Circular Letters 2018
Has Even Donald Trump been Upstaged by Israel?
An eTPL29 Analysis
This might seem to be the possibility when one examines closely the recent Trump announcement of troop withdrawal from Syria and the aftermath ... i.e., its failure to be carried out as originally stated.
What happened?
The answer seems to lie with National Security Adviser John Bolton, who last Sunday surprisingly announced an amended agenda for the intended move: namely that that “President Donald Trump’s call to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria would now be ‘coordinated’ with Israel, after meeting with top Israeli officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”
That quote comes from an article by Whitney Webb from a website called MintPress on January 7th. It seems that underlying discussions of the intended pullout have gone further than Mr. Trump originally planned and that his stated intentions will now be fully coordinated with Israel – not as originally intended.
It is a diplomatic victory for Israel if true. And it has to do with assuring that the regime of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria, falls – a long-term objective of Israel from several years ago, even from the beginning of the Syrian conflict.
The likelihood that President Assad would remain in power would probably be strengthened if US forces were pulled out of Syria as originally announced.
This would not be in Israel’s best interests because if he does so remain, the likelihood of Israel’s gaining “official” possession of the Golan Heights is not favorable.
But it seems now that the US pullout from Syria might never take place (i.e., not intentionally, as we cannot disregard divine factors in any such decision, but these would probably be obscure to normal human assessment).
P. M. Netanyahu escorted Mr. Bolton to the Heights on the first Monday in January in order to help Mr. Bolton understand in greater depth just why the Golan is critically important to Israel, and why Israel’s hegemony over the area must remain in place.
What are these reasons?
There are multiple reasons.
Firstly, the Golan overlooks much of the rich agricultural basin in the north of Israel. When Syria held the Golan Heights as a direct interface with Israel the nation (up until the Six Day War of 1967); it regularly shelled the Israeli kibbutzim below with long-range artillery. The Heights was an excellent vantage point for such attacks which killed scores of Israeli farmers in the nineteen years of that status. Israel’s ownership of the Golan has entirely erased this possibility.
Secondly, the Golan is richly supplied with water. It is an important source of water for the Jordan River. This is extremely important for Israel who is suffering the worst six-year drought for the region in 900 years, according to NASA.
Thirdly, test drillings for petroleum deposits have been carried out and these indicate the proven presence of billions of barrels of petroleum lying below the surface of the Golan Heights. Israel needs this resource badly, but cannot exploit it until its status in the Golan is solidified in international law, which at present regards Israel as “an occupier” of the Heights. The oil production is on hold for the indefinite future while this stands.
Fourthly, the Golan is vital as an arms-length buffer with Syria’s short but hazardous frontier with Israel. From its military strongholds, Israel can more efficiently integrate its attacks upon any Syrian or Iranian encroachment on its border – can more easily defend itself.
But offensively, it also can more effectively strike Syrian and Iranian encroachment upon the Heights – a tactic which ensures greater stability to Israel’s hold upon that area.
Consequently, on Sunday last (January 6th) Mr. Bolton abruptly announced that “the U. S. had no timetable for troop withdrawal from Syria, and that the troop withdrawal was (now) conditional.” A game-changer for sure!
And no one yet knows whether this abrupt change was coordinated with President Trump. Can it be that Mr. Bolton knows the mind of the president so thoroughly that he can mandate such a change without consultation?
We do not know.
The significant change in plans may have resulted in Israel’s immediate statement that it would step in and make up the U. S. reduction of forces within the Syrian state ... that is, that it would increase its activities in Syria against that regime.
Presumably, it meant that it would increase its airstrikes, but that would be ambitious because it has conducted hundreds of unilateral air strikes upon Syrian government positions, Iranian weapons depots, airfields, and other military targets in the past few years. And it has done so, it would seem, with the tacit approval of the Russians, who have infiltrated Syria also, and maintain moderate forces there as a means of propping up Mr. Assad.
It is a strangely tangled arrangement!
It therefore should come as no surprise that Syrian “rebels” gave prominence to its official recognition of Israel’s annexation (in 1981) of the Golan, which is not recognized officially by anyone else of which we are aware, if a regime-change could be achieved (i.e., if Assad could be overthrown) in favor of the rebels.
Over the course of the Syrian uprising, the rebels have offered to trade or sell the Golan Heights to Israel in exchange for military aid or an Israeli-imposed ‘no-fly zone’ in Syria for its own protection.
So the confusing, extremely complex interactions within Syria go on and on, influenced by multiple factors and interests of several external parties.
Only one thing is really sure, and that is that Syria is destined to be wiped out completely in the rapidly approaching War for the Cleansing of the Land to be carried out by The LORD Jesus Christ at His Second Advent.
As proof of that hope, the critical words of Isaiah come readily to mind:
Isaiah 59:18 According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.
Isa 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a Standard (without doubt, Jesus Christ) against him.
Isa 59:20 And the Redeemer (Jesus Christ) shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob (that is, those who at that date, have returned to their homeland), saith the LORD.
<HEL> ~1100 words. Circulated as a PDF file on January 9, 2019, but here without the photograph.
Rabbinic Expert: First Super Blood Moon of the Year;
Sign of Earthquakes, Governments Will Fall
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz December 30, 2018, 2:31 pm
[The following article is circulated verbatim just f.y.i. Our publication of it does not imply agreement or not so, but we do believe some excellent, concrete, and useful information is contained in it. Ed.]
“The sun shall turn into darkness and the moon into blood.” Joel 3:4 (The Israel Bible™)
On the evening of January 21, as the holiday of Tu B’shvat begins, a lunar eclipse will pass over Washington D.C., just as the President will reach [precisely – to the day!] the halfway point of his term in office. The eclipse will be a super blood moon, described in Jewish sources as having powerful significance.
On the Gregorian Calendar:
The lunar eclipse will be visible in its entirety from North and South America, as well as portions of Western Europe and Northwest Africa, on the evening of Sunday, January 20 and in the early morning hours of Monday, January 21. The evening of the eclipse will be a Supermoon – when the moon is at its perigee, the point in its month-long elliptical orbit that brings it closest to Earth. At that time, the moon appears up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than at its apogee, its furthest point from Earth.
This will not only be the first lunar eclipse of 2019 but also the year’s first Supermoon. At that time, the proper conditions will exist to create a blood moon in which the moon has a distinctly reddish tint. This will be the last total lunar eclipse until May 26, 2021.
On the Political Calendar:
The date also marks the halfway point of Donald Trump’s presidency, coming exactly two years after he was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. It should be noted that Trump was born on the night of June 14, 1946, within fifteen minutes of a total lunar eclipse and 700 days before the state of Israel was established. Trump’s lucky sevens did not end there. When he was sworn in as President on January 20, 2017, he was 70-years-old, seven months and seven days.
On the Jewish Calendar:
The holiday of Tu B’shvat, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat, begins at sundown on the same day. Known as the New Year of the Trees, Tu B’Shvat is one of four “New Years” mentioned in the Mishnah (the oral law).
Rabbi Mordechai Genut discussed the lunar eclipse in his book Davar B’ito, a guide to the calendar based on esoteric Jewish sources.
“A lunar eclipse in the month of Shevat is a sign of the rise of the aspect of din (judgment) in the world,” Rabbi Genut told Breaking Israel News. “This eclipse will rule over the Americas but for Israel, it will bring chesed (loving-kindness).”
Rabbi Genut described specifically how this judgment will be expressed.
Judgment Expressed
“There will be a marked increase in earthquakes and volcanoes, even more than we have seen in the past year,” Rabbi Genuth said. “Just as the eclipse is a conflict between the sun and the moon to rule over the heavens, there will be a similar conflict on earth. This will begin a time when governments are in balance. Some governments that seem powerful right now will fall and others will rise in their place.”
Rabbi Genut bases this on a verse in Isaiah: In that day, Hashem will punish The host of heaven in heaven And the kings of the earth on earth. Isaiah 24:21
Jewish Interpretation of Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Judaism has a tradition of interpreting solar and lunar eclipses. In its discussion of eclipses, the Talmud (Sukkot 29a) specifically described solar eclipses as being a bad omen for the nations. Indeed, the complete solar eclipse that traversed the continental United States in August 2018 ushered in the most devastating hurricane season in US history.
The same source in the Talmud specifies that lunar eclipses are a bad omen for Israel since Israel is spiritually represented by the moon and the Hebrew calendar is figured by the lunar cycles. If during the course of the lunar eclipse the moon appears red, as the upcoming eclipse will, the Talmud states that this is an omen that great wars will come to the world.
At the end of this section describing the omens contained within eclipses, the Talmud states a disclaimer: “When Israel does the will of God, they have nothing to fear from all of this,” citing the Prophet Jeremiah as a source: Thus said Hashem: Do not learn to go the way of the nations, And do not be dismayed by portents in the sky; Let the nations be dismayed by them! Jeremiah 10:2
Rabbi Yosef Berger applied this teaching in the Talmud to the current geopolitical situation.
“It’s not that the bad judgment symbolized by the lunar eclipse just disappears,” Rabbi Berger told Breaking Israel News. “It is merely averted to our enemies. In this case, the wars and evil will fall on our enemies. By choosing to be our enemies, the Arab nations have brought the evil that might have befallen Israel upon themselves.”
“This is especially true when the lunar eclipse falls on Tu B’Shvat, a day when only good can happen to Israel.” ##
Editor’s Comments: Isn’t it interesting that this remarkable “sign” in the heavens is appearing at precisely the mid-point in President Trump’s term in office? For, without doubt, this American leader has been a “friend” of Israel ... and promises to remain so in his deepest intentions.
And that the eclipse is visible almost completely only in the Western Hemisphere as if a “message” to those who inhabit that region of the earth?
And isn’t it interesting that Rabbi Berger notes that “It’s not that the bad judgment symbolized by the lunar eclipse just disappears,” Rabbi Berger told Breaking Israel News. “It is merely averted [diverted] to our enemies. In this case, the wars and evil will fall on our enemies. By choosing to be our enemies, the Arab nations have brought the evil that might have befallen Israel upon themselves.” In this regard, we cannot help but recall the somber words of Obadiah 1:15 – For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. 16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. 17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
And that this announcement from the heavens is made in the most positive of terms, viz., when the moon is at its nearest possible approach to the earth ... and therefore as large as it ever appears and far brighter than it normally appears? It almost seems as if Someone is saying, “Please pay attention: I have a message for you!”
And that, if the rabbi’s prognostication is correct, this coming year will surpass the ending one with an increase in not only earthquakes and volcanic activity, but possibly also hurricanes, cyclones, tsunamis, typhoons, and forest wildfires – all of which have been extremely prominent during the past year.
<HEL> ~1080 words. Circulated to eTPL members December 31, 2018 as a PDF (as it includes a photograph).
Posted to eTPL as a Circular Letter without the photograph.
Naftali Bennett Intends to
Relocate 200,000 French Jews to Israel
An eTPL29 Circular Letter
The Jerusalem Post has just reported that MK Naftali Bennett, the Education and Diaspora Affairs Minister, and National Economic Council Chairman MK Avi Simhon will place a bill before the Knesset today to move approximately two hundred thousand French Jews to Israel!
The decision was reported yesterday by writer Jeremy Sharon. He quoted Mr. Bennett as having said, “We missed an historic opportunity [in the past] and many Jews moved to the US, Canada or other places instead of Israel.”
The legislative motion was prompted by the prime minister’s instructions at last week’s cabinet meeting for Bennett to “draft a comprehensive program in cooperation with the National Economic Council to achieve this goal.”
It is expected that the government will set up an inter-ministerial taskforce to form plans to be submitted formally in about 60 days, to move forward the immigration of Jews from their toxic environment in France and more effectively to bring about their absorption in Israel.
About an half million Jews live in France at the present time. At last week’s cabinet meeting Mr. Bennett noted his renewed attention to the Jews of France, reporting that a large survey of them in 2015 found that about 40% of French Jews (about 200,000 people) have said that they were interested in varying degrees in making aliyah.
Since the date of that survey, conditions have markedly worsened for Jews in France, so that number of olim (returnees) should be attainable.
