For Printers

Close this page when finished

David's Comment:   A Closer Look at Current Realities in Israel

The Peace Process:  The truce or ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is almost a week old.  Hamas continues to smuggle weapons accross the Egyptian / Gaza border, while Israel demands that one of the main dynamics of the truce is that the smuggling stop. Two Kassam rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel on Tuesday and the IDF killed 2 Arab terrorist leaders in retaliation.  So the truce is holding, but most commentators are predicting that thus cease fire will soon go the way of all its predecessors.  Israel ceases and the enemy continues to fire.  Israel has said that failure of this truce will result in a major military offensive to root out the source of the missile attacks.  However the current Israeli leadership seems incapable of making and carrying out such a decision, primarily because George and Condi wont be happy.

Out if one side of his mouth, French leader Sarkozy said that France was committed to Israel's right to exist in peace and safety, but in typical political 'doublespeak' out of the outer side of his mouth called for Israel to give the terrorists all of Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and half of Jerusalem.  What is it with these politiicans ?  What gives them any right to demand that Israel gives away even an inch of land that God gave to Israel as an everlasting inheritance ?

In reality the prospects of true peace for Israel are as fragile as ever.

The Government:  The current government is in its death throws. Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmet is refusing to concede it is doomed to an early demise.  Olmert is under police investigation accused of serious financial corruption.  He is the most accused and unpopular leader in modern Israel's history. Politicians from all sided are calling for his resignation. The opposition Labour party led by Ehud Barak intended to vote for dissolution of the Olmert government, which if successful would meant an early election.  However in a typical Israeli last minute 'dirty deal' Olmert managed to get Barak to agree to some kind of deal if he agreed not to go ahead with the vote.  Now we are stuck with Olmert at least until Septmeber.  Only God knows how much more damage Olmert can do in that time.

The Economy: The Israeli economy seems to be very strong.  Although the average person is not better off than they were 12 months ago, and many Israeli families live under the poverty line, the Shekel is the strongest it has been for years. In the past year, the Shekel has risen by more than 25% over the US Dollar and most other major currencies.  Good news for the country, but bad news for all of the congregations and ministries who rely on financial support from the nations.

As we reported last week, tourism is booming to record levels and many other industries that export to the nations are also doing very well. The Real Estate market is stable. Looking at things prophetically, Israel has the best long term prospects of any nation as YHVH says many times in His Word that He is going to destroy the nations and establish His Kingdom on Jerusalem, the undivided capital of Israel.  If you have funds available invest in Israel now.

The Lord bless you as you bless Israel by standing in defense of her right to exist on the land given to the Jewish people by the God of Israel .  Lets pray that Israel will turn back to their God.  Do not be silent, but share this with your fellow Christians, share it with your pastors, and with anyone you have a chance to speak to. Lets also pray for that breakthrough to the Muslims,  and please remember to pray for our son Jordan, and all of his fellow soldiers in the IDF.

Shabbat Shalom  ...  David & Josie