The Israeli cabinet met this morning to discuss Vice Premier Haim Ramon's evacuation compensation bill, which will provide monetary incentives for Israelis wanting to relocate within the Green Line prior to the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Green Line is the 1948 Armistice Line which was established following the defeat of the Arab nations by Israel during the War of Independence. The international community now considers the Green Line to be Israel's defacto border. Around 250,000 Israelis live outside the Green Line in the territories now known as the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Around 180,000 of those live in east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians now claim for the capital of their own state. The evacuation compensation bill has been in existence for around a year, but until now the government has not supported its implementation. Many in the Israeli government have opposed it, as it undermines Israel's negotiating position with the Arabs ahead of any peace agreement. Many also feel that the discussion of the bill comes at an inopportune time, when the Prime Minister is facing the threat of indictment over his corruption scandals and is due to step down within a matter of weeks. But others feel that the issue of compensation needs to be addressed prior to the establishment of a Palestinian state, so as not to cause a repeat of the chaos that ensued following Israel's disengagement from Gaza in August 2005. 

Quote: "At the opening of the weekly cabinet meeting, Olmert said that Israel would likely have to uproot West Bank settlers as part of a future peace agreement with the Palestinians. In light of Israel's continuing peace talks with the Palestinians, he added, it would be proper to think about providing cash incentives for settlers to leave voluntarily. Advertisement Olmert said it was important to learn from the mistakes of Israel's last evacuation of settlers - the 2005 pullout from the Gaza Strip - and it was important to plan ahead.

As I said the first time I commented on the existence of this bill, the fact that government is willing to discuss this issue proves that they are planning for the eventuality that Israel will have to forcibly evict anything from 100,000 to 250,000 Israelis from their own homes in a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In any other country this would be called ethnic cleansing. It seems that unless you are an Arab Muslim, you will not be welcome in a future Palestinian state. And yet the Palestinians are demanding that millions of their own people, most of who were encouraged to flee their homes prior to the outbreak of war with the Jewish state, be allowed to return to Israel proper? The international community condemns Israel for being an 'apartheid state', but if anything it is the Arab states that are guilty of this. As you can see, this whole 'peace process' is destined for complete disaster. And that is exactly what the Bible says will happen. For Zechariah 12:2 states that in the last days, Israel's enemies will be in siege both against Judea and Jerusalem. And for a three and half year period, the east of Jerusalem will fall into the hands of the Gentiles (Zechariah 14:2, Revelation 11:2). The Israeli government is now making preparation towards that day.

The Bible says we must make preparation too. In the words of Amos 4:12, "Prepare to meet thy God". Have you made adequate preparation? Jesus Christ is coming back. Will you meet Him as your Saviour (Hebrews 9:28), or will you meet Him as your Judge (Acts 17:31)? Trust in Him for salvation today.

Source Haaretz, BBC

A couple of days ago I commented on the fact that although the territory of the Golan Heights is at the centre of the peace negotiations between Israel and Syria, neither side is interested in who actually controls the territory at the end of the day. I said it was more a case of who is on who's side. Israel is seeking peace with Syria in order to drive a wedge between them and Iran, Hizbullah and Hamas. Syria is seeking peace only for the security of its own regime, and for expanding its own sphere of influence in the region. And it seems those remarks have been confirmed today, both by President Bashar Assad and by Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt. Israeli politicians are now mourning French President Nicholas Sarkozy's trip to Damascus, for although the prospects of peace between the two nations are now closer than ever, Syria is back in the political game while still holding all of its cards. Assad now knows the West needs Syria for their goal of establishing Middle East peace, because of its close relations to Iran and its influence in south Lebanon. Thus the issue of who actually controls the Golan Heights is insignificant in itself. Syria knows if it makes peace with Israel, it will be required to sever its ties with Hizbullah and Iran. And once Syria does that, its influence in over the Middle East through Iran and south Lebanon will crumble. It is actually in Syria's interests that Israel holds on to the Golan Heights, because as long as they do that, Syria will have an excuse to exert its influence over the region. And that may be what is behind Assad's latest comments on the Middle East peace process.