The article quoted Mr. Bennett as saying “After years of overlooking the wonderful aliyah of French Jews, we will embrace them. Immigration to Israel does not end on the day of arrival. That is just the beginning. The state should assist in absorption in all areas – language, education, housing, employment and more. We will do it. Every Jew in France should know, as should Jews anywhere in the world, the State of Israel awaits them with open arms.”
As reflected by the earlier survey, aliyah from France had spiked in 2014 and 2015 following an increase in anti-Semitic violence in the country. About 7,500 olim came home in 2015, increasing the level of immigration markedly from the average of 1,900 per year between 2o1o and 2012. Somewhat less than 18,000 have immigrated since 2015.
What are the usual deterrents to the formidable task of coming to Israel?
The article listed problems integrating into the country and finding employment, and especially having professional credentials recognized (such as doctors, dentists, attorneys, etc.) are frequently mentioned as the cause of sparse movement from France to Israel.
The present climate of immigration back to the Land was foretold by several of the prophets of Israel, among which are Jeremiah 16:14 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; 15 But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
Believers today should be strengthened to see these forecasted events being brought to pass in our day – an eventuality that was hardly possible prior to 1948.
At the present time, the chief delaying factors are the cost of relocation, the uncertainty of employment, the challenge of learning the Hebrew language, and adjustment to an entirely new social environment. But so far, the State of Israel has managed these challenges quite well for over six million olim to date! <HEL> ~650 words. December 23, 2018.
Hezbollah’s Lebanese Attack Tunnels
It will come as no surprise that Hezbollah in Lebanon has successfully copied the tactic originally used by Hamas in Gaza – building secret tunnels from its territory under the Israeli border in order to allow troops and equipment to invade Israel without detection.
But the ploy is not working.
Israel has now announced their finding of a fourth tunnel extending from Lebanon’s territory southward into Israel. The border area involved to date is the “good fence” portion of the Blue Line (northern) border with Lebanon – a line that (of course) is disputed by Lebanon in many places.
Upon discovering a tunnel, Israeli patrols immediately go to work rigging the tunnel with explosives rendering it useless to Hezbollah forces ... an intervention that is extremely costly to the enemy, because, unlike the sandy terrain of Gaza, the border with Lebanon is solid rock.
Tunneling through rock is several times as expensive and time-consuming as through sand.
And the Hezbollah tunnels are more elaborate – meaning wider and with a greater height clearance – than the Hamas ones of Gaza.
They are meant to handle greater numbers of troops as well as wheeled, heavy equipment such as trucks and field guns such as mortars and rocket launchers.
It is certain that Iran is footing the cost for these expensive tunnels from Lebanon by its proxy, Hezbollah.
The result of months of work by Hezbollah can be eradicated in two hours of Israeli intervention.
Israel’s nullifying technique is to place explosive charges inside the tunnels near their entryways in Lebanese territory. Anyone entering the tunnel thereafter is at the hazard of an explosive tunnel collapse ... which kills those entering and renders the tunnel entirely useless.
An interesting additional (and much belated) development has been that a branch of the UNO has decreed that the tunnels are a violation of UN Security Council regulations and therefore against international law.
It is a most unusual admission by the UNO!
But this decree will not stop Hezbollah from continuing to build tunnels, according to the terrorist organization’s leaders in Lebanon.
But it will further enhance Israel’s efforts to find and neutralize the tunnels – an effort made somewhat more difficult when the enemy is tunneling through rock strata.
Israel has known about the Hezbollah effort to dig the tunnels for several months after local residents reported strange vibrations and noises coming from underground in the area.
Israel’s ploy is apparently to allow the enemy to expend much labor and great expense extending the tunnels into Israeli territory before intervening, thus causing a great waste of Hezbollah effort and funds in the undertakings.
After all, the tunnels are not hazardous to Israel until they are finally opened on the Israeli side of the border. It is at that time that Israeli sappers intervene, placing explosive charges at or near the entrances of the tunnels.
The Israeli technique of locating the tunnels is not yet clear. Some months ago, an Israeli spokesman likened Israel’s detection technique to that of Iron Dome missile detection ... but would not elaborate for security purposes.
That’s okay. We don’t want to know how ...
We would like to know: Just how effective?
And the answer appears to be: “About 100%!”
A Matter of Bible Prophecy?
Is this relatively new development a subject of Bible prophecy too?
We believe it is, and that it is perfectly reflected in the words of Isaiah 31:4 ...
For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds (in this instance, Hamas and Hezbollah, thousands of whom daily aggress Israel) is called forth against him (Israel), he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof. 5 As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over (the Hebrew word here, is pasach, or “passover!”) he will preserve it.
These words refer to these rabid, aggressive, Islamic “shepherds” who are threatening the gathered and sheltered Flock of the Lord (modern Israel); THESE are being detected, in this instance, through the sounds they make (“noise” in the above passage!), triggering the measures that Israel is enabled to take against them.
The words “passing over” here are an extremely pointed reference, in our opinion, to the process through which Israel is passing at the present time – that of being “passed over” in the sense of being divinely protected ... exactly similar to the identical process expressed on their behalf in the Land of Egypt (“Passover”) as the nation was being formed in the first instance.
It is exactly similar because, in this instance, the nation TODAY is being re-formed as at the first ... regathered, reconstituted, brought back to its original status in these end-times to the immediate glory of the Almighty – a miraculous work of the first water as proven by the eye of faith’s observations of the hundreds (yea thousands!) of pointed miracles of Israel’s second recovery from the nations! Isaiah 11: 11 et. seq., especially addresses these end-time events.
Israel’s divinely-directed defensive measures are pictorially likened to a mother bird protecting her nestlings from predators of all kinds.
A footnote in ESword is helpful ...
“passing: Or rather, as Bp. Lowth renders, "leaping forward," pasoacḣ, as the mother bird spreads her wings to cover her young, throws herself before them, and opposes the rapacious bird that assaults them; so shall Jehovah protect, as with a shield, Jerusalem from the enemy, protecting and delivering, springing forward and rescuing her.”
<HEL> ~950 words. An eTPL29 Analysis Published in Circular Letters, December 20, 2018.
New Israeli Housing Approved
An eTPL29 Analysis
Participants in our recent tour of Israel (September, 2018) will recall Ma’ale Adumim, a prominent city of the Jerusalem suburbs lying just to the south of the Jericho Road which we passed at least three times during our visit. It resembles a fortress on a hill, and features gleaming new buildings facing the roadway to its north. In a real sense, it is a stronghold of Jewish presence in the “West Bank,” much to the chagrin of the Palestinian Authority and its leaders, who claim the land as theirs and not Israel’s.
Established in 1975, the municipality of Ma’ale Adumim lies on the border of the Judean desert a few kilometers east of Jerusalem. We have observed the growth of the city since our first visit to Israel in 1978, during which time it has increased in size several times over.
It is about to take another leap forward.
Near the end of October 2018, the Construction and Housing Ministry, and the Ma’ale Adumim Municipality, approved the immediate start of construction of 470 new housing units for the city. But more importantly, they authorized the building of 20,000 additional units to be funded by a government appropriation.
The move emphasizes the drive by Israel to consolidate Jerusalem with the so-called “West Bank” areas nominally controlled by the Palestinian Authority.
The decision was fueled by a continuing healthy rate of Jews making aliyah and the growth of young families in the area. The decision will bring some ease to the housing shortage in the Jerusalem metro region.
According to a news release from Israel Breaking News yesterday, “Construction and Housing Minister Yoav Gallant lauded the agreement, which he said would ‘lead to significant development and growth in the population of Ma’ale Adumim.’
“In addition to the new housing units,” Gallant went on to say, “public and educational institutions will also be established, and will include synagogues, schools, parks, community centers and sports arenas. We must continue to establish [our] hold on the Jerusalem area, from Ma’ale Adumim in the east to Givat Ze’ev in the west, from Atarot in the north to the area of Bethlehem and Rachel’s Tomb, to Efrat and Gush Etzion.”
“He noted that these places were of ‘historic, strategic and national importance.’”
Just what is that importance?
The predominant Jewish presence here provides a point of resistance to dangers which could come from the east – from Moab and Ammon (today’s Jordan – cf., Isaiah 11, Psalm 83).
Such aggression was mounted against the Jewish state on previous occasions, the first of which resulted in Jerusalem and all lands to the east being in Jordanian hands from 1948 to 1967.
After the liberation of all the lands to the Jordan Valley in the Six Day War, Israel has aggressively constructed housing for Jewish families in the entire area.
These aggressive new housing initiatives doubtless stem partly from President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel earlier this year.
We see a rapidly increasing crescendo of development activity each time we are privileged to visit Israel, especially in housing and in road and tunnel construction, as well as additions to the railways of the country. The Jerusalem Light Rail system has added wonderfully to the ability of Jerusalemites to move about the municipality with ease and comfort.
And one great advantage of the housing potential is that there are vast tracts of uninhabited land in the hills all around Jerusalem just waiting for new habitats and other infrastructures to be constructed.
Jeremiah, among many of the other prophets, foretold these halcyon days in these words:
Jeremiah 31:7 For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.
Jer 31:8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.
Jer 31:9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Jer 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.
Jer 31:11 For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.
<HEL> ~800 words. An eTPL29 Analysis. Circulated and Posted in “Circular Letters 2018” October 30, 2018.
A Russian Reversal of Blame
An eTPL29 Circular Letter
After a Russian Il-20 turboprop spy plane was brought down by Syrian anti-aircraft missiles last week, the Russians immediately recognized that the plane was attacked by Syria and that Syria was at fault. See this reference for more information:
Russian Spy Plane Shot Down Over Syria
But later the Russian command in Syria reviewed the case in detail and reversed its decision; it concluded that the fault lay with Israel. It said that Israeli F-16I fighter-bombers had shielded themselves with the Russian plane thus drawing Syrian fire upon the Russian ship rather than themselves.
According to some sources, this (technique of "shielding") is an impossibility. Besides, Israel showed conclusively that their planes were already back in Israeli airspace when the Russian ship was struck and fatally brought down.
Russia disagreed, upon which Israel sent a group of IDF officers to Moscow to present their case.
But the Russians still disagree, saying that Israel’s conclusions do not match their own, according to the BBC News Service.
Russia has therefore made the decision to install its advanced anti-aircraft missile system, the S-300, in Syria as soon as a week from today, September 26th.
Israel has countered that giving the advanced anti-aircraft missiles to "irresponsible actors" would make the region more dangerous.
A more troubling revelation was that it would also begin jamming communications at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, monitoring all air and munitions traffic intensively.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated, "In parts of the Mediterranean adjacent to Syria, there will be radio-electronic jamming of satellite navigation, onboard radars and communications systems used by military aircraft attacking targets in Syrian territory."
Israel has commented that the S-300s are really not much of an escalation of the military picture in Syria because it ways of overcoming that weapon, but the new jamming system that will be initiated is a problem. It will complicate Israeli operations greatly, and make its defense more complex. Indeed, such activity will be a challenge which Israel will begin to address immediately.
Russia will guard its large military base at Latakia, Syria, with the S-300 system.
Benyamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel, warned Mr. Putin that "providing advanced weapons systems to irresponsible actors will magnify dangers in the region," according to the prime minister's office.
He also said Israel was "determined to stop Iranian military entrenchment in Syria and the attempts by Iran, which calls for the destruction of Israel, to transfer to Hezbollah lethal weaponry [to be used] against Israel."
The Russian S-300 system represents a significant escalation of capability in anti-aircraft defense. Here are the S-300PMU systems specifications ...
· Each launcher vehicle carries four missile containers (two missiles per target). A full battalion includes six launcher vehicles with a total of 24 missiles, plus command-and-control and long-range radar detection vehicles.
· It fires two missiles vertically within 3 seconds, making it versatile and accurate.
· Russian 48N6E are the standard missiles fired from S-300PMU launchers. They have a range of 5-150km (3-93 miles) at a maximum altitude of 27-30km (17-19 miles).
· Response time: Vehicle stopping to missile firing is five minutes
Source: Royal United Services Institute
Conclusion: The confrontation/interface between Russian and Israeli forces over Syria is heating up somewhat. We wonder whether much of the Russian response is mostly for the Syrians’ benefit and also for the Russian folk at home, thus presenting some sort of strong response to Israeli actions in Syria. The Russians do not seem to be overly exercised over the incident, yet the loss of a large aircraft and over a dozen servicemen is a notable loss which must be compensated. The present acts of escalation may be just such a response. We continue to observe. <HEL> ~640 words.Circulated September 26, 2018.
