Welcome to the weekly update of Israel and Christians Today for Friday, 20th March 2026. We are now in the 21st day of the conflict with the revolutionary Islamist regime in Iran, and significant developments have unfolded over the past week.
Recent Military Actions
The situation took a dramatic turn with the assassination of Ali Larijani, a prominent leader in the Iranian regime. His death, along with other key figures in the brutal Besiege Force, has left a significant void in leadership. Muhammad Ba Khalifa Buff now stands as a central figure in guiding the Iranian war effort.
In response to ongoing tensions, the Israeli military targeted Syrian positions following an attack on civilians in the Sueda area. Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported conducting airstrikes on several Syrian army installations.
Iran retaliated by executing three individuals for alleged collaboration with the U.S. and Israel, amidst continued threats of missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets. Since the onset of the conflict, Iranian missile attacks have claimed the lives of at least 21 non-combatants in Israel.
Israeli Military Strategy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held his first English language press conference since the conflict began, outlining the war’s objectives. His key goals are to eliminate the nuclear and ballistic missile threats posed by the Ayatollah regime. Netanyahu declared, “Operation Roaring Lion” aims to eradicate these threats before they become deeply entrenched and unassailable.
He noted that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities are being systematically degraded, with significant successes reported in destroying missile stockpiles and nuclear-related infrastructure. He drew parallels between the current situation and historical threats to global security, urging immediate action to prevent future calamities.
Global Implications
The conflict’s ramifications have extended to global energy markets, marked by escalating attacks on critical energy infrastructure within Iran and the Gulf States. The Israeli Air Force has struck Iranian gas infrastructures, prompting retaliatory attacks from Iran on energy facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This has caused substantial disruptions in global energy supplies, raising concerns among Gulf nations.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also described Israel’s military progress against Hezbollah, aiming to neutralise imminent threats posed by this Iranian proxy. He praised the ongoing efforts to establish a safety corridor along Israel’s borders, indicating further actions are planned to deal with Hezbollah.
International Reactions
Despite calls from President Trump for international military cooperation to secure critical shipping routes, responses have been tepid. Joint statements from a few European nations have emerged, demanding Iran cease its hostilities, but significant military support has yet to be pledged.
Legal Developments
In international legal matters, Germany has announced it will not intervene in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, citing its own litigation issues. This underscores the complexity of current geopolitical dynamics as nations navigate their positions amidst rising tensions.
Conclusion
As we conclude this update, it is vital to continue praying for the people of Iran and the wider region. May we pray for freedom from tyranny and for wisdom for the leaders of all nations involved in this crisis. Let us also seek the swift return of our Lord and Saviour, the Messiah of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Thank you for joining us for this week’s update. We wish you all a blessed weekend and look forward to our next gathering. God bless.