VFI News May 13 - Israel in Conflict: VFI News Special Edition

Tel Aviv came under a barrage of 130 rockets launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, sending residents fleeing for shelter as air raid sirens blared across Israel’s second-largest city.

Israel’s anti-rocket defense systems were activated Tuesday night, with the streaks of multiple interceptor missiles lighting up the skies over the area.

The heavy bombardment came in retaliation for an Israeli strike earlier on Tuesday evening that leveled a high-rise building in Gaza, which housed the offices of several top Hamas officials. That strike had come in retaliation for earlier Hamas bombings.

Both sides had been firing at each other almost nonstop throughout the day, in some of the worst fightings between Israel and the terror group since their 2014 war. (NYP / VFI News)

The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. - Psalm 11:5

"Lord we ask for Your continued protection over the people of Israel. We also pray for protection over the innocent lives in the Gaza Strip."

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.

Israeli warplanes and artillery continued to strike the Gaza Strip Wednesday afternoon, as terrorists in the Strip fired rockets and at least one anti-tank missile into Israeli territory.

The latest wave of Israeli retaliatory airstrikes targeted senior Hamas military commanders in Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip, and in Khan Younis in the south.

Several commanders from Hamas General Staff Forum were eliminated Wednesday, including several officials close to Mohammed Deif, the supreme military commander of Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. (INN / VFI News)

For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. - Romans 13:4

An Arab Israeli man was shot and killed and two others were wounded during protests and riots by local Arab residents overnight Monday-Tuesday in the central city of Lod. A Jewish suspect in the shooting was arrested.

According to Israel Radio, the violent protest, during which Arab participants raised Palestinian and Hamas flags, called to “liberate Palestine,” and attacked a school, a synagogue, a pre-army military academy and city hall, was one of several large demonstrations in Arab communities.

Reports said the victims were part of a mob throwing stones and firebombs at Jewish-owned homes in the Arab-Jewish city in central Israel and were shot by Jewish residents in what Jewish witnesses said was self-defense. The Arab demonstrators also set fires and tore down street signs. (TOI / VFI News)

“God, we pray for a quick and permanent end to the violence. We ask that you heal the injured and comfort those who lost loved ones.”

Defense Minister Benny Gantz issues a statement responding to the brutal rioting taking place across the country in which Arab and Jewish mobs have targeted innocent bystanders.

“On this evening, more than ever, our internal divisions are what threatens us. They are no less dangerous than Hamas’s missiles,” Gantz says.

“We must not win the battle in Gaza and lose the battle at home. The harsh images from the cities and streets tonight are Israelis tearing each other apart. The shocking violence in Bat Yam, Acre, Lod, and other cities turns our stomachs and breaks the hearts of us all,” he adds. (TOI / VFI News)

During this chaotic time for Israel, the struggle to saves lives is pulled into sharp focus. The need for lifesaving emergency equipment and vehicles has never been higher. Will you help us save and protect the lives of Israelis in danger?

Please direct any support you can through the link below—where your blessings flow directly to the front lines of this conflict.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to crack down on rioters on Wednesday, after Arabs in mixed cities attacked their Jewish neighbors’ homes, synagogues, and businesses.

“We are in a struggle on multiple fronts,” Netanyahu said on a visit to Acre. “Last night, after the discussions and decisions at the Defense Ministry about the Gaza Strip, I went to Lod at 2 a.m., another front that opened up with anarchy."

Netanyahu pointed to the extra police and Border Patrol officers sent with emergency powers to Lod and Acre following the violence, and said the government will continue efforts to “stop the anarchy and bring back the rule of law to Israel’s cities with an iron fist if need be, with all the forces and authority necessary.” (JPost / VFI News)

Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. - Isaiah 60:18

Protests have broken out around the world in support of Palestinians amid the violent clashes with Israel in the Gaza Strip.

The disputed area is under the most intense bombardment since 2014, with Israel unleashing a huge firestorm on the territory in response to Hamas missiles.

Thousands in New York, Washington DC, London, Istanbul and other major cities across the globe have taken to the streets to show their support for Palestine, often directing their protests at Israeli embassies and buildings.

Following weeks of tensions and clashes in contested Jerusalem led by Israeli security forces, the renewed confrontation escalated on Monday evening when Hamas fired a barrage of missiles towards Jerusalem. It continued into the early hours of Wednesday morning, with more rockets being fired by the Islamist group into Tel Aviv, and by Israel into Gaza.

The Palestinian death toll was at 36 on Wednesday morning, with ten children among the dead, while five Israelis are believed to have been killed in the conflict so far. The United Nations has warned the two sides they risk a 'full-scale war' if there is not an urgent ceasefire. (DM / VFI News)

A prominent Japanese politician is expressing his support for Israel during the present difficult circumstances of ongoing rocket attacks from Gaza.

Yasuhide Nakayama, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, in a tweet stated that “our heart is with Israel.”

“What would you do? One day, more than 300 rockets were suddenly shot by terrorists in 24 hours, robbing the lives of their beloved family and their homes. Israel has the right to protect itself from terrorists. Who was the first to shoot a rocket at the general public?” tweeted Nakayama who was previously Japan’s state minister of defense.

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre thanked Nakayama for his support of Israel in a retweet. (INN / VFI News)

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Iran has enriched uranium to 63-percent purity, higher than the 60% it has announced, which is already way beyond the 3.67% allowed under the 2015 nuclear deal, a report said Tuesday, citing a document by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“According to Iran, fluctuations of the enrichment levels… were experienced,” the UN nuclear watchdog said in a confidential report.

“The agency’s analysis of the ES [environmental samples] taken on 22 April 2021 shows an enrichment level of up to 63% U-235, which is consistent with the fluctuations of the enrichment levels [described by Iran],” the document said. (TOI / VFI News)

“God, we pray for safety from all forms of nuclear war.”

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