The New York Times reported today that the Israeli Air Force have undertaken a massive exercise to prepare themselves for the eventuality that military action against Iran becomes necessary. Around a hundred F-15 and F-16 fighter airplanes took part in the drill, which involved flying around 800 miles over the eastern Mediterranean Sea and Greece. The pilots practiced manoeuvres that would be used in a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, including mid-air refuelling and flight tactics. Iran is located a thousand miles to the east of Israel, and Iran's nuclear facilities are spread across the country. Israeli officials declined to comment on the exercise, but US sources have stated that Israel is seeking to send a signal to America, Europe and Iran that they are prepared to take matters into their own hands if Iran cannot be persuaded to halt its nuclear programme.

Quote: "A Pentagon official who the Times said was briefed on the exercise, said one goal was to practice flight tactics, aerial refuelling and other details of a possible strike against Iran's nuclear installations and long-range conventional missiles. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a second goal was to send a clear message that Israel was prepared to act militarily if other efforts to stop Iran from producing bomb-grade uranium fail. "They wanted us to know, they wanted the Europeans to know, and they wanted the Iranians to know," the Pentagon official said, according to the Times. "There's a lot of signalling going on at different levels."

When it comes to the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the tiny nation of Israel has saved the world many times over. On the 7th of June 1981, the Israeli Air Force sent six F-15 escort fighters and eight F-16 bombers to destroy the Osirak reactor in Iraq. And in September of last year, the Israeli Air Force sent a similar number of fighters into Syria to destroy a nuclear reactor in that country. Both governments have supported terrorist organizations that are bent on the destruction of Israel, and there is no telling what would have happened if these groups had managed to acquire nuclear weapons. Israeli intelligence experts believe that Iran will have nuclear weapons capability by 2009 at the latest. And with the Iranian President having repeatedly called for Israel's destruction, Israel is sending a message to the world that they are not prepared to stand idly by and watch that happen. But President Ahmadinejad has not counted on one thing. Israel may be a tiny nation, but they have a big God. The Mighty God of Jacob...

Genesis 49:22-26
Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

And for those who have trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, we can say the same. The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New. Jesus Christ is that Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He was the Stone that was rejected by the builders of the nation of Israel (Matthew 21:42). He is the One who was separate from His brethren. He bore the punishment for our sins upon the cross. Is He your Shepherd? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source YNet News, Jewish Virtual Library

Former Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz has said that military action against Iran is now "unavoidable", and that sanctions have been ineffective in persuading the country to halt its nuclear programme. His comments come just weeks after Israeli intelligence experts revealed that Iran could be as little as a year away from possessing enough enriched Uranium to produce a nuclear warhead. Israel claims this intelligence is of a similar quality to that which led to the bombing of the Syrian nuclear reactor at the end of last year. That reactor was destroyed by IAF jets just a few weeks before it was scheduled to become operational. The Israeli government believes this information will cause the US to revise its latest National Intelligence Estimate, which stated that Iran had ceased development of its nuclear programme in 2003. Israeli analysts believe a US or Israeli strike against Iran's nuclear facilities could come after the US Presidential elections in November, and before the new US President is inaugurated in January of 2009. And if the Israeli intelligence on Iran is accurate, it looks like a third Middle East war is coming sooner rather than later.

Quote: ""If Iran continues with its programme for developing nuclear weapons, we will attack it. The sanctions are ineffective," Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz told the mass-circulation Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. "Attacking Iran, in order to stop its nuclear plans, will be unavoidable," said the former army chief who has also been defence minister.

Meanwhile, efforts are still underway to bring about a resolution to the Middle East conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas have renewed their Annapolis pledge, to formulate a peace agreement before the end of President Bush's term this year. Although not much progress is presently being made, that is not through lack of trying. The Palestinian Authority recently rejected two separate maps drawn up by Israeli negotiators, which would have permitted the establishment of a state on 91.5% of the territories now claimed by the Palestinians. The remaining 8.5%, which comprises mostly of Jewish settlements in the greater Jerusalem area, would be traded for Israeli territory near the city of Hebron. But the Palestinians are only prepared to trade around 1.8% of the land, presumably enough territory to create a corridor between Judea and Gaza, thus dividing Israel in two and bringing them closer to their stated goal of the destruction of the Jewish state.

Quote: ""Our priority objective, which is also that of President Bush, To complete the negotiations by the end of 2008, "said Abbas, who is on an official visit to Tunis. He will be heading to Washington Tuesday. The Palestinians' he said, "hope to reach not an agreement of principles but a framework agreement to be used as the basis for the final agreement... the conclusion of such an agreement is the initial premise needed for peace between the Palestinians and Israel.

