PROPHECY UPDATE - News & Information for the End Times
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DEBKAfile reports: Hizballah reconstitutes its pre-war fortified lines and missile positions opposite Israel – plus the latest Iranian surveillance systems
Upon taking over the IDF's northern command from the Lebanon war commander, Monday, Oct. 23, the incoming OC Maj-Gen. Gad Eisenkott said tersely: We are keeping close watch on Hizballah's rearmament. The refurbished fortifications, according to DEBKAfile's military sources, are under cover. Because Hizballah is not yet ready to openly challenge UNIFIL, their lookout points together with fresh supplies of rockets, ammo and electronic spying gear are hidden in village houses facing Israel.
The UN peacekeeping and Lebanese army presence has not stopped Hizballah from systematically retaking and re-manning its old tunnel and fortified bunker locations in South Lebanon. They are designated "nature preserves" by the IDF. Nor, say our military sources, did they prevent Syria over last weekend smuggling across a first consignment of medium-range Fajr-3 (45km range) and Fajr-5 (up to 100 km range) rockets – the ones Hizballah used in the Lebanon War to blast in-depth Israeli targets: Haifa, Tiberias, Afula and the Hadera-Caesaria district.
IDF intelligence estimates the consignment was small, designed to test Israeli military and UN responses. It was accompanied by a vigorous campaign launched by Hizballah's friends in Beirut against Israel's surveillance over-flights, thanks to which the consignment was discovered. These airborne cameras have also picked up quantities of rockets and launchers of all types including the Iranian Zelzal waiting on the Syrian side of the border to be smuggled across to Hizballah.
DEBKAfile has obtained a list of the S. Lebanese villages playing host to re-armed Hizballah positions along the Israeli border:
Kfar Kila, opposite the northernmost Israeli town of Metullah; Adissa and Markaba opposite Ramim, Hola and Mais al Jabel opposite the Israel's northern highway, Itron opposite Kibbutz Malkia, Maruan a Ras opposite Yiron, and Raimish and Ait al-Shaab opposite the Western Galilee highway.
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Israeli Leaders' Hollow Rhetoric - DEBKAfile Special Commentary
Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert informed the nation Sunday night: "Our soldiers will be trained to stand up to the threats confronting us, principally from Iran, and we have already started work." Already, he said. So what have "we" been doing till now? Handing the Gaza Strip to the Iranian-armed Hamas?
He was addressing a group of his Kadima party followers.
The new star poised to expand the government coalition this week, Israeli Beitenu's Avigdor Lieberman, added his two bits: "I'm joining he government," he said "to save Israel from the Iranian nuclear (threat)."
This assertion was clearly aimed at backing up Olmert's declaration in Moscow that Iran must be given cause for fear. Both statements went down in the country with a hefty pinch of salt, especially when the PM went on to assert, still less convincingly, that time would show "the IDF's achievements in the Lebanon War to have been real and important."
Olmert and his pep talk are in good company. President George W. Bush, echoed by British premier Tony Blair, speaks of America's many achievements in the Iraq War while admitting that changes may be necessary in tactics.
Unlike Olmert, however, neither takes his public for fools. They admit mistakes were made in Iraq which need to be corrected.
To confirm this impression, State Department official Alberto Fernandez was allowed to confess to al Jazeera TV Saturday, Oct. 21, that the world was witnessing failure in Iraq. "That's not the failure of the United States alone, but it is a disaster for the region," he said, adding: "I think there is great room for strong criticism because without doubt, there was arrogance and stupidity by the US in Iraq."
This statement did not come out of the blue. It showed that the Bush administration was fully aware of its errors and the broad criticism it was drawing – a vital first step towards admitting that the Iraq plan demanded rethinking.
