Jerusalem, Israel
ISRAEL’S CHANGING DEFENSE NEEDS IN A TROUBLED MIDDLE EAST
For 30 years now, Israel’s peace treaty with Egypt has afforded the IDF (Israel’s Defense Forces) the ability to build-up its forces, with little consideration of developments on its southwest border. Since the “cold peace” between both countries was established in 1979, Egypt’s ability to confront Israel, militarily, has been neutralized. The IDF has not had to divert major resources to Israel’s southern front, nor focus much attention on the de-militarized zone in the Sinai.
According to outgoing IDF Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, who gave a keynote address at the Israeli Herzliya Conference on February 7, 2011, Israel’s defense strategies are now going through a process of change. The current uprising in Egypt came as a surprise to the IDF leader, but also to his counterpart in Egypt. Ashkenazi claimed that in the midst of regional tensions occurring with Arabs and non-Arabs, Sunnis and Shiites, and radicals and moderates, Israel was finding itself in the middle of a new reality.
“In general, the reality that is developing around us, we can view as an opportunity. It is a greater strategic and defense challenge to Israel. There has been a strengthening of the radical camp,” Ashkenazi acknowledged.
Speaking about situations beyond Egypt, he said, “Iran is behind the financing, arming, training, and equipping of most of the terror organizations, not only in our region.” Ashkenazi sees a weakening of the moderate camps of the traditional Arab leadership in the Middle East, including a waning of American strength in the region.
The IDF is reassessing its military doctrine in lieu of recent events in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. Israel’s military is looking to strengthen the nation’s assets, hoping to get the West to acknowledge Israel as an island of stability in an increasingly hostile hotbed of radical Islam.
Recently, Israeli analysts estimated that the IDF would now have to stretch its resources to the limit, looking not only to defend the tiny Jewish state against Iranian proxy, Hezbollah in the north; and Hamas in the south; but, also against an unstable Egyptian regime. The Israeli government is concerned that Egypt may lose control over terrorist groups trying to operate along its long porous border with Israel.
Already, a gas pipeline recently exploded in Egypt, possibly due to a terrorist attack, cutting off gas supplies to Israel and Jordan. In order to stop Bedouin forces from igniting terror in the south, Israel agreed last week to allow 800 Egyptian forces into the Sinai, in violation of the peace treaty. Now, the Egyptian government has asked to expand that number, but Israel has refused, citing it does not want to re-open the peace agreement during the current state of upheaval.
For years, IDF generals have expressed concern over Egyptian military exercises conducted near Israel’s border. Israeli military officers have acknowledged their frustrations with Egypt’s expanding defense capabilities, helped along by U.S. military aid totaling $1.3-1.5 billion each year since 1979. America has made good on its promise to supply Egypt with advanced military equipment as a result of Egypt’s continued willingness to keep the peace with Israel.
As events unfold in Egypt, and the likelihood that the Moslem Brotherhood will have greater influence in any future Egyptian government, the 30 year peace treaty is already being questioned by Egyptians. The IDF is preparing for a worst-case scenario, which could include an outbreak of war on two fronts at once -- something the IDF has not had to consider since the Yom Kippur War of 1973.
“I belong to the generation of the Yom Kippur War. The battlefields in the past were distant and sophisticated, and we paid the price of war there; the loss of territory. We would lose part of the country, and the same was true in the south,” Ashkenazi said, reflecting on the changes today because of the emergence of new radical groups. He talked of the need to fight on more than one front in the future. “The main change for us is on an operational and technical level,” he explained.
The IDF will now try to figure out how to build up its forces according to a different set of parameters which are far-reaching. This not only includes Egypt, but the increased threat from Iran and other rogue states. Israel is preparing for sub-conventional, conventional, and non-conventional warfare.
Ashkenazi talked about fighting a different kind of war. “Today, you don’t see divisions. It is a hybrid enemy. They are hiding in the nature reserves and among the civilian population. The war is occurring above your head in the depth of the home front. We were always told to move the war away from the civilian population. But, now the largest proportion of the fighting is on the home front,” he acknowledged.
Israel’s defense budget has been based on how many fighter jets, tanks, armored personnel and IDF reservists are needed to contend with threats coming from Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, as well as internally, from the Palestinians. The IDF’s current resources are not built-up enough for it to deal with the possibility of Egypt as a new “live” front. Israel will have to increase its defense spending, considerably, to defend the home front in the future. To make matters worse, this comes at a time when American foreign aid to Israel and other countries is being re-evaluated by the new U.S. Congress. It could mean an eventual decrease in U.S. military aid to Israel.
The IDF cannot afford to wait on the outcome of future U.S. financial help in order to boost its defense forces. It has to prepare, now, for the current shift in the Middle East, which has become a strategic warning to the Jewish State. Therefore, the IDF is developing a multilevel defense strategy, which includes the refining and operational use of its own anti-missile defense systems. Israel faces a serious future missile war, as its enemies obtain advanced missile capability.
Ashkenazi admitted that Israel is concerned about a situation where there is inadequate mobilization of the civilian population while missiles begin to fall throughout the country affecting the entire home front. “We must prepare and defend strategic centers and population centers, to realize our military might and strategic ability. This war of missiles will grow,” he explained referring to the capabilities of Hamas in the south, Hezbollah and Syria in the north, and Iran.
Israel needs an active defense that allows the IDF to operate efficiently and effectively. “As part of our concept of security, our ability to cope with war is still there. It’s not enough to try and solve everything in using our fire power. I wish we could do it. What we need is a strong ability to maneuver on the ground, as well.”
The IDF has a large weapons arsenal but needs strong military intelligence in order to accurately hit enemy targets. Israeli military officers are focusing their attention on intelligence gathering and high level training for their troops in order to be ready for low intensity conflict, as well as all out war.
No matter what the outcome of events in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, the IDF will need to reassess its military capabilities in lieu of the current facts on the ground. Those defense experts involved in writing Israel’s military doctrine will be going back to the drawing board soon. They will evaluate how to effectively keep the deterrence in place on Israel’s southern border with or without an effective Egyptian peace treaty.
According to MK Maj. Gen. (res.) Matan Vilnai, a leader in Israel’s Ministry of Defense, who also referred to the IDF’s challenges at the Herzliya Conference, “The strategic environment surrounding Israel is becoming less and less stable.” Vilnai believes there has been a global change in the nature of wars. “Most people cannot understand the meaning of this change. We are now in a third world war,” Vilnai proclaimed. He sees a weakening of the whole free world along with the development of a Beirut/Damascus/Tehran axis of evil.
As many experts in Herzliya attested to, the greatest threat to the region is Iran: its goal to obtain a nuclear weapon, its advanced ballistic missile capability, and its growing terrorist alliances towards regional hegemony. Now, Iran may take advantage of the instability in Egypt and try to turn the country into another Gaza, using the Moslem Brotherhood behind the scenes to radicalize the nation.
Reaching out to its natural allies, the Moslem Brotherhood may help prepare the Egyptians, while Hamas prepares the Gazans, for another war with Israel.
The sooner the IDF can overhaul its current military strategy to meet future threats, the more secure Israelis will feel as they recognize increased danger to their security on all fronts. Some Israelis say that these new challenges to the Jewish State are the most serious since 1948, as Israel faces the possibility of a future multi-front war against overwhelming odds.
At the Herzliya Conference it became evident that the IDF is seeking new partnerships in the free world; those who will stand by Israel’s side during future times of great uncertainty in the Middle East region.
PRAYER POINTS:
(1) Pray that the IDF will be united under the new Israeli Chief of Staff, Maj.-Gen. Benny Gantz, to be sworn in on February 14, 2011. Gantz takes on the new job after a shake-up in the IDF, and he will need to restore public confidence in the integrity of those who serve in its leadership. Declare Psalm 5:11-12, especially that God will defend Israel's soldiers, and with favor He will surround them as with a shield.
(2) Pray for protection over Israel's borders, especially its southwest border with Egypt. Because of instability in Egypt, Israel is now especially vulnerable to terrorist attacks originating from the Sinai and Gaza. Pray that the Lord's holy angels will stand as a guard and not allow Israel's enemies to enter the Promised Land. (See Psalm 7:10).
(3) As Egypt seeks to establish a new democratic government, pray about the burden against Egypt, mentioned in Isaiah Chapter 19. Declare God's promise at the end of that chapter, "Blessed is Egypt, My people" (verse 25). Pray for hope for Egyptian, Israeli and Iraqi citizens according to Isaiah 19:23-25, declaring the highway that will bless all three nations.
(4) As Israel fears the future, in regard to the peace treaty with Egypt, pray that citizens will trust in the Lord, their God, for true peace. Proclaim Isaiah 27:5: "Or, let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace iwth Me; and, he shall make peace with Me."
(5) Pray that Israel will know peace in the God of Israel, according to 2 Corinthians 13:11, and will live in comfort, peace, unity, and love.
(6) Pray according to Proverbs 8:15 as you intercede for government leaders in Arab nations in the Middle East: "By Me, kings reign; and, rulers decree justice. By Me, princes rule and nobles; all the judges of the earth." Pray that these regional leaders will submit to the Lord and release their citizens from oppression and dictatorial rule.
A News Prayer Network, providing prayer points on current issues in the news, from Jerusalem to the rest of the world
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXXII
Jerusalem, Israel
SIGNS OF A NEW MIDDLE EAST EMERGING
The recent riots in Egypt could spread to more Arab states in the Middle East. These mass protest movements, which started in Tunisia, are based on public frustration with oppressive regimes. The protests are being labeled as pro-democracy uprisings by Western governments. However, the instability in the region could lead to a surge in radical Islam with an attempt by Islamists to gain control over moderate Arab governments. Already, the Moslem Brotherhood in Egypt has mixed with protestors on the streets, increasing the bloodshed and adding to the chaos. The likelihood is that Hosni Mubarak will step down as president of Egypt and possibly be replaced by his new Vice President Omar Suleiman. If a hostile regime takes over the Egyptian government, this could threaten the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty. It would also push the IDF (Israel’s Defense Forces) to the limit in terms of its ability to defend Israel on all fronts.
This article was written January 23, 2011, before the riots in Egypt began, but explains what this means, in terms of a united Iranian-Islamist front that is set to take over regimes in the Middle East as instability continues. Here’s more...
During one week in January, Israel’s government became embroiled in a coalition shake-up; Hezbollah quit the Lebanese government and threatened to take over Lebanon; riots broke out in Tunisia causing its president to flee the country; and Jordanians took to the streets to express their anger over their government’s policies. The beginning of 2011 will be remembered as a time of chaos and change in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is firming up his government rule to deal with the on-going Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During the next several months, he hopes to advance the peace process, thereby thwarting international recognition of an independent Palestinian State within the United Nations Security Council.
Arab leaders in the region are firming up their government rule, with some providing financial relief to the public in the form of food subsidies. They are hoping to keep their populations quiet as they monitor new develops in Lebanon, Tunisia, and Jordan. They wonder if their regimes are next in line to be challenged, threatened by a discontented public that is intent on being freed from oppression.
REGIONAL INSTABILITY
High unemployment; poverty; corruption and fraud within iron-fist ruling parties; a lack of personal freedoms; and limited free speech are causing Arab societies to rise up in protest. It could lead to the break-up of dictatorships in this volatile region. Demonstrations have already caused unrest in Algeria and Yemen and could spread to Egypt, Syria, Libya, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, resulting in an Islamist surge that challenges these current governments.
Radical Islamic states and non-state players are looking for a greater role in the Middle East, and may try to motivate dissatisfied youth to take up arms with a mission and a purpose. They will look to take advantage of unstable repressive Arab regimes, offering young people an opportunity to join jihadist movements.
The question is: How much does the Israeli impasse with the Palestinians play into current regional instability, and what role is Iran performing behind the scenes?
