(Day 609) Swords of Iron – “Rest in Peace”

Chaim starts out by mentioning that several IDF soldiers from his unit, the Yahlom Combat Engineers, have been killed in action recently. Chaim says that despite these losses, the IDF is continuing to put pressure on Hamas to release the hostages, both living and dead, and surrender. Chaim says that the decision by Hamas to continue this war is the only reason it’s continuing, and it would end immediately if they surrender and release the hostages.

Next he mentions that Israel is thankful to US President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio in standing up to attempts by the International Criminal Court to criminalize democracies defending themselves from terrorists. Chaim says if this is allowed, we’ll have lost the free world.

Speaking of which, there are reports that Iran has ordered materials from China which will allow them to build thousands of ballistic missiles capable of delivering a nuclear payload. Chaim says this is being watched and it will not be allowed to proceed.

In this context, he quotes Ezekiel 34:1-4; “And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,  “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.

Chaim says it’s time to remember this verse and stand boldly for Israel, adding that this is precisely what the IDF is doing in Gaza right now.