In contrast, Olmert continues to keep up the hollow pretense that the decision to go to war against Hizballah unprepared and the decisions he took while it was going on were the product of profound political and military wisdom. His feeble attempts to gloss over Israel's very real loss of strategic credibility in the region, while using both hands to hold his government together, are exceedingly harmful. Iran, Syria, Hizballah and Hamas, convinced that Israel is daydreaming if not half-asleep, are encouraged to march on to a fresh war as long as the Israeli leaders who got their sums so badly wrong in Lebanon remain firmly in place.
Therefore, shoring up the incumbent government for the long haul – led by the very prime minister, foreign and defense ministers and chief of staff who mismanaged the Lebanon war - could provide Ehud Olmert with stable rule, but also spell calamity for Israel. Lieberman and his big talk will be proven immaterial when the Iranian rockets, launched from Lebanon as recently as July and August, start flying again – this time from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as well; next the heavy missiles from Tehran and Damascus.
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Ata Shinbari, a senior Palestinian terrorist chief, was one of the 9 Palestinians killed in a shootout with Israeli forces in N. Gaza Monday - DEBKA
After 10 Qassam missiles were fired into Israel in 48 hours, Israeli troops were hunting the Palestinian launchers and their crews in northern Gaza Monday when confronted with a large group of gunmen. Both parties opened fire. Nine armed Palestinians were killed and 20 injured. Shinbari was a senior commander of the Popular Resistance Committees, which is active in the missile offensive and was Hamas' partner in kidnapping Gideon Shalit in June. Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of a massacre on the first day of Eid el Fitr. Another three Palestinian gunmen were killed in a clash with Israel soldiers operating against smuggling tunnels on the Philadelphi strip in S. Gaza.
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Stream of weapons to Hamas spurs Israeli plans for Gaza - WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
TEL AVIV — Israel's military has been developing plans for a major offensive in the Gaza Strip.
"The current situation is extremely dangerous with Hamas ordering advanced systems that were used by Hizbullah in the war," a military source said. "We're not stopping the smuggling of these systems from Egypt."
Officials said Hamas has received advanced Russian-origin anti-tank, anti-aircraft missiles and explosives over the last few weeks. They said Hamas plans to use the Iranian-supplied weapons to develop an army similar to that of Hizbullah in Lebanon.
Over the last day, at least five Kassam missiles were fired into Israel, Middle East Newsline reported.
The advanced explosives were said to have been placed into Kassam-class, short-range missiles fired into Israel from the northern Gaza Strip. Officials said these explosives increased the power of the Kassam's warhead in nearly daily strikes on such Israeli cities as Ashkelon and Sderot.
The General Staff has renewed plans for a permanent presence in the southern Gaza Strip in an effort to halt arms smuggling to the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority. Military sources said the options included the capture of the Egypt-Gaza border and the neighboring town of Rafah, said to contain up to 100 weapons tunnels that reach the neighboring Sinai Peninsula.
Over the weekend, about 1,000 Israeli soldiers were sent to capture the 14-kilometer Egypt-Gaza border. In September 2005, Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip.
Officials said Egypt has failed to reduce arms smuggling from the Sinai Peninsula to the Gaza Strip. They said the recent Egyptian announcements of weapons seizures were meant to respond to Israeli and U.S. concerns over the lack of border security.
"The situation in Gaza is worsening and requires extremely precise and decisive reaction from Israel," Israeli Tourism Minister Yitzhak Herzog said.
On Sunday, the Cabinet discussed Israeli military options for the Gaza Strip. A special session on the issue was expected on Oct. 25.
"The objective would be to prevent Hamas from replicating what happened with Hizbullah in Lebanon," former Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yom-Tov Samia said. "This would have to take place in the coming days or weeks."
[On Monday, Israeli military units battled Palestinian insurgents in the northern Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources said at least seven Palestinians were killed.]
Officials said Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has not decided on a long-term military operation in the Gaza Strip. They said Olmert, under U.S. urging, has ruled out a significant Israeli military presence in the strip.
