The Mideast Conundrum

I find it hard to understand the logic of those in the western world who support Hamas and their attacks on Israel.

It’s not as if the Islamist mindset is only on Israel; Israel is only a symbol of the wider western world that Islamists regularly target. If Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Al Qaida affiliates had their way, rockets would be raining down on European and North American cities also.

Considering the often stated Arab desire to destroy Israel, Netanyahu’s statement summarizes the situation: “If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel.”

While we are all relieved at the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, it can only be temporary. Hamas has said they will continue smuggling arms to build up their arsenal, in violation of the aims of the ceasefire, but they will expect Israel to conform and loosen the blockade of Gaza to facilitate them.

Every concession that Israel makes as a gesture of peace, Hamas trumpets as a victory of war. As such it emboldens the Islamists that Israel’s destruction is nearer, and every cessation of hostilities provides time to rebuild their arsenals with ever more sophisticated and dangerous weapons.

Establishing peace in the region is intractable as long as the Islamists can find excuses to attack Israel, although 1000 rockets a year are lobbed into Israel without excuse, purely as provocation. They clearly underline the desire of Hamas to harass and goad Israel into war.

The greater sophistication of Islamist weapons will increasingly undermine Israel’s ability to protect her people. Perhaps this is the leading edge of Scripture’s prediction that Israel will be dominated by “the ruler that will come.” He will offer peace but eventually break the covenant, Daniel 9:26–27.

If so, it is a time of rejoicing that the return of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Israel’s Messiah, is near. Israel’s suffering will be finished and Zion will finally be the Lord’s chosen throne room.

For the LORD has chosen Zion,

he has desired it for his dwelling:

“This is my resting place for ever and ever;

here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it—”

Psalm 132:13-14