REALITY CHECK

In Israel at this very moment, life and death decisions are being made. Like in America, governmental and military leaders are weighing their next steps. But in Israel mothers, teachers, cab drivers, souvenir peddlers, farmers and everyone else must make life or death decisions. Thousands of Israelis have been lining up outside gas mask distribution centers throughout the nation. Families are storing food. Synagogues, Mosques and Churches are resonating with prayers for divine intervention.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has deployed additional “Iron Dome” batteries in the north of Israel. The Iron Dome system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells. It was very successful during the 2012 rocket attacks that were launched into Israeli territory from Gaza. The Iron Dome system shot down most of the rockets launched from Gaza that would have landed in populated areas. Additionally, Patriot and Arrow 3 missile batteries are being deployed around Israel and the IDF has issued a limited number of reservists call-ups. 

But what will happen if rockets fired from Syria or southern Lebanon contain chemical weapons? Even if successfully shot down the chemicals may still be spread over populated areas. If they are struck down before crossing into Israeli territory and chemicals are spread over innocents in Lebanon or Syria, the world community will condemn Israel. After all, they usually do, even when the Israelis are acting to protect its population, both Arabs and Jews alike.

Both Syria and the terrorist organization Hezbollah are supported and influenced by Iran. Earlier this week the Iranian army chief warned “Zionists will burn” if the U.S. attacks Syria. According to an Iranian news agency, Iran's Revolutionary Guard’s leader stated that a U.S. military attack on Syria would result in the "imminent destruction" of Israel and would prove a "second Vietnam" for America. So where is the outrage at the United Nations or in the worldwide media?

I offer these insights as a reminder that while we talk about the ins and outs of "making a point" by firing “a shot over the bow", Israel, and its citizens MUST act now with concrete steps because their very survival depends upon it.

Please pray for our government leaders. Pray for the Israeli people and their leaders. And above all, pray for the peace of Jerusalem.