Members of the Quartet (EU, US, UN, Russia) have agreed to hold a summit in November to review progress made since the Annapolis peace conference at the end of last year. Israeli and Palestinian leaders committed themselves at that meeting to work towards the establishment of a Palestinian state by the end of 2008. So far progress has been slow, with the Palestinian negotiating teams rejecting several Israeli proposals on the borders of a Palestinian state, and Israel pressing ahead with construction work in east Jerusalem. There have been several international gatherings since Annapolis to further the establishment of a Palestinian state. World powers gathered in Paris in December of last year to pledge money towards the funding the project, there was an economic investment conference in London in May, and there was a conference in Berlin last Tuesday to discuss the strengthening of Palestinian institutions and security bodies. Russia has long sought to increase its influence in the Middle East by getting involved in the peace process, and it looks like they have finally gotten their way. The follow up summit to the Annapolis peace conference is to be held in Moscow.

Quote: "The Quartet of Middle East peacemakers decided this week pursue the organization of a regional conference in Moscow in November. The Quartet - comprised of Russia, the United States, the UN and the European Union - reached the decision at a conference in Berlin on Tuesday meant to raise money for the Palestinian Authority. A Jerusalem source said Wednesday that the conference is to provide the stage either for the signing of an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement or, in a much more likely scenario, a joint statement on the course of negotiations planned for 2009.

It will be interesting to see what emerges from this Russian peace summit. The prophecy of Ezekiel seems to indicate that the nation of Russia (Ezekiel 38:2), or at least former Soviet satellite states, will be drawn into a full-scale war with the nation of Israel. It is easy to see how this could come about in the not too distant future. As we have seen recently, Israel is making preparations for a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Russia stands to lose much from such a strike, having constructed Iran's Bushehr nuclear facility, provided them with anti-aircraft missiles to protect it, and recently entered into a massive billion dollar defence contract with the nation. If Iran gets hit, Russia could lose a lot of money. The Bible states that during a time of relative peace, the surrounding Arab nations will mount a surprise attack on the Jewish state. It seems that at first, Gog will move his forces to protect the Arab nations coming against Israel (Ezekiel 38:7). But as the Arab attack ensues, an evil thought enters into Gog's mind. Instead of acting to protect the Arab armies, he moves his armies against Israel to take a spoil for himself (Ezekiel 38:10-12). Perhaps the evil thought could be retribution for Iran, or more likely the idea of expanding his empire throughout the Middle East. 

The Bible predicted these things would happen, over 2500 years ago. The Bible also predicted that this same Jesus, Who was crucified on a cross, laid in a garden tomb and raised again from the dead, would come back one day. Not as a suffering Servant, although He was that. But as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Do you know the Saviour? Have your sins been forgiven by the Man of Calvary? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Isaiah 52:13-15
Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

Source Haaretz

French President Nicholas Sarkozy arrived in Israel yesterday to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the state's founding. He was warmly welcomed by Israeli President Shimon Peres, who described the visit as heralding a new era in relations between Israel and France. Sarkozy recently remarked that the establishment of Israel was the greatest thing to have occurred during the 20th century, and stated that France "will always be by Israel's side when its existence and security are at stake". His visit to Israel is extremely significant, coming just days before France assumes the presidency of the European Union, and just a few weeks before Sarkozy's proposed Mediterranean Union is to come into being. Sarkozy has in the past stated that the Middle East conflict must not be allowed to hinder the establishment of this union, and even suggested that the project may help to resolve it. And because of this he is also under pressure from Arab states to be seen to be even-handed in his approach to the Middle East conflict. While calling for an immediate end to Palestinian terrorism, he also said there would be no peace until Israel ends settlement building in east Jerusalem. In a speech to the Israeli Knesset today, Sarkozy offered assistance in brokering a future peace agreement and French troops to police it.

Quote: "In a part of his speech prepared for delivery, Sarkozy said he was prepared to host various peace talks. Although he did not pronounce it, a senior French official said he stood by it. "(France) is ready to organize on its soil all the talks that could lead to (peace), whether in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, the Syrian-Israeli dialogue, or the talks that will have to resume, one day soon I hope, between Israel and Lebanon," the text said.

It's not just Sarkozy's offer to broker and police an Israeli-Palestinian agreement that is intriguing. The President's own family background also seems to fit in well with Bible Prophecy. As my friends Jim and Margaret point out, Sarkozy is the son of Jewish immigrants.