Russian Spy Plane Shot Down Over Syria
An eTPL29 Circular Letter
Earlier in the week of September 16th, a Russian Ilyushin-20 turboprop aerial surveillance platform (plane) was shot down off the coast of Syria. At first, the Russians blamed Israel, which also was flying fighter-bombers (F-16s) in the same neighborhood.
Then, later, Israel proved that the downing had been the result of Syrian anti-aircraft fire.
But the plot thickens. Now the Syrians are still blaming the Israelis because they claim that the Israeli F-16s were “shadowing” the Russian plane in order to draw fire upon the Russians instead of the Israeli planes because the Ilyushin is a larger target than the F-16s – in other words, sort of hiding behind the Russian plane off the coast and in a sense coaxing anti-aircraft fire against it rather than their own planes.
Israel has sent a delegation of high-ranking officers from the Israel Air Force to Moscow to address the situation, and it appears that President Putin believes the Israeli account. He has been actively defending Israel in the matter and blaming the Syrians!
In our opinion, this is amazing! It is a completely opposite stance we might expect from a nation which is destined in a few short years (?) to develop into “Gog of the Land of Magog.”
President Putin and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel have a seemingly “tight” relationship at the moment – partially due, we believe, to the more than one million Russians who now live in Israel. Mr. Putin usually visits several of these communities of Russian Jews when he visits Israel, including Ashdod and Netanya.
We feel that this present configuration of affairs is another reassurance of our long-held view that the Russian coalition’s invasion, depicted in Ezekiel 38, 39, is some distance ahead in time.
The named powers who are the principal actors of that day have not yet positioned themselves as they must be disposed toward Israel – i.e., unified against Israel!
Also it reinforces our scriptural position (here verified and reinforced) that an earlier assault by the nations “round about” Israel is the trigger that brings the physical return of the LORD Jesus from the heavens. He intends to leap into the fray at an approaching time described as when “the enemy shall come in like a flood” – an often overlooked description of the revealed trigger for the Second Advent.
The time-marker in the verse is quite clear: So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard (nus) against him. Isaiah59:19.
A key revelation of this verse is embedded in the Hebrew word nus, which is Strong’s H-5127, and does mean “a standard, flag, or ensign;” but carries also the active qualities of something vanishing away (or being caused to vanish away – or to be vanquished); to subside, escape, causatively (to) chase, impel, deliver...make to flee away...put to flight...” It is not simply an ensign, or a national symbol.
Therefore the Standard raised against those renascent enemies will be the LORD Jesus Christ in person, along with the Immortalized Saints, in our opinion.
As the precise wording of this text describes, the Ensign (Standard) is raised against them WHEN that same enemy shall “come in (into the Jewish state) like a flood” – that is, in an overflowing fashion. It is a familiar figure which is often utilized in prophecies referring to the impending “flood” of Assyria against Israel, and of Babylon against Judah; it is also implied in the phrase indicating the “drying up” of the Euphrates (the reversal of a flood) as recorded in Revelation 16:12.
In addition to the more obvious clues as to the sequence of events of the end-time, these seemingly insignificant statements confirm those larger, more obviously observed events, clarifying and confirming the details as our Father wishes us to understand them. <HEL> ~675 words. Published September 20, 2018
Rosh Hashanah in Jerusalem
Year 70 of the Modern Commonwealth of Israel
An eTPL29 Analysis
Our special Israel clock shows the time in Jerusalem to be 6:09 p.m. at the moment of this writing. A new day has just begun in Israel ... and that date is Elul 9. The Jewish state (and the oblivious world!) is only a few days from Tishri 1, or Rosh HaShanah – the Feast of Trumpets – of the 70th year of its Commonwealth. The Jewish New Year is a mo’ed – a Festival – and as such is a “shadow of things to come” as stated by Paul in Colossians 2: 17.
We are given reason to believe that the approaching day may be that spoken of by Psalm 102: 16 – that "When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory."
We believe this expectation strongly because we see His great favor for His People in this day, a wonderful, faith-generating promise of verse 13 of this same psalm: "Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come."
The word translated “set time” here is mo’ed, the word used for festival in Hebrew. Rosh HaShanah is such a mo’ed, and we fervently anticipate, is most likely to be the next feast fulfilled literally – by the Second Coming of the LORD Jesus Christ!
We believe this will be perhaps the most important anniversary of the People of God in their second Recovery – their recovery from the nations of the earth. It will mark the ending of the 70th civil year of the modern Commonwealth, and the beginning of its 71st year.
As we have noted on past occasions, our interest in this particular date is owing to the statement in Psalm 90 that, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away (i.e., we die)." Psalm 90:10.
In our thinking, these words of the Prophet Moses, the author of this psalm, defines a “generation” of man as generally consisting of seventy years.
This length of time being exactly that of the current length of modern Israel’s statehood, we believe this is a unique occurrence which we should especially note as blessed members of “this generation.”
There is an important statement made by Jesus (as recorded by Luke) as to the unique importance of this particular anniversary – a passage in which He was just concluding comments on the tumultuous conditions to be existent at the end-time: Luke 21:31 "So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."
When we planned our upcoming seventh tour of Israel last year, we took into serious consideration this statement of our LORD as to the time at which we might expect Him to return to the earth to gather the Elect, to immortalize them, and to begin to clear the Land in order to set up His Kingdom in Zion.
For the record, this expectation cannot be stated dogmatically, for as we are informed, “no man knoweth the day nor the hour” of His coming.
But we are encouraged to hope!
When the shophars are sounded at the Feast of Trumpets, there is a set protocol for the blowing. It consists of an hundred blasts of the shophar in a predetermined sequence of blasts ... ending in one long, sustained, exhaustive sounding of the final one of the series, its designation being “the last trump.”
That is a familiar phrase which we recognize in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, at I Corinthians 15: 52, when He reveals that “at the last trump ... we shall all be changed.”
Is this literal interpretation justified?
We shall soon find out whether this will be the most important one!
The sketchy information given by the apostle here is doubtless intended to summarize the larger process of the Covenanted Ones being resurrected, then being assembled with the living believers at the place of Judgment, and the conduct of the Judgment process itself, followed by an innumerable multitude being raised from mortality to immortality as clarified by Paul in verses 53 and 54.
Could this wondrous, long-awaited event of the ages actually be on the verge of fulfillment?
We, of course, cannot be sure of such – but we certainly may be prayerfully hopeful of it.
If this expectation comes true, the entire Fellowship of living Believers is thankfully approaching the ultimate goal of our lives – the wondrous reward to be granted by the LORD of all life and being – that is, immortality – everlasting life – with which He invests perhaps millions of kings and priests of His nascent Kingdom (given each one’s approval by Him at that day!)
Let us consider this grave but joyful possibility as we mark the next twenty-one days, counting down to sunset in Jerusalem of the last day of the current month of Elul, and the onset of New Year 71 of the Hebrew Commonwealth (September 9th on the Gentle calendar).
In order to continue the literal fulfillment of the Feasts of Israel – and given the literal past fulfillment of the first four – we expect that this fifth, precise scenario shall unfold at some future end of Elul; let us pray fervently for this near-approaching day to be the day of its fulfillment! <HEL H29> ~950ords. August 19, 2018
Israel Actively Seeks Members of the Ten Tribes
An eTPL29 Analysis
As we have long anticipated, the Israeli government is now moving ahead with a plan to connect with tens of millions of people that have Jewish ancestry, and to bring them home to Israel for settlement. We hasten to note, however, that the largest success of such an effort will come after the arrival of Christ in His Second Advent and His prosecution of the war with His proximal enemies “round about.”
Even the recently initiated project could drastically change the demographics of Israel. It will be one of the ways in which the prophecy of Obadiah will be fulfilled ... by repopulating the Negev, the Sinai, and Jordan, after it is depopulated by the Christ of the Second Advent, as he clears His Land of the interlopers and aliens who have inhabited the vacated lands of 587BC and 70AD’s drastic depletion of Jews by deportation into other lands, often as slaves.
Those Jews were transported to, and migrated to, Europe and other places, including the Arabic neighboring states. The traceable ones of Spain and other European countries are the targets of reconnection by Israeli authorities.
An announcement by Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Ministry recently submitted a report that said there are about sixty million people around the world with “an unrecognized affinity to Judaism or Israel.” They include many whole communities that could be brought to Israel and converted to Judaism.
We quote from the article ...
“It is absolutely groundbreaking and will be a game changer for Israel,” Ashley Perry (Perez) told Breaking Israel News. “This is the first time the Israeli government is looking beyond the established Jewish world and towards those who are descended from Jewish communities that were forcibly converted or otherwise converted.”
Mr. Perry is president of Reconnectar, an organization that enables persons with Jewish ancestry to reconnect in any way they see applicable. He is personally tasked with the recovery of Jews of Spanish and Portuguese communities, specifically the anousim (“forced”) who were compulsorily “converted” during the Spanish Inquisition.
“Zionism was the most important social movement of the 20th century as the (means of the) ingathering of the exiled Jews, but its next stage is to reach out to the descendants of the Jews who were forcibly converted,” Perry added. He observed that these specific people originally numbered in the hundreds of thousands ... but have now grown to tens of millions, if not more.
He believes that there are over 100 million descendants of Iberian Jews in existence today, of which about 14 million “self-identify” with Judaism.
Obadiah’s prophecy relating to this population is contained in verses 19 and 20: And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south. Obadiah 1:19, 20.
In addition, other prophets (cf., Ezekiel 36; 6-12; Ezekiel 37: 21-25; Joshua 13: 31; Micah 7: 14) speak of repopulation of lands further north including Gilead and Bashan with teeming numbers of people regathered from the nations.
For example consider the deeply fervent account of Jeremiah, who foretold the return of his people in these words:
Jeremiah 50:4 In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.
Jer 50:5 They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.
Jer 50:6 My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.
Jer 50:7 All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.
All these are destined to return – to make aliyah – and none shall remain outside the boundaries of that Land promised to Abraham beginning in Genesis 12.
Thus the scattered sheep of Israel shall be repatriated en masse – and the regathering has already begun!
<HEL> ~800 words. An eTPL29 Analysis Published in eTPL, Circular Letters, July 30, 2018.
That Elusive Quality: Peace!
An eTPL29 Editorial
Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. The elusive condition of world peace was the chief topic of discussion this morning in Helsinki, placing new intensity on the need for such and the subtle intricacies of achieving it.
The intricacies of international diplomacy were stressed to their limit as President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump reported on their progress of negotiations during their just-ended meeting.
Main topics discussed were:
Cyber interference of Russia with the USA affairs
Nuclear proliferation and SALT (strategic arms limitation treaty)
Global terrorism; the continuing need to end
Eradication of ISIS in Syria; Russian leadership and cooperation
Energy supply and synchronization (oil and gas), especially for Europe
Long-term animosity between the USA and Russia
The need for humanitarian assistance for Syria
The severe needs of refugees in Turkey, Syria and Lebanon
Friendship, cooperation, and peace between the US and Russia. Future dialog was invited and said to be intended by both parties.
Putin emphasized the clear differences between the USA and Russia as to national goals ... that both presidents hold the concerns of their own countries, but there exists a great need for cooperation. He concretely denied any Russian interference with US elections.
Mutual assistance on criminal cases of 1999 is a law that must be applied to the charges against the twelve Russians who are charged by the US with election hacking and interference in the months prior to the elections of November 2017. But an end to the negativity between the two powers is now called for.
The cooperation of the USA with Israel was questioned. President Trump pointed out that President Putin is also cooperating with Israel on its difficulties with aggression, especially in Syria.
The bombshell question of the press conference was to President Putin: “Does Russia have in its possession any compromising information on President Trump?” President Putin denied even knowing Mr. Trump when he was in Moscow several years ago when he was there as an American businessman – one among five hundred others. He again denied that Russia had interfered with the presidential election of 2017.
Putin claimed that the takeover of Crimea was entirely legal because it resulted from a referendum which Russia held in the area prior to their takeover.