"Action must be taken without hesitation," Trade Minister Eli Yishai said. "Any hesitation is dangerous and we must act immediately. When we left the Philadelphi corridor [Egypt-Gaza border], I said that abandoning it is a doorway to hell. We might have to find a way to take over the Philadelphi route."
"Gaza is a problem," Pensioner Affairs Minister Rafi Eitan said. "I think we must seize the Philadelphi route. Other than that, I think we should treat the Gaza Strip on a case-by-case basis and not take over the Gaza Strip again. We should seek for the Egyptians to cooperate with us on both sides of the border. If this does not happen, we should think twice whether to stay or not in the Philadelphi route."
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Olmert: IDF preparing for Iranian threat - www.ynetnews.com
After sending firm messages to Iran following Moscow visit, on Sunday prime minister tells Kadima activists IDF troops already training to face new threats
Prime Minster Ehud Olmert spoke with a group of 100 Kadima activists at his home in Jerusalem on Sunday and referred to the readiness of the Israel Defense Forces in light of the new dangers faced by Israel, saying that the troops will be trained to face any such threat.
"Our soldiers will be trained to deal with any of the dangers Israel is facing, including the Iranian threat, and we have already begun the work," he said.
Olmert also referred to the achievements which were obtained as a result of the war and said that it will be apparent to all that the accomplishments that the IDF gained are real and important. He also referred to the probe into the war and said that "there will leave no stone unturned, and no warehouse unchecked."
During the past week Olmert expressed his opinion several times regarding the Iranian threat. During his visit to Moscow last week, Olmert told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Israel will not accept a nuclear Iran.
"I made it clear to President Putin that the Iranian issue is at the head of Israel's concern. We don't have the privilege of allowing a situation that gives a country like Iran unconventional abilities," Olmert said. "For us, when a leader of another country says he wants to destroy us, it does not sound like a haphazard statement. This is an issue we must be prepared for and prevent in any way possible."
'Government will live long'
During the flight back from Russia, Olmert said that "I did not threaten Iran, but the clock is ticking. What we did not want to say a year ago, we can say today. Eight months ago we couldn't speak about sanctions, but today they are happening.
"I am the first Prime Minister who says to Iran it should be afraid . It is inconceivable that Iran could not know what it is up against. Otherwise how would it agree on a compromise?" Olmert said.
During the meeting Olmert also spoke about Israel's economic situation and said that for the first time in Israel's history, Israel's balance of payments is positive, and the some of all exports is greater than the sum of all imports.
"Foreign investments in the Israeli market are in the billions and the situation is only getting better," he told the Kadima activists.
At the end of the meeting, Olmert promised that his government will "live long, give the relevant response to the problems of the State of Israel and will know how to deal with the challenges that lie ahead."
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Syria paying Golan Heights public officials - By Aaron Klein - WorldNetDaily.com
Warnings Assad may stage provocation to take strategic territory
TEL AVIV – Syrian President Bashar Assad, who recently began directing his citizens to move to the Golan Heights, now is paying scores of Golan residents official state salaries, WND has learned.
Israeli officials interpret Assad's latest moves as attempting to underscore Syria's "ownership" of the Heights and pressure the Jewish state into giving up the strategic territory. The officials said there are some indications Assad may stage a provocation aimed at restarting negotiations with Israel over relinquishing the Heights.
The Golan Heights is mountainous territory captured by the Jewish state after Syria used the terrain to attack Israel in 1967 and again in 1973. The Heights looks down on major Israeli and Syrian population centers. It borders Israel, Syria and Lebanon and is claimed by Damascus.
Military officials say returning the Golan Heights to Syria would grant Damascus the ability to mount an effective ground invasion of the Jewish state.
WND first reported last month Assad issued a decree urging his citizens to move to the Golan Heights, claiming the International Committee of the Red Cross would help flood the terroritory with Syrians.
Assad's decree urged Syrian officials, humanitarian workers, public service providers and their families to move to the Golan with the help of the Red Cross, which has authority to operate in the area purportedly to facilitate civilian crossings into and out of Syria in humanitarian cases. Assad's signed statement said Syrians who wish to move to the Golan will be granted approval by "all the relevant authorities."
