11/14/12 "Operation Pillar of Defense" Day One

Israel has launched "Operation Pillar of Defense". I awoke this morning to the first reports from Israel indicating that it was at war. Because I am currently in the States, I called my contacts back home in Sderot, Israel to confirm what I was beginning to see from the ME news sites. Apparently, after weeks of increase rockets attacks aimed at innocent civilians who live in the southern districts, and a failed cease-fire, Israel has launched an air offensive.

Over and over again Israel has seen an escalation in rocket fire until the militants in Gaza need to restock or they believed that Israel's response was about to be ratched up. They would then attempt to negotiate a cease fire. Time and time again the rockets would continue during and after the cease fire was agreed upon. This past week while the lastest rounds of negotiations were being discussed, the terrorists in Gaza were smuggling more Grad rockets through the tunnels on the Sinai border. 

Approximately 24 hours ago, and after the cease fire was agreed to, the terrorist fired five of those Grads at Be'er Sheva. That action led to Operation Pillar of Defense.

Prior to the round of air strikes that killed Jabari a senior Hamas operative who served in the upper echelon of the Hamas' command, citizens were given prior warning. IDF warnings and instructions were issued telling citizens that they should stock up on food, water, candles ect. and to remain in or near their safe rooms. Shortly after that the Israeli miltary reserves were called to active duty. The first of the air strikes began shortly after that. The PA has stated that Israel's actions are considered a "declaration of war". 

I will continue to be in contact with those who are there on the ground and will be posting updates daily to the blog. Please join me and all those who stand with Israel in prayer. May Yahweh's shalom cover His people Israel.