The Times of Israel reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brought clarity by outlining three prerequisites in a Wall Street Journal (“WSJ”) op-ed article on Christmas Day for ending war with Hamas and restoring peace within Gaza. Netanyahu made no mention of hostages or a “two-state solution” and repeated opposition to a Palestinian Authority (“PA”) role in governing Gaza following the war.
Netanyahu said that before there is peace between Israel and the Palestinians: 1) Hamas must be destroyed; 2) Gaza must be demilitarized; and 3) Palestinian society must be deradicalized. Netanyahu reiterated his position that the PA is unfit to govern the Gaza Strip after Hamas is vanquished – a position which is at odds with United States President Joe Biden’s administration.
The Times of Israel article may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, without belaboring the point, and as this writer has discussed multiple times before regarding the U.S. government’s seemingly conflicted positions regarding the war, it’s almost embarrassing that the U.S. holds the position that it has the authority, moral high ground and wisdom to instruct Israel on how best to fight its war against Hamas.
The scenario(s) put forth under the Biden administration include Israel stopping short of victory – leading to yet another situation in which the unrepentant Hamas (and other terrorist entities such as Hezbollah) will simply repeat atrocities against Israel once it has time to restabilize its terrorist and war-fighting capabilities in cooperation with countries such as Iran.
The U.S. position also seems to presuppose (perhaps as a matter of intellectual dishonesty or wishful thinking) that Israel should not include, as part of its resolution to the war, any actions against nation states which have instigated, supported or directly performed terrorism against Israel and the Jews. The U.S. seems to believe it has the right to instruct Israel (a free and sovereign country) to stop short of a military victory – which as reported above and stated by PM Netanyahu, is the destruction of Hamas.
If you are willing, pray! We should pray for repentant hearts and godly wisdom within the spheres of influence and governments of Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian society (including its schools) and the leaders of Israel, provoking the genuine desire for peace.
Followers of Christ know that the Answer was, is and shall always be Jesus! Let’s also pray that the love of Christ would transform hearts on all sides in this war, with peace being the reasonable choice. With the Christmas season upon us, let’s never forget that Jesus is the Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6) and that, sadly, there are occasions when even war may become necessary (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-9).
Here are the above-referenced scriptures:
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
“For unto us a Child is born, [u]nto us a Son is given; [a]nd the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace [emphasis mine].”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Amplified Bible)
A Time for Everything
“There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—[a] time to be born and a time to die; [a] time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; [a] time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; [a] time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; [a] time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; [a] time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; [a] time to keep silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; [a] time for war and a time for peace [emphasis mine].”
Praise Jesus forevermore!