The decree affirmed the "right of the Syrian people's resistance" aimed at ensuring the return of the Golan Heights.
Israel officially annexed the Golan in 1981 and controls the territory. It must approve all cases of Syrian residents moving to the Golan. Israel is unlikely to allow any new Syrian residents into the territory.
"[Assad's] decree is seen more as rhetoric aimed at generating Syrian national feelings toward the Golan and strengthening Syrian ties to the area," said an official in Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office.
Israeli officials said the Jewish state has information Assad earlier this month started paying some Golan Heights public workers official state salaries. Currently, most Golan public workers, including teachers and local officers, draw salaries from Israel, although a few public officials have been collecting salaries from Syria since the 1970s.
According to the Israeli officials, Assad is now paying Golan teachers and has drawn plans to incorporate other Golan workers into the Syrian budget.
The Heights has a population of about 35,000 – approximately 18,000 Jewish residents and 17,000 Arabs, mostly Druze. The Arab residents retain their Syrian citizenship, but under Israeli law they can also sue for Israeli citizenship.
Israeli warning: Syria preparing for war
Assad's latest move of paying Golan residents follows a series of statements in which he warned his army is preparing for possible confrontations with Israel. It also follows reports of indications Syria is forming its own Hezbollah-like guerrilla organizations to fight Israel in hopes of "liberating" the Golan.
"We must remain ready at all times. We have begun preparations within the framework of our options," Assad told the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Anba. He said Israel could attack Syria "at any moment" and that Israeli leaders have abandoned the peace process and are seeking a war.
Since the war in Lebanon ended in August, Assad has given a series of interviews in which he warned of possible confrontations with Israel. He has stated several times he views Hezbollah's "victory" over Israel as proof military tactics bring results.
In an August address, Assad said members of Hezbollah used their "will, determination and faith" to counter Israeli arms, enabling the Lebanese militia to defeat Israel.
"We tell them (Israelis) that after tasting humiliation in the latest battles, your weapons are not going to protect you – not your planes, or missiles or even your nuclear bombs. ... The future generations in the Arab world will find a way to defeat Israel," Assad said.
The Israeli Defense Forces released information last week Assad has fortified positions along his country's border with Israel and is indeed preparing for a possible conflict.
"Assad is preparing his army for a confrontation with Israel," Yossi Beyditz, head of research for the IDF's intelligence branch told the Israeli cabinet this morning.
"Assad has not returned the army to its pre-Lebanon war positions," Beyditz said.
Bayditz said the estimate so far is that Syria it not preparing to attack but to defend itself against a possible Israeli offensive, which Assad believes is imminent.
"These are artillery cannons, missiles and rockets positioned in forward positions. He is preparing for a defensive and not offensive response. He estimates that Israel would want to attack him," Bayditz said.
He said Assad supports terrorism and the path of violence:
"Assad continues to support Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah. We have unequivocal proof on his direct involvement in smuggling weapons to Lebanon. In the past there was no proof," he said.
"Bashar Assad continues his wave of equivocal messages," the officer said. "Once he speaks about sticking with a peace strategy and simultaneously speaks of a confrontation and about us as not ready for a political process, and he, in fact, means both options: a political arrangement according to Assad's known conditions but prepares that army for a confrontation with Israel."
Israel on alert for Syrian attack
Israeli officials here claim the IDF alert level in the Golan Heights has not been raised in response to Assad's statements and to the new Israeli intelligence estimates.
"We have not made any significant changes in the Golan in recent weeks," said an IDF spokeswoman.
But military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told WND earlier this month the IDF has fortified its positions in the Golan, including increasing security at checkpoints and the stationing of larger troop numbers at key areas throughout the territory.
Also, the officials said, the IDF has reinforced security fences on the Israeli side of the border.