Quote: "In an interview with Al-Manar, Hizbullah's official news network, the Syrian president was asked whether his country would consider relinquishing relations with the "resistance" in Lebanon and Palestine. "This issue has not come up," he answered. "I believe this issue is very clear to many countries. We are not a country that bestows gifts, we are a country that discusses interests. We tell other countries this, and ask them to present us with their interests, in order to see where the two coincide." He added, "We don't see any interest in abandoning the resistance. Our position has always been clear. Our position toward the resistance against any occupation in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine is firm and has not changed. I don't believe it will change until the occupation changes."

And regarding President Bashar Assad's interests, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt had this to say...

Quote: "According to Jumblatt, Assad "only wants to enhance ties with the US at the expense of Syria's special relationship with Qatar and Turkey. He is not seeking an agreement on the Golan, but a far more extensive deal." Al-Sharq al-Awsat has recently reported that Syria does not intend to significantly soften its position vis-à-vis the peace negotiations with Israel. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem told the daily that a return to the June 4, 1967 borders was a prerequisite and was not even up for negotiation.

If all Syria and Israel were interested in was the land, peace would have been made between these two nations long ago. But Israel is seeking an end to Syria's support for terrorism, and Syria is seeking a way to retain its influence over the Middle East. Until their interests coincide, peace will not be found. The same thing can be said for the Saviour and the sinner. The Bible declares that it is in God's interests that none should perish, but all should come to repentance (2nd Peter 3:9). But until your interests coincide with God's interests, there is no hope that you should be saved. You need to agree with God. First you need to agree that you are a sinner. The Bible says all have sinned and come short of God's righteous standard (Romans 3:23), and if we die in our sins, where He is we cannot come (John 8:21).  Second, you need to come to that place of repentance for your sins. The Bible says God is near those who are of broken heart, and saves those who have a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18). And thirdly, we need to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16). Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me", John 14:6. Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Source YNet News, YNet News

French President Nicholas Sarkozy is due to arrive in Damascus today  for a meeting to discuss the recent progress made in the in direct talks between Israel and Syria. He will take part in a four-way summit tomorrow that will include the leaders of the states of Syria, Turkey and Qatar. Sarkozy's visit to Syria will be the first for a Western leader in five years, and follows the visit of President Bashar Assad to Paris for the inauguration of the Union for the Mediterranean on July 13th of this year. Tomorrow's talks are to focus on what the demarcation of the Syrian border will be following Israel's withdrawal from the territory, whether it will follow the 1948 armistice line or the original 1923 partition, which leaves Israel in control of both sides of lake Kinneret. According to a French source quoted by the London paper, Al Hayat, Sarkozy has expressed his interests in mediating between Israel and Syria, and France will be involved in direct negotiations between the two countries once they commence. He is also said to have told President Assad at the Paris summit that the path of peace in the Middle East runs through France and Syria. 

Quote: "The source told al-Hayat that Sarkozy is very interested in playing a role in future direct negotiations between Israel and Syria. The London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper reported that Paris received the green light from Washington and Jerusalem to mediate between Israel and Syria when the talks become direct. According to the report, Israel and the United States agreed to have France sponsor the talks alongside the US, and guarantee that the security-related side of the agreement is implemented.

Just as the Bible predicted, the European Union - of which France holds the presidency, is right at the forefront of peace in the Middle East. For the book of Daniel predicted that it would be the leader of a revived Roman Empire who would strengthen a covenant between Israel and many nations for a period of seven years (Daniel 9:26-27). Not only is the EU at the forefront of peace in the Middle East, but the man who currently represents the EU is of Jewish descent. Daniel again states that this leader who strengthens a covenant between Israel and many nations would not regard the God of his fathers (Daniel 11:37), and many students of Bible prophesy interpret that to mean that this man will be of Jewish descent. Not only that, but this same man has expressed a desire to bring about the reunification of the Middle East and Europe under the auspices of the Union for the Mediterranean, thus re-establishing the old world order of the Roman Empire. And not only, that but Sarkozy himself is interested in brokering peace between Israel and any of its neighbours, including Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinians.