Predictably, President Trump was accused by critics as being too conciliatory toward the Russian leader, and to have trodden softly on the issue of Russian responsibility for interference in US affairs. It was concluded by most observers that the meeting did little in the long run except set the stage for long-term future negotiations between the US and Russian leaders.
These discussions between the leaders of two of the world’s main powers are fascinating. But in the end, their wordy exchanges are spoken into the tumultuous winds of the ongoing conflict of world powers ... all of which have no place in our Father’s plan for the future. The words of the Prophet Daniel come to the fore here: And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Daniel 7:27.
The gross ignorance or disbelief of the world regarding this destiny demonstrates the confusion of the national goals of all nations as so visible at this meeting. How comforting to be assured of ascendance over all nations in the future age by humble folk whose views are so grossly overlooked!
<HELG29> ~600 words. An eTPL29 Editorial Circulated July 16, 2018.
We Begin Our 29th Year of The Prophecy Letters
An eTPL29 Circular Letter
When we began publishing The Prophecy Letters in July 1990, the Berlin Wall had just been breached. The Soviet Union had been spent into oblivion by the United States as the Russians tried to keep pace in armaments and offensive weapons. The world seemed to be changing drastically – But toward what? – And by whatever course? How should these drastic changes alter the course of Bible prophecy?
Our only certainty was that the Day of the Lord’s Second Advent was one week closer than ever. Our fervent hope was that it would come soon and that we might be privileged to share in that victorious day of blessing for the whole earth – and of effulgent glory to the holy name of our heavenly Father!
Meanwhile, we prayerfully determined to begin a newsletter dedicated solely to Bible prophecy. It was an area of study in which we had been greatly interested in for many years. But we wondered, how much of it did we really comprehend? And how much of what had already been written was correct – verifiable by scripture?
We felt that there was a distinct need among serious students of God’s saving Word for such a forum. And we had long felt that some (much?) of the “received wisdom” of the past was either wrong or was irrelevant to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy as we had come to view it.
We decided that an intensive scriptural effort was needed to re-investigate the prophetic words of the Almighty, and to make our findings as widely known as possible at the least possible cost.
At that time, the printed page was our selected vehicle. We circulated The Prophecy Letters for about sixteen years month by month to several hundred readers. But at that juncture, our personal health had deteriorated (temporarily, it turned out) and we could no longer continue the intensity of a monthly publishing schedule of some 7000 to 8000 words of what we considered good quality Bible research.
Being already ‘retired’ from active work, we had endless hours to devote to our project. So we resorted to the best alternative – the worldwide web – an incredibly useful electronic development of the modern world which was then becoming more easily accessible.
With the help of a knowledgeable and tireless volunteer in Queensland, Australia, and the brotherly encouragement of certain colleagues in the United States, and in New South Wales, Australia, we were assisted to set up a dedicated website for our exclusive use. We acquired a domain name and duly began electronic publication of the formerly paper-published work as eTPL.
Acceptance of our efforts and those of our several colleagues have continued to be strong, we are thankful to say. Several hundred ‘subscribers’ still receive the eTPL (The electronic Prophecy Letters, mixing the acronym to suit our needs), now entirely free of price or obligation – a project to which I am personally committed until He comes if it is His will. Instead of one monthly series of relevant articles, we make frequent offerings of articles on relevant subjects within the field of Bible prophecy both as self-contained dissertations posted to the websites or as Circular Letters to all subscribers.
Inevitably, anyone’s unique views of any subject will trigger some resistance, and we have had a relatively small share of such. Considering our 28 years of publication, a total of less than fifteen people have asked to be “unsubscribed” to our work, which proves that most of you are warmly generous in your considerations of well-researched, hopefully well-expressed, views of Bible prophecy. Perhaps you don’t agree with every concept as advanced, but you are willing charitably to consider the honest opinions of other researchers and draw your own conclusions – which is all we ask or expect.
Yes, we have called into question some older, “well-established” concepts of just how the events of the last days would play out, but hopefully, we have done so only upon a valid, scripturally-verifiable basis.
We have never questioned or challenged our commonly held basic doctrines – and therefore matters of fellowship among us.
In most cases, our offered concepts have been vetted by at least some of our peers – many of whom have proposed similar interpretations of difficult passages.
Our goal has been to present commentary which not only is scriptural but is fully integrated with all other known (realized) scriptural references to the same events of Bible prophecy.
But in the end, no human being can claim a valid understanding of any particular prophecy until it has been palpably fulfilled. ONLY THEN can we be certain of its meaning and our valid understanding of it.
But at that juncture, we are obligated to recognize any such prophecy as having been fulfilled, and to have become a matter of record rather than prediction – and to relinquish any and all expectations of its coming to pass yet in a future time! We are not prophets. We do not pretend to be – or to have any ‘authority’ to foretell any event.
But there is a clear impetus (obligation) to form scripturally-based, intelligent, globally-considered solutions to the course of coming events guided only by the revealed Word of God (by which statement we exclude any previous, contrary dissertations, no matter how logical or ‘scriptural’ they might seem to be or to have been. If these concepts do not fit ... then they do not fit!).
The LORD Jesus Himself told His disciples that He had informed them in advance of certain events so that when the foretold events came to pass, that they might believe in His validity – His authority, His sovereignty. John 14: 29.
Our consideration about every area of concern in Bible prophecy is valuable for the same reason ... that brethren may know with some surety the nature and sequence of coming events which shall move forward the Plan of God and are thus encouraged and strengthened by such expectations.
No prophetic interpreter has any claim to glory for himself or his ‘group’ of associates, for all the glory belongs to our heavenly Father. His is the Kingdom, its power, and glory, forever, praise be unto Him!
Similarly, it is incumbent upon every interpreter of the words of prophecy to ‘hedge’ his expressed understanding with a disclaimer of his own innate abilities perfectly to discern prophecies.
This necessity recognizes that all such (expositors) are commonly frail and vulnerable, susceptible to injecting their own ‘private interpretation’ into God’s words, a fault which will bring us under the cautionary condemnation voiced by Jesus Himself in Revelation 22 - For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18, 19.
We feel that that charge is so serious as to apply to all the words of prophecy contained in His Word and that it places each scholar under a formidable, unrelenting charge of objectivity, accuracy, coherence, thoroughness, and of global correlation with all other prophecies concerning the same and related subjects. If one’s understanding violates any other tenet of any other utterance, then it must be discarded, abandoned, and regarded as invalid – and a more satisfactory understanding sought.
Sometimes one must admit defeat – and humbly admit that he does not yet understand this or that utterance.
Only then can be prevented the misconceptions which can lead to wrong expectations – wrongly expected outcomes – and cause earnest students of God’s word to have misconceptions of expectation. Such has literally caused some to lose their focus – their faith – and to step aside, and ‘out of The Way’ of Life that was so dearly purchased by the shed blood of the LORD Jesus Christ on Golgotha’s Tree of Death.
We welcome any and all new ‘subscribers’ to eTPL with this invitation; please refer our publications to interested friends or associates.
Our effort has been to study and strive to understand the entire literature of Bible prophecy, and have offered written explanations of our understanding of a great many of these on our two websites, establishing what we have intended as a trove of valuable resources in this intriguing and vital field of endeavor.
We invite you to consider the huge volume of information found there – on both our websites, which are to be found at the addresses below our signature line immediately following.
<HEL 7Q> ~1450 words. An eTPL29 Circular Letter. Circulated July 8, 2018.
US Embassy Now in Jerusalem
Today is May 14, 2018 – the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence on the Gregorian calendar. It marks the official movement of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which President Trump recently recognized as the capital of Israel.
The move is controversial – resisted strongly by all Arab communities and countries as well as most other countries of the world, nearly all of which seem to be comfortable with the UNO’s designation of Jerusalem as an international enclave belonging to nobody.
As expected, the day is being marked by a huge Islamic backlash which took the form of extensive rallies throughout the Muslim Middle East. In Gaza more than100,000 people have shown up at the border fence with Israel to burn tires, throw stones, demonstrate and riot. Some say they hope to breach the fence and enter Israel in a great human mass of invaders. As of 3pm in Israel, a total of 37 protesters have been killed and hundeds injured by their aggressive stance threatening to brech the border fence.
But in Israel, the relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem was welcomed in numerous ways as the Jewish State showed its appreciation for the move after so many years of uncertainty and controversy. The US decision has prompted several other nations to announce that they will also move their embassies to Jerusalem as well. Just prior to today no embassies were located in the capital of Israel – a unique situation, as in the entire world, embassies are located in the capital cities of every country, or in a near suburb.
The address of the Embassy is 14 David Flusser St., Jerusalem, 9378322. The building until today has been the US Consulate in Jerusalem and is a low-lying, fortress-like structure in the Arnona District to the south of the city’s Temple Mount. It lies partially in the former no-man’s-land between Israel and Jordan prior to the 1967 Six Day War, in which Israel captured the Jordanian-occupied City and Judea and Samaria. The building will be a temporary location of the embassy until a permanent, dedicated site can be found and an appropriate embassy erected.
Ammar Awad/Reuters
Until that time, for lack of space in this temporary facility, much of the embassy staff will remain housed in the old US Embassy building on HaYarkon Street in Tel Aviv.
As the work advanced to convert the Consulate to an Embassy, evidence of the move could be seen throughout the City. New street signs in Hebrew, English, and Arabic were installed directing interested persons to the facility. On streetlight poles, Israeli and American flags were installed, giving the area a festive appearance.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The Friends of Zion Museum has plastered every available space with 150 billboards in the city in support of President Trump and his decision to move the embassy.
Although Islamic protests are numerous, the move has been greeted with enthusiasm and appreciation by Israelis. Jerusalem’s Mayor Nir Birkat announced last week that he will name a major street intersection near the embassy “United States Square,” in recognition “... of the way in which Jerusalem returns love to the president and residents of the United States who stand by the state of Israel” (J. Post). The United States State Department is already updating government maps to denote Jerusalem with a star, in agreement with its designation of other capital cities (NPR).
From the first day after the decision was made, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman praised the move, placing a message on Twitter: “Today @POTUS displayed the ultimate test of leadership and courage by standing up for what’s just and true, even in the face of stiff opposition. Jerusalem is Israel’s capital city today as it was 3000 years ago. Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump for this historic decision.”
And Mike Pompeo, the new US Secretary of State, in a meeting with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu in May, stated that “By recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the seat of its government, we’re recognizing reality.”
Although the opposing demonstrations are widespread and involve thousands of protesters, they are not expected to have any lasting effect.
This action, as Mr. Pompeo said, represent a reality that has existed for nearly 70 years.
From a prophetical standpoint, was it vital?
No. We think not. But it does warm our hearts to know that Israel’s greatest friend, the United States, is finally achieving a spine stiff enough to make its position a reality by positive actions. For this reason, we sincerely believe that the United States has been especially blessed. Cf., Genesis 12:3: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
What, then, is the palpable importance of this decision to world affairs – and especially to Israeli affairs? That is a greater consideration ...
The repercussions in the Arab world, in our view, will increase the animosity and hatred it generally has for Israel (with some notable exceptions of late, such as not in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Egypt for example), and may bring the tipping point of active aggression toward the Jewish state that we expect ... bringing about the Apical Event of the Ages – the personal return of the LORD Jesus Christ from the heavens to begin His eternal work upon the earth as promised by all the prophets and supported by the promises to the fathers of Israel!
<HEL J28> ~900 words and photographs. An eTPL28 Analysis Published May 14, 2018
A Rare Blood Moon is Coming!
An eTPL28 Circular Letter
Thanks to Myles Kaufman of Finger Lakes, New York [Daily World Watch], this article came to our attention: it was published in Business Insider on January 5th 2018, and informs readers of an unique eclipse that will appear on January 31 in many parts of the world.
Allow me to quote the entire article (it’s short) first, then perhaps add some commentary of our own.
“We're About to See a Rare Moon
That Hasn't Appeared For More Than 150 Years”
By Peter Farquhar
“This hasn't happened since 31 March 1866.
“If you were awestruck by the New Year's Day super moon, hold onto your pants.
“On January 31, around midnight, the full moon will not only be super, it will be a blue moon and a blood moon.
