(Galilee, Israel) — As I write this, I can hear fighters taking off from the nearby airbase heading north to deal with a resurging Hezbollah. Just in the last few days, the IDF has struck in places like Deir Keifa and Chehour, among others. The Lebanese government is going to have to decide what they’re going to do. Do they want to disarm Hezbollah and get their country back? Or, do they want to face Israel, a country which will defend its borders against terrorists at all costs? The clock is ticking and the world is watching.
This week has been very interesting for news. We’ve seen a royal welcome at the White House for a Middle East leader, the United Nations miraculously affirm a measure that can be seen as positive to both Donald Trump and to Israel, and the remains of another Israeli hostage finally coming home.
Another Beloved Hostage Comes Home
The remains of Meny Godard, 73, were finally returned to his family and his people last Thursday. He was slaughtered in his home in Kibbutz Be’eri during the October 7 massacre, and his body stolen away to Gaza. Finally, after 769 days in enemy hands, he was returned to his four children and seven grandchildren so that he could have a proper burial. His wife, Ayelet, was not there to welcome him, because the terrorists had gunned her down alongside Meny those many months ago. The remains of three hostages are yet to be returned.
Terrorist Attack in Israel
Sadly, terrorism in Israel didn’t end with the October 7 attack, nor with the pummeling of Hamas. It is too deeply seeded into the Palestinian mindset. The attack Tuesday by two 18-year-old terrorists is case in point. At Gush Etzion Junction in the West Bank, these teens accelerated their vehicle and struck a group of people. Then, one of them jumped out and began stabbing. Security forces on the scene shot them both dead. Four Israelis were wounded, with one, 71-year-old Aharon Cohen, succumbing to his injuries.
Soon after the attack, the father of one of the attackers was interviewed, during which he praised the actions of his son, saying it was a great honor to sacrifice his child as a martyr. This is why peace between Jews and Palestinians will never come. As I’ve often quoted former prime minister Golda Meir, saying, “Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu Visits Syria
In an unexpected surprise to most, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a visit to southern Syria yesterday. Joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Shin Bet head David Zini, the group visited the buffer zone, received an operational briefing, and met with soldiers on the ground in Syrian territory. While Arab channels blew a gasket reporting on the event, those with calmer minds took time to speculate whether this could be tied to talks of a possible security agreement.
The UN Security Council Sides with Trump
When I read about the United Nations Security Council approving President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan and agreeing to the establishment of a Board of Peace under his leadership, I found myself running to my window to see if the sky was falling or if pigs were flying (an event that would be especially rare here in Israel).
Even more amazing was the fact that there was not one “no” vote cast on UNSC Resolution 2803, with only Russia and China abstaining, which surprised absolutely no one. This shocking vote essentially puts an end to Hamas. The ramifications are vast – much too far-reaching for me to communicate in this article. So, I would greatly encourage you to watch “MidEast And Beyond” with myself and Pastor Barry Stagner. This discussion will dispel the rumor that Trump is selling out Israel. Instead, what we’re witnessing is a brilliant ploy by him and his administration to end Hamas, strengthen Israel’s position, and bring stability to the region.
Do you feel like maybe my statement that this vote puts an end to Hamas may be overstated? Maybe a little biased since it’s coming from an Israeli? Listen to three points just put out by an anti-Israel Egyptian channel meant for the ears of Hamas members.
First, they state that the war, at this stage, is over. No one ever really thought Hamas had a chance against Israel anyway.
Two, the Arab front is not with Hamas. All the key players – Algeria, Turkey, the Gulf States; really everyone except Iran – decided in advance to support the UNSC Resolution. They accept that some sort of international administration is inevitable in Gaza, which means Hamas is done.
Three, Russia and China abstained for a reason. They have no interest in getting close to this, so don’t expect any support from them. This Egyptian channel – again, very anti-Israel – summed up their statement by saying, “In short, the geopolitical reality has converged into one clear point. You had no regional support, no international support, and no ability to continue the campaign. Sorry, but you are finished politically, militarily, and strategically. Condolences.” When it’s your friends who are saying this to you, maybe it’s time to lay down your arms and accept the inevitable.
