In last week's commentary, I reported on the current "condition" of the Middle East peace process concerning Israel and her Arab/Muslim neighbors. - This week I want to dwell for a moment on why Israel will only "give" so far in these ongoing negotiations.
If you will also recall in last week's news headlines, the meeting between Israeli President Shimon Peres and his counterpart, President Dmitry Medvedev? - In that meeting, Peres expressed Israel's serious and growing concern about the state of the Russian-Iranian alliance, Russia's continued assistance to Iran's nuclear program, the extreme views of the Iranian regime, and the gravity of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Peres went on to say that the problem is not just their desire to develop nuclear weapons, but the character of the regime. - Re-elected Iranian President Ahmadinajad has often expressed his desire to see Israel "wiped off the face of the Earth." - Peres concluded by saying, "From my standpoint, a nuclear bomb in Iran's hands means one thing - an airborne death camp."
President Peres and his Israeli countrymen have good reason for their increased anxiety. Israel's terror-sponsoring neighbors are working non-stop to develop nuclear bombs and missiles that will deliver them. No one should ever doubt which direction these weapons will be pointed once completed.
It's important to remember Israel's one, common declaration amid all of the political infighting that's currently taking place -- the one thing that defines the core of its defense --- "Never Again."
The following summary of atrocities to the Jewish race presents compelling evidence why "Never Again!" must be their passionate declaration.
"Due to Israel's disobedience the Jews have suffered terribly. They were ruled by Rome in Christ's day, but rebelled in A.D. 70 and 250,000 were killed. They rebelled again in A.D. 135 and again Rome smashed them, killing even more and scattering them throughout the Empire. Since then, they have been bitterly persecuted. Forcibly expelled from England in 1290 and from France in 1306. In 1298 more than 100,000 were killed in Europe. From 1648 to 1658, some 400,000 were massacred. From 1939-45 Hitler's Nazis killed more than 4 million...In its history, Egyptian pharaohs, Assyrian kings, Babylonian rulers, Persian satraps, Greek Hellenists, Roman caesars, holy Roman emperors, roman Catholic pontiffs, medieval monarchs, Christian crusaders, Spanish inquisitors, Nazi dictators, communist commissars, Arab sheiks and United Nation delegates have all turned against the Jews, yet they still survive." (Charles Monk - A Look at the Bible Covenants and Their Meanings).
The Jewish people of Israel have collectively declared that they will never again let themselves be enslaved by regimes that want them "erased from the earth". They back this national vow with what is called the "Sampson Option". This is a last-ditch military option designed to "bring the house down around them" should they be put in a no-win situation
In addition to the Iranian menace, there are several Arab nations lobbying the E.U. for support in forcing Israel to open up its secretive nuclear arsenal. Israel has never confirmed whether she has the bomb. -- In what is probably the worst-kept secret in the Middle East, Israel is considered to have several nuclear weapons.
I, along with the Israelis, have great doubts that the Arabs have peaceful intentions in wanting to force Israel to give up its nuclear weapons. -- Bible prophecy warns that Israel has yet to face several major conflicts with its neighbors. In fact, it is very likely that an Israeli nuclear bomb is the reason behind Damascus' coming destruction. Isaiah 17:1 states, "See, Damascus will no longer be a city, but will become a heap of ruins."
In closing then, we will watch the ongoing efforts of the world leaders as they try to solve the Middle East peace dilemma. - But remember, Israel will only go so far before she draws a "line in the sand". -- With their history, who can blame them?
Until next time,
Red