“The blue moon comes as it will be the second full moon in a month [in the same month – January].
“That happens every two and a half years, hence the saying "once in a blue moon."
“But wait, wait – these two celestial events, the blue moon and the super moon, will also coincide with a total lunar eclipse.
“And with Earth in between the Sun and the Moon, sunlight has to pass through the Earth's atmosphere, which scatters the green to violet light more than it scatters the red light. So the Moon appears red – a blood moon.
“That's three big Moon moments on one glorious night for sky watchers. The best place to see it, according to Space.com, will be in central and eastern Asia, Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia.
“The last time all three events lined up this perfectly was more than 150 years ago. According to the Canon of Lunar Eclipses, the last time humans saw a total eclipse of a blue moon was 31 March 1866.
“The US will miss out on the full spectacle as the eclipse will happen too close to the Moon setting. [It will occur when the moon is too close to the horizon (setting) to view clearly.]
“You can see where the eclipse will be visible in the graphic below.
“The Northern hemisphere times can be found here. For Australia, the point of greatest eclipse occurs at around 23:30 AEDT. The totality will last around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Graphic by NASA
This article was originally published by Business Insider.”
Our Comments:
In Luke chapter 21, the Lord Jesus is touring for perhaps the last time before His demise, the Temple grounds, and speaking with everyone interested in His observations. His revelations here are some of the most important in all history.
After telling His listeners that His beloved City was destined for very hard times in the centuries ahead, and that these would terminate at the end in its redemption, He summarizes subsequent events.
The period named by Him was “the times of the Gentiles.”
Then He tells his listeners ...
Luk 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luk 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Luk 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
We see in His words the distinctive instruction to pay heed to “signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars,” that is, in the physical heavens, because there, in an incorruptible milieu (not alterable by mankind), there shall be seen unique occurrences.
These heavenly signs would be coupled with other events concurrent with them UPON THE EARTH ... distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves (of humanity) roaring (in tumult).
That word picture is unique to the current year in history. Never have world events been as unstable and uncertain as they are at this date.
Folk who are really paying attention can feel the tension as intense as that of a finely tuned piano wire – nearly to the point of breaking!
The potential for worldwide destruction is now immense – and widespread. It is said that the US nuclear submarine fleet (twelve boats) alone is equipped with enough nuclear missiles to destroy the entire earth several times over!
We are so accustomed to hearing such statistics that they have come to mean little to our ears. But our cautionary warning is: Do not let this happen! Pay rapt attention to the “signs” that we are being shown – both heavenly and societal/political/secular among the nations.
The “times of the Gentiles” expired long ago, placing into inevitability the malevolent motions of these end times – but leading to more promising times ahead for those who are wise.
Jesus’ words continue in this sober vein ... summed up as “the cares of this life” – namely the mundane affairs of our daily existence – things not nearly as important as those to which He is referring on this occasion:
Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Luk 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
The final phrase of verse 36 is now the ONLY important event which each Believer must be prepared for.
It should bring to sharp arrest every other interest, in its favor ...
Everything else pales into total insignificance in view of the imminence of this final event of our mortal state.
That “standing before the Son of Man” indicates the Great Assize of each living and resurrected Believer – the Judgment Bema of Christ.
After that time, the mortal individuals who have so appeared will
either disappear into nothingness (eternal death – because they were found unworthy to “stand” with Him),
or in a twinkling of an eye, be raised in nature to that of immortality, and live with Him and all the other worthies of old, throughout the ceaseless ages which lie ahead!
And not just live – but thrive, exult, and absolutely revel in the new LIFE of devout service which they shall have been given by the Giver of Light and Righteousness, their beloved, returned, and all-powerful Savior and King, the Beginning of the New Creation on this beautiful blue planet ... then steadily progressing for the next thousand years to the perfection and pristine state of the Garden which our Father originally planted eastward, in Eden ... and the perfection of every remaining inhabitant.
The rarity of this coming eclipse (the last one was experienced in 1866!) tells the wise among us to look up, for your redemption draws nigh! Luke 21: 28.
It also warns that those who adamantly refuse to heed our LORD’s advice are obtusely and obstinately disregarding His grave advice ... much to their own hurt.
<HEL> An eTPL28 Circular Letter Published January 9, 2018.
The Hand of YHVH in all This
An eTPL28 Analysis
President Donald Trump’s decision to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem has had major repercussions around the world.
As expected, the Arab world is uniformly critical of the move and strongly resistant to it in every way.
Some nations such as Czechoslovakia and the Philippines have already stated that they are now considering moving their embassies to Jerusalem in the wake of the US initiative. We expect others to follow suit.
Opinions as to the consequences of this move are coming from all quarters with predictions of every sort, from praiseworthy effects to disastrous ones.
But in Jerusalem, an unexpected reaction has surfaced: a few Jewish citizens in key positions are looking ahead to future implications about which we had given little thought.
They see this dramatic move by the US president as precursor to another action closely allied to Bible prophecy: the building of the “Third Temple” on Temple Mount!
Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz, an Israeli commentator, wrote on December 7th, in Breaking Israel News, an article entitled, “Trump’s Jerusalem Declaration ‘Enormous Step Towards Bringing Third Temple.’”
He begins his article with an apparent “stock” photo of the president superposed upon a depiction of the Temple of Solomon, thus relating President Trump with Cyrus of Persia, who championed the return of the exiles to their Land and the rebuilding of their Temple ...
And he acknowledges that the president’s action on Tuesday, of announcing his decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, was guided by Hashem (God), by quoting from the Israel Bible, Proverbs 21: 1, which says ... “Like channeled water is the mind of the king in Hashem’s hand; He directs it to whatever He wishes.”
Mr. Berkowitz quoted several key workers in the Third Temple Movement in Israel, all of whom recognized the landmark decision as “a major step towards establishing the Third Temple and bringing the Messianic era.”
In this article, we shall see just how far toward the front of the modern Jewish mind is the imminence of the Kingdom age!
Mr. Asaf Fried, the official spokesman for the United Temple Movement, an association of organizations working towards making the Third Temple a reality said, “What he (President Trump) did last night was an enormous step in bringing the Temple.”
He added, “This necessarily had to come from a non-Jew in order to bring them into the process, so they will be able to take their part in the [building of the] Temple.”
Additionally, Mr. Fried drew a comparison of Trump’s role to that of Cyrus, King of Persia, who ended the Babylonian exile and helped build the Second Jewish Temple. He cited the verse from Proverbs 21 (stated above) as proof of Hashem’s influence in the hearts and minds of foreign kings when it suits His purpose. He elaborated: “There have been amazing advances towards bringing the Temple this year. It was clear that Trump was part of that process, guided by Hashem (God).”
The article then quoted Yakov Hayman, chairman of the United Temple Movement, who saw Mr. Trump’s action as part of a historical progression joining a large number of major shifts in modern history “for Israel and the Jewish people.” He pointed out that “1917 was (meaning brought) the Balfour Declaration establishing Israel for the nations ... 2017 was Trump’s declaration.”
It was an astonishing comparison, showing that in Mr. Hayman’s estimation, the ultimate evaluation of the announcement elevated the US president’s decision to that of world-changing status.
In further remarks, he opined that it was now “only a matter of time until [other] non-Jews made a similar declaration recognizing the Temple Mount as the site of the Jewish Temples, but noted that, to move forward, it was necessary for foot soldiers in the cause to take the first steps. ‘When Jews and non-Jews go up en masse, the Temple is inevitable.’”
He indicated that all the stages in this process would require a “multifaith effort,” with Jews and non-Jews performing various roles while moving ahead towards a mutual goal.
On this point we must differ sharply with his expressed views, although they are true to accepted humanistic principles.
The Prophet Zechariah speaks in detail of this future time in history and sets as its “type” the elevation of the High Priest of his own time:
Zechariah 6:11 - Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua (Yehoshua, or “Jesus”) the son of Josedech, the high priest; 12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD, and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
Thus Zechariah had revealed to him a man of his own time whose elevation portended the future elevation of another, future Man to that same position: the Branch of the LORD.
The words spoken of this Branch inform His people of the future duties of the Man of this office – that HE shall build the literal Temple of the LORD, and bear the (BE the) glory – the Shekinah of that Temple – and be not only king (shall rule upon his throne) but also the high priest (shall be the high priest upon his throne), thus establishing peace (unity in one) between them both.
Mr. Hayman continued with this observation: “The people of Israel are returning to their roots while simultaneously the non-Jews of the world are realizing the authenticity of our claim to the Temple Mount and our right to build a Jewish Temple as a House of Prayer for All Nations.”
Our summary comprehension of these views is that the Jews of Israel today have a much greater comprehension of their place in history – their role in contemporary events – which transcends all previous generations, than we have given them credit for; many of them gratefully realize that this generation is that of the restoration of the Kingdom to Israel, as voiced by the apostles after Jesus’ resurrection –When they, therefore, were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6.
This avid expectation underlines “the Hope of Israel” – that God’s former kingdom of the Hebrew people that gained unity under David, and peace under Solomon, shall be restored – brought back again – and reestablished upon the mountains of Israel forever under that Branch of Righteousness, the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star, the King of Righteousness, Yeshua Messiah, the Anointed Savior!
<HEL 12Q> ~1150 words. An eTPL28 Analysis Published Dec. 31, 2017
Likud Party Unanimously Votes for Sovereignty Over Judea and Samaria
An eTPL28 Analysis
Significant political events are “on the move” in Israel as 2017 drew to a close. Israeli news service Arutz Seven’s Contact Editor Yoni Kempenski reported this morning that a significant fraction (1500 Central Committee members) of the Likud Party (the majority party in Israel today – therefore that of PM Netanyahu) met on Sunday evening, December 31, at a location near Ben Gurion International Airport, and debated a significant change in the platform of the party.
The debate was whether Israel should declare sovereignty over the “West Bank” areas of Judea and Samaria, which are now controlled by the Palestinian Authority, whose ‘capital’ is at Nablus.
Unanimously, the delegates voted “yes” on “the first major change to the Likud platform since 2005 which was pushed by popular demand, rather than the party chairman,” and it was to extend Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria immediately.
While the vote is only symbolic, and will not officially affect the policies of the ruling Likud faction, it reflects the attitude of 900 of the Central Committee members who signed a petition calling for a debate and vote on the proposal, and 1600 of them who approved it.
A video recording of the meeting at the moment of the vote depicts a chaotic scene of fervent support for the positive outcome of the vote.
The groundswell of discontent with ‘things as they are’ in Israel seems to be building rapidly in the wake of President Trump’s formal recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital earlier in the year, and his decision to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
It is a grassroots movement for which Believers have long awaited. When will Israel recognize that the “Palestinian Authority” and its bigwigs are not now serious (and never have been serious) about a peace agreement with Israel; its desire is the eradication of Israel and PA acquisition of all its territory!
Realistic observers in Israel have long been aware of this PA attitude, but “political correctness” has retarded their outspoken response against the PA. It seems that President Trump’s initiative has loosed the bands of their hearts and given the core members impetus to speak up in favor of Israeli sovereignty over their entire country.
We know from the prophets’ writings (breathed into them by YHVH Himself by ‘inspiration’) that Israel will quite soon (under the leadership and initiative of the returned LORD Jesus Christ) extend its ownership and sovereignty over all the land from the Nile River to the Euphrates River, and from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf (cf., Genesis 15: 8, et al).
The last time such a contrary decision was reached by the Committee members, it voted against then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s planned disengagement from Gaza and parts of northern Samaria ... a decision that was ignored by Mr. Sharon in August of that year, as the Sharon government withdrew from those areas by removing the citizens of 25 Israeli towns!
The result was disastrous. Gaza is now a de facto “Palestinian” state within Israel and the nesting grounds of Hamas, one of the most militant anti-Israel Islamic parties in existence.
All observers have witnessed the chaotic vehemence which ensued against Israel from Gaza!
The wording of the yesterday’s resolution “calls on Likud’s elected leaders to work to allow unrestricted construction [in Judea and Samaria], and to extend Israeli law and sovereignty in all the areas of liberated settlement in Judea and Samaria.”
