Just before French President Nicolas Sarkozy came to Jerusalem last Sunday, he reportedly told an Israeli news outlet France would do “everything” to keep Iran from becoming a nuclear armed power.
“Those who outrageously call for Israel’s destruction,” he emphatically told Ynetnews, “will be confronted by France and will be blocked.”
Sarkozy’s expressed sentiments were not unique among Western leaders.
Intentionally or not, he was echoing the adamant commitment voiced by Hillary Clinton on April 22, when she was still running against Barack Obama for the Democrat’s presidential nomination.
If she was made president of the United States, and Tehran attacked Israel during her term in office, she would unleash an extremely painful retaliatory strike against Iran, she said.
“I would make it clear to the Iranians that an attack on Israel would incur massive retaliation from the United States. … In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them.”
For his part, Obama told the audience gathered for the AIPAC Convention in Washington DC last month that “those who threaten Israel threaten us.”
And outgoing US President George W. Bush has similarly sought to reassure Israelis with pledges of readiness to come to their defense.
Last January, just before making his first presidential visit to Israel, he declared:
If Iran were to strike Israel, “we will defend our ally. No ands, ifs or buts.”
This is all very heart warming; very kind; very thoughtful, very encouraging, very supportive.
It is all very everything but meaningful.
Obviously these are promises politicians in the west think Israelis want to hear. But are they? And even if Israelis are encouraged by such assurances, what is the real motive behind the giving of them?
The realities on the ground make such pledges worthless. Dangerous, actually.
The facts are cold, hard and frightening:
1: Israel is really small: Its length from north to south is 260 miles. From east to west it runs just 60 miles at its widest point; three miles at its narrowest (across the Hula Valley to the foot of the Golan Heights). Israel could comfortably fit inside the United States 768 times.
2: Seventy-five percent of Israel’s 7.2 million citizens live and work in a tiny strip of this tiny land. Just 65 miles long - from Tel Aviv-Jaffa in the south to Haifa in the north - and between 25 and nine miles wide, the Coastal Plain is also home to as much as 80 percent of Israel’s industry base.
3. Missile flight time from Iran and Syria is just 10 minutes (for a Shihab-3 missile fired from western Iran) and one minute (for a SCUD from Syria). While Tehran is still apparently seeking to acquire its first nuclear warhead (though there are reports it may already have gotten hold of one or two) both it and Damascus are known to already have weaponized chemical and biological agents as well as the means to deliver them to Israel’s coastal plain.
4. Israel’s anti-missile defense system is being improved all the time, and has successfully taken out single rocket targets in simulated attacks. Its ability to neutralize even 25 percent of a missile blizzard on Israel is unknown.
5. The MAD (mutually assured destruction) doctrine of military strategy that kept the Cold War from turning hot is seriously compromised –irrelevant - when the aggressor state glories in the prospect of dying in the act of killing the Infidel.
What this all boils down to can be stated in just a line or two:
If Iran and/or Syria get in a first strike, launching a barrage of WMDs at Israel’s Mediterranean Coast, we will have a war that will not last six weeks or even six days. It will be over in hours.
And if enough non-conventional warheads - and it won’t have to be all that many - make it through to detonate over Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Netanya, Hadera, Karmiel and Haifa - the State of Israel will, for all intents and purposes, be no more.
What, then, Messrs Sarkozy, Clinton, Obama, Bush et al, would be the purpose of a retaliatory strike on Iran? Why do you keep making these grand sounding, but empty promises?
We know the answer. Sarkozy spelled it out in the very same interview.
“Everyone (sic) knows that any durable solution involves the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state. France encourages both sides to firmly continue the negotiations and move forward towards a permanent agreement before the end of 2008.”
To facilitate this, Israel “must freeze the constructions in the settlements in the territories (sic), which are the main obstacle towards peace with the Palestinians (sic),” he said.
What then? In the face of an increasingly hostile and positively bristling Middle East, and while incessantly bled by terrorism from without and within, Israel must agree to “take risks for peace,” surrendering virtually half of its miniscule country - not to mention the very cradle of its nationhood, and so rendering itself smaller and even more vulnerable than ever?
Not to worry: The “great powers” have sworn to defend Israel.
Similar reassurances were doubtless given to the Czechoslovakian people by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and French Premier Édouard Daladier after they signed the Munich Dictate permitting Hitler to take over the Sudetenland. Back then it was the Czechs who were depending on France, with whom they had an alliance, to politically and militarily assist them.
So much for French promises, and for British and American ones too.
For the sake of the “common good†of the international community they are ready to gamble with the very existence of the Jewish state and the Jewish nation.
May it fall back on their own heads.
But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord;
In You I take refuge;
Do not leave my soul destitute.
Keep me from the snares they have laid for me,
And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.
Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
(Psalm 141:8-10)
In this post, we have the very affirmation of the circumstances surrounding Israel. With the questionable support of America being the last true possible ally of Israel, it can be understood that when the next (final intifada?) is unleashed, America will either be washed over or in some other way neutralized in a dismal failure to protect Israel. France’s position in this will be no different.
Scripturally speaking, Israel will be stripped of every protection except that of her LORD. While it may be speculated that the decimation of the attacking forces in Jezreel is symptomatic of a nuclear exchange, the energy of such proportions expended can only come from the LORD, and it is Him in reality that will bring such things to pass to accomplish His will for Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for when it finally arrives, it will be invested in the eternal light of Israel’s Savior as He ascends the throne in His Holy power.
Israel is about to be weaned away from her Baal Master in the west whom she has put above God ,chasing after a false peace which only brings great catastrophe.
After God has spoken explicitly to Israel to make no peace agreements with His enemies ,He is ignored and someone else is elevated to His place and his every command is religiously obeyed.
This wickedness will bring painful consequences to Israel.
Just as God raised up King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to get His people’s attention so too has He raised up iran and her allies so that Israel would return to Him to seek Him alone for their help and salvation.
That has not yet happened ,but it will.
When the stumbling block America is removed Israel will find it less difficult to give the Holy One of Israel their undivided attention.
This coming war will not go as planned but it will go according to God’s word which is not good for Israel or America to whom she has played the whore for too long.
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.Jeremiah 17:5
Israel can only trust in the God of Israel and in Israel itself.
Great article, Stan! Well said, and, sadly, truthful.
Slow response again. But I thought this was an excellent analysis.
It’s a horrifying possible scenario you’ve painted here, Stan. So it seems that all these empty promises are designed to lull Israel into a false sense of security, so that out of gratitude to all these “friends” she will allow herself to be dismembered?
And what are Sarkozy, and the others, getting out of it? Legacies? Nobel prizes? A toning down of the Islamic heat directed at their countries? All I can say to them is: Dream on.
Because the Scriptures tell me that: He Who sits in the Heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall have them in derision.
The Holy One of Israel has committed Himself to fight for His people.
“It is all very everything but meaningful.” So well put, Stan.
One has to wonder…the kings of the earth all seem to have the same thing in common. An obssession with Israel. Why can’t they just mind their own business and leave Israel alone? But no. They are compelled to focus on this tiny scrap of land. The plans of their hearts are all the same - to divide the land - yet they open their mouths and words of appeasment come tumbling out! You have to wonder if they ever shake their heads in amazement and wonder why they do the things they do, and say the things they say, in relation to Israel. None of it makes any sense - until you read the Word. Isreal is like the flame of a candle which the moths are irresistably drawn to. We are watching the God of Israel “make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.” (Zech.12:2-3) They are being lured closer and closer to the flame. Soon all who try to move this rock will find themselves face to face with the wrath of Almighty God. “[It indeed will] fall back on their own heads”!
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126616
That wasn’t much of a cease fire for all the hoopla. All the terrorists did was send a buncha stuff out the week before, knowing they would be resupplied shortly.
Yeah, I think you hit the nail right on the head Stan. If Iran stikes once there wouldn’t be much reason to strike a second.
Have you noticed an unusual amount of these terrorists blowing themselves up lately, or was I just not paying attention in years prior ?
Stan, you are truly a Watchman on the Wall. God bless your Courage, and your Jerusalem Newswire platform from which you sound the alarm from Zion.
Stan,
U.N. Security Council members Russia and China aren’e going along with
tougher sanctions against Iran and so President Bush has called for tougher sanctions among western allies.
Watch for a U.S. Naval Blockade against Iran soon and for it to go unexpecredly and horribly wrong.
Not to worry—God is watching. No one touches the apple of His eye. NO_ONE.
HOLD FAST.
The bible clearly says an anti-christ will take the Holy Hill for seven years, this is just about ready to happen, the anti-christ will be “deceptive with his promises” luring all religions to be part of it.
This story was just reported on the news today June 27, 2008,
“A number of Arab states quietly have sent intelligence agents to infiltrate the Temple Mount to determine how they can obtain more influence over Judaism’s holiest site. It’s possible in the coming two years a deal will be made that transfers the Temple Mount out from Israeli hands,” said a security source. “The Arab countries are vying for influence, since they think controlling the site means big prestige in the Muslim world”
We all have to not worry because: “G-d†has sworn to defend Israel. Hallelujah!
Even so come quickly Lord jesus Amen Rev.22:20
Marcel said,”Watch for a U.S. Naval Blockade against Iran soon and for it to go unexpectedly and horribly wrong”
This was in our news yesterday, ACLU threatens to take legal action against Academy - Jun 26, 2008
By Josh Mitchell | Sun reporter A national civil liberties group is renewing a push to end mealtime prayer at the US Naval Academy, if the Navel Academy lets pray be taken away, we can expect things to go horribly wrong, no one can treat God like that and get away with it!
