Israel in the News - Sort Of

And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. - Zechariah 12:3

Perhaps the most significant news story right now that's not grabbing huge headlines is the military incursion of Israeli forces into the Gaza Strip portion of Palestine.

The spark igniting the latest wildfire in the Middle East was set off last Sunday when some Palestinians tunneled under the border and abducted an Israeli soldier. Just who is responsible is not clear as there are three groups claiming responsibility (which means there are two or three wannabe's and one actual responsible party).

Regardless of who's really responsible, Israel has placed responsibility on the Hamas Party-led government of the Palestinian Authority. Israel has called upon the PA for unconditional release of Corporal Gilad Shalit. Since that didn't happen, Israel sent troops into southern Gaza on Wednesday and began airstrikes and shelling against key targets in the Gaza Strip, including several bridges, suspected Hamas training camps, and a power plant. A planned invasion of northern Gaza has been postponed, but IDF troops remain massed at the border there.

In addition, eight Palestinian cabinet members have been detained by the IDF, and four senior Hamas officials have had their Jerusalem residency rights revoked.

In another interesting twist, Israeli fighter jets buzzed the summer residence of Syria's president in an effort to influence that country to use it's influence on the Palestinians.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority has appealed to the United Nations Security Council to condemn Israel's actions. Fortunately, Israel tends to ignore the UN when its own security is threatened.

And now the Palestinian militants are demanding the release of 1,000 prisoners and a halt to military action in Gaza. While they still have one prisoner in custody. After Israel has demanded the unconditional release of that same prisoner. While the IDF is currently occupying so-called Palestinian territory. Yeah, like that will happen.

Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza last year after a 38-year occupation. This was a condition of the peace accord drawn up between Israel and the PA. It was doubtful that this peace could last, given the Palestinian blood-lust. The Palestinian wingnuts have proven me correct.

When the Palestinians violated the terms of these peace agreements, did they really expect Israel to ignore these transgressions? Hello!!!

It's no secret that the Palestinians and many Arabs would like to see Israel wiped off the map. In fact, it has been government policy. But since its rebirth in 1948, Israel has proven to be too formidable, even now within Gaza where the IDF is able to seek and destroy known military/para-military/terrorist assests with impunity. Regardless whether Corporal Shalit is returned safely, the PA will be that much weaker when this is over, and the PA may have no choice to further abandon their ways and come to the peace table.

But I don't see much promise in that. We're not dealing with the superficial here. These are strong beliefs and a philosophy that is not too quickly abandoned. Arab governments have largely conceded to Israel and the peace process because they have been bloodied by Israel. The Arab governments got bloodied because they tried to fight Israel individually. It will take a concerted effort - dare I say? - a coalition of many Arab governments - to realize their dream of eliminating Israel. In fact, the Bible even predicts it [Ezekiel 38].

Perhaps this latest crisis in Gaza will escalate to that. Perhaps not. Keep watch, my brethren. Be vigilant.