january 23, 2006

Israel's Daunting Challenges

It’s easy to see why some people think this is one of the most dangerous times for the modern nation of Israel since its foundation in 1948.  It’s an assessment Pat Robertson made in January 2005, and the analysis seems just as appropriate for 2006. 

Here are the major threats facing Israel:

.  The war of words heated up between Israel and Iran over the weekend.  Iran’s foreign minister said on Sunday that Israel would be making “a fatal mistake” if it resorted to military action against Iran’s nuclear program.  He was responding to statements made on Saturday by Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz at the Herzliya Conference here in Israel.  Mofaz hinted that Israel would use military force against Iran if diplomatic efforts failed to deter Tehran from its drive to develop a nuclear bomb.  Israel’s Defense Force Chief of Staff General Dan Halutz said a nuclear armed Iran constitutes a threat to the existence to the state of Israel.

.  On Wednesday, January 25 Palestinian elections will be held.  For the first time in its history, Hamas - a group committed to the destruction of Israel – will participate in Palestinian elections.  According to pre-election polls, Hamas stands poised to assume a major role in the next Palestinian government.  While some have characterized Hamas’s entry into elections as a sign of their “moderation”, they remain committed to eliminating the Israeli state.  Consider this transcript of one of their election ads provided by the Palestinian media watch:
“We have a new plan; to teach men the land of Palestine; the geography of Palestine; the history of Palestine; and the history of the Arab and Muslim nation. Our plan has nothing to do with the Israeli enemy. We do not recognize the Israeli enemy, nor his right to be our neighbor, nor to stay [on the land], nor his ownership of any inch of land. Therefore, we do not see [Israel] as an ally, not in policy, not in security, not in economy and not in any form of cooperation. Israel is an enemy who is interested in uprooting us, and we are interested in restoring our full rights to return all the people of Palestine to the land of Palestine. Our principles are clear: Palestine is a land of waqf [Islamic trust], which can not be given up."
[pa TV, January 17, 2006]

Two other threats come from Israel’s northern and southern borders.  Since the Gaza pullout in August 2005, the Gaza Strip has morphed into one of the most dangerous places on earth.  Tons of guns, explosives, and terrorists have flooded this once bulwark against global terror.  On Israel’s northern front Hezbollah poses a strategic threat with more than 12,000 rockets that could strike deep into Israeli territory.  And in the midst of all these threats, Israel is facing a crucial election campaign while it finds its political, diplomatic and strategic footing after the sudden incapacitation of its leader, Ariel Sharon. 

Yet, there are who believe – despite all these threats and daunting challenges – of a reason to find solace.  Psalm 121: 4 says “indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” 

Send Chris your comments....