It is incredible to think about how far Israel has advanced since its rebirth as a nation in 1948, especially in the realm of innovation. The nation’s latest leap in defense capabilities is nothing less than extraordinary. The advancement I am referring to is Israel’s “Iron Beam,” a high-powered laser weapon system.
Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) reported:
Israel’s Iron Beam (“Magen Or” in Hebrew) laser defense system will begin defending against aerial threats at the end of the month, the country’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday.
“With development complete and a comprehensive testing program that has validated the system’s capabilities, we are prepared to deliver initial operational capability to the IDF on Dec. 30, 2025,” said Brig. Gen. (res.) Daniel Gold, head of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development at the Defense Ministry.
Speaking at the International DefenseTech Summit at Tel Aviv University, Gold said the system was a complement to the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow air defense systems, and “is expected to fundamentally change the rules of engagement on the battlefield.”
The system uses a 100-kilowatt laser to intercept rockets, mortars and UAVs at a range of more than 6 miles (10 kilometers), at a fraction of the cost of traditional interceptors. The estimated cost per firing is about $2 to $5, compared to $40,000 to $80,000 for a single Iron Dome interceptor.
This is truly a game-changer. UAVs—a great many of which are in Iran’s possession—pose a significant threat to Israel, largely because they are extremely difficult to intercept with previous defense systems. With this new laser beam technology, that challenge has finally met its match. And when you consider the low operating cost, it’s certainly a welcome addition to Israel’s defense budget.
As impressive as all of this technology is—and it is incredible—the God of Israel is even more amazing.
Yes, God has given the Jewish people the mind to create and to protect herself. The world has witnessed Israel do just that against vicious enemies on several fronts. However, when you consider what will happen in future wars described in Scripture, we see that Israel’s defense capabilities will not be what comes to their rescue.
God promises that Israel will never be eliminated (Jeremiah 31:35-36). He will defend Israel, and we can be certain of that.
In the future war described in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, Israel isn’t mentioned defending itself against this northern invasion; rather, it is God himself who defends His chosen people and eliminates her enemies. The leaders of Russia, Turkey, and Iran should read those chapters and tremble! Each of those nations, listed as part of this future coalition against Israel, is on a collision course with the God of this universe, and their fate will be met when the God of Israel delivers His people and destroys those who come against them.
During another coming war, often referred to as the “battle of Armageddon,” we read that once again it will be God Himself defending His chosen people. Only this time, it will be from all the nations around the world, led by the Antichrist, as they come to try to destroy Israel once and for all.
Zechariah 14:1-5 states, “Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south. Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, for the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the Lord my God will come, and all the saints with You.”
The above verses describe the return of Israel’s Messiah, Yeshua, rescuing His brethren from their enemies. What an unbelievable sight that will be one day—and to think we believers will return with Him!
Though we call it “the battle of Armageddon,” it’s really not a battle.
Revelation 19:11-16 details, “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Not much of a battle here! The saints are all dressed in white. Who wears white to a battle? We do, because clearly the battle is not ours. It is the Lord’s. As the Lord spoke this world into existence, so too will Israel’s enemies be eliminated by the Word of His mouth.
So while God gives Israel the knowledge to greatly develop and advance, especially their defense capabilities, a day is coming when the world will behold an even greater display. God Himself stands in Israel’s defense and destroys all those who rise up against her. That will be the ultimate weapon that Israel will possess—the Lord God of Israel.