Quote: "Sarkozy’s mother is from the Mallah family, which originally came from Spain like all Jews of Salonika, northern Greece, and left with the expulsion of the Jews by King Ferdinand. They settled initially in France. About 100 years later the family immigrated to Salonika. Sarkozy’s great grandfather, who died in 1913, was a well known jeweler in Salonika. His business was destroyed when a fire in 1917 destroyed almost the entire city of Salonika. The grave of Mordohai Mallah exists till today at Stavroupoli where it was transferred from the old cemetery just before the Germans walked in the cited a during WWII and destroyed the Jewish cemetery. Nicolas’s grand father, Benedict, was the first child of seven children. His real name was Aaron but the family called him Benico. At the age of 14 Benico and his mother left for France where he studied medicine and served in the French army as a doctor during WWI, where he met his future wife Adel Bouvieux a pretty nurse. In order to marry her he was baptized Catholic and took the name Benedict. The couple had two daughters Suzanne and Andrée, the mother of Nicolas, who married in the 50’s an Hungarian immigrant Paul Sarkozy, the father of Nicolas.

The Bible says of the Antichrist in Daniel 11:37, that he shall not "regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all". I believe this verse indicates that the Antichrist will be of Jewish descent. Not all will agree with me on this. But I believe that the "fathers" in this verse refers to the fathers of the nation of Israel, and the "desire" of every Jewish woman being to give birth to the Messiah. Other verses also indicate that he will arise from a revived Roman Empire (Daniel 9:26). The Bible also indicates that the Antichrist will strengthen a covenant of peace between Israel and her enemies (Daniel 9:27). Now I am not saying Sarkozy is the Antichrist, I do not believe it is possible to know that prior to the snatching away of the Church (2nd Thessalonians 2:7-8). But I believe that anyone who makes the kind of offers Sarkozy has deserves our utmost attention. The time of fulfilment for these prophecies is drawing near. The fact that we are witnessing such things shows us how close we are to the return of Christ. The question is, are you ready to meet Him? The Bible declares that all of us are born in sin and are automatically at a distance from God (Psalm 51:5). We cannot approach God because of our sins (Isaiah 59:2), because God is Holy and Just and will not acquit the wicked (Nahum 1:3). Our sins demand that we must die (Ezekiel 18:4), both physically (Genesis 3:19) and spiritually (Revelation 20:4). But God is Love (1st John 4:16). He sent His only begotten Son into the world to take the punishment our sins deserved (John 3:16). And because Jesus Christ has borne our punishment, we can go free. God has declared that all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation can have their sins forgiven and can have everlasting life in heaven (1st John 5:11). Repent of your sins. Believe the good news. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today (Acts 16:31).

Source Reuters, EJ Press

Israel and Hamas are reported to have agreed a cease fire that is to begin Thursday morning and is hoped will last around six months. The announcement comes after weeks of negotiations between the two parties under the mediation of Egypt. Israel has agreed to ease the blockade of Gaza on Friday morning, and will reopen the crossings for all commercial goods the following week. Israel, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and the European Union will then commence talks on the reopening of the Rafah border with Egypt. Negotiations on the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit are expected to resume within the coming days. The Syrian government has expressed its support for the truce between Israel and Hamas. Israel and Syria have just completed a second round of indirect talks through the mediation of Turkey, and are expected to enter a third round in July. Both sides are reported to be satisfied with the progress being made. On Sunday Israeli President Shimon Peres stated that if Syria was interested in peace, that they should move to direct talks. The leaders of the two nations are expected to attend the upcoming conference in Paris on July 13th, which aims to establish a Mediterranean Union comprising of the European Union and many Middle East states.

Quote: ""The Syrian president will be there, sitting next to, at the same table, as the Israeli (prime minister)," Kouchner told parliament. Israel and Syria on Monday wrapped up a second round of indirect talks in Turkey and agreed to hold more meetings in July. But Kouchner did not confirm reports that a meeting could be held in Paris between Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on the sidelines of the July 13 summit. "We welcome the fact that the Syrians are talking to the Israelis. On that day, it will be possible for them to do that if they want to," he said.

Peace in the south, peace in the east, and now Israel is seeking peace on its northern front. Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev has proposed that Lebanon agree to hold "direct, bilateral" peace talks aimed at resolving "every issue of contention" between the two countries. But Lebanon has so far rejected these proposals. And then of course we have continued efforts by the international community to bring about the establishment of a Palestinian state before the end of the year. I made the comment last week, before the war with Iran heats up - if the war with Iran fulfills Ezekiel's prophecy, Israel first needs to be at peace with her enemies. Ezekiel 38:11 describes the state of Israel at the time of this invasion as being a "land of unwalled villages", and its occupations being "at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates". Today Israel is seeking peace with her enemies. And in a few short weeks we are expecting to see the formation of a Mediterranean Union, bringing Israel and the surrounding nations ever closer to that pact of Daniel 9:27. Could this be the year? Could this year see the beginning of Daniel's 70th week? I don't know about that, but there is no doubt we are living in profound days. Jesus Christ's return is near. Are you ready to meet Him? Have your sins been forgiven?