We could wake up any morning in the next year to see on the news the destruction of Irans nuclear and military facilities by Israel, America and UK crippled by the fuel prices and escalating taxes with an unruly public will be unable to protect Israel but simply and weakly agree with the attack due to the threats and constant attacks Israel is witnessing now.
Irans still functioning government along with Russias President will proclaim to the world the huge casualties both countries will suffer along with an amount of North Korean scientists, however china will quieten N Korea rather sharpishly.
Iran and Russia will claim they may legally attack Israel, as an act of war by Israel has occurred. USA and UK and rest of the west can do nothing the oil has been off for over 3 weeks and both countries are entering a period of Martial law.
An attack on Israel is imminent …….The EU gains its full strength overnight an EU president is hastily put in place, you all know who he is. He announces ” The Islamic countries have proven that they can not live in peace and harmony with their peaceful neighbours or cousins in the West, As the European Union gathers in strength to bring peace to the world the Muslim world continues its legacy of destruction and hate. It leaves the European Union no other peaceful option and must match aggression with aggression therefore the combined military might of our 27 member states are being unleashed upon the most dangerous Islamic countries. Iran will be the first to fall.
The Russian army situated in the middle east is destroyed along with Iran, certain African countries will be targeted and N Korea given a stern warning not to get involved by China, Japan begins conscription for its new army. Russia quickly rescinds and promises no further attacks or military build up against anyone anywhere.
Surviving Middle Eastern countries (the large oil producing ones of course) also promises no further attacks on Israel. An official agreement is arranged to ensure Israels safety……..for 7 years
Patty Ann Smith mentioned the 7 years
This isnt mine i am not that clever……………….“O son of man,
I have set thee a watchman….†Ezekiel 33:7
Here are some prophetic things to consider:
Da 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (7 yrs or 2520 days) and in the midst of the week (1260 days) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Da 12:7-11 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; (3 1/2 yrs or 1260 days) and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
So we have 1260 days in the first half and an extension of 30 days to the second half of 1260 days. (1260 + 1260 +30 = 2,550 days) Did you know it just so happens from the Feast of Trumpets 2008 to Yom Kippur 2015 is exactly 2,550 days?
Eze 4:5 For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. (So the total was 390 years in equivalency.)
Le 26:14-19 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:
So we see we need to take 390yrs x 7 = 2,730 years. Israel was taken into captivity in 722BC or BCE 722bc + 2,730yrs = 2008AD or CE 2730 - 722 = 2008AD or CE
All of this which is happening to Israel is so extremely difficult for those who love Israel to witness. Yet we know what prophecy has declared. There is no stopping it. All we can do is PRAY HARD for Israel.
America is already suffering the consequences of attempting to divide Israeli’s land. The worst is yet to come.
Israel will live FOREVER! AMEN!
Gday Joni
……………..Is America suffering for attempting to divide Israel or for attempting to kick God out of America [starting in the early 60,s] Or both?
Drew, I believe one lead to the other. America has rejected God, turned from His ways, and no longer cares about what HIS WORD has to say about anything! Including Israel! We are now seeing the results of what happens when a nation pushes God out. America is on the verge of a total economic collapse. From September on, things will really begin to turn ugly for America, as well as the entire world. Americans are used to their comforts, their luxuries, their vacations, etc. All of that is about to come to a sudden halt as the dollar collapses, food prices soar, thousands have already lost jobs, homes, and cars. The horrific weather combined, including earthquakes, tells me that all of what is transpiring is of no coincidence. We are seeing the effects of what happens when a nation who was so richly blessed, turns away from the One who poured out those blessings.
The Lord God has a covenant with only ONE nation. ISRAEL. Israel will live forever! America? She must be crippled or removed, as we read in His Word that she is not the superpower during the last years before the Second coming. Europe is. I believe this is the beginning of America’s decline… and fall.
Good post; substantive comments. To those who are animated by the subject matter (Christian Futurist, Christian Preterist, Jewish secularist, Torah-observant, diaspora-left- leaning, ha aretz -loving, etc, etc, etc), may I ask some basic questions? What does one do with such passages as Zech. 12-14 and Ezek. 36-39? Does one allegorize, or does one take literally? The world is snake-bit. Reason and logic are not going to win the day. Devine intervention is needed. It certainly is getting interesting, isn’t it?
long live the ideas of Joshua! this is the only way the children of abraham are
going to have peace. Your God which we gentile have adopted and we are enjoying
the blessings of his chosen people of course as long as we obey his commandments
But look at the U.S. the west cost is on fire the middle states needs noah ark the east cost state have massive lay offs and factory closings . not to mention the military problems .
we as a nation the U.S. need to turn to GOD as the nation of israel in the times
of old to avoid all this trouble. But as israel degenerated so will we.
May it fall back on their own heads, indeed! Another post that reminds me of that yet to be fulfilled prophecy spoken of in Isaiah 17:1. Any day now…