VFI News March 19, 2021

Starting Tuesday, flights to Israel will be allowed from all destinations. The government made the decision during a late-night meeting on Sunday.

Despite effectively opening Israel to the world, the limit of 3,000 passengers entering the country per day will remain.

Under the current airport regulations, valid until March 20, flights could be authorized only from a limited set of cities, including New York, Paris, and Frankfurt. The change is expected to facilitate the return of Israelis abroad who wish to vote in the upcoming March 23 election.

The ministers also considered increasing the cap on daily returnees but decided against it due to the opposition of healthcare officials. (JPost / VFI News)

At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the Lord, and all nations shall gather to it, to the presence of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they shall no more stubbornly follow their own evil heart. - Jeremiah 3:17

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.

Israelis have flocked back to restaurants, bars, and cafes in the days since they were allowed to reopen, with many booked up and credit card companies noting a spike in spending on Friday.

Since reopening Sunday, restaurants and cafes have seen a torrent of customers, with many would-be diners unable to make reservations as tables at many eateries are all booked days in advance, according to the Kan public broadcaster.

Some restaurants had a 10-day waiting list, the report said. “It’s crazy,” said Haggai, a co-owner of Tel Aviv’s Goocha restaurant. “From the start of the week, every day has been packed to weekend levels.” (TOI / VFI News)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31

As of last night at midnight, a Supreme Court ruling brought to an end the GSS initiative to track those defying public health guidelines by cellular activity.

About two weeks ago, the Supreme Court judges ruled that the General Security Service must stop such espionage on patients themselves. The ruling allowed a limited exception in the case of individuals who do not cooperate with Health Ministry epidemiological investigations.

Among other things, the state comptroller found the cellular tracking to be less effective than the investigations it was supposed to assist, and that the resolution allowing such an invasion of the privacy of patients or those who may have come into contact with them was never brought to a vote for governmental approval. (INN / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you continue to spread healing throughout the land.”

Britain on Monday announced sanctions on six allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including his foreign minister and close advisers.

"The Assad regime has subjected the Syrian people to a decade of brutality for the temerity of demanding peaceful reform," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said.

Those sanctioned include Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad, Assad adviser Luna al-Shibl, financier Yassar Ibrahim, businessman Muhammad Bara’ Al-Qatirji, Republican Guard commander Malik Aliaa and Army Major Zaid Salah. (JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you listen to the plight of all who suffer injustice—that you answer them with your grace and mercy.”

Vision for Israel co-founders Barry & Batya Segal sit down to talk about their work of blessing and mercy in the land of Israel—thanks to the unshakeable support of all who believe in the restorative power of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) love.

International arms transfers are going strong in the Middle East, even if they are leveling off in other regions, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a group that monitors arms transfers.

SIPRI says its Arms Transfer Database is the only public resource that provides consistent information and estimates on all international transfers of major arms.

“International transfers of major arms stayed at the same level between 2011-15 and 2016-20,” it said in a report on Monday. “Substantial increases in transfers by three of the top five arms exporters – the USA, France, and Germany – were largely offset by declining Russian and Chinese arms exports.”

Middle Eastern arms imports increased 25%. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt were leaders in the last four years, with Doha increasing its purchases by a whopping 361%, the report said. (JPost / VFI News)

After significant upgrades, Israel's famed Iron Dome missile defense system successfully and simultaneously intercepted a barrage of rockets and drones in a recent round of tests.

The news comes as the IDF warns of a possible new confrontation with Hezbollah in Lebanon where the Iranian-backed terrorist group is constantly working to improve its missile and drone capabilities. The tests were completed on Tuesday by the Defense Ministry and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, demonstrating a significant upgrade of Iron Dome's technological capabilities.

The Iron Dome was tested in a range of complex scenarios and successfully intercepted and destroyed targets simulating existing and emerging threats, including the simultaneous interception of multiple drones as well as a salvo of rockets and missiles. (JPost / VFI News)

“Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” - Psalm 82:4

A new laser-guided mortar completed trials and will bring greater firepower to smaller units while reducing collateral damage to noncombatants due to its high levels of accuracy, the Defense Ministry said in a statement Sunday.

The Iron Sting 120mm mortar was developed by the ministry along with the Israel Defense Forces and Elbit Systems and, following the successful completion of the tests in the south of the country, is set to be delivered to the army.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in the statement that Israeli industry provides the IDF with technology “that changes the combat arena and gives us more lethal, accurate, and effective means.” (TOI / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you continue to protect your people from the threat of attack.”

Israel will come under an onslaught of 2,000 rockets and missiles every day during a future war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, OC Home Front Command Maj.-Gen. Uri Gordin warned on Monday.

Speaking at the B’Sheva Conference in Jerusalem, Gordin said that some 2,000 rockets and missiles will be fired at Israel every day and will challenge Israel’s military and civil defense capabilities.

“Our enemies on the different fronts need to know that if needed, we will activate a powerful military that has never been seen before,” Gordin said.

He added that Israel’s enemies should know that the Israeli home front is resilient and has proven itself in the past. (JPost / VFI News)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day. - Psalm 91:1-8