The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the Lord in Zion; He is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise Your great and awesome name – He is holy (Ps. 99:1-3 NIVUK).

On Tuesday, February 5, President Donald Trump welcomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in the first state visit by a foreign leader since the inauguration. In both an informal and formal press conference, the two leaders made comments triggering both profound concerns and exaltation around the world. The surprise statement from Trump that the U.S. would “take over Gaza” drew rancor and rebuke from international leaders in Russia, China, and Germany. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released an announcement overnight that it would break relations with Israel unless it made plans for a Palestinian state, contrary to Trump’s assurances.

View Comments (15)

Pray for your fellow intercessor.

Let us examine the key points and pray over each one:

1. U.S. to ‘take over the Gaza Strip’

In a stunning proposal, Trump says that the US will “take over the Gaza Strip, level the site, and rebuild it” after earlier saying that Palestinians living there will “voluntarily go elsewhere.” “I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East and maybe the entire Middle East. This was not a decision made lightly. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out. We will create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area… do something different.” Trump declared that he sees ‘world people’ living in Gaza. “It will become the Riviera of the Middle East.’”

Holy One of Israel, from Gen. 10:19, Gaza was considered part of the land allocated to Abraham and His descendants. Josh. 15:20 & 47 lists it among Judah’s allotted inheritance. We are grateful for Trump’s bold desire to make this destitute area beautiful again, a blessing to the entire Middle East. Please hem him in from crossing over any boundary by making this land a possession of the U.S.A. Use our nation to rebuild the ancient ruins and renew ruined cities (Is. 61:4). At this time, remove also the ‘scepter of the unrighteous from the land allotted to the righteous,’ (Ps. 125:3) granting Israel sovereignty over this part of its possessions (Ob. 17). Watch over, with You eye upon it, these plans (Ps. 32:8).

2. Trump suggests the resettling of the Gazan people

In the press conference, President Trump suggested the resettling of the Gazan people in Jordan, Egypt, and perhaps other Middle Eastern nations. “I’m talking about the displacement of all the Gazans. They won’t come back after they leave. It would be my hope that we could do something really nice, where they wouldn’t want to return. Why would they want to return? That place has been hell. It has been one of the meanest… toughest places on earth. They can instead occupy a beautiful area with homes and safety and live out their lives in peace and harmony in other countries. This can be paid for by neighboring countries of great wealth.”

From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us (Acts 17:26-27).

Father, You made every people group and nation, giving them boundaries and territories. Restore, we pray, the so-called Palestinian people to the lands of their ancestors. To any who desire to remain, may they find You, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and be saved. Change hearts and minds for Your great glory! Grant understanding to the nations surrounding Israel, from which these Palestinians became refugees, to reabsorb their citizens. Bring identity from Your word to replace jihad and a life impoverished by Islam and terror.

3. Trump denied that the U. S. will work with Israel to blow up Iran’s nuclear capabilities

“[These] reports are greatly exaggerated. I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper. We will start working on it immediately. Iran cannot have nuclear weapons, and if I think it does, it would be very bad for them.”

You, Father, are not a man that You should lie! We thank You, Lord of Hosts, that You have promised to break Elam’s bow (Jer. 49:34-39) – the might of Iran- the crescent of Islam and the bow of nuclear armament. You have promised to bring disaster upon them, removing their kings and leaders, and setting up Your throne in their midst. Strengthen the ever-growing church in Iran and grant them good shepherds. Grant Netanyahu and Trump wisdom from heaven (Jam. 3:17) as they together break Iran’s might.

4. Trump plans to announce a plan for Israel’s annexation of Judea and Samaria in next four weeks

No details have been released at this time.

Father, Your word promises restoration and fruitfulness to the mountains of Israel – Judea and Samaria. We are grateful that both Netanyahu and his Knesset, and our President, acknowledge that this land is a part of Israel, given to Your people eternally. Allow this time of transition from the Palestinian Authority to Israeli rule to be peaceful and guard all military personnel currently working to remove all terrorist entities from this region.

5. Trump addressed a two-state solution

“We can’t keep repeating the same failed approach over and over. It doesn’t mean anything about a two-state or one-state or any other state. It means that we… want to give people a chance at life.” The President argued that his proposal would benefit the Middle East as a whole and not just Israel.

Abba, Your word describes a day when every nation on earth will be judged based on how they treated Your people, the Jewish people, and whether they tried to divide Your land (Joel 3:2-3). We cry out for Your grace for Trump and his advisors, that we would permanently discard all plans for a two-state solution. We cry out for humility for all involved and reverence for Your word. Let those in our government be those that tremble at Your word (Is.66:2).

6. Saudi Arabia demands two-state solution

Although Trump claimed that Saudi Arabia “will not demand a Palestinian state,” Saudi officials vociferously denied this overnight in an official statement: “We will not maintain relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state. Our position on the Palestinians is non-negotiable.”

The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm for ever, the purposes of His heart through all generations (Psalm 33:10-11). O God of love, move in power over Saudi Arabia, its leaders and peoples. Reveal Yourself to them and forgive them for their desire to displace Your people. Bring revival to these nations surrounding Israel causing all to know Yeshua, the Savior of the world. Bring salvation to the nations through Your people whom You appointed a light to the nations (Is. 49:6).

7. Netanyahu says Trump is Israel’s greatest friend

Netanyahu calls Trump the “greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House,” stating, “We are both committed to rolling back Iran’s aggression in the region and ensuring that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon.” He then spoke about Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas, Hezbollah and other terror entities funded by Iran. “Israel will end the war by winning the war. Israel’s victory will be America’s victory. With your leadership, Mr. President, and our partnership, I believe that we will forge a brilliant future for our region and bring our great alliance to even greater heights.”

I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze
and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places,
That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name,
Am the God of Israel. For Jacob My servant’s sake,
And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name;
I have named you, though you have not known Me (Is. 45:2-4)

Maker of Heaven and earth, You have appointed Donald J. Trump for such a time as this, causing many in the Body of Messiah to see him as a Cyrus. We declare these words today over Trump – that he would know that he is called for the sake of Your servant Jacob, Israel Your elect. Although he is the elected leader of this nation, You have raised him up strategically to support Israel and defend Your people at this time in history when many nations hate Your chosen people and desire to remove them from their land. Strengthen Trump, and our alliance with Israel, while allowing Benjamin Netanyahu to trust in You alone and not in chariots, horses, princes or man (Ps. 118:8; Ps. 20:7). For Your glory defeat Israel’s enemies and let the whole earth know that there is a God in Israel (1 Sam. 17:46).

Father, we have the assurance that as we pray Your word, You hear us and act. We bring all of these petitions in the name of Your son, Jesus, the Messiah. Amen.

What did you think of Netanyahu’s visit to the White House? Share your own prayers and scriptures in the comments below.

Lori Meed is a leader on IFA’s Headline Prayer Live and an IFA contributing writer. In 2004, God moved her family from Canada to the U.S., imparting to them His heart for this country and for revival. Having walked out her own journey of freedom after being radically born again in 1992, Lori has a heart to see others set free to walk fully in their destiny. She is also passionate about teaching on aliyah (“going up,” the return of the Jews to the land of Israel), the feasts of the Lord, and the rich connections of the gentile churches to Israel. Lori blogs at All Things Restored at WordPress.com. Photo Credit: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images.