AN IRANIAN-ISLAMIST ALLIANCE
According to Israeli analyst and author Jonathan Spyer, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is on a downward trend, while Iran and Islamists are joining forces, hoping to become a new united regional power. Promoting his new book, “The Transforming Fire – the Rise of the Israel-Islamist Conflict,” Spyer recently talked to a group of political activists at a meeting in Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue , “This Iranian ambition is immediately beset by two problems: The Iranians are not Arabs and they are not Sunni Moslems. And, they wish to assert themselves and become the central hegemonic power in a region consisting largely of Arab-speaking Sunni Moslems.”
Arab governments have privately expressed their distaste for the Persian regime, fearing that a nuclear Iran might threaten their regimes. Meanwhile, the Iranians have used the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to gain popular support on Arab streets. But, that’s changing as interest in the conflict subsides.
The Iranians, observing the current public discontent in the way Arab states are governing, will look to stir up new troubles in order to accomplish their goal of regional hegemony.
Arab leaders have had a difficult time expressing their displeasure, publicly, with Iranian aspirations; but, Iranian leaders have continued to spread radical Islamic ideology, attracting young zealous Arabs who are looking for a cause to fight for.
Joining forces with Islamists and forming new alliances, despite differences in religious ideologies, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds, Iran is beginning to ignite a new battle in the Middle East, which is undermining Western influence in the region.
Spyer says it is this Iranian-Islamist alliance that is the new emerging power which will cause the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to become less prominent in the future. “The emergence of the process I have been speaking about; the efforts of Iran, and the popular Islamic movements...is eroding this conflict, and giving birth to a new conflict. It’s still placing the existence of Israel as a Jewish state into question.”
AL QAEDA
Another problem is the rise of Al Qaeda in the region, especially in Lebanon and Gaza. The goal of Al Qaeda, similar to Iran, is to weaken the influence of Western nations in the Middle East. Al Qaeda will attempt to do this by causing further instability within moderate Arab states, resulting in their governments being more vulnerable to overthrow.
In Gaza, Hamas has cracked down on Salafi jihadist groups linked to Al Qaeda. According to former Deputy Director of the Mossad, Ilan Mizrahi, speaking to journalists in a recent conference call arranged by The Israel Project, Hamas has 100% control over Gaza. “If they see a party that is challenging their authority, they will finish it.”
However, Al Qaeda has successfully weakened Yemen, threatening Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt. “They chose it (Yemen) carefully and cleverly. This is a real strategic threat to the West and to pragmatic Arab states, and strategically towards Israel,” Mizrahi proclaimed.
IRAQ
What about post-Saddam Iraq? As the U.S. pulls out its military forces, will Iraq become dominated by the Shiites of Iran? Mizrahi doesn’t rule out that possibility, but he explains that some Shiites in Iraq align themselves with Iran and some don’t. “”There are those who are against Iranian hegemony over Iraq. You have Shiites who are against Iranian rule. Let’s not forget that in the last Iraqi-Iranian war, the Iraqis proved that their loyalty to the state was more than their loyalty to their religious brothers in Iran.”
ADVANCEMENT OF THE SHIITE CRESCENT
There is an increased danger that the Shiite Crescent will advance if Iran gains a stronger foothold in Iraq. If Hezbollah takes greater control over Lebanon, an Iran-Iraq-Lebanon alliance will strengthen the power of the Shiites. “I think the future of Iraq will have a huge strategic result in the Middle East,” Mizrahi said. He added, “After the U.S. will pull out from Iraq, the image of the U.S. in the Middle East will be weaker.”
Not all of these alliances forming are going to be permanent. Complications have already risen between various Sunni and Shiite movements, characteristically known as the Sunni-Shiite divide. Ideologies within each movement, clash, causing factional splits between members. For example, Hamas is not a Shiite movement, but a Sunni-Moslem movement, originally backed by Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Arab states. Elements within Hamas are hostile to the Shiites and to Iran. According to Spyer, Gaza is maintained as a result of Iranian money, support and guns. “The contradictions in a Sunni Moslem movement finding its backing in a Shiite Islamist state are real.”
CONCERN FOR ISRAEL
How does instability in Arab states, along with the forming of new alliances between Iran and Islamists, affect the nation of Israel?
The Islamists believe that they are winning over Israeli land in stages, especially in the delegitimizing of the Jewish State on an international scale. Whereas Zionists originally had strong aspirations for a Greater Israel, now it seems to these Islamists that Israel may be willing to capitulate to the Palestinians and Arab nations by withdrawing to the pre-1967 borders. According to Spyer, “Islamists believe that it is their efforts that have brought Israel to abandon its ambitions, and will bring it to this limited level of aspirations.”
The ultimate goal of the Iranian-Islamist movement is to be victorious in their struggle with Israel and the West. They think that continued pressure on the Jewish State politically, diplomatically, militarily and within the media, will eventually undermine Israel’s goals on many battlefields. Spyer explains what these Islamists believe: “If Israel’s legitimacy can be questioned in the West, Israel will lose its support. A depleted, lessened, isolated, demoralized Israel will eventually be ripe for defeat in the hands of the Islamists.”
But, Spyer disagrees with this theory, and contends that, inevitably, the Islamists will be defeated. Islam will fail to produce what it promises, and the Islamists will not be able to destroy Israel. He also thinks that Western nations will provide the support needed.
“Israel finds itself not alone in this struggle. It’s between the pro-U.S. dispensation in the region, which Israel is an integral part of -- and a real and determined challenge to that dispensation, led by Iran; consisting of Iran and its allies, and also Islamist movements.”
Today, the internal strength of Western governments to deal, effectively, with this new Iranian-Islamist alliance is being challenged. Arab societies are being tested, especially regarding the cohesiveness within populations to deal with public dissatisfaction over autocratic governments. Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel is being questioned, internationally, distracting nations from dealing with the real issues plaguing the region.
In time, this shift in the regional map, with all its perplexities, will prove that there are definitive signs of a new Middle East emerging.
“Then, the seventh angel sounded: And, there were loud voices in heaven saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Messiah, and He shall reign forever and ever.' "
Revelation 11:15
PRAYER POINTS:
(1) As you pray, agree with David in 1 Chronicles 29:11 about God and His Kingdom rule.
(2) Pray that countries will come into alignment with God's plans. Psalm 20:7-8 (NIV): "Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm."
(3) Pray for kings and rulers of nations according to Psalm 72:11.
(4) Pray, according to Isaiah 19:24-25: "In that day, Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria -- a blessing in the midst of the land; whom the Lord of Hosts shall bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.' "
(5) Proclaim that the Lord's dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His Kingdom is from generation to generation, and agree with Daniel 4:35 regarding the power of the Lord over the nations of this world.
(6) One day God's victory will be seen and nations will come into His peace. Declare Micah 4:1-3.
SIGNS OF A NEW MIDDLE EAST EMERGING
The recent riots in Egypt could spread to more Arab states in the Middle East. These mass protest movements, which started in Tunisia, are based on public frustration with oppressive regimes. The protests are being labeled as pro-democracy uprisings by Western governments. However, the instability in the region could lead to a surge in radical Islam with an attempt by Islamists to gain control over moderate Arab governments. Already, the Moslem Brotherhood in Egypt has mixed with protestors on the streets, increasing the bloodshed and adding to the chaos. The likelihood is that Hosni Mubarak will step down as president of Egypt and possibly be replaced by his new Vice President Omar Suleiman. If a hostile regime takes over the Egyptian government, this could threaten the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty. It would also push the IDF (Israel’s Defense Forces) to the limit in terms of its ability to defend Israel on all fronts.
This article was written January 23, 2011, before the riots in Egypt began, but explains what this means, in terms of a united Iranian-Islamist front that is set to take over regimes in the Middle East as instability continues. Here’s more...
During one week in January, Israel’s government became embroiled in a coalition shake-up; Hezbollah quit the Lebanese government and threatened to take over Lebanon; riots broke out in Tunisia causing its president to flee the country; and Jordanians took to the streets to express their anger over their government’s policies. The beginning of 2011 will be remembered as a time of chaos and change in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is firming up his government rule to deal with the on-going Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During the next several months, he hopes to advance the peace process, thereby thwarting international recognition of an independent Palestinian State within the United Nations Security Council.
Arab leaders in the region are firming up their government rule, with some providing financial relief to the public in the form of food subsidies. They are hoping to keep their populations quiet as they monitor new develops in Lebanon, Tunisia, and Jordan. They wonder if their regimes are next in line to be challenged, threatened by a discontented public that is intent on being freed from oppression.
REGIONAL INSTABILITY
High unemployment; poverty; corruption and fraud within iron-fist ruling parties; a lack of personal freedoms; and limited free speech are causing Arab societies to rise up in protest. It could lead to the break-up of dictatorships in this volatile region. Demonstrations have already caused unrest in Algeria and Yemen and could spread to Egypt, Syria, Libya, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, resulting in an Islamist surge that challenges these current governments.
Radical Islamic states and non-state players are looking for a greater role in the Middle East, and may try to motivate dissatisfied youth to take up arms with a mission and a purpose. They will look to take advantage of unstable repressive Arab regimes, offering young people an opportunity to join jihadist movements.
The question is: How much does the Israeli impasse with the Palestinians play into current regional instability, and what role is Iran performing behind the scenes?
AN IRANIAN-ISLAMIST ALLIANCE
According to Israeli analyst and author Jonathan Spyer, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is on a downward trend, while Iran and Islamists are joining forces, hoping to become a new united regional power. Promoting his new book, “The Transforming Fire – the Rise of the Israel-Islamist Conflict,” Spyer recently talked to a group of political activists at a meeting in Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue , “This Iranian ambition is immediately beset by two problems: The Iranians are not Arabs and they are not Sunni Moslems. And, they wish to assert themselves and become the central hegemonic power in a region consisting largely of Arab-speaking Sunni Moslems.”
Arab governments have privately expressed their distaste for the Persian regime, fearing that a nuclear Iran might threaten their regimes. Meanwhile, the Iranians have used the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to gain popular support on Arab streets. But, that’s changing as interest in the conflict subsides.
The Iranians, observing the current public discontent in the way Arab states are governing, will look to stir up new troubles in order to accomplish their goal of regional hegemony.
Arab leaders have had a difficult time expressing their displeasure, publicly, with Iranian aspirations; but, Iranian leaders have continued to spread radical Islamic ideology, attracting young zealous Arabs who are looking for a cause to fight for.
Joining forces with Islamists and forming new alliances, despite differences in religious ideologies, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds, Iran is beginning to ignite a new battle in the Middle East, which is undermining Western influence in the region.
Spyer says it is this Iranian-Islamist alliance that is the new emerging power which will cause the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to become less prominent in the future. “The emergence of the process I have been speaking about; the efforts of Iran, and the popular Islamic movements...is eroding this conflict, and giving birth to a new conflict. It’s still placing the existence of Israel as a Jewish state into question.”
AL QAEDA
Another problem is the rise of Al Qaeda in the region, especially in Lebanon and Gaza. The goal of Al Qaeda, similar to Iran, is to weaken the influence of Western nations in the Middle East. Al Qaeda will attempt to do this by causing further instability within moderate Arab states, resulting in their governments being more vulnerable to overthrow.
In Gaza, Hamas has cracked down on Salafi jihadist groups linked to Al Qaeda. According to former Deputy Director of the Mossad, Ilan Mizrahi, speaking to journalists in a recent conference call arranged by The Israel Project, Hamas has 100% control over Gaza. “If they see a party that is challenging their authority, they will finish it.”
However, Al Qaeda has successfully weakened Yemen, threatening Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt. “They chose it (Yemen) carefully and cleverly. This is a real strategic threat to the West and to pragmatic Arab states, and strategically towards Israel,” Mizrahi proclaimed.
