Update (Day 929) Swords of Iron-Lion’s Roar “Independence Day-And What’s Next”

Wow—over 3,000 years old and 78 years young. Israel, you’re looking miraculously beautiful. Just think of the number of miracles that have taken place over these 78 years. I could talk about them endlessly—the innovations, the rising GDP—and through it all, it’s been miraculous.

There’s still a journey ahead before peace is fully restored, but we will remain strong.

The United States has urged Americans to leave Iran immediately while its airspace remains open. What does that signal? The ceasefire is said to continue for three to five more days, but there are also warnings regarding Lebanon. Despite the ceasefire there, the U.S. embassy in Beirut is urging Americans to leave while they still can.

Hezbollah has already stated it will no longer adhere to the ceasefire terms, claiming Israeli violations. This Iran-backed group—part of the wider terror network—has issued multiple claims of responsibility for attacks on Israeli forces in just the past 24 hours. It’s chaos. They make agreements, then break them.

There will likely be a response from Israel. There have already been repeated violations, including two terrorists identified and eliminated near the forward defense line in southern Lebanon.

So what happens next? The ceasefire with Iran may be extended briefly, but during this time, movements are ongoing. U.S. military aircraft are visibly active in the region. At the same time, figures within Iran’s leadership oppose negotiations altogether, rejecting further talks over their nuclear program.

There are also reports of increased U.S. naval presence, including additional strike groups moving into position. All signs point to the possibility of further escalation.

And yet, when speaking with Iranians who have fled the regime, you hear a different voice—people longing for freedom, willing to endure hardship to be free from tyranny.

Israel is preparing for every scenario. The question remains: how much capability does Iran still have? Estimates suggest a significant portion of their missile arsenal and naval forces remain intact. Their air force has been weakened, but not eliminated.

So the situation remains uncertain.

As we celebrate Independence Day, we remember: good ultimately prevails over evil.

On Israel’s birthday, I think of Isaiah 66:8—“Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day? Or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.”

That is the story of Israel.

78 years young, over 3,000 years rooted in history. Reborn in 1948, surrounded by challenges, yet thriving.

Today, Israel stands as a global leader in technology, medicine, and innovation—a story not just of survival, but of return and identity.

Happy Independence Day!