Reason for the Rubble
Israel has been roundly condemned by the world for leveling Gaza to the extent it has. What people don’t know or refuse to acknowledge is the reason for the destruction. Most everyone has heard about the network of tunnels below ground in Gaza, but few know their scope. Between 350-450 miles of tunnels were dug over the previous decades with a vast network of entrances located in homes, mosques, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings.
The extent of the tunnels is so vast that only 47.2 miles, or 10-13%, have been mapped. Some of the networks are six to eight stories under the ground. The only way to destroy these tunnels of terror in a way that ensures they are never used again is to blast apart their length when they are found, and bury their entrances deep under the rubble of the buildings used to hide their activity.
The MBS Gala at the White House
I can still remember some of the brilliant memes that came out following President Trump’s first term visit to Saudi Arabia. He was welcomed in Riyadh with a hero’s pomp, very different from the reception Joe Biden received. When Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came to the White House Tuesday, Trump returned the honor. It was a royal welcoming unlike any that I’ve ever witnessed with military marches, canon fire, and a fighter plane fly-over. Why would the president of the most powerful nation on earth roll out the red carpet to this extent to a crown prince?
In discerning Trump’s moves, we must remember one truth over all others. He is a businessman, and he is treating the nation like it’s the world’s biggest company. All the celebration and festivities are part of the art of the deal.
By the time the crown prince left the White House, a series of agreements had been signed, including a Saudi-promised $1 trillion of investments into American infrastructure, industry, and technology. Many other items were settled upon, among them a Strategic Defense Agreement (SDA), civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, strategic minerals agreement, cooperative deals in the area of technology, customs, standards, and AI, along with numerous other issues. Also discussed were the Abraham Accords, which the crown prince said that he is open to as long as there is a path toward a two-state solution. Creating a path is easy, despite the fact that it will never reach its destination. The Saudis are in a bit of a financial downturn, and it is doubtful that they’ll be able to fully fund their commitments. But this is still a strong step in the right direction with a very strategic partner in the Middle East.
A Perspective Shift in Iran’s Nuclear Ambiguity
For a long time, Iran has strived to keep the rest of the world in the dark regarding their nuclear capabilities. Even after the U.S. attack earlier this year on their nuclear sites, they tried to duck and dodge and keep everyone off balance. Was the stockpile of uranium hit? Were they still on the road to a weapon? This ambiguity always kept the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and many nations walking on eggshells.
But now it’s possible that Iran’s ambiguity is coming back to bite them. After the attack on their sites, they were quick to announce that their uranium stockpile had been moved out of Fordow beforehand and was safe. Then, someone in their government realized they had blundered by giving any information and tried to backpedal saying they could neither confirm nor deny the safety of the 440.9 kg stockpile of 60% enriched uranium. This only made it worse, causing Rafael Grossi, IAEA director, to suddenly grow a spine and demand that action be taken to discover the whereabouts of this dangerous radioactive supply.
Iran is now in a Catch-22. If they say they don’t know where the stockpile is or that it was destroyed, the IAEA will demand that it is found for safety reasons. If Iran admits it has it, then the nation will have to explain how it ended up outside of any international oversight. It’s a lose-lose situation for them. The ramifications can be far-reaching, because Iran has recently built a new enrichment facility in Isfahan that the IAEA has not been given access to.
The days of ambiguity are over. Iran’s going to have to fess up, become more transparent or risk international isolation. By the way, millions of dollars are being poured into rebuilding Iran’s nuclear capabilities while the nation is losing its drinking water, its power, and the loyalty of its people. Times are not good for the ayatollahs.
Deadly Russian Strike on Ukraine
An overnight Russian missile strike on Tuesday rocked the city of Ternopil, Ukraine. Twenty-six civilians were killed and 93 others were wounded when Russian X-101 cruise missiles hit two blocks of flats. It was one of western Ukraine’s deadliest days in the war.
Mayor-elect of New York City Threatens Israeli Prime Minister
Zohran Mamdani, Muslim mayor-elect of New York City, stated this week that he will order the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he comes to the UN General Assembly next year. With Donald Trump in the White House, I don’t think the scenario will play out quite how the blustering newbie mayor sees it in his head.