IRAQ
What about post-Saddam Iraq? As the U.S. pulls out its military forces, will Iraq become dominated by the Shiites of Iran? Mizrahi doesn’t rule out that possibility, but he explains that some Shiites in Iraq align themselves with Iran and some don’t. “”There are those who are against Iranian hegemony over Iraq. You have Shiites who are against Iranian rule. Let’s not forget that in the last Iraqi-Iranian war, the Iraqis proved that their loyalty to the state was more than their loyalty to their religious brothers in Iran.”
ADVANCEMENT OF THE SHIITE CRESCENT
There is an increased danger that the Shiite Crescent will advance if Iran gains a stronger foothold in Iraq. If Hezbollah takes greater control over Lebanon, an Iran-Iraq-Lebanon alliance will strengthen the power of the Shiites. “I think the future of Iraq will have a huge strategic result in the Middle East,” Mizrahi said. He added, “After the U.S. will pull out from Iraq, the image of the U.S. in the Middle East will be weaker.”
Not all of these alliances forming are going to be permanent. Complications have already risen between various Sunni and Shiite movements, characteristically known as the Sunni-Shiite divide. Ideologies within each movement, clash, causing factional splits between members. For example, Hamas is not a Shiite movement, but a Sunni-Moslem movement, originally backed by Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Arab states. Elements within Hamas are hostile to the Shiites and to Iran. According to Spyer, Gaza is maintained as a result of Iranian money, support and guns. “The contradictions in a Sunni Moslem movement finding its backing in a Shiite Islamist state are real.”
CONCERN FOR ISRAEL
How does instability in Arab states, along with the forming of new alliances between Iran and Islamists, affect the nation of Israel?
The Islamists believe that they are winning over Israeli land in stages, especially in the delegitimizing of the Jewish State on an international scale. Whereas Zionists originally had strong aspirations for a Greater Israel, now it seems to these Islamists that Israel may be willing to capitulate to the Palestinians and Arab nations by withdrawing to the pre-1967 borders. According to Spyer, “Islamists believe that it is their efforts that have brought Israel to abandon its ambitions, and will bring it to this limited level of aspirations.”
The ultimate goal of the Iranian-Islamist movement is to be victorious in their struggle with Israel and the West. They think that continued pressure on the Jewish State politically, diplomatically, militarily and within the media, will eventually undermine Israel’s goals on many battlefields. Spyer explains what these Islamists believe: “If Israel’s legitimacy can be questioned in the West, Israel will lose its support. A depleted, lessened, isolated, demoralized Israel will eventually be ripe for defeat in the hands of the Islamists.”
But, Spyer disagrees with this theory, and contends that, inevitably, the Islamists will be defeated. Islam will fail to produce what it promises, and the Islamists will not be able to destroy Israel. He also thinks that Western nations will provide the support needed.
“Israel finds itself not alone in this struggle. It’s between the pro-U.S. dispensation in the region, which Israel is an integral part of -- and a real and determined challenge to that dispensation, led by Iran; consisting of Iran and its allies, and also Islamist movements.”
Today, the internal strength of Western governments to deal, effectively, with this new Iranian-Islamist alliance is being challenged. Arab societies are being tested, especially regarding the cohesiveness within populations to deal with public dissatisfaction over autocratic governments. Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel is being questioned, internationally, distracting nations from dealing with the real issues plaguing the region.
In time, this shift in the regional map, with all its perplexities, will prove that there are definitive signs of a new Middle East emerging.
“Then, the seventh angel sounded: And, there were loud voices in heaven saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Messiah, and He shall reign forever and ever.' "
Revelation 11:15
PRAYER POINTS:
(1) As you pray, agree with David in 1 Chronicles 29:11 about God and His Kingdom rule.
(2) Pray that countries will come into alignment with God's plans. Psalm 20:7-8 (NIV): "Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm."
(3) Pray for kings and rulers of nations according to Psalm 72:11.
(4) Pray, according to Isaiah 19:24-25: "In that day, Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria -- a blessing in the midst of the land; whom the Lord of Hosts shall bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.' "
(5) Proclaim that the Lord's dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His Kingdom is from generation to generation, and agree with Daniel 4:35 regarding the power of the Lord over the nations of this world.
(6) One day God's victory will be seen and nations will come into His peace. Declare Micah 4:1-3.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXXI
Jerusalem, Israel
THE MOUNT CARMEL FIRE
The inferno that raged in Israel’s Mount Carmel’s forest region in December 2010 was the worst fire disaster Israel has experienced since its founding as a modern state. Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Norway, Turkey and Jordan sent firefighters, planes, and fire retardant to Israel to stop the blaze.
The fire was reportedly started by several Druze teenagers in the village of Isifiya who were negligent in putting out a small blaze where they had been smoking. Other blazes were started by arsonists later on. The fire raged out of control because for nearly ten months there was little or no rain in Israel, in addition to six previous years of below average rain fall. The forest was a tinder box ready to explode and the fire leaped from village to mountain top, making it impossible to control for at least four days.
The facts of the fire’s damage are staggering: A bus carrying Israeli prison guards was engulfed in the flames, and only a few made it out alive. A Haifa police commander, who thought one of her colleagues was on the bus, drove to the site, hit a fire wall, and incurred burns over most of her body. She died several days later. A 16 year old boy left school and ran to rescue his friends and died in the fire, as did several fighter fighters and volunteers.
Reports indicate that 44 people died as a result of the fire; 75-100 homes were destroyed; and, 35,000 dunams of trees burned, about a third of the Carmel forest. The cost of repair, including re-forestation, is expected to total billions of shekels. Many Israelis were displaced, and moved into hotels or stayed with friends and relatives. Some citizens are now receiving a small stipend from the government to pay for expenses, hopefully, until they are compensated for damages, and can re-build. Israelis want to re-build quickly and get on with their lives.
Yemin Orde, a youth village, was partially damaged in the fire. Bet Oren, a small kibbutz in the north, was at the epicenter of the fire. At least 15 buildings were destroyed there, including many apartments. In Ein Hod, an artist village nestled among the once beautiful trees of the Carmel region, several homes and book stores were burned to the ground.
Walking through Ein Hod it was obvious to this writer that some residents living there had been influenced by Eastern religions. It appeared that the artists had created idols for sale. One house, in particular, has been completely burned down. Many idols were sitting around the property, which was now only filled with ashes. On other properties, partially damaged by the fire, idols were laying on the ground, cracked and burned.
Many nations came to Israel’s rescue during the fire, even countries that had strained relations with the Jewish State. The general public was humiliated because Israel had to depend on other nations for help. Israeli citizens take pride in Israel being a “first responder” to other countries in times of crisis.
During the Second Lebanon War, Israel incurred damage in the north of the country, due to Hezbollah’s rockets exploding in the forests; and, due to fires started by arsonists. A subsequent report determined that Israel did not have enough equipment or staff to control a major fire. However, nothing was done to upgrade Israel’s fire and rescue services. When the Carmel fire erupted, Israel was understaffed, ill-equipped, and under-financed for such a major disaster. Was the Carmel fire a wake-up call to the Israeli government during peaceful times of what could happen during a future time of war?
PRAYER POINTS:
• Intercede according to Deuteronomy 4:23-36.
• Read Joel 2:30-32, and pray that Israelis would heed the words of the prophet, repent, and call on the name of the Lord.
• Acknowledging Malachi Chapters 3 and 4; 1 Kings 18:19-21; and 1 Kings 18:36-39, entreat the Lord on Israel’s behalf, praying its citizens would cry out to the Lord with one voice, turn from their idols, and seek Him above all. May the Spirit of Elijah prepare the way of the Lord on Mount Carmel and in all of Israel.
• It is Israel’s destiny to be a “light to the nations.” But, until the land is cleansed from iniquity, Israelis will have to lean on those people God provides, to aid and rescue them in their afflictions. As Israel mourns the death of loved ones lost in this devastating fire, pray that the Lord will pour out His Spirit of grace and supplication upon His chosen people. (See Zechariah 12:10).
• Pray according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, that Israelis will humble themselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from evil ways. May the Lord hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land!
THE MOUNT CARMEL FIRE
The inferno that raged in Israel’s Mount Carmel’s forest region in December 2010 was the worst fire disaster Israel has experienced since its founding as a modern state. Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Norway, Turkey and Jordan sent firefighters, planes, and fire retardant to Israel to stop the blaze.
The fire was reportedly started by several Druze teenagers in the village of Isifiya who were negligent in putting out a small blaze where they had been smoking. Other blazes were started by arsonists later on. The fire raged out of control because for nearly ten months there was little or no rain in Israel, in addition to six previous years of below average rain fall. The forest was a tinder box ready to explode and the fire leaped from village to mountain top, making it impossible to control for at least four days.
The facts of the fire’s damage are staggering: A bus carrying Israeli prison guards was engulfed in the flames, and only a few made it out alive. A Haifa police commander, who thought one of her colleagues was on the bus, drove to the site, hit a fire wall, and incurred burns over most of her body. She died several days later. A 16 year old boy left school and ran to rescue his friends and died in the fire, as did several fighter fighters and volunteers.
Reports indicate that 44 people died as a result of the fire; 75-100 homes were destroyed; and, 35,000 dunams of trees burned, about a third of the Carmel forest. The cost of repair, including re-forestation, is expected to total billions of shekels. Many Israelis were displaced, and moved into hotels or stayed with friends and relatives. Some citizens are now receiving a small stipend from the government to pay for expenses, hopefully, until they are compensated for damages, and can re-build. Israelis want to re-build quickly and get on with their lives.
Yemin Orde, a youth village, was partially damaged in the fire. Bet Oren, a small kibbutz in the north, was at the epicenter of the fire. At least 15 buildings were destroyed there, including many apartments. In Ein Hod, an artist village nestled among the once beautiful trees of the Carmel region, several homes and book stores were burned to the ground.
Walking through Ein Hod it was obvious to this writer that some residents living there had been influenced by Eastern religions. It appeared that the artists had created idols for sale. One house, in particular, has been completely burned down. Many idols were sitting around the property, which was now only filled with ashes. On other properties, partially damaged by the fire, idols were laying on the ground, cracked and burned.
Many nations came to Israel’s rescue during the fire, even countries that had strained relations with the Jewish State. The general public was humiliated because Israel had to depend on other nations for help. Israeli citizens take pride in Israel being a “first responder” to other countries in times of crisis.
During the Second Lebanon War, Israel incurred damage in the north of the country, due to Hezbollah’s rockets exploding in the forests; and, due to fires started by arsonists. A subsequent report determined that Israel did not have enough equipment or staff to control a major fire. However, nothing was done to upgrade Israel’s fire and rescue services. When the Carmel fire erupted, Israel was understaffed, ill-equipped, and under-financed for such a major disaster. Was the Carmel fire a wake-up call to the Israeli government during peaceful times of what could happen during a future time of war?
PRAYER POINTS:
• Intercede according to Deuteronomy 4:23-36.
• Read Joel 2:30-32, and pray that Israelis would heed the words of the prophet, repent, and call on the name of the Lord.
• Acknowledging Malachi Chapters 3 and 4; 1 Kings 18:19-21; and 1 Kings 18:36-39, entreat the Lord on Israel’s behalf, praying its citizens would cry out to the Lord with one voice, turn from their idols, and seek Him above all. May the Spirit of Elijah prepare the way of the Lord on Mount Carmel and in all of Israel.
• It is Israel’s destiny to be a “light to the nations.” But, until the land is cleansed from iniquity, Israelis will have to lean on those people God provides, to aid and rescue them in their afflictions. As Israel mourns the death of loved ones lost in this devastating fire, pray that the Lord will pour out His Spirit of grace and supplication upon His chosen people. (See Zechariah 12:10).
