Prior to October 7, 2023, the State of Israel was gripped by unprecedented internal turmoil. In one word, the nation was suffering from disunity. Mass protests from January to October of that year showed many Israelis joining the nation’s largest protest movement in its history. Demonstrators (many of whom were later reported to have been paid by various inside and outside organizations) were protesting proposed judicial reform. The nation was split along secular-versus-religious and right-versus-left lines. The media was ruthless in its negative reporting regarding political leaders, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

When Israel was taken by surprise by the atrocities of October 7– resulting in the death of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages– the IDF was slow to respond. Many victims were left to fend for themselves for hours. Subsequent investigations have indicated that some IDF soldiers (particularly female soldiers) reported unusual Hamas activity before the attack, but those warnings were ignored. Alarming signs went largely unheeded. Israel was in disarray.

Although the initial response of the nation was a rallying cry to unite, go to war to remove the threat on the southern border, and get their hostages back, after 2.5 years, cracks of disunity are being exposed again. President Herzog has recently called for the nation to unite. Former Defense Minister and Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz has advocated for national unity and bridge-building across Israeli society.

The words of Psalm 133 speak clearly:

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard,

The beard of Aaron,

Running down on the edge of his garments.

It is like the dew of Hermon,

Descending upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—

Life forevermore. (NKJV)

As America celebrates 250 years of miraculous existence, blessings, and prosperity, may Israel similarly experience increasing unity and the removal of factions seeking to divide it as a great nation.

As we continue praying for the end of war with Iran, the removal of the Iranian regime, wisdom for US and Israeli leaders, and many other initiatives, may we also specifically pray for unity in Israel and the USA. We desire the blessing of both nations, and for each to be united within and united together for God’s purposes.