Around the world, Israel is drawing predictable but unwarranted criticism for defending itself against attacks from Islamic terrorist groups to its north and south. As Pastor Rod Parsley and other Christian leaders prepare to support Israel in Washington this week, your help is especially needed to reinforce the message that our government must support our only sure ally in the Middle East.
To send an e-mail to your U.S. Senators and Member of Congress in support of Israel, use the form below.
Israel began attacks inside Lebanon July 12, targeting the power base of the radical Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah. The attacks respond to the capture of two Israeli servicemen that day near the border between the two countries.
Israel has imposed an air and sea blockade against Lebanon, forced the closure of the Beirut airport and bombed the main highway to Damascus, Syria. Lebanon has responded to Israel’s defensive measures Friday by firing at least 50 rockets into northern Israeli towns. On July 13, Hezbollah launched 120 rockets into Israel, mostly into towns in Galilee where Israelis typically vacation.
Israel has released three conditions for a cease-fire with Lebanon:
- Hezbollah must release the soldiers it captured.
- Lebanon must stop rocket fire.
- The Lebanese government must decide to implement a United Nations Security Council
Resolution that calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
The Lebanese government has disavowed the actions of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah was created with Iran’s help in 1982. It has attacked the U.S. embassy twice and in 1983 bombed a U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 241 Marines. Now it has a member and supporter in Lebanon’s cabinet and a militia that effectively controls southern Lebanon.
In addition to defending itself at the north, Israel is continuing to defend itself against aggression in Gaza. The Israeli army is attempting to rescue Cpl. Gilad Shalit, 19, who was captured by Palestinian militants last month.
Shalit was seized as part of an attack on an Israeli army post just outside Gaza. It’s not known precisely where Shalit is being held. Three Palestinian militant factions have insisted that Israel begin to free about 1,500 prisoners, including women and youths, in exchange for Shalit. These factions are at odds even with Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, a member of Hamas, who has called on the factions to negotiate for Shalit’s release. The factions have warned that Israel will “bear full responsibility for future consequences” if their prisoner swap demands are not met.
Thankfully, President George W. Bush was quick to condemn Hezbollah’s attacks July 12, saying the attacks “threaten Lebanon’s security and are an affront to the sovereignty of the Lebanese government. Hezbollah’s actions are not in the interest of the Lebanese people, whose welfare should not be held hostage to the interests of the Syrian and Iranian regimes.”
Unfortunately, Israel’s defensive actions are being condemned by other world leaders. The European Union and the French government have released statements condemning Israel’s “disproportionate use of force.” On July 13, the United States used its veto power to block a U.N. Security Council resolution accusing Israel of using excessive force. UN Ambassador John Bolton said the resolution “places demands on one side in the Middle East conflict but not on the other.” Bolton also said Syria and Iran, which he called the main sponsors of Hezbollah, must be “held to account” for the kidnapping of the Israeli soldiers this week. “No reckoning with Hezbollah will be adequate without a reckoning” with those two countries, he added.
Pastor Rod Parsley is joining other Christian leaders this week to advocate for Israel with Congressional leaders. You can help by contacting your Member of Congress and U.S. Senators about the need for America to stand with Israel while it is at war.
You can find contact information for your federal legislators here, and an e-mail you can send them is available by useing the form below.
When you reach your leaders’ Washington offices, tell them:
- As a member of the Center for Moral Clarity, you want them to support a resolution strongly backing Israel’s right to self-defense. Israel has the right and the duty to defend itself from attacks that represent clear acts of war.
- You want them not to pressure Israel to restrain its attacks against these terrorists.
- You do not want taxpayers’ money going to the Hamas-led Palestinian government until it recognizes Israel’s right to exist, completely disarms and stops all violence against Israel.
- They should speak out against Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Iran will use those nuclear weapons against America and Israel.
Your faithful response will make the appeals of Pastor Parsley and other Christian leaders gathered for Christians United For Israel’s inaugural summit in Washington even more effective. Thanks for your righteous action on Israel’s behalf!
For more information about Christians United for Israel, click here.
Source: www.centerformoralclarity.net
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