• Pray according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, that Israelis will humble themselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from evil ways. May the Lord hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land!
Monday, November 8, 2010
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXX
Jerusalem, Israel
NEW EFFORTS TO EXPLAIN ISRAEL’S VITAL SECURITY INTERESTS
Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have ended. The Palestinians blame Israel for not continuing the settlement moratorium. The Israelis blame the Palestinians for refusing to recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people. Despite U.S. pressure and demanding timetables, 2010 negotiations at the level of indirect proximity talks leading to direct talks, has gained little ground and accomplished almost nothing in moving the peace process forward. Instead, what has been emphasized, to an already skeptical global community, are the wide gaps that remain between Israel and the Palestinians.
THE FEAR OF UNILATERAL MOVES
The current threat, posed by the Palestinians, is the possibility of a unilateral declaration of statehood, which would be internationally recognized through a UN Security Council resolution. Adding to that is the threat of another UN resolution that would declare Jewish settlements illegal in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). This declaration might also extend to Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem. Any such UN resolution would make it impossible for Israel to continue building for natural growth in order to meet the demands of its expanding population.
Israel has initiated a diplomatic campaign, through governmental and non-governmental channels, to educate the international community regarding its vital security needs and the importance of it retaining defensible borders. In this diplomatic campaign is an explanation as to why declaration of Palestinian statehood, without an Israeli-Palestinian agreement, would be a foolish undertaking.
NO MORE CONCESSIONS
Israel cannot provide further concessions to the Palestinians that would threaten the security interests of the Jewish State, and Jerusalem government leaders have now decided to emphasize this point in public statements.
According to Middle East analyst, Dan Dyker, who recently spoke to journalists in a conference call hosted by The Israel Project, Israel has moved from concession based diplomacy to a security based diplomacy model.
“Israel wants to be very clear about where it is going and what it needs,” Dyker stated. In his estimation, anything done by the Palestinians, unilaterally, will destabilize the Middle East, threaten U.S. interests in the region, and create a diplomatic war. He believes that there must be a bilateral agreement and not unilateral actions.
ISRAEL’S JEWISH IDENTITY
While Israeli citizens are willing to accept a nation state of the Palestinian people, sitting on its borders, the Palestinians are not willing to reciprocate. This has been a major point of contention in the peace process.
A critical component of Israel’s security is Palestinian acceptance of Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people. “Israel insists on this recognition today, because it reflects on the self definition of the Jewish people. It is a nation state that reflects on the destiny and the history of the Jewish people...There is no country in the world today that faces an assault on its national legitimacy,” declared Dyker.
Today, the Palestinian narrative, spread globally, undermines Israel’s ability to defend itself. Palestinian leaders, including President Mahmoud Abbas, look to de-legitimize Israel on a daily basis. Dyker said there needs to be a culture of peace where there is reciprocity, mutual respect and recognition. For example, Israeli citizens are concerned that the Palestinian Authority still educates its people in armed resistance, threatening the survival of the Jewish State.
Ideologically, there’s been little change in Palestinian education circles. Palestinian television programs still encourage young children to think about eventually taking over Israel’s major cities. The Palestinian narrative does not encourage a future end to the conflict. According to Dyker, Israel cannot race to finalize borders in a peace agreement if Jewish citizens are going to live next to a population that has indoctrinated its children to support terrorism.
SECRET NEGOTIATIONS REPORTED
Secret diplomatic talks, involving the highest level of U.S. and Israeli leaders, may be undermining Israel’s public relations efforts. Reports indicate that the two countries could be hiding what may already be major concessions on Israel’s part, because of U.S. assurances on paper. The question remains as to whether Netanyahu is currently conceding land for peace, and dividing Jerusalem, because of U.S. pressure, and without the general public knowing about it.
Without referring to these reports, Dyker expressed his disapproval of hidden agendas. “Let’s not fool ourselves in thinking we can negotiate away in secret.”
The Oslo Accords, which were finalized in 1993, were partially negotiated in secret between Israel and the Palestinians. After seven years, the Accords failed to produce lasting peace. Dyker doesn’t want to see another failure in any future peace agreement.
ISRAEL’S INDEPENDENT NEED FOR DEFENSE AND CONTROL
One of the sticking points in peace negotiations has been Israel’s insistence in having its own military presence in certain areas. Referring to the suggestion that Israel accept international forces in the West Bank, or anywhere between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, Dyker said this would not work. “Israel has never asked any foreign country to defend it,” he said.
He gave the example of how UN forces in Lebanon have been unable to control arms flowing from Iran to Syria to Hezbollah. This is occurring despite UN Security Resolution 1701, initiated after the Second Lebanon War in 2006. There are now more than 50,000 new rockets in Hezbollah’s possession, while UN troops live in fear of repercussions if they try to stop the flow of weapons to Hezbollah terrorists.
Speaking about the ineffectiveness of UN forces in Lebanon, Dyker acknowledged, “They don‘t have the political will to turn down forces like Hezbollah. They have to check in with Lebanon before they take action, and they want to stay neutral. There are many caveats that restrict what they can do.”
In this new public relations campaign, Israel is emphasizing what it needs in order to retain national security at the highest level, including defensible borders. One of the factors is the necessity for Israeli unified control of Palestinian air space.
Dyker mentioned that it takes four minutes for a plane to fly from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. “Any enemy aircraft has to be knocked down 9 miles from any major city,” Dyker said. He referred to Israel’s small land space, narrow width, lack of strategic depth, and topological disadvantages. This creates a situation where Islamic extremists with short-range rockets and advanced weapons could stand on a Palestinian hillside and shoot down on Ben Gurion Airport.
Israel needs control over Israeli and Palestinian airspace in order to defend all citizens from an intruding enemy plane. “It would have to be knocked down in an area that wouldn’t hurt citizens in populated areas,” Dyker explained. He added that the Jordan Valley creates a wall to the east. If there is instability in Jordan because of an American pullout from Iraq, or because of an intrusion into the Jordan Valley by a nation at odds with Israel, this area becomes vulnerable, especially to terrorist infiltration. “If they could get to the hilltops, they could easily fire on any Israeli city.”
As Israeli leaders contemplate how to explain Israel’s policies in a clear and concise way to the global public, the Palestinians continue emphasizing what they believe is the current impasse in the peace process. Recently, Palestinian leaders said they will not be able to return to the peace table with the current Israeli government in power. They blame Netanyahu for the impasse, and are looking to the U.S. to initiate a new peace plan, while they also pursue UN recognition of a Palestinian state. Furthermore, they have dismissed talk of temporary solutions or the establishment of a Palestinian state with provisional borders.
In conclusion, while the rhetoric on both sides continues, it remains to be seen whether Israel’s present public diplomacy initiative will work to bring greater understanding and sympathy towards the Jewish State’s essential security requirements, especially in the face of future Palestinian aspirations.
“Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.”
Psalm 35:1
NEW EFFORTS TO EXPLAIN ISRAEL’S VITAL SECURITY INTERESTS
Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have ended. The Palestinians blame Israel for not continuing the settlement moratorium. The Israelis blame the Palestinians for refusing to recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people. Despite U.S. pressure and demanding timetables, 2010 negotiations at the level of indirect proximity talks leading to direct talks, has gained little ground and accomplished almost nothing in moving the peace process forward. Instead, what has been emphasized, to an already skeptical global community, are the wide gaps that remain between Israel and the Palestinians.
THE FEAR OF UNILATERAL MOVES
The current threat, posed by the Palestinians, is the possibility of a unilateral declaration of statehood, which would be internationally recognized through a UN Security Council resolution. Adding to that is the threat of another UN resolution that would declare Jewish settlements illegal in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). This declaration might also extend to Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem. Any such UN resolution would make it impossible for Israel to continue building for natural growth in order to meet the demands of its expanding population.
Israel has initiated a diplomatic campaign, through governmental and non-governmental channels, to educate the international community regarding its vital security needs and the importance of it retaining defensible borders. In this diplomatic campaign is an explanation as to why declaration of Palestinian statehood, without an Israeli-Palestinian agreement, would be a foolish undertaking.
NO MORE CONCESSIONS
Israel cannot provide further concessions to the Palestinians that would threaten the security interests of the Jewish State, and Jerusalem government leaders have now decided to emphasize this point in public statements.
According to Middle East analyst, Dan Dyker, who recently spoke to journalists in a conference call hosted by The Israel Project, Israel has moved from concession based diplomacy to a security based diplomacy model.
“Israel wants to be very clear about where it is going and what it needs,” Dyker stated. In his estimation, anything done by the Palestinians, unilaterally, will destabilize the Middle East, threaten U.S. interests in the region, and create a diplomatic war. He believes that there must be a bilateral agreement and not unilateral actions.
ISRAEL’S JEWISH IDENTITY
While Israeli citizens are willing to accept a nation state of the Palestinian people, sitting on its borders, the Palestinians are not willing to reciprocate. This has been a major point of contention in the peace process.
A critical component of Israel’s security is Palestinian acceptance of Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people. “Israel insists on this recognition today, because it reflects on the self definition of the Jewish people. It is a nation state that reflects on the destiny and the history of the Jewish people...There is no country in the world today that faces an assault on its national legitimacy,” declared Dyker.
Today, the Palestinian narrative, spread globally, undermines Israel’s ability to defend itself. Palestinian leaders, including President Mahmoud Abbas, look to de-legitimize Israel on a daily basis. Dyker said there needs to be a culture of peace where there is reciprocity, mutual respect and recognition. For example, Israeli citizens are concerned that the Palestinian Authority still educates its people in armed resistance, threatening the survival of the Jewish State.
Ideologically, there’s been little change in Palestinian education circles. Palestinian television programs still encourage young children to think about eventually taking over Israel’s major cities. The Palestinian narrative does not encourage a future end to the conflict. According to Dyker, Israel cannot race to finalize borders in a peace agreement if Jewish citizens are going to live next to a population that has indoctrinated its children to support terrorism.
SECRET NEGOTIATIONS REPORTED
Secret diplomatic talks, involving the highest level of U.S. and Israeli leaders, may be undermining Israel’s public relations efforts. Reports indicate that the two countries could be hiding what may already be major concessions on Israel’s part, because of U.S. assurances on paper. The question remains as to whether Netanyahu is currently conceding land for peace, and dividing Jerusalem, because of U.S. pressure, and without the general public knowing about it.
Without referring to these reports, Dyker expressed his disapproval of hidden agendas. “Let’s not fool ourselves in thinking we can negotiate away in secret.”
The Oslo Accords, which were finalized in 1993, were partially negotiated in secret between Israel and the Palestinians. After seven years, the Accords failed to produce lasting peace. Dyker doesn’t want to see another failure in any future peace agreement.
ISRAEL’S INDEPENDENT NEED FOR DEFENSE AND CONTROL
One of the sticking points in peace negotiations has been Israel’s insistence in having its own military presence in certain areas. Referring to the suggestion that Israel accept international forces in the West Bank, or anywhere between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, Dyker said this would not work. “Israel has never asked any foreign country to defend it,” he said.
He gave the example of how UN forces in Lebanon have been unable to control arms flowing from Iran to Syria to Hezbollah. This is occurring despite UN Security Resolution 1701, initiated after the Second Lebanon War in 2006. There are now more than 50,000 new rockets in Hezbollah’s possession, while UN troops live in fear of repercussions if they try to stop the flow of weapons to Hezbollah terrorists.
Speaking about the ineffectiveness of UN forces in Lebanon, Dyker acknowledged, “They don‘t have the political will to turn down forces like Hezbollah. They have to check in with Lebanon before they take action, and they want to stay neutral. There are many caveats that restrict what they can do.”
In this new public relations campaign, Israel is emphasizing what it needs in order to retain national security at the highest level, including defensible borders. One of the factors is the necessity for Israeli unified control of Palestinian air space.