“Fifty years ago we liberated our ancestral homeland, Judea and Samaria, greater Jerusalem, the Tomb of the Patriarchs [in Hevron], Rachel’s Tomb [in Bethlehem], and the Western Wall,” said Minister Haim Katz ahead of the vote. “But today, unfortunately, after 50 years, when half a million Israeli citizens… are discriminated against when it comes to construction and security” [Israel does not yet have sovereignty over its own land].
“The time has come to end the [requirement] that the army approve the [construction] of every kindergarten, road, or even repair work for [public] lighting.”
The official action of the Committee comes swiftly on the heels of much other discussions over similar issues. There is a movement afoot to begin construction of the ‘Third Temple,’ as quickly as possible. Another initiative is aimed at gaining greater access to Temple Mount for Jews and Gentiles, overcoming the fierce resistance of the Waqf (Islamic religious Authority).
This crescendo of advances of Israel against its ideological enemies is the kind of “pushing back” that we expect to increase from Israel – moves which hopefully will trigger a “hot” conflict which will precipitate the final confrontation that is prophesied!
The sobering realization of Believers is that we believe that the resurrection of the dead in Christ shall occur before these precipitating events.
The admonition for all of us is to strive to be ready for His appearing, and for our sober appearance before the judgment bema of Christ. <HEL> ~850 words An eTPL28 Analysis Published Jan 1, 2018.
LOTS AND LOTS OF STARS
An eTPL28 Circular Letter
A new study estimates there are 300 sextillion stars in our universe. That is about three times more than previously thought. Here's where sextillion falls on the number scale.
Thousand 1, 000
Million 1, 000 000
Billion 1, 000 000 000
Trillion 1, 000 000 000 000
Quadrillion 1, 000 000 000 000 000
Quintillion 1, 000 000 000 000 000 000
Sextillion 1, 000 000 000 000 000 000 000
300 sextillion is ... 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000*
* From the December 2 San Antonio Express News, p. 6A. Thanks to WT, a correspondent...
An additional observation:
It is notable that scientists have recently voiced the opinion that the number of stars/planets in the universe is roughly equivalent to the number of grains of sand in all the rivers, streams, seas, and oceans of the world!
In this regard the words of the LORD to Abraham, recognizing his unique and singular faith in the matter of sacrificing his son Isaac, are singularly and pointedly significant:
Gen 22:15 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
Gen 22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
Gen 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
Gen 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. ##
An eTPL28 Circular Letter Published Jan. 4, 2018
Lots and Lots of Stars!
An eTPL28 Circular Letter
A new study estimates there are 300 sextillion stars in our universe. That is about three times more than previously thought. Here's where sextillion falls on the number scale.
Thousand 1, 000
Million 1, 000 000
Billion 1, 000 000 000
Trillion 1, 000 000 000 000
Quadrillion 1, 000 000 000 000 000
Quintillion 1, 000 000 000 000 000 000
Sextillion 1, 000 000 000 000 000 000 000
300 sextillion is ... 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000*
* From the December 2 San Antonio Express News, p. 6A. Thanks to WT, a correspondent...
An additional observation:
It is notable that scientists have recently voiced the opinion that the number of stars/planets in the universe is roughly equivalent to the number of grains of sand in all the rivers, streams, seas, and oceans of the world!
In this regard the words of the LORD to Abraham, recognizing his unique and singular faith in the matter of sacrificing his son Isaac, are pointedly significant:
Gen 22:15 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
Gen 22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
Gen 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
Gen 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
We long for that blessed time!
An eTPL28 Circular Letter Published Jan. 14, 2018
A Hoax in Gaza?
An eTPL28 Circular Letter
Humanitarian and economic issues in the Gaza Strip are having a dramatic effect on general relationships between Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, and Israel.
“Israel is for the first time weighing the idea of sending food and medicine to the Gaza Strip, and thereby prevent the deteriorating conditions from spiraling into violence,” were the words of a prominent Israeli spokesman as stated in a current article by Steve Liebowitz in World Israel News (WIN, February 9, 2018).
The Chief of Staff of the Israeli IDF, Gadi Eisenkot, gave weight to such stories earlier this week when he reported to the cabinet that Israel could face another war with Hamas in Gaza “as a result of the deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions in the coastal enclave.”
He spoke particularly of the scarcity of electricity, of potable water and food in the terrorist enclave; he actually suggested that Israel step up aid to the territory.
He is said to fear that an economic collapse would make war inevitable.
But experts claim that the ‘humanitarian crisis’ is actually a ‘hoax.’ WIN has spoken to numerous expert observers and could find no one who agreed with Eisenkot’s opinion and conclusions.
One of these is Professor Hillel Frisch of Bar Ilan University’s Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, which has devoted extensive research to the economic conditions in Gaza. The Professor told WIN, “I cannot understand how Eisenkot and the IDF reached their conclusion. I understand why Hamas says there is a humanitarian crisis. They have been plundering the aid money for years. They tax every aid truck entering the enclave. I understand (this from) Israeli industrialists including Osem and Strauss who make money selling food to Gaza.”
He also stated that it requires only 50 trucks a day to bring enough supplies to stave off any humanitarian crisis. “There has been an economic deterioration caused by Hamas’ greed and mismanagement, but nowhere near a humanitarian crisis.”
“I also reject these notions of allowing Gazan workers to enter Israel to generate income, or having Israel build Gaza an island port off the coast. Ashdod port is only an hour away. Lack of a port is not the reason for economic problems in Gaza,” said Frisch.
He also pointed out that Hamas “could not care less about the people” (of Gaza). “For Israel to give aid to the enemy is not in Israel’s interest,” he stated.
The real problem is that Hamas cares nothing for its people, but that Gaza is in dire straits “because the Hamas controllers favor those on its own payrolls such as security forces and teachers. Hamas spends its funds on missiles and terror tunnels” rather than upon projects to make life better for its citizens, according to Dr. Mordechai Kedar, also from Bar Ilan University.
This condition stems from Hamas’ inability to run a state. Their interest is in Jihadi terror, which has little hope of aiding the population who admittedly has “no hope and no future in Gaza with Hamas running things.” Their objective is to control the territory and its people as a base for its brand of aggression against Israel.
David Bedein, Head of the Center for Near East Policy Research has closely monitored aid to Gaza. Bedein told WIN, “Thirty nations are giving food aid to the Gaza residents through United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) on a regular basis. All of the supplies go through Hamas.
Gazans tell me that the supplies arrive at Hamas controlled warehouses, but they are not distributed. Eighty-one percent of the Gaza population live in UNRWA camps but they are not receiving the aid that was sent. Donor countries are being duped. There is a total lack of supervision. If there is a humanitarian issue it’s of Hamas’ doing.”
Readers of Middle Eastern news will realize that within the last week or so, Hamas has been circulating strident rumors that Israel is planning a clandestine attack “within days” on Gaza, which would be cloaked by an upcoming round of military maneuvers near the border. It is an attempt to gain world sympathy.
In the same vein, Hezbollah in Lebanon has been claiming that Israeli forces are in a position to attack southern Lebanon at any moment. Both have issued strident claims that if Israel attacks them, “they will get a great surprise” from their forces, which have gained strength since the last go-round with Israel.
The Prophet Joel writes of this present time in remarkably clear language ...
Joe 3:9 Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles (the nations round about Israel of today); Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:
As we have written on previous occasions, the phrase “Prepare war” is translated from the Hebrew qadash milchamah, meaning “to consecrate war as holy, to observe as clean, to sanctify, to dedicate, to hallow,” and generally to regard war as sacred.
It is Jihad, purely and simply!
And note carefully how perfectly the next phrases describe the condition described in the article above. To beat one’s plowshares into swords is to divert domestic advantage, such as the vast amount of monetary aid to Gaza, to that of instruments of war, such as rockets and terror tunnels.
In such a manner the truly weak claim to be strong.
Joe 3:10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.
Joe 3:11 Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen (nations), and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.
Joe 3:12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
This kind of provocation has been in progress for decades from the Arabs round about (and within) Israel.
The words above refer preeminently to these peoples.
An imminent trigger-point must exist somewhere in this mix – a point at which their irrational threats get out of hand and begin to be believed by these arch-enemies of God and His People.
That specific event in our opinion will initiate the final violent struggle which is known as Christ’s Judgment of the Valley of Jehoshaphat – which is also the “Valley of Decision” of verse 14.
Joe 3:13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
Joe 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
What may we understand by “multitudes?” It is necessarily a great number of people; in this case it is the populations of all the nations between the Nile and the Euphrates, and the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf – the Lands of the Promise to Abraham and the patriarchs ... and to their Seed, which is Christ (Galatians 3:16).
Is that designation then, not all the individuals making up the aggressor groups, countries, enclaves, territories, and organizations?
We believe so, and the preponderant message of the prophets is that which is described in these subsequent verses of the same chapter of Joel, beginning at verse 16: The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the (political) heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of His People, and the strength of the children of Israel. 17 So shall ye (Israel) know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
In order for the LORD to “roar out of Zion,” He must BE physically located in lands under Zion’s purview; in order to utter His voice from Jerusalem, he must be IN lands possessed by the possessor of Jerusalem and Zion – namely Israel.
He must be present personally among them, although an unknown entity to them at the first. Later, when He arrives at the Mount of Olives and identifies Himself to Israel, their response shall be entirely positive – joyous and repentant – when they realize with great sobriety, that He is the LORD Jesus Whom they slew on a tree nearly 2,000 years ago.
The result of this early conflict in the end time wars of Israel is that “there shall no strangers pass through her anymore” – or even be permitted to live there as they do now!
<HEL H28> An eTPL28 Circular Letter Published Feb.9, 2018. ~1450 words.
Death of Billy Graham
An eTPL28 Editorial
February 28, 2018.
Billy Graham of Montreat, North Carolina, passed away last week at 99 years of age. He was son of a dairy farmer near Charlotte, who became world famous as an “evangelist.” His name was known around the world as a charismatic Christian preacher, and despite the offer of many honors in other areas of endeavor (he was once offered the ambassadorship to Israel), he remained a preacher of his brand of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This morning on a television news broadcast we watched an interview by the hosts with Franklin Graham, Billy’s son, in which he voiced his sincere confidence that his father is now “in heaven, with God.”
He claimed that his father is more alive now than ever before.
He stressed that his father’s message was always plainly and simply, that of Jesus recorded in John 3: 16 – that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
We sincerely point out a deep inconsistency in this account.
We do not detract from the obvious sincerity of such men; they mean well as certified by the great lengths to which they go to promote their philosophies.
They do good deeds and great.
They preach their concepts of God and His ways widely.
And inevitably they lead significant movements in both social and religious arenas which result in temporal benefits for much of humanity.
And very often they become extremely wealthy; Mr. Graham is estimated to have left a legacy of some $25,000,000 dollars. In contrast, even the LORD Jesus Himself confessed that “the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head” (Matthew 8: 20).
But in all those efforts they have been misguided by their mentors ... by their gullible acceptance of pagan philosophies which began in Babylon.
Yes, these teachings are “mainstream” doctrines within the whole of “Christianity,” but they outrightly deny the word and will of God in every way.
As to Billy Graham’s now being alive more than he ever was, and in the presence of God, had this renowned professed acolyte of Jesus Christ not understood His direct words to His disciples (the apostles), that “... whither I go ye cannot come,” referring to His ascension to His Father’s right hand in heaven?
Jesus reinforced that vital teaching so that all might be instructed: And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. John 3:13
These words agree with those of Peter in Acts 2: 34: ... even David is not ascended unto heaven. And David was a man after God’s own heart.
Note these five references in the Gospel of John directly informing his closest associates that they could not follow him to His Father’s right hand...
John 7:34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
John 7:36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
John 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
John 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
Later, at the observance of the Last Supper, Jesus had made this concept as clear to His disciples as He could: as recorded in John 14: 2, 3, he said to them: “In my Father's house (in his coming Kingdom ... not in heaven) are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
In the clearest of terms, Jesus had just told His closest associates, the apostles, that even they could not follow Him to heaven, but that they were not to be concerned, for He would “come again, and receive you unto Myself,” that they might once again be in His presence.
In Jesus’ saying the entire thrust of God’s Plan is stated: only the covenanted Believers shall ever see Him (represented by the apostles); but there are many others who simply “perish” (as in John 3: 16; who utterly cease to exist) and will never see the light of day anymore.
