A big focus of our work here at Blessed Buy Israel is strengthening Israel as the Jewish State. Forces like the United Nations, European Union, and ICJ want to tear Israel apart, weaken its Jewish identity, and eventually exterminate it, establishing in its place a terrorist state. Internal enemies like Hamas and the PA engage in despicable terrorism, slaughtering innocents as part of their antisemitic agenda. Just last Friday, terrorists murdered seven Israelis, and injured more outside a synagogue near Jerusalem. May the memories of those beautiful people murdered be for a blessing. Be in prayer for the families and friends of the victims, and for Israel's leaders to respond wisely and effectively.

This past year Israel has witnessed a sharp uptick in terrorism, bolstered by a number of factors. Until last month, the terrorists faced relatively weak pushback from a left-wing Israeli government that was eager to make concessions with the biblical heartland. Now, a right-wing government lead by Benjamin Netanyahu faces the challenge of opposing a terrorist movement that is taking advantage of social media glamorization and the support of aggressive factions vying for power in the Palestinian Authority. The jostling for control has increased as longtime president and dictator of the Palestinian Authority 87 year old Mahmoud Abbas faces significant health challenges.

Amid the turmoil, it is clear that a weak response to terror, and lack of resolve on the status of Judea and Samaria only serve to allow the terrorists to raise their hideous faces again and again.

What has changed and what is the vision of the new government?

A big positive development is the appointment of Betzalel Smotrich to oversee the government's civil administration of Judea and Samaria. He will be overseeing the body Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) which is "responsible for approving construction and handling other bureaucratic matters in Area C of Judea and Samaria." Smotrich, who lives in Samaria, is one of the leading fighters for Israeli Sovereignty over all of its land. He will be working closely with the Defense Ministry, which until now, oversaw much of the policy on the ground in Judea and Samaria. It's a step in the right direction, as Israel needs clear direction in applying Israeli law to Jewish settlements, a streamlined approval process for approving new construction, and opposition to dangerous and illegal Palestinian building.

The Defense Ministry is, no doubt, in better hands under Likud's Yoav Gallant than under former minister left-wing Benny Gantz. An unambiguous policy on the status of Judea and Samaria has yet to be seen though, and is not going to materialize overnight. At least the man at the top is no longer an unabashed supporter of a "two-state solution."

When it comes to internal security, Israel has as its Public Security Minister a man who is committed to responding in strength to Israel's enemies. Despite slanders and condemnation, and a history of controversy, Itamar Ben-Gvir says what most everyone else is afraid to say out loud. Things such as showing no sympathy to terrorists, and cracking down firmly on the widespread violence that plagues Israel's cities. He brings a needed element of commitment to Israel's security sphere.

Big Issue: Proposed Judicial Reforms

A major flash-point in Israel right now are major judicial reforms that the Netanyahu government is seeking to pass. For the past 25 years, Israel's Supreme Court has massively expanded its power, without many of the checks and balances other democracies have in place to prevent abuse of power. As it relates to Judea and Samaria, the Supreme Court has entertained many anti-Israel NGO's in its chamber and ordered the destruction of numerous Jewish communities in the heartland.

Since last month, weekly rallies have been held—mainly in Tel Aviv—protesting the proposed reforms. Last week, the crowds numbered upwards of 100,000 people. It would seem, given the fact that even radical left-wing opposition leader Yair Lapid has spoken of the need for reform, that the majority of the protestors don't even know what they're protesting. Even hours after rockets from Gaza rained on Israel, protestors met, angry over the actions of what the media continues to describe as a far-right, racist government.

Israel's most right-wing government ever?

It's true that this may be Israel's most right-wing government ever, but the overblown accusations that it spells the end of democracy and the Jewish State could not be further from the truth. Those involved in building a future in Israel, who don't compromise on one inch of God-given land, see clearly the potential of this government to right historical wrongs; they recognize the opportunity to return the national focus to issues like Israeli sovereignty and Bible-based education, that only serve to strengthen Israel against her enemies.

It feels like we're in a new season of hope and change. Israel's needs prayer and support to confront the numerous challenges it faces. The battle for unity and sovereignty, the Iran threat, terrorism, and needed reforms are just a few of the things Israelis are dealing with right now. As always, lovers of Israel have a clear calling to be engaged! Here's a short list to help remind you to stay involved: Visit Israel, buy Israeli products, pray for peace and share the truth about what is happening!

Let us know in the comments specific ways you stay engaged in the fight for the beautiful, miraculous nation of Israel!