Dyker mentioned that it takes four minutes for a plane to fly from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. “Any enemy aircraft has to be knocked down 9 miles from any major city,” Dyker said. He referred to Israel’s small land space, narrow width, lack of strategic depth, and topological disadvantages. This creates a situation where Islamic extremists with short-range rockets and advanced weapons could stand on a Palestinian hillside and shoot down on Ben Gurion Airport.
Israel needs control over Israeli and Palestinian airspace in order to defend all citizens from an intruding enemy plane. “It would have to be knocked down in an area that wouldn’t hurt citizens in populated areas,” Dyker explained. He added that the Jordan Valley creates a wall to the east. If there is instability in Jordan because of an American pullout from Iraq, or because of an intrusion into the Jordan Valley by a nation at odds with Israel, this area becomes vulnerable, especially to terrorist infiltration. “If they could get to the hilltops, they could easily fire on any Israeli city.”
As Israeli leaders contemplate how to explain Israel’s policies in a clear and concise way to the global public, the Palestinians continue emphasizing what they believe is the current impasse in the peace process. Recently, Palestinian leaders said they will not be able to return to the peace table with the current Israeli government in power. They blame Netanyahu for the impasse, and are looking to the U.S. to initiate a new peace plan, while they also pursue UN recognition of a Palestinian state. Furthermore, they have dismissed talk of temporary solutions or the establishment of a Palestinian state with provisional borders.
In conclusion, while the rhetoric on both sides continues, it remains to be seen whether Israel’s present public diplomacy initiative will work to bring greater understanding and sympathy towards the Jewish State’s essential security requirements, especially in the face of future Palestinian aspirations.
“Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.”
Psalm 35:1
Friday, October 8, 2010
SITUATION ANALYSIS XXIX
Jerusalem, Israel
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CITIZEN OF ISRAEL
“I declare that I will be a loyal citizen of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.” These are the words that candidates for Israeli citizenship will have to declare if the Israeli cabinet approves an amendment, on Sunday, October 10, 2010, to the current Citizenship Law. The words “as a Jewish and democratic state” are an addition to the traditional pledge.
New citizens that are eligible for the army will have to promise to defend the country. All would-be citizens will have to agree to perform any civilian service asked of them.
Some Israeli analysts believe that the bill is pointed at Israeli Arabs. But, considering that a majority of Palestinians want their future state to encompass all of Israel and the territories, the bill is also pointed at them. Any Palestinians that are allowed to live in Israel under a final peace agreement will have to pledge their allegiance to the state of Israel if the amendment is approved.
In a recent cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the State of Israel is “a Jewish state but it is also a democratic state. It is the national state of the Jewish People in the sense that every Jew can come here, from anywhere in the world, and make his home. The Jews have a state of their own,” proclaimed Netanyahu.
Netanyahu also commented that non-Jews live in Israel, and they deserve full equal rights in the Israeli democracy of this Jewish state. “It is a democratic state, in the spirit of our Declaration of Independence. I was born with this understanding about the country. I have written about this. I have defended it in every position I have held over the years. This is deeply ingrained in my soul both as Prime Minister and as a citizen of this country. Therefore, what we are doing expresses the nature and character of the State of Israel. This is what we expect of others and of ourselves. The expectation is also valid for those who seek to join our country – and this is both proper and natural, I would say that anything else would be unnatural and there is a great struggle today to annul and blur Israel's identity as the national state of the Jewish People and say that it does not belong to the Jewish people in a national sense.”
The fact that Netanyahu has had to repeat these words, over and over again, both in peace talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and in meetings with diplomats, indicates a serious deterioration in Israel’s diplomatic relations with the international community. After 62 years of modern statehood, Israel is still defending its right to the Promised Land.
What has not been addressed, publicly, by the Israeli government, is whether new citizens will be obliged to learn and sing Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem. No changes have been addressed, but it is obvious that the anthem is meant, specifically, for Jews returning to Israel from the Diaspora. The national anthem does not address another people group becoming citizens of Israel.
Here are the poetic words of Hatikvah:
“As long as deep in the heart,
The soul of a Jew yearns,
And, forward to the East, to Zion, an eye looks
Our hope will not be lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.”
Zion represents not only God’s beloved city, Jerusalem, but also represents the entire land of Israel to many Jewish people. Palestinians, and most Israeli Arabs, however, believe the land of Israel belongs to them and they do not acknowledge Israel’s biblical claims to the city of Jerusalem and to Zion.
Some Israeli rabbis think that it is from the earth of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem that Adam was created. It was here that Isaac could have been sacrificed by Abraham on Mt. Moriah had the God of Israel not intervened. This is where the Lord chose His Holy Temple to be built according to students of the Old and New Testaments.
Jerusalem is the epicenter that draws Jews and Christians from all over the world to come and worship God, which is a fulfillment of the biblical scriptures.
Zechariah 8:20-22: “Thus says the Lord of Hosts: ‘Peoples shall yet come; inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, and seek the Lord of Hosts. I, myself will go also,” Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.”
For the Jewish people, Jerusalem is not just a capital city. Jerusalem represents the steady existence of a land and people since biblical times. It is a city that encompasses the collective dreams and hopes of the Jewish people. Jerusalem will continue to draw Jewish people back to their homeland to inherit the land that the God of Israel has promised them.
The threat of Jerusalem being divided in a final peace agreement with the Palestinians represents a concern not only for Israelis but for Jews living in the nations who look towards Jerusalem as their holy city.
Declaring that Jerusalem must remain the undivided eternal capital of the Jewish State is important for pro-Israel supporters who are fighting against those seeking to de-legitimize the state of Israel.
Returning to Jerusalem is declared every year by Jews living in the Diaspora who celebrate Passover. Jewish people look at each other after the Passover Seder and say, in Hebrew: “Next year in Jerusalem”.
This brings to the forefront the identity of Israel represented by Jews throughout the world. These words go to the depths of the very heart and soul of a Jew.
Therefore, while the state of Israel attempts to amend the Citizenship Law, it should also consider how it wants to deal with the national anthem, especially in regard to new citizens who are not Jewish. Hatikvah, more than the Citizenship Law, represents the heart of the Jewish people – not only today, but also when the modern state of Israel was established in 1948. It is this Jewish national identity with God’s land of promise -- the Jewish homeland -- that is being contested by the world today.
Psalm 137:6: By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. For, there, those who carried us away captive asked of us a song. And, those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth – If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CITIZEN OF ISRAEL
“I declare that I will be a loyal citizen of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.” These are the words that candidates for Israeli citizenship will have to declare if the Israeli cabinet approves an amendment, on Sunday, October 10, 2010, to the current Citizenship Law. The words “as a Jewish and democratic state” are an addition to the traditional pledge.
New citizens that are eligible for the army will have to promise to defend the country. All would-be citizens will have to agree to perform any civilian service asked of them.
Some Israeli analysts believe that the bill is pointed at Israeli Arabs. But, considering that a majority of Palestinians want their future state to encompass all of Israel and the territories, the bill is also pointed at them. Any Palestinians that are allowed to live in Israel under a final peace agreement will have to pledge their allegiance to the state of Israel if the amendment is approved.
In a recent cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the State of Israel is “a Jewish state but it is also a democratic state. It is the national state of the Jewish People in the sense that every Jew can come here, from anywhere in the world, and make his home. The Jews have a state of their own,” proclaimed Netanyahu.
Netanyahu also commented that non-Jews live in Israel, and they deserve full equal rights in the Israeli democracy of this Jewish state. “It is a democratic state, in the spirit of our Declaration of Independence. I was born with this understanding about the country. I have written about this. I have defended it in every position I have held over the years. This is deeply ingrained in my soul both as Prime Minister and as a citizen of this country. Therefore, what we are doing expresses the nature and character of the State of Israel. This is what we expect of others and of ourselves. The expectation is also valid for those who seek to join our country – and this is both proper and natural, I would say that anything else would be unnatural and there is a great struggle today to annul and blur Israel's identity as the national state of the Jewish People and say that it does not belong to the Jewish people in a national sense.”
The fact that Netanyahu has had to repeat these words, over and over again, both in peace talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and in meetings with diplomats, indicates a serious deterioration in Israel’s diplomatic relations with the international community. After 62 years of modern statehood, Israel is still defending its right to the Promised Land.
What has not been addressed, publicly, by the Israeli government, is whether new citizens will be obliged to learn and sing Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem. No changes have been addressed, but it is obvious that the anthem is meant, specifically, for Jews returning to Israel from the Diaspora. The national anthem does not address another people group becoming citizens of Israel.
Here are the poetic words of Hatikvah:
“As long as deep in the heart,
The soul of a Jew yearns,
And, forward to the East, to Zion, an eye looks
Our hope will not be lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.”
Zion represents not only God’s beloved city, Jerusalem, but also represents the entire land of Israel to many Jewish people. Palestinians, and most Israeli Arabs, however, believe the land of Israel belongs to them and they do not acknowledge Israel’s biblical claims to the city of Jerusalem and to Zion.
Some Israeli rabbis think that it is from the earth of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem that Adam was created. It was here that Isaac could have been sacrificed by Abraham on Mt. Moriah had the God of Israel not intervened. This is where the Lord chose His Holy Temple to be built according to students of the Old and New Testaments.
Jerusalem is the epicenter that draws Jews and Christians from all over the world to come and worship God, which is a fulfillment of the biblical scriptures.
Zechariah 8:20-22: “Thus says the Lord of Hosts: ‘Peoples shall yet come; inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, and seek the Lord of Hosts. I, myself will go also,” Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.”
For the Jewish people, Jerusalem is not just a capital city. Jerusalem represents the steady existence of a land and people since biblical times. It is a city that encompasses the collective dreams and hopes of the Jewish people. Jerusalem will continue to draw Jewish people back to their homeland to inherit the land that the God of Israel has promised them.
The threat of Jerusalem being divided in a final peace agreement with the Palestinians represents a concern not only for Israelis but for Jews living in the nations who look towards Jerusalem as their holy city.
Declaring that Jerusalem must remain the undivided eternal capital of the Jewish State is important for pro-Israel supporters who are fighting against those seeking to de-legitimize the state of Israel.
Returning to Jerusalem is declared every year by Jews living in the Diaspora who celebrate Passover. Jewish people look at each other after the Passover Seder and say, in Hebrew: “Next year in Jerusalem”.
This brings to the forefront the identity of Israel represented by Jews throughout the world. These words go to the depths of the very heart and soul of a Jew.
Therefore, while the state of Israel attempts to amend the Citizenship Law, it should also consider how it wants to deal with the national anthem, especially in regard to new citizens who are not Jewish. Hatikvah, more than the Citizenship Law, represents the heart of the Jewish people – not only today, but also when the modern state of Israel was established in 1948. It is this Jewish national identity with God’s land of promise -- the Jewish homeland -- that is being contested by the world today.
Psalm 137:6: By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. For, there, those who carried us away captive asked of us a song. And, those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth – If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXVIII
Jerusalem, Israel
ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO THE LAND -- Direct Talks with the Palestinians
A second round of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians begin on Tuesday, September 14. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly talked about reaching an “historic compromise” with his “partner for peace”, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. While Netanyahu has kept much of the content of direct talks private, he has publicly insisted that the Palestinians recognize Israel as the State of the Jewish people. He is also demanding that there be an end to the conflict with the signing of a peace accord. Abbas has said that the Palestinians will not agree to any concessions on their part towards Israel. After 17 years at attempted peace-making, most Israelis and Palestinians are skeptical and weary.