Matthew 25:5-6
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

The Bridegroom cometh! "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light", Ephesians 5:14. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source BBC, YNet News, YNet News, YNet News

The European Union has agreed to strengthen its relations with Israel, following a meeting of the Israel-EU Association Council in Luxembourg yesterday. Last week Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad urged the EU not to upgrade its ties with the Israel, over what he claimed was its systematic violation of Palestinian human rights and disregard for international law. As a result of the Arab protest over this issue, it was thought that the EU may be pressurized into linking the agreement to progress in the Middle East peace process. And the EU has put such a clause in the text, stating that "the process of developing a closer EU-Israeli partnership needs to be, and to be seen, in the context of the broad range of our common interests and objectives which notably include the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the implementation of the two-state solution".

Quote: "In the diplomatic sphere there will be an institutionalisation of the diplomatic dialogue between the Israeli and EU leadership, by means of regular annual meetings at a senior level. In addition, there will be increased meetings between government ministers, senior officials and parliamentarians from both sides. 
Israel will join European agencies, programs and working groups. This will mean bringing the Israeli economy and society closer to European norms and standards, and increasing the competitiveness of Israeli companies in the European market, primarily in the field of high-tech, with the signing of an aviation agreement that will lower prices for both sides, and others.
A joint working group will examine the areas in which Israel is capable of integrating into the European single market. This will lay the groundwork for an additional upgrading of relations in the future.

The EU has not intimated how long this process of upgrading their relations is likely to take. There are also fears that Israel's improved relations with Europe could upset French President Nicholas Sarkozy's plan for the establishment of a Mediterranean Union, which has been scheduled for next month. Several Arab states have expressed concerns over the plan, objecting to the inclusion of Israel in the bloc and fearing that rich European nations will dominate the group. But most Arab leaders have accepted Sarkozy's invitation to the July summit. Meanwhile, a third international summit has been proposed by European nations to speed progress towards the establishment of a Palestinian state. In December 2007 we had the Palestinian Donors Conference in Paris, during which over $7 billion was pledged to fund the establishment of a state. Most of the money was donated by Western nations, and so far only a tenth of it has actually been received. In May 2008 we had the Palestinian investment conference in London. And now Germany is planning to hold a conference in Berlin to garner support for the strengthening of Palestinian institutions and security services. The conference will be held on June 24th, and the guest list includes representatives from over 40 nations, including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the European Union, the United Nations, the Arab League, Russia, Japan, and Canada, among others.  

Quote: ""There can only be a lasting solution to the Middle East conflict if Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace as two independent states. But a state needs more than territory - it needs above all else functioning institutions," German sources explained. "Alongside a parliament and government, these include well-equipped security authorities and an independent judiciary."

As we can see, despite a clear lack of progress in the Middle East peace process, the international community is doing its utmost to bring about a solution to this conflict. They are pouring billions of dollars into a process which will eventually see the parting of God's land and the division of Jerusalem (Daniel 11:39, Revelation 12:2). But this process will not bring peace. The Middle East conflict is not about land. It wasn't about land in 1948 or 1956. It's Israel's existence they cannot tolerate. The Bible states that following the ceding of east Jerusalem to the nations, the Antichrist will launch a campaign to wipe out God's chosen people once and for all (Revelation 16:13-14). Why all this hatred for the Jews? Why do the Arab nations want to see the state of Israel destroyed or relocated? Satan is bent on preventing the return of Christ to this earth and the setting up of the eternal state (Daniel 2:44). You see, it wouldn't bother Satan one bit if the state of Israel was relocated to Canada, Europe or even Saudi Arabia. Satan knows that Jerusalem is the place where God has chosen to put His Name (1st Kings 11:36). It is to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives where Jesus Christ will return to (Zechariah 14:4). And it is from Jerusalem where the King of Kings and Lord of Lords will reign (Zechariah 14:16). And so it is east Jerusalem and the Temple Mount that Satan desperately wants to take control of. Of course he will gain control of these for a brief period of time, but praise God that Jesus Christ is coming back. Are you ready to meet Him? Amos 4:12 declares, "prepare to meet thy God". How do we prepare to meet our God? Confess that you are a sinner ("all have sinned", Romans 3:23), and that your sins have separated between you and your God (Isaiah 59:2). Turn away from your sins (Acts 2:38), and believe that Jesus Christ took God's punishment for your sins when he died upon the cross (Isaiah 53:6). The Bible says, he that believes on Jesus Christ for salvation has everlasting life (John 3:36). Trust in Him for salvation today.

Source Jerusalem Post, 1158 Munich, BreitBart, Arutz 7