(Day 825) Swords of Iron – “Full Revolution by the People”

Shabbat shalom from the rainy Galilee! It’s beautiful here when it rains.

During today’s video update it was raining on me as I spoke, but I love it when the sun breaks through the clouds as it did immediately after.

We’re praying that the Sea of Galilee will fill up, and we’re truly grateful for the rain.

Right now, Iran is in an extremely fragile and dangerous moment. Khamenei is ranting, mocking the protesters, claiming Trump will be overthrown. But this behavior feels like desperation. It feels like fear. It feels like someone who knows he may need to flee. There’s real concern they could attempt ballistic missile strikes, and Israel is on high alert. We may even be forced to act preemptively. I don’t know exactly what will happen—but imagine how their people feel when they realize a new future might actually be possible.

We’re seeing similar events unfolding in Gaza.

The Israeli-backed anti-Hamas Gazan people’s militia known as the Popular Forces reportedly took out two Hamas terrorists and arrested a third in Rafah. When people rise up, dictatorships can fall. Fear eventually turns on those who rule by fear. Hamas killed Yasser Abu Shabab last year because his influence was growing. Whether or not this new group publicly acknowledges Israeli support, we want them to succeed—and we want Hamas and Hezbollah to fail.

Meanwhile we’re forced to continue striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in response to their refusal to disarm and their violation of every ceasefire agreement.

Back in Iran, the regime has cut the internet and communications nationwide. Yet protesters in Tehran are still chanting for the return of the exiled crown prince and shouting “death to the dictator” and “death to the Islamic Republic.” What a change—from chants of “death to Israel” and “death to America” to this. Despite the blackout, some protesters are managing to upload footage through Elon Musk’s Starlink, and the demonstrations are continuing.

There are reports that around 45 protesters have been killed so far, including 8 children, according to Norwegian human rights organizations.

I can’t help but wonder if Persian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi will be able to return to his nation soon.

We’ll see how this unfolds.

Meanwhile, Israel’s declaration of support for Somaliland’s sovereignty is incredibly strategic—real 4D chess. That region is critical for shipping routes, and important things are happening there. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar recently visited, and it signals serious foresight.

I believe God is raising up strong shepherds.

As Jeremiah 3 says, “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

That is my prayer for Iran, for our neighbors, and for this region—that those who mourn in Zion will be comforted.

Shabbat shalom.