Israelis are tired of conceding to the Palestinians with no reciprocation. Israel’s right-wing government ministers are watching closely for signals from Netanyahu, as to whether he is already giving in to Palestinian demands at the beginning of the direct talks, without receiving something in return. In Netanyahu’s recent statements, he has referred to the disputed territory as the West Bank rather than Judea and Samaria, even though, in the past, he has always been careful to refer to the territory by its biblical name. For the first time, ever, Netanyahu has publicly referred to Palestinian “sovereignty” over a future state of the Palestinian people. These are worrying signs for those who do not want to see Israel enter into an agreement that would divide the land and threaten Israel’s security.
Israel’s Biblical Roots
For pro-Israel supporters, what should be of most concern is that the Palestinian narrative has become the acceptable “norm” of U.S. and international interlocutors. They are basing the Palestinian right to the land on historical roots. At the same time, the Israeli government is trying to defend Israel’s right to the land based on historical roots. But, the real root of the issue at hand is Israel’s biblical right to the land, based on promises made by the God of Israel in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The insistence, on the part of the Palestinians, that the Jewish people are occupying Arab land, and ultimately this land must be conquered and ruled by Islam, has not been fully challenged in a public discourse by pro-Israel leaders.
The Jewish State’s failure to present the biblical ties of the Jewish people to the land, as a public demonstration of Jewish sovereignty, is an unfortunate shortcoming of Israel’s present and past governments. This is causing Israel to lose the battle in media and diplomatic circles, as well as at the Middle East bargaining table. It has resulted in greater empathy expressed towards the cause of the Palestinian people by much of the global community.
Meanwhile, Israel has every right to present a biblical case for not dividing the land, through private direct talks, and in statements to the general public. Israeli leaders should also be presenting their case for Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem, based on a multitude of promises mentioned in the Tanach (the Old Testament). In so doing, Israel will spell out a sure foundation for its claim to the land it currently occupies, and for its control over its capital city.
An example of a biblical case for Israel’s sovereignty over the disputed territory begins with a clear demonstration of God’s eternal and everlasting land promises expressed in the Abrahamic Covenant, and mentioned in Genesis 15:18. This scripture points out the exact area that Israel is to inherit. It not only encompasses the current disputed territory, but much more. It provides details that this covenant was established through Abraham and his descendants, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates. This covenant was unconditional and eternal. In Genesis 17:19, the Bible directly refers to this covenant that Abraham’s son Isaac inherits and his descendants after him. The Promised Land covenant is referred to, again, in Genesis 28:3-4, when the Lord is speaking to Jacob, who later becomes Israel (Genesis 32:28). Ishmael and his descendants do not inherit this covenant.
Genesis 17:20-21 explains, just as clearly, the Lord’s blessing upon Ishmael. Ishmael is told that he will be fruitful and multiply exceedingly; that he will produce 12 princes and be a great nation. Today, Arab states in the Middle East region are prospering, confirming this blessing to Ishmael’s seed. But, most of the Arab peoples are not following the God of Abraham and his descendants. Instead, a majority of them are Moslems; worshipping a pagan moon god; and, many have aligned themselves with the violent and radical streams of Islam.
Judea and Samaria – the Mountains of Israel
The mountains of Israel are the heartland of the nation, and this is the land promised to the children of Israel, mentioned in Ezekiel 36:8-11. Jewish people lived in this area, called Judea and Samaria, when Israel was attacked by six Arab Moslem nations in 1948. Jewish communities in the area were destroyed by Arab Forces during Israel’s War of Independence at that time.
In 1967, during the Six Day War, when Israel was attacked, again, by surrounding Arab nations, Israeli forces re-captured Judea and Samaria from the Jordanians. The Jewish communities there were re-built and, today, a few have developed from small settlement towns into flourishing cities such as Ariel and Maale Adumim. Ancient biblical sites are also thriving: Mount Gaash, which supports Ariel; Kiryat Arba, located near Hebron (David’s city); Shiloh; and Bet El (Bethel).
But, the narrative in media reporting today, is that this territory is supposed to be given over to the Palestinians. It is the Palestinians who are expected to establish their own state on biblical land which belongs to the Jewish people. Why aren’t pro-Israel pundits highlighting and emphasizing this contradiction?
The Israeli government, and many of the Israeli people, have now accepted this Palestinian narrative, which has also become ingrained in the minds of politicians and diplomats in the international community. The UN, EU, and Quartet (UN, EU, U.S., and Russia) have established resolutions to help the Palestinians gain international acceptance for their so-called “historical” rights to this land, without Israel’s “biblical and historical” rights being considered.
The only international sympathy towards the Jewish State has been attention given to Israel’s security needs. The nations are pressing Israel into accepting international troops on its borders to accommodate those needs. Israel has refused this offer, stating the inept ability of already established UNIFIL troops in Lebanon that are supposed to be protecting south Lebanese villages from an infiltration of Hezbollah missiles, weapons, and arms depots. UNIFIL has failed to adequately enforce UN Security Resolution 1701, which is undermining Israel’s security on its border with Lebanon.
The Development of a Confederacy
It appears that the United States is making great efforts at forming a comprehensive peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, which would include moderate Arab states. U.S. President Barack Obama, along with his current peace envoy George Mitchell, and American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton all support the division of the Jewish State. They are helping to form a U.S. led coalition, which resembles a confederacy.
Attention given to the Arab Peace Initiative, by the international community, confirms that many nations support Israel’s withdrawal to the 1967 borders, which means releasing all control over Judea and Samaria to Palestinian forces. This would give Israel limited ability to defend its borders. This confederacy that is being established points to Psalm Chapter 83.
Furthermore, it seems that the Palestinians are working towards unilaterally declaring their own state. The Palestinians are already looking to the UN, EU, and the Quartet to internationally recognize their future state. Behind the scenes, they are trying to broker a deal for a UN Security Council resolution which would be introduced sometime in 2011 or 2012.
Today, the nations are trying to de-legitimize Israel. They are condemning the Jewish State, accusing Israel of war crimes. International leaders enter into lies, slander, and falsehoods, to undermine Israel, and threaten its existence. And, the confederacy has developed to such a point that certain nations are blindly rejecting God’s eternal covenant with the Jewish people.
A quote from Jordan’s King Abdullah, in August 2010, confirms this:
“What we are trying to achieve is Israelis and Palestinians moving the process forward, so the Arab Peace Initiative can be activated, and so that Israel’s future is not just to the Jordan River, Lebanon or Sinai. The bigger picture for the Israeli people is Israelis’ integration into the Arab Islamic world; that is the prize.”
That may be the prize for Arab nations, but it is not the prize for Israel based on the biblical scriptures.
Meanwhile, Jordan, which is already sitting on Israeli territory, has not been willing to absorb the Palestinians, or take any responsibility for the establishment of a Palestinian state. As a sign of God’s displeasure, Jordan may soon be confronted by the same forces that are causing instability in Iraq. In the future, Jordan could be trampled down by radical Islamic groups that are interested in using Jordan as a launching pad against Israel. This would threaten Israel’s eastern border. (See Ezekiel 36:5-7).
This is one reason that Israel has insisted, in negotiations with the Palestinians, that the IDF (Israel’s Defense Forces) must have a presence on Israel’s eastern border to protect it from terrorist infiltration into the Jordan Valley. So far, Abbas has refused to consider this Israeli request towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Futility of Unilateral Actions
The Israelis have already made some mistakes when it comes to stewarding God’s land. Past Israeli governments have engaged in two controversial unilateral withdrawals from land. In the year 2000, Israeli forces unilaterally withdrew from Lebanon, abandoning the South Lebanese Army which had been faithful to Israel at the time.
Today, the Iranian-backed radical Shiite group, Hezbollah, has filled the vacuum, and is Israel’s most formidable foe on the Jewish State’s northern border.
In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew IDF forces from the Gaza Strip, uprooting 6-7,000 Israelis from their homes. Today, the Iranian-backed radical Islamic group, Hamas, has filled the vacuum on Israel’s southern border, and has become another enemy of the Jewish State.
Both terror groups refuse to recognize Israel’s existence or the right for Israel to control its capital city, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem government leaders know that if Israel unilaterally withdraws from Judea and Samaria, without a final peace accord established, radical Palestinian forces will fill the vacuum; Hamas will take over the area; and, missiles will be launched against Israel’s major cities. Even if Israel signs a formal accord with the Palestinians, this is a serious threat to Israel’s existence. There’s also a great possibility of civil war developing in Israel if 75-100,000 Israelis are forced to leave their homes in Judea and Samaria and move elsewhere within the state. As a result, there’s the possibility of, not only a future war between Israel and the Palestinians, but an inevitable conflict between Israelis, themselves. The division of the land could result in a great divide between the Israeli people.
Fruitless Efforts at Peacemaking
Meanwhile, Israel has tried peacemaking several times: The Camp David Accords, the Wye River Accords, the Oslo Peace agreement, Oslo II, the Road Map, The Annapolis Process, Proximity Talks, and now Direct Talks with the Palestinians. But, as long as the Jewish people continue to offer concessions on the land that they are commanded to inherit; doing so in defiance of God’s promised eternal and everlasting covenant with them; the more the likelihood that any future peace deal will not bring them peace at all.
The sooner that Israeli leaders realize this; and stop blindly offering biblical land for peace -- the sooner they will receive the peace which God, Himself has intended to establish with them forever.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO THE LAND -- Direct Talks with the Palestinians
A second round of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians begin on Tuesday, September 14. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly talked about reaching an “historic compromise” with his “partner for peace”, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. While Netanyahu has kept much of the content of direct talks private, he has publicly insisted that the Palestinians recognize Israel as the State of the Jewish people. He is also demanding that there be an end to the conflict with the signing of a peace accord. Abbas has said that the Palestinians will not agree to any concessions on their part towards Israel. After 17 years at attempted peace-making, most Israelis and Palestinians are skeptical and weary.
Israelis are tired of conceding to the Palestinians with no reciprocation. Israel’s right-wing government ministers are watching closely for signals from Netanyahu, as to whether he is already giving in to Palestinian demands at the beginning of the direct talks, without receiving something in return. In Netanyahu’s recent statements, he has referred to the disputed territory as the West Bank rather than Judea and Samaria, even though, in the past, he has always been careful to refer to the territory by its biblical name. For the first time, ever, Netanyahu has publicly referred to Palestinian “sovereignty” over a future state of the Palestinian people. These are worrying signs for those who do not want to see Israel enter into an agreement that would divide the land and threaten Israel’s security.
Israel’s Biblical Roots
For pro-Israel supporters, what should be of most concern is that the Palestinian narrative has become the acceptable “norm” of U.S. and international interlocutors. They are basing the Palestinian right to the land on historical roots. At the same time, the Israeli government is trying to defend Israel’s right to the land based on historical roots. But, the real root of the issue at hand is Israel’s biblical right to the land, based on promises made by the God of Israel in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The insistence, on the part of the Palestinians, that the Jewish people are occupying Arab land, and ultimately this land must be conquered and ruled by Islam, has not been fully challenged in a public discourse by pro-Israel leaders.
The Jewish State’s failure to present the biblical ties of the Jewish people to the land, as a public demonstration of Jewish sovereignty, is an unfortunate shortcoming of Israel’s present and past governments. This is causing Israel to lose the battle in media and diplomatic circles, as well as at the Middle East bargaining table. It has resulted in greater empathy expressed towards the cause of the Palestinian people by much of the global community.
Meanwhile, Israel has every right to present a biblical case for not dividing the land, through private direct talks, and in statements to the general public. Israeli leaders should also be presenting their case for Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem, based on a multitude of promises mentioned in the Tanach (the Old Testament). In so doing, Israel will spell out a sure foundation for its claim to the land it currently occupies, and for its control over its capital city.
