February 2026 Shevat 14 – Adar 11, 5786
Israel-Hamas war Day 843: All living and deceased hostages have been returned or recovered. The body of Yan(Ran) Ben Yitchak(Gvili), 25 was returned on January 26th and will now have a proper burial. Pray for President Donald Trump who has created a Board of Peace that includes nations that will be involved in the rebuilding of Gaza which is the next step in his 20 point plan. Pray that he maintains a strong relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu as they discuss rebuilding Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked President Herzog for a pardon to the charges brought against him from 2019. January Update: President Isaac Herzog stated he will make decisions regarding PM Netanyahu’s pardon request independently, in accordance with Israeli law and his conscience. He emphasized the decision will be made without bypassing the legal system and based solely on the good of the State of Israel and Israeli society. Herzog’s comments were made during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as he expressed respect for U.S. President Donald Trump while maintaining the independence of the Israeli judicial system. The request for a pardon has significant implications and is undergoing legal review, with Herzog stressing the need for a solution to the ongoing trial’s negative impact on the country.
Posted in January: The Qatari connection affair, also called “Qatargate” (Hebrew: קטארגייט), is a political affair in Israel, centered on the allegation that close advisors to Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as a lieutenant colonel in the reserves, were paid by representatives of the government of Qatar, an ally and financial supporter of Hamas, to promote its interests in the country. In March 2025, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar affirmed that the agency was investigating the affair, which he described as complex and multi-faceted. The scandal has resulted in the arrests of at least two of Netanyahu’s top aides.
As noted earlier, President Trump is leading a Board of Peace that will be responsible for the rebuilding of Gaza. Many Muslim countries have been invited to participate on this board. Pray that their intentions are pure and the agreements made are approved by Israel so the 2 million people who live in Gaza can once again have homes to live in with electricity and water.
Israeli’s live under constant attacks from rockets, missiles and drones. To negate these weapons Israel uses defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow. As the enemy gets more sophisticated new technologies are needed such as Iron Beam. Pray that Israel has the finances and America’s support to develop and deploy these systems.
February’s Word: Mercies rahamim רַחֲמִים Resh, Heh, Mem, Yod Mem
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies(rahamim) that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lam: 3:21-23
February’s Holidays: Tu BiShvat begins at sundown Sunday, February 1ST and ends at nightfall Monday, February 2ND. Tu BiShvat is a minor Jewish holiday, occurring on the 15th day of the month of Shevat. Its also called “The New Year of the Trees” or Rosh HaShanah La’Ilanot. Tu BiShvat is one of four “New Years” mentioned in the Mishnah. Tu B’Shevat is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing. See Lev. 19:23-25, which states that fruit from trees may not be eaten during the first three years; the fourth year’s fruit is for G-d, and after, you can eat the fruit.
Pray that all Israel come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior!