It seems pretty routine to say things are heated in the Middle East, but the murderous attack by Hezbollah on July 27, set off an escalating chain of events in the region. It started when Hezbollah fired a rocket which hit a soccer field in the Golan Heights. (JNS) The horrific terror attack left 12 children, all between the ages of 11 and 16, dead. The attack is just a reminder of the true evil that exists in the world and why we must continually pray for the peace of Jerusalem and God’s hand of protection around His people who are surrounded by forces of evil. 

Israel’s Response and Subsequent Events

Israel had no choice but to respond, and they did, in a series of stunning strikes which shook the region. On Tuesday, Israel conducted a strike which killed Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollah’s top commanders. Shukr played a central role in planning the U.S. Marine Corps Barracks bombing in 1983, was instrumental in the ongoing attacks on Israel since Oct. 7th, and was directly responsible for the murder of the 12 children on Saturday. However, Israel did not stop there. Hours later, Israel struck deep at the heart of Hamas and Iran’s terrorist regime, eliminating the leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, while he was staying as a guest in Tehran. Haniyeh was the terror group’s public spokesperson and played a large role in the October 7th massacre. The assassination is a major achievement in the continuing war against Hamas and Iran and hopefully marks a huge step forward for Israel as they attempt to wipe out the terrorist organization in Gaza.

Needless to say, the Middle East could be on the verge of all-out war. Just a few short months ago, in April, Iran fired over 300 missiles and drones at Israel in response to Israel’s strike which killed an Iranian general who helped plan the October 7th massacre. Israel and the world now await how Iran will respond this time. During the funeral procession for Haniyeh in Tehran, the crowd chanted “death to Israel” and held up signs for its destruction. 

Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei said that they have a duty to attack Israel and avenge the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Iranian officials also told other Arab countries that they are determined to strike Israel, even if doing so sparks a regional war. Reports have been coming out fast and furious that an Iranian attack is imminent while other reports have stated that Iran intends to wait and launch an attack on the 9th of Av (a day of historic calamity on the Jewish Calendar). Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to launch rockets and drones into Israel from Lebanon and is also vowing a big response to the killing of their leader.

So, what will Israel do? At this point, we only have speculations about Israel’s response or even the possibility of a preemptive strike on Iran and Lebanon.

A Strong Israel Means More Peace in the Region

The events since October 7, 2023, have emphasized the importance of Israel having strategic depth when it comes to territory and what a mistake it is for Israel to relinquish land under its control. Let’s look at some of those areas, and the direct impact they have on Israel’s security, and why Israel maintaining sovereignty there is right, and brings peace. 

As we have written about many times before, Judea and Samaria is the Heartland of Israel and its significance cannot be overstated biblically, prophetically, and especially now, strategically. Judea and Samaria is the heartland of Israel where most of the events of the Bible took place and where Jews have lived continually for thousands of years. Israel needs to seize this opportunity to extend sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, no matter what the Biden administration says or the outrage that will come from the United Nations. If the last ten months since October 7th have taught us anything, it is that no matter what Israel does the world will always stand against, rage, and condemn them. No matter that “the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain.” (Psalm 2:1) This Land was given by God to Abraham and his descendants forever, and Israel must not fear the nations but recognize the work of God happening in Judea and Samaria as His people return and restore the land. 

A view of the mountains of Samaria. From these mountains, one has an incredible vantage point of Israel's coastal plain where a huge majority of its population lives.

Further, if Israel gives into world pressure and allows a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria, it would create a situation far worse than Gaza. Without Judea and Samaria, Israel is only 9 miles wide at one point and the same evil terrorist forces who murdered 1200 innocent Jews in October could rain down rockets from the mountains of Judea and Samaria down into Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. 

It’s no surprise that Iran has been meddling in Judea and Samaria even more in the months following October 7th, seeking to increase their power and influence and turn the region into another operating base and puppet against Israel. Iran has been smuggling weapons and making allies while expanding influence in the area, according to JNS. Further, Iran has been attempting to help Hamas and Islamic Jihad manufacture and launch rockets in Judea and Samaria. 

Majority Palestinian-Arab cities controlled by the PA like Jenin, Hebron, and Shechem are filled with terrorists and weapons who are waiting for the opportunity to kill Israelis in their quest to destroy Israel.

Another region of Israel, The Golan Heights, has also proved a necessary and strategic part of Israel’s territory. The area acts as a vital buffer for Israel against Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

It's Time for full Israeli Sovereignty

The right way to move forward is for Israel to implement full sovereignty over Judea and Samaria and begin the long process of rooting out and destroying the roots of terrorism and evil that have sprouted up in the region. Israel must crush any ambition that Iran has in the region and put to rest once and for all the idea of a Palestinian State in Judea and Samaria. Most Israelis realize that a two state solution is suicidal, it’s a two state “delusion.” A poll taken soon after the massacre of October 7, showed 65% of Israelis oppose a two state ‘“solution.” It’s clear Israel must declare sovereignty to ensure that Judea and Samaria is not allowed to transform into the next Gaza.

We are living in treacherous and uncertain times for Israel and the world. We must keep Israel and the families' rebuilding communities and restoring the land in our prayers as they stand in the way of Iran’s evil plans for the region. We as lovers of God and Israel must rise against the evil rising in the world. Blessed Buy Israel is just one way you can invest directly into Judea and Samaria and be a part of fighting for good in the world!