An example of a biblical case for Israel’s sovereignty over the disputed territory begins with a clear demonstration of God’s eternal and everlasting land promises expressed in the Abrahamic Covenant, and mentioned in Genesis 15:18. This scripture points out the exact area that Israel is to inherit. It not only encompasses the current disputed territory, but much more. It provides details that this covenant was established through Abraham and his descendants, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates. This covenant was unconditional and eternal. In Genesis 17:19, the Bible directly refers to this covenant that Abraham’s son Isaac inherits and his descendants after him. The Promised Land covenant is referred to, again, in Genesis 28:3-4, when the Lord is speaking to Jacob, who later becomes Israel (Genesis 32:28). Ishmael and his descendants do not inherit this covenant.
Genesis 17:20-21 explains, just as clearly, the Lord’s blessing upon Ishmael. Ishmael is told that he will be fruitful and multiply exceedingly; that he will produce 12 princes and be a great nation. Today, Arab states in the Middle East region are prospering, confirming this blessing to Ishmael’s seed. But, most of the Arab peoples are not following the God of Abraham and his descendants. Instead, a majority of them are Moslems; worshipping a pagan moon god; and, many have aligned themselves with the violent and radical streams of Islam.
Judea and Samaria – the Mountains of Israel
The mountains of Israel are the heartland of the nation, and this is the land promised to the children of Israel, mentioned in Ezekiel 36:8-11. Jewish people lived in this area, called Judea and Samaria, when Israel was attacked by six Arab Moslem nations in 1948. Jewish communities in the area were destroyed by Arab Forces during Israel’s War of Independence at that time.
In 1967, during the Six Day War, when Israel was attacked, again, by surrounding Arab nations, Israeli forces re-captured Judea and Samaria from the Jordanians. The Jewish communities there were re-built and, today, a few have developed from small settlement towns into flourishing cities such as Ariel and Maale Adumim. Ancient biblical sites are also thriving: Mount Gaash, which supports Ariel; Kiryat Arba, located near Hebron (David’s city); Shiloh; and Bet El (Bethel).
But, the narrative in media reporting today, is that this territory is supposed to be given over to the Palestinians. It is the Palestinians who are expected to establish their own state on biblical land which belongs to the Jewish people. Why aren’t pro-Israel pundits highlighting and emphasizing this contradiction?
The Israeli government, and many of the Israeli people, have now accepted this Palestinian narrative, which has also become ingrained in the minds of politicians and diplomats in the international community. The UN, EU, and Quartet (UN, EU, U.S., and Russia) have established resolutions to help the Palestinians gain international acceptance for their so-called “historical” rights to this land, without Israel’s “biblical and historical” rights being considered.
The only international sympathy towards the Jewish State has been attention given to Israel’s security needs. The nations are pressing Israel into accepting international troops on its borders to accommodate those needs. Israel has refused this offer, stating the inept ability of already established UNIFIL troops in Lebanon that are supposed to be protecting south Lebanese villages from an infiltration of Hezbollah missiles, weapons, and arms depots. UNIFIL has failed to adequately enforce UN Security Resolution 1701, which is undermining Israel’s security on its border with Lebanon.
The Development of a Confederacy
It appears that the United States is making great efforts at forming a comprehensive peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, which would include moderate Arab states. U.S. President Barack Obama, along with his current peace envoy George Mitchell, and American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton all support the division of the Jewish State. They are helping to form a U.S. led coalition, which resembles a confederacy.
Attention given to the Arab Peace Initiative, by the international community, confirms that many nations support Israel’s withdrawal to the 1967 borders, which means releasing all control over Judea and Samaria to Palestinian forces. This would give Israel limited ability to defend its borders. This confederacy that is being established points to Psalm Chapter 83.
Furthermore, it seems that the Palestinians are working towards unilaterally declaring their own state. The Palestinians are already looking to the UN, EU, and the Quartet to internationally recognize their future state. Behind the scenes, they are trying to broker a deal for a UN Security Council resolution which would be introduced sometime in 2011 or 2012.
Today, the nations are trying to de-legitimize Israel. They are condemning the Jewish State, accusing Israel of war crimes. International leaders enter into lies, slander, and falsehoods, to undermine Israel, and threaten its existence. And, the confederacy has developed to such a point that certain nations are blindly rejecting God’s eternal covenant with the Jewish people.
A quote from Jordan’s King Abdullah, in August 2010, confirms this:
“What we are trying to achieve is Israelis and Palestinians moving the process forward, so the Arab Peace Initiative can be activated, and so that Israel’s future is not just to the Jordan River, Lebanon or Sinai. The bigger picture for the Israeli people is Israelis’ integration into the Arab Islamic world; that is the prize.”
That may be the prize for Arab nations, but it is not the prize for Israel based on the biblical scriptures.
Meanwhile, Jordan, which is already sitting on Israeli territory, has not been willing to absorb the Palestinians, or take any responsibility for the establishment of a Palestinian state. As a sign of God’s displeasure, Jordan may soon be confronted by the same forces that are causing instability in Iraq. In the future, Jordan could be trampled down by radical Islamic groups that are interested in using Jordan as a launching pad against Israel. This would threaten Israel’s eastern border. (See Ezekiel 36:5-7).
This is one reason that Israel has insisted, in negotiations with the Palestinians, that the IDF (Israel’s Defense Forces) must have a presence on Israel’s eastern border to protect it from terrorist infiltration into the Jordan Valley. So far, Abbas has refused to consider this Israeli request towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Futility of Unilateral Actions
The Israelis have already made some mistakes when it comes to stewarding God’s land. Past Israeli governments have engaged in two controversial unilateral withdrawals from land. In the year 2000, Israeli forces unilaterally withdrew from Lebanon, abandoning the South Lebanese Army which had been faithful to Israel at the time.
Today, the Iranian-backed radical Shiite group, Hezbollah, has filled the vacuum, and is Israel’s most formidable foe on the Jewish State’s northern border.
In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew IDF forces from the Gaza Strip, uprooting 6-7,000 Israelis from their homes. Today, the Iranian-backed radical Islamic group, Hamas, has filled the vacuum on Israel’s southern border, and has become another enemy of the Jewish State.
Both terror groups refuse to recognize Israel’s existence or the right for Israel to control its capital city, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem government leaders know that if Israel unilaterally withdraws from Judea and Samaria, without a final peace accord established, radical Palestinian forces will fill the vacuum; Hamas will take over the area; and, missiles will be launched against Israel’s major cities. Even if Israel signs a formal accord with the Palestinians, this is a serious threat to Israel’s existence. There’s also a great possibility of civil war developing in Israel if 75-100,000 Israelis are forced to leave their homes in Judea and Samaria and move elsewhere within the state. As a result, there’s the possibility of, not only a future war between Israel and the Palestinians, but an inevitable conflict between Israelis, themselves. The division of the land could result in a great divide between the Israeli people.
Fruitless Efforts at Peacemaking
Meanwhile, Israel has tried peacemaking several times: The Camp David Accords, the Wye River Accords, the Oslo Peace agreement, Oslo II, the Road Map, The Annapolis Process, Proximity Talks, and now Direct Talks with the Palestinians. But, as long as the Jewish people continue to offer concessions on the land that they are commanded to inherit; doing so in defiance of God’s promised eternal and everlasting covenant with them; the more the likelihood that any future peace deal will not bring them peace at all.
The sooner that Israeli leaders realize this; and stop blindly offering biblical land for peace -- the sooner they will receive the peace which God, Himself has intended to establish with them forever.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Saturday, August 14, 2010
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- XXVII
Jerusalem, Israel
ISRAEL’S NEED FOR DETERRENCE
Since May 2010, Israel has been experiencing an escalation in attacks that have challenged the nation’s deterrence capabilities. A conflict on the Mediterranean Sea developed when a flotilla of ships, sponsored by Turkey, tried to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Then, rockets launched by Hamas in Gaza, hit Israel’s southern towns. That was followed by Grad missiles, launched from the Sinai that landed in Israel and Jordan. These missiles were, reportedly, unleashed by a global jihad group associated with Hamas and radical Egyptian Bedouins.
Clashes on Israel’s Northern Border
Most recently, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) shot and killed an Israeli battalion commander, and seriously wounded another Israeli soldier in a border clash. Israel responded with force and killed three Lebanese soldiers and a journalist.
At the time of the Lebanese attack on Israel, the IDF was cutting down a Cyprus tree in one of the enclaves that exists between the Israeli fence and the demarcated Blue Line that marks the internationally recognized border. For several months, the LAF’s 9th Brigade had been provoking Israel in the enclaves. Lebanese soldiers were cocking and aiming their weapons at Israeli soldiers carrying out routine maintenance work. The LAF’s new Shiite officer, who is known to have close ties to Hezbollah, instigated these provocations, despite the fact that the enclaves are technically on the Israeli side of the border.
The recent shooting by the LAF was a further act of aggression, which directly challenged Israel’s sovereignty over the area. The sniper did not target the soldiers in the enclaves, but hit an officer at an IDF post on the Israeli side of the fence.
These on-going acts of hostility by Israel’s enemies have been a test to see how Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) will react, as the region heats up and gets closer to war. Israel must respond harshly and forcefully against any attack on its sovereignty, in order to deter its enemies from striking again. But, while sending that clear message, Israeli leaders are measuring just how hard to respond in order not to embroil the Jewish State in a full scale regional war at this time.
When the time is right, Israel will have to do something about the continued arms build-up in the north by Hezbollah, and in the south by Hamas, that threatens the survival of the Jewish State. Much of the funding, training, and arming of these two formidable foes comes from Iran. The longer Israel waits, the harder it will be for the Jewish State to defeat its enemies.
The deterioration of Israel’s deterrence capabilities continues, while the balance of power in the Middle East tips towards rogue states and non-state terrorist groups in the region. If Israel doesn’t take action soon, its enemies will.
Hezbollah has increased its political and military control over Lebanon. The terrorist group has become a strong force on the ground -- infiltrating the ranks of the LAF; setting up its own telecommunications system; increasing its intelligence gathering; and executing alleged spies it says have collaborated with Israel. Hezbollah has reportedly been relying on informants and Shiite sympathizers within the LAF to make sure that Hezbollah’s resistance force against Israel remains strong, especially in southern Lebanon.
Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, has been building a recent case against Israel to curry favor with the Lebanese public. His guerilla group faces a possible indictment by an international tribunal in The Hague, which is planning to implicate Hezbollah in the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Concerned that an indictment will hurt Hezbollah’s image in Lebanon, and decrease its political and military influence in the country, Nasrallah wants to pin the assassination blame on Israel. To distract the international community from its problems at home, Hezbollah will continue to try and engage Israel in hostilities on the Lebanese border.
Meanwhile, these border clashes advance Iran and Syria’s interests. Iran wants to distract the international community from its determination to become a nuclear state, so it has used Hezbollah and the LAF to stir up trouble with Israel. Syria has taken advantage of the increased border tensions to reestablish its political presence as the “guardian” of stability in Lebanon. Syria continues to build-up Hezbollah’s missile and weapons arsenal, which gives it greater influence over Lebanon’s military forces, as well.
If Israel faces more skirmishes on its northern border, the IDF will increase its use of armored vehicles and infantry forces to serve as a deterrent to any further action by the LAF or Hezbollah. With less restrictions on the rules of engagement for Israeli soldiers, the risk of war increases.
Middle Eastern Alliances
There is now a strong Iran-Syria-Lebanon-Gaza axis in the Middle East that Turkey is intent on joining. While alliances among Islamic states and radical groups are getting stronger, Western nations are engaging in appeasement policies with Israel’s enemies. In the Middle East, perceived weakness invites further aggression.
When clashes erupt on Israel’s borders, rather than come to Israel’s defense, the international community calls for “mutual restraint”. Global leaders do not fully stand by Israel in the face of these attacks from radical elements. Moreover, the appeasement actions of these global leaders embolden Israel’s enemies. What’s troubling is that Israel’s military deterrence is eroding, while its diplomatic favor within the international community is shrinking, as global leaders refuse to accept Israel’s military responses as acts of self defense.
In the past, the only thing that has kept Israel’s enemies at bay has been the IDF’s controversial use of “disproportionate force.” This very act of deterrence, to keep Israel’s enemies from attacking again, has resulted in a global uproar against the Jewish State. Nevertheless, Israel must continue to defend its citizens, even in the midst of world condemnation.
Meanwhile, Western nations do not seem to discern a targeted and successful Islamic-led diplomatic campaign, intent on delegitimizing Israel in international forums, which has resulted in undermining Israel’s security and threatening its survival.
Unilateral Withdrawals
Not only are Israeli leaders facing an upward battle militarily and diplomatically, but the peace process has become another obstacle in the nation’s future ability to defend itself. Politically, while it appears that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been the one to try and engage the resistant and stubborn Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in direct peace talks, it is Abbas that has really had the upper hand. Despite enormous world pressure on Abbas to begin negotiating directly with Netanyahu, he is waiting until his demands are met...i.e., more concessions from Israel.
Former Prime Minister and current Defense Minister Ehud Barak is not only Israel’s most decorated military general; he is also a statesman who has negotiated with the Palestinians in times past. He was recently quoted as saying Israel will need to take unilateral action in the future in regard to the peace process.
In May 2000, Barak ordered the IDF to unilaterally withdraw from southern Lebanon. Hezbollah filled the vacuum. This eventually led to a war between Israel and Hezbollah in the summer of 2006.
In August 2005, former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered the unilateral withdrawal of IDF forces, and the removal of settlers from their homes in Gaza. Hamas filled the vacuum. This eventually led to a war between Israel and Hamas in the winter of 2008-2009.
To-date, it is the IDF more than Palestinian forces that has kept Hamas from taking control of West Bank cities. Any Israeli unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), to appease the Palestinians and Arab nations, will bring about a continual erosion of Israel’s deterrence capabilities. Instead of missiles being launched from Gaza into Israel’s southern towns, Hamas will be able to launch missiles from the West Bank and hit Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. This is what Israel can expect if it concedes to the Palestinians and decides to unilaterally withdraw its forces and citizens from land, without a formal peace agreement that ends the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Future Expectations
Each time there is a renewal of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, the result is terror and warfare against the Jewish State. One reason for this is because Iran and its proxies do not want peace in the Middle East. But, it is the goal of U.S. President Barak Obama to see quiet on the streets in order to form a strong coalition of Arab and European nations to take future action against Iran’s nuclear program.
Yet, Obama, like other former U.S. presidents, does not understand that peace cannot be forced on Israeli and Palestinian leaders, especially when the gaps are too wide. Therefore, his attempt at pushing a timetable and trying to pressure both parties into a final status agreement has, so far, been fruitless.
Meanwhile, U.S. leaders have admitted that if sanctions against Iran don’t work, America has a contingency plan to attack Iran in order to stop its nuclear program. Iran says it will retaliate by disrupting oil shipments in the Persian Gulf, and will use strong force against American military bases in the Gulf region. Iranian leaders have also stated that Iran will retaliate by hitting Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities.
While Israel’s borders are heating up, and a regional war seems inevitable, there is also the risk of a world war, if Iran does not back down from its intent on developing nuclear bombs and weapons.
If Western nations will recognize Israel’s need to respond forcefully when confronted by Iran’s proxies in the Middle East, these nations will be more prepared to face Iran’s direct actions. A strong Israel could be helpful to a U.S. led coalition of Arab and European states. Demonstrating power in the face of a formidable foe could be what’s needed to stop Iran before it’s too late.
“Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace; and, do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; and, those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people; and, consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’ For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You.” Psalm 83:1-5
ISRAEL’S NEED FOR DETERRENCE
Since May 2010, Israel has been experiencing an escalation in attacks that have challenged the nation’s deterrence capabilities. A conflict on the Mediterranean Sea developed when a flotilla of ships, sponsored by Turkey, tried to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Then, rockets launched by Hamas in Gaza, hit Israel’s southern towns. That was followed by Grad missiles, launched from the Sinai that landed in Israel and Jordan. These missiles were, reportedly, unleashed by a global jihad group associated with Hamas and radical Egyptian Bedouins.
Clashes on Israel’s Northern Border
Most recently, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) shot and killed an Israeli battalion commander, and seriously wounded another Israeli soldier in a border clash. Israel responded with force and killed three Lebanese soldiers and a journalist.
At the time of the Lebanese attack on Israel, the IDF was cutting down a Cyprus tree in one of the enclaves that exists between the Israeli fence and the demarcated Blue Line that marks the internationally recognized border. For several months, the LAF’s 9th Brigade had been provoking Israel in the enclaves. Lebanese soldiers were cocking and aiming their weapons at Israeli soldiers carrying out routine maintenance work. The LAF’s new Shiite officer, who is known to have close ties to Hezbollah, instigated these provocations, despite the fact that the enclaves are technically on the Israeli side of the border.
The recent shooting by the LAF was a further act of aggression, which directly challenged Israel’s sovereignty over the area. The sniper did not target the soldiers in the enclaves, but hit an officer at an IDF post on the Israeli side of the fence.
These on-going acts of hostility by Israel’s enemies have been a test to see how Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) will react, as the region heats up and gets closer to war. Israel must respond harshly and forcefully against any attack on its sovereignty, in order to deter its enemies from striking again. But, while sending that clear message, Israeli leaders are measuring just how hard to respond in order not to embroil the Jewish State in a full scale regional war at this time.
When the time is right, Israel will have to do something about the continued arms build-up in the north by Hezbollah, and in the south by Hamas, that threatens the survival of the Jewish State. Much of the funding, training, and arming of these two formidable foes comes from Iran. The longer Israel waits, the harder it will be for the Jewish State to defeat its enemies.
The deterioration of Israel’s deterrence capabilities continues, while the balance of power in the Middle East tips towards rogue states and non-state terrorist groups in the region. If Israel doesn’t take action soon, its enemies will.
Hezbollah has increased its political and military control over Lebanon. The terrorist group has become a strong force on the ground -- infiltrating the ranks of the LAF; setting up its own telecommunications system; increasing its intelligence gathering; and executing alleged spies it says have collaborated with Israel. Hezbollah has reportedly been relying on informants and Shiite sympathizers within the LAF to make sure that Hezbollah’s resistance force against Israel remains strong, especially in southern Lebanon.
Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, has been building a recent case against Israel to curry favor with the Lebanese public. His guerilla group faces a possible indictment by an international tribunal in The Hague, which is planning to implicate Hezbollah in the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Concerned that an indictment will hurt Hezbollah’s image in Lebanon, and decrease its political and military influence in the country, Nasrallah wants to pin the assassination blame on Israel. To distract the international community from its problems at home, Hezbollah will continue to try and engage Israel in hostilities on the Lebanese border.
Meanwhile, these border clashes advance Iran and Syria’s interests. Iran wants to distract the international community from its determination to become a nuclear state, so it has used Hezbollah and the LAF to stir up trouble with Israel. Syria has taken advantage of the increased border tensions to reestablish its political presence as the “guardian” of stability in Lebanon. Syria continues to build-up Hezbollah’s missile and weapons arsenal, which gives it greater influence over Lebanon’s military forces, as well.
If Israel faces more skirmishes on its northern border, the IDF will increase its use of armored vehicles and infantry forces to serve as a deterrent to any further action by the LAF or Hezbollah. With less restrictions on the rules of engagement for Israeli soldiers, the risk of war increases.
Middle Eastern Alliances
There is now a strong Iran-Syria-Lebanon-Gaza axis in the Middle East that Turkey is intent on joining. While alliances among Islamic states and radical groups are getting stronger, Western nations are engaging in appeasement policies with Israel’s enemies. In the Middle East, perceived weakness invites further aggression.
When clashes erupt on Israel’s borders, rather than come to Israel’s defense, the international community calls for “mutual restraint”. Global leaders do not fully stand by Israel in the face of these attacks from radical elements. Moreover, the appeasement actions of these global leaders embolden Israel’s enemies. What’s troubling is that Israel’s military deterrence is eroding, while its diplomatic favor within the international community is shrinking, as global leaders refuse to accept Israel’s military responses as acts of self defense.
In the past, the only thing that has kept Israel’s enemies at bay has been the IDF’s controversial use of “disproportionate force.” This very act of deterrence, to keep Israel’s enemies from attacking again, has resulted in a global uproar against the Jewish State. Nevertheless, Israel must continue to defend its citizens, even in the midst of world condemnation.
Meanwhile, Western nations do not seem to discern a targeted and successful Islamic-led diplomatic campaign, intent on delegitimizing Israel in international forums, which has resulted in undermining Israel’s security and threatening its survival.
Unilateral Withdrawals
Not only are Israeli leaders facing an upward battle militarily and diplomatically, but the peace process has become another obstacle in the nation’s future ability to defend itself. Politically, while it appears that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been the one to try and engage the resistant and stubborn Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in direct peace talks, it is Abbas that has really had the upper hand. Despite enormous world pressure on Abbas to begin negotiating directly with Netanyahu, he is waiting until his demands are met...i.e., more concessions from Israel.
Former Prime Minister and current Defense Minister Ehud Barak is not only Israel’s most decorated military general; he is also a statesman who has negotiated with the Palestinians in times past. He was recently quoted as saying Israel will need to take unilateral action in the future in regard to the peace process.
In May 2000, Barak ordered the IDF to unilaterally withdraw from southern Lebanon. Hezbollah filled the vacuum. This eventually led to a war between Israel and Hezbollah in the summer of 2006.
In August 2005, former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered the unilateral withdrawal of IDF forces, and the removal of settlers from their homes in Gaza. Hamas filled the vacuum. This eventually led to a war between Israel and Hamas in the winter of 2008-2009.
To-date, it is the IDF more than Palestinian forces that has kept Hamas from taking control of West Bank cities. Any Israeli unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), to appease the Palestinians and Arab nations, will bring about a continual erosion of Israel’s deterrence capabilities. Instead of missiles being launched from Gaza into Israel’s southern towns, Hamas will be able to launch missiles from the West Bank and hit Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. This is what Israel can expect if it concedes to the Palestinians and decides to unilaterally withdraw its forces and citizens from land, without a formal peace agreement that ends the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Future Expectations
Each time there is a renewal of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, the result is terror and warfare against the Jewish State. One reason for this is because Iran and its proxies do not want peace in the Middle East. But, it is the goal of U.S. President Barak Obama to see quiet on the streets in order to form a strong coalition of Arab and European nations to take future action against Iran’s nuclear program.
Yet, Obama, like other former U.S. presidents, does not understand that peace cannot be forced on Israeli and Palestinian leaders, especially when the gaps are too wide. Therefore, his attempt at pushing a timetable and trying to pressure both parties into a final status agreement has, so far, been fruitless.
Meanwhile, U.S. leaders have admitted that if sanctions against Iran don’t work, America has a contingency plan to attack Iran in order to stop its nuclear program. Iran says it will retaliate by disrupting oil shipments in the Persian Gulf, and will use strong force against American military bases in the Gulf region. Iranian leaders have also stated that Iran will retaliate by hitting Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities.
While Israel’s borders are heating up, and a regional war seems inevitable, there is also the risk of a world war, if Iran does not back down from its intent on developing nuclear bombs and weapons.
If Western nations will recognize Israel’s need to respond forcefully when confronted by Iran’s proxies in the Middle East, these nations will be more prepared to face Iran’s direct actions. A strong Israel could be helpful to a U.S. led coalition of Arab and European states. Demonstrating power in the face of a formidable foe could be what’s needed to stop Iran before it’s too late.
“Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace; and, do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; and, those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people; and, consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’ For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You.” Psalm 83:1-5
SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 242
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