These are described in the words of Solomon: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. Ecclesiastes 9:5.
The words of Isaiah reinforce this concept: speaking of even the high ones of the earth, he writes, They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish. Isaiah 26:14.
These words do not deny a future life; but they do deny present consciousness of the dead, or their being anywhere besides the dust of the earth, with no hope, unless they embraced the faith of Christ and His plans for His brothers and sisters in His future kingdom.
Righteous Job, inspired by YHVH Himself, voiced his hope of resurrection after a long period of time in the grave: Job 14:13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee...
In these words we see the same order described by Jesus’ words to the Jews and to His disciples: after death, men await in the dust of the earth the Last Trump, the Shophar of Resurrection, at which time they may come forth from the grave to appear before His Judgment Throne, and be weighed in the balances of His justice.
We can make no sure judgment of his affairs, but even if Billy Graham be deemed as righteous as the apostles of the LORD – or even as Job – how can anyone claim a superior destiny for him?
Billy Graham lies unconscious and entirely deceased, already inhabiting “man’s long home” (Ecclesiastes 12: 5). We make no judgment as to whether he shall ever be called forth from Sheol, the place of darkness; that decision is purely in the hand of the returned LORD, Jesus Christ. <HEL H28> ~1200 words.
ISIS in the News Again
An eTPL28 Circular Letter
Some observers of current prophetic conditions seem to have written off ISIS as a threat to hardly anyone, let alone Israel. But that is not the assessment of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), according to a current report by Arutz Seven writers in a short memo published today, March 11, 2018.
The article is entitled, “IDF Preparing for Conflict with ISIS.” It reports that the IDF is “preparing for the possibility that ISIS may become a security threat, now that the terror organization has succeeded in amassing enough money in recent years to carry out terror attacks in close proximity to Israel.”
The reference was referring to successful ISIS operations against its Egyptian enemy in the south.
Colonel Avi Rahamim, commander of the IDF’s Sagi Brigade, which is posted near the Egyptian border in the Sinai said, "They've always had daring, and they evince much self-confidence against the Egyptian enemy."
He clarified his statement also by saying, "They have begun organizing professional army groups, have appointed ersatz (fake, or inexperienced) commanders, and everything seems to be more organized, allowing them to achieve not-insignificant accomplishments."
Surprisingly, ISIS’s only recent successes have been in the Sinai, adjoining Israel – a venue which is understandably uncomfortable for Israel.
It is positive proof that ISIS’ goal of destroying Israel is still its prime objective and that it is inching forward against The People with the passing weeks.
The colonel pointed out that the terrorist group’s main thrust is achieving independence in the region (the Sinai, due to its most recent defeats in Syria and the north).
He said the group had robbed one bank which yielded over a million dollars (US), “which is about equal to the organization’s annual budget.”
The IDF commanders are observing this activity closely and critically, analyzing its (the IDF’s) operational plans for response, making sure that their readiness is continually adjusted in line with the scenarios being observed in this southern venue, the area corresponding to Obadiah 1: 20, which relates ... and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south (the Negev and the Sinai, both of which must become part of the first dominion of Christ’s kingdom).
It seems an unlikely place for ISIS expansion, but the lack of tight control over the Sinai by Egypt has opened this door for ISIS to expand.
They are taking advantage of the path of least resistance for the moment.
Our (eTPL) assessment could be entirely misplaced as to the importance of ISIS in the region.
But we emphasize that the terrorist group’s ultimate goal from its beginning has been to become strong enough effectively to come against the IDF in hot conflict; it has repeatedly expressed the certain goal of overrunning Israel and erasing the Jewish State, however long it takes and at whatever cost.
This goal, Bible students will recognize, is identical with that stated by the psalmist in Psalm 83 –
Psalm 83:1 A Song or Psalm of Asaph. Keep not Thou silence, O God: hold not Thy peace, and be not still, O God. 2 For, lo, Thine enemies (first and foremost, they are the Father’s enemies) make a tumult: and they that hate Thee have lifted up the head. 3 They have taken crafty counsel against Thy people, and consulted against Thy hidden ones. 4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
It is a statement that is common to every contemporary enemy of Israel, and that of all the nations and terrorist groups located within the Promised Land of Abram and his Seed (the Land between the Rivers), and as such, represents the archenemy of our Father first of all; for He has determined, in our studied view, that after He has begun His Second Recovery of Judah from the lands of their captivity, His people shall never again be displaced or “pulled up” out of their Land.
As proof of this claim we cite the accomplishments recorded in Amos 9: 14, 15 - And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. 15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.
This statement concerns their recovery from “all the nations” – cf., Jeremiah 46:28: Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee ....
Believers of today have been privileged to have been the unique witnesses to this operation which is most surely underwritten by YHVH Himself as Facilitator of His Ultimate Plan of the Ages.
Although this view regrettably has a few detractors, we affirm that the stated Purpose of our Father cannot be denied by mere mortals, who of themselves can force no deviation of His Plan for His People.
Believers must recognize that they are on the very cusp of the fulfillment of earlier forecasts by the Prophet Amos, where he writes, in Amos 9:11 - In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.
We wait and watch – for our redemption draws nigh!
<HEL I28> ~900 words. Published in Circular Letters, March 11, 2018.
New US Appointees Markedly Favor Israel
An eTPL28 Circular Letter
Anyone who is surprised at President Donald Trump’s favoritism toward Israel was not listening to his stated platform during his protracted presidential campaign.
During nearly every speech he delivered, he promised quickly to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem – just as he promised that the US would always “have the back of” Israel in case of conflict.
He demonstrated an ongoing excellent relationship with Benyamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel.
He pledged to assist Israel in maintaining its qualitative edge in arms and armaments over its enemies round about.
He vowed to restrain Iran from attaining the ability to produce its own nuclear weapons because Iran’s avowed “first target” was well-known to be Israel.
He stated without equivocation that a “two-state solution” to the “Palestinian” question was not necessary if both sides were determined against it – an unpopular position with nearly all diplomats on both sides.
Now that Mr. Trump has won and been installed in the chair of the president, he has rapidly started to fulfill those promises.
The American embassy is scheduled to become functional in Jerusalem with limited operations by Israel’s 70th anniversary (on the Gregorian calendar) of May 14th. That was a decision which was resisted by the State Department and its Secretary, Rex Tillerson.
He has met numerous times with Mr. Netanyahu in both Washington and Jerusalem, solidifying relationships with Israel on a level never seen in the US/Israeli relationship.
He has visited the Western Wall.
He has visited Yad Vashem in a high-profile way and with abundant press coverage.
He has recognized Israel’s right to claim Jerusalem as its capital.
He has approved the sale of huge amounts of sensitive defensive arms to Saudi Arabia as an intended buffer against the aggressive tendencies of Iran in the Gulf region.
And the “Palestinians” have learned that you don’t contend with a man whose daughter married a Jew and converted to Judaism ... who therefore has Jewish grandchildren. [I believe it is also a fact that other members of his family are married to or courting Jewish people.]
But perhaps most concretely, Mr. Trump has shifted his White House staff appropriately toward the support and furtherance of his friends in Israel.
Last week he replaced his secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, a contrarian to Mr. Trump’s policies toward Israel and Iranian relations, with Michael Pompeo, a known ally of the Jewish State and outspoken critic of the present nuclear deal with Iran.
Mr. Pompeo was promoted from his position as head of the Central Intelligence Agency. He has much to commend him for his new position.
On March 14, World Israel News reported, “With regard to Iran, Pompeo unequivocally criticized the nuclear deal signed with the Islamic Republic in 2015, subsequently tweeting that he advocates ‘rolling back this disastrous deal with the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism.’ Pompeo favors extending sanctions on Iran, in addition to taking further actions to reign in the nation’s regional aggression and nuclear ambitions.”
In addition to this stance, Mr. Pompeo is regarded by Israelis as a true friend of the Jewish State.
The Jerusalem Post reported, “According to former Israeli ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, Pompeo has ‘a very positive disposition toward Israel’ .... Oren’s comments were based on interactions with Pompeo when the latter served as a congressman representing Kansas.
“Oren explained to the Post that Pompeo breaks the mold of many State Department career employees and appointees, whom he says pursue an Arabist worldview in their positions at the agency. Oren cited, as examples of this posture former Secretaries of State John Kerry, Condoleezza Rice, and Madeleine Albright.
“Pompeo has been described in the past as ‘a friend of American Jews and a true friend of Israel’ by Matt Brooks, who leads the Republican Jewish Coalition. During a 2015 visit to Israel as a congressman from Kansas, Pompeo was briefed by the Israel Police and made a stop at the Western Wall. At that time, Pompeo lauded Israelis’ ‘admirable restraint in the face of unspeakably cruel attacks,’ in reference to a wave of Palestinian terrorism, including a rash of fatal stabbings.”
This week the president replaced another contrarian, his national security advisor, General H. R. McMaster, with Ambassador John Boulton, former ambassador of the US to the United Nations Organization – another fast friend of Israel and supporter of close relations with that country.
The latter appointment has given Israelis cause for celebration.
The reasons may be gathered from an article which appeared this morning in Arutz Sheva, an Israeli news agency:
“Bolton, a long-time supporter of Israel, criticized the signing of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran and has lobbied for the US to abandon the agreement since. The former ambassador last year declared the two-state solution dead, and slammed Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas as having 'no legitimacy.'
“We have reached the end of the illusion that began in 1964 with the establishment of the PLO, which created a feeling that it is the Palestinian alternative, and the issue here is not in the borders but in the nature of the state that will be alongside Israel which will be a state of terror, so it should not be," Bolton said during a 2017 ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem.
Some folks see this sudden favorable shift of US policy in favor of Israel as a divinely caused series of events.
Yet, in the light of these rather sudden developments, we still hold that, when the final conflict between Israel and its neighbors “round about” comes, Israel will be alone in its opposition to those proximate states and proxy organizations such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the PLO.
When that war (the war of Psalm 83) comes, if there is time to do so, does one think that the United States would come to the aid of Israel?
Yes, “one” does – this “one” does, at least.
But our final authority – the scriptures – indicates that, in one of the first glimpses that Bible prophecy gives of this imminent showdown, the returned Messiah of Israel states that “of the people (nations) there was none with Me” (Isaiah 63: 1-6).
This statement contradicts the present intentions of the US government.
Why is this then to be the case?
At this point we cannot be sure, of course; conditions can change in today’s world without a moment’s notice due to many factors, including changes in the persons in authority in any nation, or a sudden change in the status and ability of any nation.
But if conditions continue in the present course of things, it may be because His brand of warfare will be so effective and so rapid it will give new meaning to the term blitzkrieg – “lightning war” as first practiced by the Nazis in WW II.
Mortal armies require time to assemble for combat. The US forces which were to repel Iraq from its recent (1990) occupation of Kuwait required about three weeks to marshal its might if we remember correctly.
By that amount of time, the assault of the LORD upon all His (and Israel’s) enemies may have been concluded for three weeks!
In our opinion, the world is about to witness an entirely new brand of warfare unleashed upon the enemies of God, because His Son will put down and pacify nations with “the breath of His lips” (Isaiah 11: 4); with such “shall He slay the wicked,” wielding only the Sword of the Spirit, which is quick and powerful – and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4: 12) ... and therefore irresistible for even a moment. <HEL IP> ~1300 words. Published in Circular Letters, March, 2018.
Israeli F35Is Enter and Target Iranian Airspace
An eTPL28 Analysis
Several Arabic news services (including Al-Jarida, the Kuwaiti news service) have reported this week that Israeli fighter-bombers, the newly arrived F-35I Adir stealth fighters, have over-flown Syrian and Iraqi airspace to reach Iranian cities and nuclear sites undetected by even the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems presumably stationed there.
The planes leisurely went about their activity of targeting Iranian nuclear sites from a very high altitude and completely undetected by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps or the Iranian air forces.
It was also reported on good authority that the F-35I Adir (the specially modified Israeli version of the plane) can reach Iran and return, twice without refueling – a remarkable ability which is beyond the capability of earlier planes such as Israel’s F-15s and F-16s. It is also capable of carrying bunker-busting, high-penetration bombs as they become available to Israel.