The IDF has not moved in additional heavy weaponry, tanks or troop divisions for fear of startling Syria, the officials said.
"We are taking Assad's threats very seriously and are cautiously increasing our level of alertness for a possible provocation by Syria," a military official said.
The official said Israel placed troops in the Golan on heightened alert during the 34-day war against Hezbollah in Lebanon that began July 12, but the alert level was raised in recent weeks following militant statements by Assad and Israeli intelligence warnings of indications Syria may be bracing for a conflict.
Jewish residents in the Golan told WND the heightened IDF status was plainly visible. They noted larger troop numbers and improvements made to border installations.
'Damascus prepping public for war'
Security officials here told WND there have been indications the past few weeks Syria is seeking to launch a provocation. Besides Assad's statements, the officials say state-run Syrian media have been broadcasting regular warlike messages unseen since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, in which Syria and Egypt launched invasions from the Golan and the Sinai desert.
"The tone [in Syria] is one of preparing the public for a war," said a senior security official.
He said any Syrian provocation likely would be coordinated with Iran. Tehran and Damascus, which both support Hezbollah and have signed several military pacts.
Reuven Erlich, a Syria expert and director of the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at Israel's Center for Special Studies, told WND Assad's threats "are to be taken seriously."
"Assad's support for terrorism, for the insurgency in Iraq, for Hezbollah and his alliance with Iran are all indication of the direction in which Syria is headed. Assad needs to demonstrate he is willing to sue for peace, but everything seems to indicate the opposite. Especially following the war in Lebanon," Erlich said.
Syria to form own Hezbollah?
In July, WND first reported Syria is forming its own Hezbollah-like guerrilla organization to attack Israeli positions in the Golan Heights, according to a senior Baath party official.
The Baath official told WND Syria learned from Hezbollah's military campaign against Israel that "fighting" is more effective than peace negotiations with regard to gaining territory.
Hezbollah claims its goal is to liberate the Shebaa Farms, a small, 12-square-mile bloc situated between Syria, Lebanon and Israel. The cease-fire resolution accepted by Israel to end its military campaign in Lebanon calls for negotiations leading to Israel's relinquishing of the Shebaa Farms.
The official told WND Syria's new Front for the Liberation of the Golan Heights was formed in June and that the group consists of Syrian volunteers, many from the Syrian border with Turkey and from Palestinian refugee camps near Damascus. He said Syria held registration for volunteers to join the Front in June.
One week after the WND article detailing the claimed group was published, state-run Al-Alam Iranian television featured an interview with a man who identified himself as the leader of the new Front for the Liberation of the Golan.
The man, whose features were blocked out, said his new group consists of "hundreds" of fighters who are training for guerrilla-like raids against Israeli positions in and near the Golan. He claimed the Front has opened several training camps inside Syria.
Last month, Amos Yadlin, head of the IDF's intelligence branch, told the Knesset Syria is in the early stages of forming a Hezbollah-like group.
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Ahmadinejad: Iran's Nuke Capability Up - www.breitbart.com
Iran's nuclear capability has increased tenfold despite Western pressure to roll back its atomic program, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday.
He did not elaborate, and the remarks appeared aimed primarily at rallying public support as the U.N. Security Council prepares to consider a draft resolution imposing limited sanctions on Iran because of its refusal to halt its uranium enrichment.
"The enemies, resorting to propaganda, want to block us from achieving (nuclear technology)," Ahmadinejad told a crowd on the southern outskirts of Tehran. "But they should know that today, the capability of our nation has multiplied tenfold over the same period last year."
Ahmadinejad boasted that "the power of our enemies is less than one- tenth of their power in last year."
Enriching uranium is a key step to producing fuel either for a nuclear reactor or for a warhead.
Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. The United States and some other countries have accused the Iranians of secretly seeking to build a bomb.
In the speech, Ahmadinejad repeated that Iran was ready to negotiate with the West about its nuclear ambitions. But the West has insisted that Tehran first suspend enrichment.
