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JERUSALEM (CC) - During a pre-Passoverl talk on Sunday night, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the Lord God of Israel for delivering the Jewish state from Hamas in specific and Jerusalem's enemies in general.
"Because in every generation they rise up to destroy us and the Holy One Blessed Be He saves us from their hands. This time as well, we will defeat those who seek to harm us - thanks to our nation's faith, the boldness of our soldiers, and our unity," Netanyahu stated.
It is not often these days that a world leader publicly thanks the God of the Scriptures.
On Monday, Jews worldwide began celebrating the week-long Passover holiday, recounting how the Lord God brought Moses, Aaron and the rest of the Hebrew Israelites out of bondage in the land of Egypt.
Netanyahu seemed especially thankful for this year's Passover, as he issued a statement the night before it begins.
"Why is this night different than all others, citizens of Israel? Because on this night, 133 of our dear brothers and sisters are not sitting at the Seder table, and are still trapped in Hamas' inferno. We already freed 124 of our hostages and we are determined to bring everyone home - those who are alive and the fallen as well."
It remains unclear how many of the reported 200 - 250 or more hostages are still alive in captivity. Many of them were subjected to sexual violence, according to a U.N. special report and at least one terrorist interrogated by Israel's intelligence bureaus, as The Christian Commander reported.
The kidnapped were taken by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists during the surprise attack that started the war with Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Netanyahu insisted that Israel would increase pressure on Hamas in Gaza to release the remaining hostages.
The U.S. and Qatar have been involved in negotiations between Israel and Hamas to get the hostages released. Hamas has not confirmed how many of those still held captive are alive.
Netanyahu re-emphasized Israel's rock steady resolve to return all of the hostages, calling his nation's mission a "holy task."
"This Seder night we are faced by our hostages in Hamas captivity. Their suffering and the suffering of their families tear our hearts and only strengthen our determination to bring them back. We are not letting up for a moment from the holy task of bringing them home."
He blamed Hamas for the failed negotiations.
"Unfortunately, until now, all proposals to free our hostages were refused by Hamas. Therefore the U.S. Secretary of State said correctly: 'Hamas has refused all proposals that we offered it.' According to him, the only thing preventing a hostage deal is Hamas.
"Instead of backing down from its extreme positions, Hamas is building division between us, it draws encouragement from the pressure on the Israeli government. As a result, it only tightens its conditions to release the hostages."
Netanyahu compared the Hamas terror organization to the ancient Egyptian pharaoh who terrorized the children of Israel.
Moses and Aaron delivered the Lord God of the Hebrews message to pharaoh by stating the well-known words: "Let my people go, that they may serve me." (Exodus 9:1)
"It (Hamas) hardens its heart and refuses to let our people go, and therefore, we will send it additional and painful plagues - and it will happen soon," Netanyahu promised.
The Lord sent 10 plagues against Egypt, but pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let the Israelites leave until the Egyptians were stricken with the final plague. (Exodus 7-11)
"In the coming days, we will increase the military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas since that is the only way to free the hostages and achieve victory," Netanyahu accentuated.
He also stated: "On the eve of Passover, when the people of Israel left slavery, we shall remember the heroic fallen and our wounded troops, thanks to their sacrifices we are free men. The State of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong - both on defense and offensive."
Israeli officials have advertised that Jerusalem intends to soon begin a military campaign in what might be the last remaining Hamas stronghold in the land: Rafah, Gaza.
"Our enemies have nothing on us, we will defeat them. I salute our heroic soldiers who are fighting on all fronts, on land, sea, and air. I send support to my brothers and sisters, the bereaved families, who lost the dearest of all."
The world is watching along with The Christian Commander. The Scriptures instruct us to pray for the Jewish State's tranquility.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you." (Psalms 122:6)
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Reginald Spann is the nonpartisan senior editor of The Christian Commander. You may reach him through our Facebook, X and Truth Social Platforms or via our Partnership page at christiancommander.com
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Still praying. Good article.