It is definitely interesting days we are living in. We won't know if Sarkozy is the man or not. But we do know that Bible prophecy is coming to pass. For God has put the desire into the hearts of men to fulfill His will until it shall be accomplished (Isaiah 45:1, Revelation 17:17). This God, Who has written down history for us in advance (Revelation 1:8), is also acquainted with every minute detail of your life. He created you. He loves you. He proved His love by sending His Son into the world to die for you upon a cross, so that your sins may be forgiven and you could have everlasting life with Him in heaven. Trust in Him for salvation today.

Job 22:21
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace

Source YNet News, AFP

President Bashar Assad has announced that Syria and Israel are close to achieving peace, and that both sides are now preparing to move to direct peace negotiations following the next Israeli elections. The two countries have held several indirect meetings over the last few months, mediated through the Turkish government. Israel has been keen to move to direct negotiations, but up until now the Syrian government has remained more cautious. Earlier in the year it was revealed Olmert had reportedly given President Assad assurances that Israel was willing to hand back the entire Golan Heights to Syria. And just recently Olmert was reported to have offered the Golan in return for just moving to direct talks with the Syrian regime.

Quote: ""Today there is a possibility of peace," Assad said. "But nonetheless, we cannot say that we are close to achieving peace. We are preparing for direct negotiations. When we reach that step, we will be able to say that we are approaching peace. "Today, we can only say that we have opened the door to peace," he said, in remarks in Arabic that were dubbed over in French.

With the Iranian nuclear crisis now heating up, Israel is keen to drive a wedge between Iran and Syria, both of which have signed a mutual defence pact. It seems that it is up to Assad to make the decision as to which side he is on. Should he risk the security of his own regime by siding with Iranian President Ahmadinejad, who has set himself up for conflict with the West? Or should he side with Israel and the United States, and by doing so, guarantee the survivability of his own regime? I think that's probably the main driving force behind this latest push for peace. To be honest I think the actual land matters little to either the Israelis or the Syrians right now. It's all about who is on who's side. In other news today, Arabic newspapers reported that the Israeli government has signalled its readiness to disengage from Ghajar and Shebaa farms. Israel believes that this land was originally part of Syrian territory that was seized during the Six Day War. But Lebanon says the area belongs to them, and Hizbullah has used this as an excuse to claim that the IDF is still in occupation of south Lebanon. Well now Israel is seeking to disengage from these territories, with the aim of removing Hizbullah's reason for existence.

Quote: ""Evacuating Shebaa will pull the rug from under (Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan) Nasrallah's legs, and will make his excuses to continue the 'resistance' for the sake of Lebanon's interests lose their meaning," an Israeli source was quoted as saying. "If this area is handed over, it will be clear to the Lebanese that Hizbullah's excuses are aimed at disguising its main goals, in the service of global terror and Iranian interests," the source concluded.

As you can see, the issue is not really about land, it's all about who's side you are on. The question is, who's side are you on? I'm not talking about Israel or Iran now. I'm talking about eternity. There is a lot of confusion about religion, and people say there are all sorts of ways to get to God. Really, the Bible makes it very simple. There are only two roads you can take in this life. One leads to heaven through the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the other road leads to a lost eternity. The bad news is, all of us have been born on the wrong road. No matter who you are, whether you are rich or poor, an important person or just a nobody, the Bible says we were all born in sin and are at a distance from God (Psalm 51:5). The good news is, God has provided a Way for all of us to get onto the right road. For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Why don't you turn about and start on the road that leads to heaven today.

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Source YNet News, YNet News