The Iranians disregarded an Aug. 31 deadline imposed by the Security Council to stop enrichment. They also turned down a package of incentives offered by the United States and its partners on condition that Iran ceases enrichment.
Western diplomats say they expect to circulate a draft resolution at the United Nations in the coming days that would impose limited sanctions. It remains unclear whether Russia and China _ both veto- wielding permanent council members _ would go along with punitive measures.
In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday he was hopeful that talks with the Iranians would resume and that there was a "real chance" for a negotiated settlement without sanctions.
However, the EU external relations commissioner, Benita Ferrero- Waldner, said Tehran had not responded positively to the incentives package and that the Security Council may need to explore "another alternative."
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Microchips becoming the latest medical accessory - www.kvbc-com
It's a technology that's already being used on millions of pets in America. Now, microchips are being implanted in human beings as well and this week in Las Vegas, the procedure is being performed on dozens of people attending a medical convention.
The implants are inserted into the arm. The tiny computer chips can help doctors get important medical information. The chips are incredibly small and are implanted just under the skin.
The chips that are used in dogs and cats contain information that can identify the animal if it gets lost. In the case of humans, the chips provide a link to a computer database that gives doctors instant access to a patient's complete medical history.
All this week at the Las Vegas Convention Center, health care professionals are having the chips surgically implanted.
Not everyone is ready to have a micro chip in their body, and the people who run the company called Verichip understand that some people are afraid that the technology could be used to track their behavior, or turn them into some sort of futuristic computer controlled being.
"That's complete Sci-Fi," said Marc Poulshock, Verichip. "There's no GPS on it at all."
Only one doctor in the Las Vegas area is actively performing the implants, and he says there are many reasons why he believe's the device can help save a patient's life.
"If they've been in a car accident, or if the person has allergies, the chip will lead you to that data," said Dr. Darin Brimhall.
The procedure leaves a small, temporary scar, and after that, the chip is so small, it virtually disappears into the body. The current cost for patents to have the chip implanted runs between $200 and $300.
One idea for the chips is to implant them in U.S. Military personnel so that soldiers injured in the field can be quickly and accurately identified.
According to the makers of the chip, ten hospitals and emergency rooms in Las Vegas have agreed to begin using the devices that scan for the implants.
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Isaiah 17 Countdown - Jack Kelley - www.gracethrufaith.com
Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom (Matt. 24:7)
"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:8-10)
Here are a few developments I've selected from various news and intelligence sources to show how much worse conditions in the Middle East have gotten since Israel's war with Lebanon two months ago.
France and Italy have agreed to sell Lebanon their jointly developed Aster 15 anti-aircraft missile system to prevent Israeli unmanned surveillance aircraft from spying on military activities in Lebanon. (The UN has promised not to shoot down Israeli surveillance aircraft. But the French, who lead the UN forces, have threatened just the opposite.)
Russian intelligence personnel, protected by Russian infantry, have all but taken over the southern Lebanese town of Sidon near Israel's Northern border. The intelligence they gather will be shared with Syria and Iran. Sidon was at the northern extreme of the land given to the Tribe of Asher, and was yielded to the Phonecians in violation of God's commandment. (Leviticus 25:23) Sidon's destruction in promised in Ezekiel 28:20-26.
Russia is also constructing deepwater ports in Tartus and Latakia on Syria's coast to serve a major Russian Naval presence in the Mediterranean. The plan is to potentially relocate portions of Russia's Black Sea and North Sea fleets to the Middle East.
Syria and Iran have restored all of Hezbollah's pre-war offensive capabilities, and with the permission of the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers Hezbollah has regained control of its pre-war strongholds along Israel's northern border as well.
By now it should be clear to everyone that the UN ceasefire has become a cruel joke. The parties involved (except for Israel) aren't just ignoring it, they actually seem to be trying to discover how blatant a violation is required to arouse the world's criticism. So far no one has said a word, and that includes Israel. It's a repeat of the Gaza withdrawal on a grander scale.
