Dear Friends of Israel,

At this time, NATO Patriot missiles are stationed on the border between Turkey and Syria. They are to be used by American, German and Dutch soldiers to protect Turkey from potential encroachments out of Syria. This action appears to be somewhat of an over-reaction, since Turkey already has a formidable army at its own disposal. However, it also indicates that preparations are being made for a possible escalation of the conflict. Apparently Turkey’s abandonment last December of its opposition toward Israel as a NATO partner in 2013 was the deciding factor that led to the stationing of the NATO troops there. On the surface, it appears that Turkey is once again turning toward the west, after years of distancing itself from them. The question is whether this is a true change of course for Turkey, or simply a tactical maneuver to secure allies against Syria’s Russian support.

The deployment of NATO troops now adds an international element to the conflict. The fact that they are now engaged in the middle east, not far from Israel’s borders, is cause to take notice. If NATO troops begin operations in Syria, as many are demanding, it could mean that they will end up on Israel’s northern border.

Some Bible interpreters are of the opinion that the times of the gentiles were fulfilled (Luke 21:24) when the modern Nation of Israel was founded in 1948, or at the latest, when East Jerusalem is incorporated into the city and the reunification of the city is complete. Could that be true? According to Revelation 11:2, the trampling of Jerusalem by the gentiles will take place in the future. Deep in their hearts, the Israelis know this as well, which is why the government is doing all it can to prevent it. One step that’s being taken in that direction is the planned forcible construction of apartments in East Jerusalem in the so-called A1 zones, for which Israel has been soundly criticized by practically the entire world.

By contrast, the Palestinians are demanding East Jerusalem as the capital of their partially recognized nation.

In the last election, such polarization led to even more tension among the Israeli people. On one side are those who believe that a Palestinian state must be stopped at all costs, while on the other side are those who believe that all possible steps must be taken to reach agreement with the Palestinians.

One of the primary concerns is now, how will President Obama’s new American government relate to Israel, since he also favors the two-state solution?

One thing that’s certain is that the gentile nations must continue to deal with Jerusalem and Israel, simply because the times of the gentiles are not yet fulfilled. Certainly many nations, such as the USA, will avoid military conflict  due to their recent, bitter experiences. Presidnt Obama declared that in the future, war would only be the last resort, yet the United States may have already slipped into the next conflict unawares. Where is this all leading? According to the Bible, its leading to the battle for Jerusalem, where the Lord himself will intervene and the swords will be bent into plowshares.

In the hope that we await in the One, who alone can bring peace,

Shalom,

Fredi Winkler

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