[Today's Prayer] Armored Bus Tours to Occupied Territory—Controversy Over Israel’s Group Tours into Syria

Israel is facing controversy as it sends civilian group tours to the Golan Heights bordering Syria in the north, raising concerns that this move is part of an ambition to expand territorial sovereignty beyond military occupation.

According to the UK’s The Guardian on the 11th (local time), the Israeli military is conducting twice-daily tours during the Passover holiday (April 12–20), transporting civilians on armored buses through the Golan Heights.

The bus, under military escort, enters approximately 2.5 km into the Syrian-administered area, which has remained a demilitarized zone since 1974, before returning.

The tour includes the strategic slopes of Mount Hermon overlooking Damascus, the Syrian capital, and also offers hiking and swimming activities.

During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Israel was momentarily overwhelmed by a surprise attack from Egypt and Syria but later succeeded in counterattacking and occupying most of the Golan Heights.

After a border agreement in 1974, Israel effectively controlled about 80% of the Golan Heights, while the rest remained a Syrian-controlled demilitarized zone.

However, after Turkish-backed rebel forces toppled the authoritarian Assad regime in December of last year, Israel quickly deployed troops into the demilitarized zone, claiming the agreement was void due to Assad’s collapse.

Source: Yonhap News

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!”(Psalm 20:1–2)

Beloved God, We have heard news that Israel is sending group tours to the Golan Heights along the northern border with Syria, heightening tensions and stirring ambitions to expand military occupation and territorial claims.

Lord, we lift up to You the ongoing conflict and tension between Israel and Syria. We present the current situation of the Golan Heights, which is increasingly becoming militarized, before Your throne.

Though the Syrian civil war has seemingly come to an end, the Golan Heights region now stands again under military tension. We ask for Your mercy and restoration upon the land of Syria.

Lord, You are the One who answers in the day of trouble. As the Syrian people cry out to You in their affliction, may You answer them. Be their only refuge so that they will not be shaken in any circumstance, but look solely to You.

Grant the impoverished and weary people of Syria the peace of heaven. May they not be defeated by political turmoil or the harshness of their situation but lift their eyes to the eternal Kingdom of God.

In Isaiah 19, You declared that Israel, Syria (Assyria), and Egypt will one day worship the Lord together. You are the God who fulfills prophecy and governs the times. Break down the historical and political walls between Israel and Syria so that Israel, Assyria, and Egypt may one day unite to worship the coming King, Jesus Christ.

We pray especially for the churches in Israel and Syria. Unite them under one vision so that together, they may serve in prayer and mission. May they labor together to preach the gospel to Israel, Syria, and all nations, preparing the way of the Lord.

Plant seeds of the gospel in both Syria and Israel, that hearts would be transformed. May a day come when these two peoples become citizens of Your Kingdom—praying for each other and loving one another in Christ.

May Assyria, Israel, and all nations worship our God and prepare the way for the return of Jesus Christ! Amen.