Syria is working with Hezbollah to topple the government of Lebanon in favor of one more friendly toward them, perhaps led by Hezbollah. Syria has also maintained combat ready forces along its border with Lebanon and is openly discussing the merits of a pre-emptive attack on Israel.
Iran has begun to upgrade the 7500 man Hamas militia into a Hezbollah like attack force with $90 million worth of training and weaponry. Since the beginning of 2006, Hamas has smuggled over 20 tons of air and surface missiles, ordinance, and weaponry into Gaza through 15 recently discovered tunnels built since Egypt took control of the Southern border. Much of this armament has come from Iran. Syrian instructors arrived in Gaza for the first time last week to begin the training. The Iranian/Syrian goal is to have trained attack forces ready and waiting on both the northern and southern borders with Israel.
Prelude to Ezekiel 38?
It appears that a coalition based on mutual interest has been formed between Iran, Russia, and Syria. They intend to exploit the weaknesses discovered in Israel's war with Lebanon by preparing a pre-emptive attack designed to prevent Israel from destroying Iran's Russian built nuclear capability should the need arise.
In the UN, an agreement has been reached that will exempt Russia's reactor building program in any sanctions against Iran. This was done to get Russia's cooperation. Apparently Russia's 10 reactor deal with Iran will proceed unhampered.
From Moscow this week, Israeli PM Olmert warned again that, "We don't have the privilege to allow a situation in which Iran has the capability for unconventional weapons." (In reply Iranian Pres. Ahmadinejad declared, "There is no reason for Israel, the greatest insult to human dignity, to exist. It will soon disappear.")
Despite these words of warning, experts say that Israel is so preoccupied with assessing the blame for its failure to neutralize Hezbollah that it's paying scant attention to gearing up for the next attack.
Meanwhile 3 US Navy Carrier Strike Groups have arrived for exercises off Iran's Persian Gulf Coast. The Iranian government believes their real purpose is to help Israel mount an attack against Iran. Ahmadinejad claims that Allah has told him that Iran will be successful in any military confrontation with Israel and the US.
What Are You Trying To Say?
It doesn't take an inspired prophet of God to tell that things don't look good for Israel right now. In fact, aside from the times they've been in the middle of an all out war, I can't recall a worse time. Events seem to be gathering the type of momentum that leads to taking on a life on their own. Like an atomic explosion that achieves critical mass and becomes unstoppable, they could soon spiral out of control.
This time around it seems like Syria is getting set to assume the lead role on the battlefield with Iran calling the plays but remaining in the background. Remember, the idea is to prevent Israel from attacking Iran. If Iran took the lead it would defeat the purpose of the strategy.
Syria is a far different foe than Hezbollah, with 220,000 soldiers, 3,500 battle tanks, 600 combat aircraft and thousands of short and intermediate range missiles. 150-200 of these missiles are believed to have chemical or biological warheads. Israel's discovery that Syria was getting ready to launch of one of these CBW's would likely trigger a pre-emptive strike of the kind mentioned in Isaiah 17. Israel would not only have to prevent Syria's actions but also demonstrate the consequences to any other country thinking of doing so. With such a build up of hostile intent all around, Israel has been deprived of any "measured response" option and will have to employ overwhelming force to any threat.
In August, Israel was criticized for making a disproportionate response to Hezbollah's cross border provocations. I wonder what the world will say when Damascus disappears under a mushroom shaped cloud.
"All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you," declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:11-14) You can almost hear the Footsteps of the Messiah. 10-21-06
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Let us make the short time we have left count for all eternity!
Stay Informed! Encourage one another! Don't Let Anyone Be Left Behind!
My prayer for you - I pray that the Lord would accomplish what concerns you and that He would lead you always in the everlasting way!
Maranatha ! - (Lord Come Quickly)
YBIC-Randy