As you can see, the prophetic timetable that has been laid out in the Scriptures concerning the end times is 100% accurate. Now I am not sure if an Israeli strike against Iran will happen this year. And I am not sure if a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority will be formulated before the end of this year. But if these things were to happen, and if this were the fulfilment of prophecy, it would not contradict what the Bible states. For according to Ezekiel's prophecy, the Magog war is scheduled to occur at a time when Israel is at rest. Whether Ezekiel's war happens as a result of a US or Israeli strike on Persia, we cannot tell. But it will happen at a time when Israel is at peace with its neighbours (Ezekiel 38:11). Therefore we should expect that some sort of peace agreement will be reached before the war with Iran heats up. Whether this agreement is the same one mentioned in Daniel 9:27, I don't know. I think that perhaps the Israelis and Palestinians will reach some sort of 'shelf-agreement', which could be strengthened by the Antichrist at a later date. In any case, these are interesting days we are living in. We are seeing a number of prophecies being fulfilled. The high oil and food prices, a coming war with Iran, peace in the Middle East, lying signs and wonders being performed, the formation of a Mediterranean Union, earthquakes in diverse places. It can only mean one thing. It's time to lift up our heads, for our redemption draws nigh (Luke 21:28). Jesus Christ will soon return for His Church, and then again to set up His Millennial Kingdom upon this earth. But before that a time of trouble, when the Lord will punish the inhabitants of this earth for their wickedness. 

Isaiah 24:17-20
Fear, and the pit, and the snare, [are] upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth. And it shall come to pass, [that] he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake. The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.

These judgements await all those who have not put their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. But God is merciful. There is still time for repentance. The Bible says, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance", 2nd Peter 3:9. Will you repent of your sins, and trust Jesus Christ for salvation? He exhausted God's punishment for our sins, when He gave Himself as a sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary. He lives in the power of an endless life, and intercedes on behalf of all those come to Him for salvation. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today.

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Source Daily Mail, BBC, YNet News, Haaretz

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced that he believes Iran should be given a broad-ranging package of incentives by the international community in an effort to end the current impasse over its nuclear programme. The package could include security guarantees for the Iranian regime, along with a more prominent position in negotiations on Middle East issues. While Lavrov's proposals are not new, these offers were part of the original package of incentives offered by Javier Solana on 06/06/06, it is surprising that Russia would offer them now considering Iran's track record in defying United Nations resolutions. 

Quote: ""I think the 'Six' could make the following step: directly put concrete offers on the negotiating table, give Iran security guarantees and ensure a more distinguished place in negotiations on the situation in the Middle East," Lavrov said. Lavrov did not specify what security guarantees might be offered but said a combination of negotiations and incentives could help solve the row over Iran's nuclear programme and wider Middle East problems. 

Lavrov's suggestion comes as Lebanon teeters on the brink of a civil war, after the Iranian-backed Hizbullah terrorist organization mounted a coup in the capital Beirut last week. It also follows increasing anti-Semitic statements emanating from Iran, calling for the destruction of the state of Israel. Last week the European Union condemned remarks made by the Iranian President, in which he likened the Jewish state to a "stinking corpse" that was doomed to disappear. And as US President Bush arrives in the Middle East for Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations, Ahmadinejad has threatened that the regional Arab nations stand ready to destroy the Jewish state at their first opportunity...

Quote: ""The Zionist regime is dying," Ahmadinejad said in a speech in the northern city of Gorgan, referring to Israel. "The criminals imagine that by holding celebrations... they can save the Zionist regime from death." "They should know that regional nations hate this fake and criminal regime and if the smallest and briefest chance is given to regional nations they will destroy [it]," said Ahmadinejad, who often rails against Israel and the United States.

As we can see, just as the Bible prophesied, Iran is fast becoming a major player on the world stage, and especially in regard to its staunch opposition of Israel. The book of Ezekiel predicts that in the latter days, following the regathering of the Jewish people to the land, an Islamic alliance would launch a massive invasion of Israel. This Islamic alliance will be made up of many peoples, but several of these nations are specifically mentioned by name. They are Iran, Sudan, Libya and Turkey. And the Bible states that the leader of this Islamic alliance, who it is believed may come from a country in the Caspian and Black Sea areas, will act as a guard to these Arab nations that make war on Israel. Russia's proximity to this region, along with its active support for the present Iranian regime, leads many to believe this could be the country that will act as a protectorate to the nations that invade Israel in the latter days. And so Lavrov's desire to offer Iran security guarantees and a greater say in Middle East politics is quite significant.

