its weapons despite Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza explicitly requiring the terrorist group to disarm. Senior Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal recently reaffirmed the refusal, claiming that disarmament while under occupation would make the Palestinian people more vulnerable to destruction. (INN/VFI News)

“Heavenly Father, we ask that You bring an end to the violence and hatred fueled by Hamas and other terrorist groups. We ask You to bring about a lasting peace that glorifies Your Name and protects the innocent. In Yeshua’s Name we pray.”

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The Palestinian Authority transferred approximately half a billion shekels to terrorists in 2025 under its “pay-for-slay” mechanism, which provides payments to imprisoned terrorists and to the families of attackers killed while carrying out attacks. The information was disclosed during an Israeli cabinet meeting convened on Sunday, February 22. Of the total, NIS 395 million went to terrorists currently in prison and NIS 92 million was transferred to families of terrorists killed in action.

Ministers were also informed that terrorists released as part of recent hostage deals received a “special grant” from the Palestinian Authority. Minister Avi Dichter stated during the meeting that all of the PA’s “theatrics” will not help, noting that Mahmoud Abbas himself has vowed to continue paying terrorists’ families “down to the last shekel.” Senior security officials further told ministers that Palestinian Authority employee salaries—including those of teachers, doctors, and nurses—have been reduced to ensure that payments to terrorists remain unaffected.

The Trump administration reportedly threatened to impose sanctions on Abbas and other senior PA officials if the payments continued. Abbas dismissed the finance minister who had signed off on the transfers, but the newly appointed finance minister has continued authorizing payments. Since 2018, a total of 4 billion shekels has been frozen from PA tax revenues under Israeli law. (JPost/VFI News)

“Dear God, we pray for justice and righteousness to prevail against those who fund and reward terror. We ask that You expose every hidden channel of financing that empowers violence against the innocent. We pray for the hearts of Palestinian leaders to turn from incitement and hatred toward peace and reconciliation. May the families on all sides who have suffered find comfort. We ask this in Yeshua’s Name.”

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) said on Wednesday, February 25, that the United States has a rare opportunity to reshape the future of Iran, arguing that the regime is at one of its weakest points in decades. Speaking in a television interview, Fetterman revealed that he may have been the only Democrat to stand and applaud during President Trump’s State of the Union address when Trump referenced potential military action against Iran.

Fetterman dismissed the possibility of meaningful negotiations with Tehran, pointing to Iran’s history of broken promises. He cited a previous agreement that resulted in Iran accumulating 900 pounds of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium. He also noted Iran’s violent crackdown on its own citizens, saying the regime has killed tens of thousands of young protesters.

The senator stated that he plans to vote against efforts to limit the president’s military authority regarding Iran, saying the president “absolutely needs to have the flexibility” for targeted strikes. Fetterman, one of the most pro-Israel Democrats in Congress, has consistently spoken out against the Iranian regime, previously calling the Islamic Republic a “cancer.” (INN/VFI News)

“For the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” – Deuteronomy 20:4

The Great Isaiah Scroll, the oldest nearly complete book from the Hebrew Bible ever found, is now on display in its full seven-meter length for the first time since 1968. The special exhibition, titled “A Voice from the Desert,” was inaugurated at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem on Monday, February 23, in the presence of President Isaac Herzog. The 2,100-year-old artifact features over seven meters of ancient text that has influenced the spiritual lives of millions.

Experts date the Isaiah Scroll to approximately 125 BCE. Its text largely mirrors the accepted version of the Book of Isaiah in the Jewish biblical canon, with minor exceptions in spelling or individual words. The artifact is made of 17 sheets of parchment stitched together and is believed to have originally been divided into two parts. It was discovered by Bedouin shepherds in a cave near the ancient settlement of Qumran in 1947, alongside other Dead Sea Scrolls.

The exhibition marks the Israel Museum’s 60th anniversary and allows only 25 visitors at a time into a special climate-controlled room housing the scroll. The Book of Isaiah is quoted approximately 66 times in the New Testament and is considered a cornerstone of both Jewish and Christian traditions, containing iconic verses such as “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation.” (TOI/VFI News)

The Qasr al-Yahud baptismal site on the Jordan River reopened on Tuesday, February 10, after extensive renovations totaling NIS 25 million ($8.1 million). The site, located in Judea and Samaria near Jericho, is considered the third-most important Christian pilgrimage destination in the region, after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Christian pilgrims from around the world come to immerse themselves in the Jordan River at the spot where tradition holds that John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

The renovations, funded by the Tourism Ministry and the Civil Administration and carried out by the Government Tourism Company, included upgrading roads, parking lots, and landscaping. A prayer pergola was constructed along with a large air-conditioned restroom building equipped with hot showers and changing cubicles. A wide wooden deck was also installed to allow safe and stable access to the river water for large crowds of pilgrims.

The site is also deeply significant in Jewish tradition, as it is associated with the crossing of the people of Israel into the Promised Land under Joshua and the ascension of the Prophet Elijah. Plans for the near future include an air-conditioned auditorium for worship services and accessible paths for visitors with disabilities. (TOI/VFI News)

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’” – Matthew 3:3

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

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