The targeted sites were located in Bandar Abbas, Esfahan and Shiraz, Iran, according to the Kuwaiti agency. The route of access to Iranian airspace was the planes’ overflight via Syria and Iraqi.
In none of those areas were the flights detected by the newest Russian defense systems.
True stealth, indeed! Photo of F35 at this web address
These reports should give the Iranians cause for reconsidering their nuclear activities, but we predict it will not.
Iran’s determination to destroy Israel is both irrational and unpredictable, as Israel has never actually done anything against Iran to deserve such treatment – at least, not that we can recall.
The hatred will not reach its highest, most significant, and most active level, according to Bible prophecy, until “Persia” (Iran today) joins the Gogian coalition in the war of Ezekiel 38 and 39.
But that conflict, again in our opinion, is some distance in the future from today.
The hostile activities of Iran and its surrogates in Syria and the Golan Heights – and its attempts to interfere in Iraq – are mere preamble to its later, actively “hot” involvement against the Jewish State as to its national forces.
These reports come only one week after the Israeli government, for the first time, admitted publicly that the IAF’s F-16s had destroyed the Iraqi nuclear reactor Osirak which was being built in northern Iraq in 1981.
We see no truly lasting effects of the present interface of forces of Iran with the West, including Israel.
We could be wrong in this assumption, of course; but our thinking is based completely upon our understanding of God’s words given through His prophets as to the developments in the region.
These words are a directive from the mouth of YHVH Himself: Cf., Deuteronomy 10: 11. In the text that follows we read these significant promises to God’s beloved People, directed toward them in the future time when they are reconstituted as a nation among the nations of the world:
“When you (Israel) take the field against your enemies, and see horses and chariots—forces larger than yours—have no fear of them, for Hashem your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt, is with you.” Deuteronomy 20:1 (The Israel Bible™)
<HEL I28> ~500 words and photograph. Published March 31, 2018 to List as Circular Letters
Israel Filches Iranian Nuclear Records
From Televised and Printed Reports
May 1, 2018. Last evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on Israel Television and made a startling public announcement. In a most effective PowerPoint presentation, he revealed that Israel’s Mossad had removed from a secret Iranian repository about an half ton of Iran’s super-secret nuclear documents, and had smuggled them out of Iran at some time in the recent past. It later was revealed that the operation took place in January of last year.
The dramatic presentation proved by detailed Iranian documents that the Iranian regime has been lying about its efforts to develop nuclear weapons.
The announcement came just less than two weeks before President Donald Trump’s deadline for deciding whether to opt out of the deal made by the Obama Administration, if he cannot revise it with the participation of his national partners, Britain, France and other signatories. The formal name of the agreement is “the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,” but is referred to generally as the Iran Nuclear Deal.
President Trump has vowed that if satisfactory revisions of the Deal cannot be reached with Iran, he will not hesitate to end the sanctions relief for Iran. This would effectively end the Deal.
This action would bring unknown results from Iran, which has vowed not to revise the agreement in any way ... and has said that it would consider the US rejection of it to be an effective cancellation of it. In such a case Iran would re-employ thousands of centrifuges used to concentrate uranium in preparation for nuclear bombs.
The Israeli PM’s address displayed graphic evidence from the captured Iranian records that the Islamic Republic of Iran had pursued nuclear weapons to an advanced level before the agreement was signed, and that it never intended for its programme to cease, even if to pause for a short time.
He reported that Mossad agents had recovered the record from an ordinary-looking warehouse in South Tehran where the records were supposed to be in secure storage. Photos of the facility’s interior showed rows of huge steel safes wherein the material was housed.
Mr. Netanyahu revealed copies of the files in a double display of the records ... noting that Israel had acquired some 110,000 files (about 55,000 pages and 55,000 digital files on CD-ROMs) – a total of half a ton of material.
He did not go into details of just how the Mossad had retrieved the materials or how it had brought them out of Iran without detection, but late Monday night, The New York Times cited a senior Israeli official as revealing that the documents were taken in a January 2017 operation which he claimed was “one of Israel’s ‘greatest achievements’ in intelligence gathering.”
The Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency, had discovered the location of the Iranian nuclear weapons program’s secret files in Tehran in February 2016, the source told the Times, which Netanyahu identified as the Shorabad District of Tehran. After evidently meticulous planning, last January (2017) agents entered the archives in an overnight operation, removing the huge amount of materials, and smuggled them to Israel that very same night in a masterful coup against the Iranian regime.
But understandably, the source did not provide any details of the covert operation. It was reported that Iran didn’t even miss the files for several months. According to the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot, this morning. President Trump has known of the successful operation for some time, as Mossad chief Yossi Cohen had informed him sometime after the operation.
Because of the tedious task of translating the documents from Farsi into Hebrew, Israel has kept the operation under tight secrecy for over a year. It was implied that they have translated all 110,000 documents of the damning information, many of which were systematically displayed onscreen during Netanyahu’s presentation.
It was noted by this observer that the Iranian bomb diagram which was displayed was a U-235 based compression bomb (a “fusion” device) exactly similar to “fat boy,” the bomb which destroyed Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945.
One might question, “Are the documents authentic,” or is Israel faking the documents? Well, the newly-appointed US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Monday affirmed that the records are authentic ... and confirmed that Iran has been lying not only about its advanced work on nuclear weapons but also about its national interest in such weapons. Iranian officials from the “Supreme Leader” on down, have repeatedly claimed that nuclear weapons are outside their pale of interest, and indeed, are forbidden by their “religion.”
Our opinion?
Bosh! Rubbish!
What is the prophetic implication of this blockbuster trove of information? We believe it points up the imminent danger facing Israel from some of their most intractable enemies – Iran – an enemy which is specified by Ezekiel as a certain future aggressor of the Jewish People. Only the deep hatred of Islamic Fundamentalism toward God’s People could drive such an expensive, expansive, and deeply-rooted effort to destroy the Jewish State. Iran (Persia) has already set its face against the God of all the earth – a mindset which will persist until that nation’s utter destruction as revealed by Ezekiel 38 and 39. But no really significant involvement of Persia is indicated prior to that date.
For that reason, we look upon this present intrigue as the mere prelude to the larger event of the future.
It also shows how incredible is the fact that Israel is already actively (and effectively) testing Iranian efforts to move its aggression ever closer to the borders of Israel, especially in Syria and in Lebanon (through Hezbollah, its client in Lebanon), with almost NO physical resistance to Israel’s push-backs either by Syria or by Russian forces now ensconced there! Threats of reprisal? Yes. But not real action to fulfill those threats ... so far.
Estimates are that as many as 70,000 Iranian personnel (surrogates) are now stationed at several locations in Syria. Israel has repeatedly attacked suspected Iranian arms and personnel movements within Syria in the protection of Israel’s integrity and security.
It is significant in our mind, that the Russian forces which are also stationed there, so far have not resisted the Israeli air attacks upon Iranian forces there.
Even its highly-touted S300 anti-aircraft missile system now on the ground in Syria was not used to retaliate against the US cruise-missile barrage leveled against the three WMD Syrian installations in March!
We wonder if the S300s didn’t even detect the US missiles, because only a few were fired ... and only after the last US cruise missile had hit its target!
All this preliminary “sparring” of Israel vs. Iran does not surprise us because any aggressor of the rank of “Persia” (Iran today) as Ezekiel indicates, would not spring into existence out of thin air; there would logically be a prolonged period of development of such animosity ... a process which in our opinion, we are observing at this time.
The “sparring” with Russia seems to be on the cusp but has not significantly begun at this date. The maturation of this process lies some years (?) in the future in our opinion.
We await the divinely directed decision of Donald Trump as to the Iranian Nuclear Deal and the critical date of May 12th. What will Trump do? We believe he will terminate the deal. He has already said he will do so if he cannot reach a consensus with not only the allies (Britain, France, Germany, et al) but with Iran, whose decision has already been crystallized.
Iran will not negotiate according to the Ayatollah leading that aggressor because it realizes that more stringent controls from the West would impede its real intentions of developing a nuclear bomb and the means of delivering such (ICBMs) to any part of the world.
<HEL J28> ~1300 words. An eTPL28 Analysis Published May 2, 2018.
Israeli Minister Warns Syria’s Assad
An eTPL28 Circular Letter
Israeli Minister Yuval Steinitz warned the Syrian president that he is not immune and will be held personally accountable by Israel if Iran attacks.
By: Beth Stern, United with Israel, May 8 2018
Energy minister, member of the security cabinet and Netanyahu confidant Yuval Steinitz took off the gloves Monday in an interview with Ynet news, sending a public warning to Syrian leader Bashar Assad that he better stop the Iranians from attacking Israel from his country.
When asked about the many recent reports in the media about Iran possibly preparing to attack Israel with a missile barrage in revenge for attacks its forces have suffered in Syrian bases allegedly at the hands of the Jewish state, Steinitz answered first by saying that he will not confirm what Israel has or hasn’t done. He also stated categorically that Israel is not interested in war with anyone.
“However,” the minister went on, “we absolutely cannot allow Iran to turn Syria into a base of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, with ballistic missiles, and anti-aircraft missiles that threaten us.”
What happened in Lebanon with Hezbollah was bad enough, he continued, as the terror organization is funded by Iran but is still only a proxy. Allowing the terror state to ensconce itself in Syria would be much, much worse, considering that it’s a regional power that has stated publicly its desire to destroy Israel countless times.
Steinitz then threatened Assad directly and repeatedly, saying that the Syrian leader is responsible for what comes into his country from his allies, and must understand there will be a personal “price tag” for allowing Iran to build up its forces in the country. “If Assad’s regime … allows Iran to attack Israel from Syria, this has to be the end of Assad, the end of his regime,” he stated forcefully and in various ways throughout the interview.
When asked what Russia might think of this, when it has invested so much in propping up the Syrian regime, Steinitz responded that Israel and Russia “have many mutual interests [but] sometimes there are also conflicts of interest,” and the red line that Israel has drawn regarding Iran in Syria is set in stone. His conclusion, therefore, was, “If anyone is interested in maintaining Assad’s survival, they should tell him to prevent missile and drone attacks on Israel.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is going to Moscow on Wednesday for consultations with President Putin, with this subject unquestionably high on the discussion list. Whether Putin can be convinced once and for all that Israel will not budge from its stance vis-à-vis the Islamic Republic, however, remains to be seen. ##
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The above article naturally drew numerous comments from readers in the space provided for responses. Seldom does the author respond to such invitations, but this was just an opportunity made for the presentation of basic Truth ... so we did append the following comments, much abbreviated from what we should like to have stated, but shortened to assure inclusion on the site.
Our Edited Comments, as posted below this article on the Internet ...
“In all the volumes of comments below, we see NO indication that anyone has considered the views of the God of Israel (yes, Israel ... not Islam, or “allah”) in this dilemma. Through His prophets He has outlined exactly what is happening and what SHALL happen there to fulfill His Plan, which is to send His Son back to the earth to establish an everlasting Kingdom in Israel ... in the Land between the Rivers (see Genesis 12, et seq, to learn the promises to Abraham) ... the “rivers” being the Nile and the Euphrates.
“This is the precise Land promised to Abraham as an inheritance, and the Land upon which the nascent Kingdom of God will be established by the returned Christ. For further information, readers of this blog should consider Psalm 83, Isaiah 11, Micah 5, Isaiah 63, Ezekiel 35 and 36, Zechariah 10 through 14, and many other passages of scripture revealed by the only God of the universe, Who obviously has the omniscience accurately to foretell all things that ever will be.
“Some of these words go back to Genesis 12 where the promises to Abraham began to be elaborated in great detail. So, no matter how bleak things look for Israel, the day of its reckoning was significantly fulfilled in 1948, when 660,000 Jewish citizens who were not even trained or equipped as an army defeated over sixty million Arabs in the War of Independence (to be celebrated on May 14, 2018 – the seventieth anniversary of Israel), and ended the conflict having gained control of over 100% MORE territory than had been mandated by the UN Partition Plan of 1947. “A nation born in one day” indeed!
“In all humility, we recommend the following website as a source of much additional information and informed commentary on these vital current events ...” http://sites.google.com/site/prophecyletters2013/
[End of commentary]