Ezekiel 38:3-7
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts [of armour, even] a great company [with] bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: [and] many people with thee. Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.

Despite the Iranian government's opposition to Israel and despite the constant threat of war over Iran's nuclear programme, God is working miracles in this nation. Iranian Muslims are seeing visions of Jesus Christ appearing to them, and many are getting saved as a result. One Iranian exile who is now living in my own country had such an experience. This man and his father had a very good business in Iran. He had a vision of the Lord calling him, saying to follow Jesus Christ. He questioned why he would do that, seeing he had such a good business and needed nothing. The Lord said, "But I know you are miserable inside, and I can give you joy that you have never experienced before". He became a Christian and a Fatwa was issued against him. So he left his business in Iran and fled for England, where he began preaching the gospel to fellow Muslims. Around 600 Muslims got saved, and he had to flee to Northern Ireland. He now he lives in my country where he continues to witness to others about Jesus Christ. We may be having him at our house to give his testimony some day, and if he permits, I may be able to upload his testimony to the website. So as you can see, while Western nations may be for launching a war on Iran as soon as possible, we need to remember the many Christians who are in Iran and other Islamic nations, who need our prayers and support. Praise God that the gospel knows no borders, and that God is not limited by the will of man. You too can have this joy, by trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

John 15:10-11
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.

Source Reuters, AFP, Haaretz

Israeli ministers have expressed concern over the current situation in Lebanon, as the conflict between Hizbullah and the Lebanese government enters its fourth day. So far around 40 people have been killed in the clashes, and although the army has restored order in the capital, fighting has now broken out in other parts of the country. A few weeks ago Druze leader Walid Jumblatt claimed that Hizbullah was planning an attack on the airport, after discovering the terrorist organization had installed cameras to monitor the area. The Lebanese government then moved to outlaw the Hizbullah communications network and deposed the Hizbullah chief of security from the airport. Sheik Hassan Nasrallah warned the government not to touch the communications network, and called for acts of civil disobedience from supporters to protest the action. These turned violent and clashes erupted between government forces and the Hizbullah supporters. So far no other country has become involved in the conflict, despite a large European presence in the south of the country. Israeli ministers are concerned that the situation could deteriorate into a full-scale civil war, and the possibility that a second terrorist state may be formed on Israel's borders.

Quote: "Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit said Israel should not yet take any action, but warned that things could change if Hizbullah takes over Lebanon. "I think it's very dangerous, the (possible) situation in which Iran is in fact sitting on our border, and controlling Lebanon," Sheetrit said. "It's really dangerous in the long term because now its plain to everyone that ... Hizbullah is just the long arm of Iran and that's the way we should relate to it."

The last time war broke out between Hizbullah and Israel, the terrorist organization possessed around 12,000 Iranian-made Katyusha rockets. At the height of the conflict around 120 rockets were landing in Israel on a daily basis. The Second Lebanon War did bring Hizbullah to its knees, and Hizbullah fighters have admitted that if Israel had been permitted to continue to war even another few days, they would have been finished. But the UN intervened and brought about a ceasefire, allowing the terrorist organization to regroup and rearm. Today Hizbullah claims to possess over 40,000 missiles and has the capability of striking anywhere within Israel. Should Lebanon fall in a similar manner to that of Gaza, there is no doubt Israel will be the one left to deal with the aftermath.

The Bible states that near the end of the tribulation period, the armies of the world will gather together in the valley of Megiddo, in preparation for the last battle. Megiddo lies south of the Lebanese border, and just north of the territory that has become known as the West Bank. Here is a photograph I took of the valley from our bus during my trip to Israel. As you can see the land is very flat compared to the general topography of Israel, and so is the ideal place for gathering troops and equipment for use in a future Middle East war.

Revelation 16:16
And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

The nations will be gathered together in this valley to do battle against Jerusalem. But as the Lord and the armies of heaven burst the clouds above Jerusalem, Satan will persuade the kings of the earth to turn against the Lord instead (Revelation 19:19). Just imagine the armies of the world pitted against the hosts of heaven, or more to the point, against God Himself. What wickedness in the heart of man to even contemplate undertaking such a thing. And what a futile endeavour. Praise God that Jesus Christ will return to redeem His people, and to utterly destroy those who come against Jerusalem. But where will you stand on that day? Will you be safe with the Lord? Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Source Jerusalem Post