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The Present Israeli-Hamas Conflict
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is a recurring cycle of intifadas, uprisings, and terrorist acts. Each time such events unfold, questions arise about whether this could escalate into a major war or signal something prophetic. However, these incidents often appear as repetitive probes, with both sides testing each other's strength. From the Hamas perspective, there is a disregard for loss of life, driven by a desire to eliminate Jews and remove Israel from the map, leading to regular confrontations. Interest in these events would increase if the conflict widens, particularly if Iran were to engage in all-out war against Israel, or if global tensions rise with other nations taking advantage of distracted international focus. For now, though, this seems like another probe, with most nations likely striving to contain the situation. Patience is necessary in observing these developments, waiting to see how events unfold without premature alarm.
Israel's New Crisis
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeBacked up against the Mediterranean Sea on one side and facing a sea of Islam everywhere else, the tiny state of Israel is accustomed to constantly reviewing external threats. Since its declaration of statehood in 1948, its history has been marked by major and minor wars with its neighbors, as well as continual intifadas and other guerrilla actions against it. Because of its location, lack of defense-in-depth, and general hostility from the Arab world around it, Israel is never far from an existential crisis. One way it has staved off such crises is through a series of peace treaties and understandings with its neighbors, based on aligned interests rather than friendship. Israel has had a peace treaty with Egypt since 1978-79, driven by mutual interest in avoiding conflict, though recent political shifts, including the influence of the anti-Israel Muslim Brotherhood, threaten this stability. With Jordan, a 1994 peace treaty ended a long-standing declared war, but Jordan's support for Palestinian statehood and its restive Palestinian population create ongoing tension, despite respecting the treaty. Israel's relationship with Syria remains unstable, yet it has an interest in the continuance of the current Syrian government, perceiving it as more manageable than potential Islamist alternatives. Syria's patronage of Hezbollah, a group dedicated to Israel's destruction, adds further risk, as the Syrian regime could incite conflict to divert attention from internal issues. To the north, Turkey's shift from a secular state to a more Islamic-minded regional power has led to a divergence of interests, evidenced by controversies like the Gaza-bound flotilla and the cutting of defense ties with Israel. To the east, Jordan's focus on a Palestinian state, regardless of the strategic cost to Israel, pressures their understanding. Surrounded by these shifting national interests, Israel faces the steady erosion of the semi-stability it has enjoyed in recent years, increasing the potential for major turmoil in an already volatile region.
The Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire: Aftermath or Interlude?
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeThe latest round of fighting between Muslims and the State of Israel has been halted by an uneasy ceasefire agreement. What are the motives of each side?
Israel at a Crossroads
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe State of Israel has come to a point in its history when it must take a hard look at where it wants to go in the next few years.
Israel After Ariel Sharon
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeWith Ariel Sharon incapacitated by a debilitating stroke, what course will the State of Israel take in the months ahead?
An Israel-Turkey Reconciliation?
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughDespite the on-again, off-again nature of their ties, Israel and Turkey have common interests, and both could use a friend in the region.
Israel's Case Regarding the Land
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The so-called Palestinian refugees became so when fellow Arabs refused to absorb them, hoping to create perpetual tension and hatred toward the Jews.
Obama and the Muslim World
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeIn reaching out to the Muslim world, President Obama seems to be willing to sacrifice America's only true ally in the Middle East: Israel.

Israel's Long War
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile the 2023 Israel-Hamas War shocked the world, it may not signal the end. These two peoples have been fighting for millennia. Other signs must be present.
The Wars of Israel and Judah
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhere God's people are concerned, military might is far less of a factor in the outcome of a war than morality. Do we still have God's favor?
A World Gone Mad
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughEach action and reaction plunges the world into a deeper morass of madness that no human will ever be able to cure.
The Miraculous Survival of Israel
Commentary by Clyde FinkleaAmerica recently moved her embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which appears to have proven accurate the "ten jubilee" prophecy of Rabbi Judah ben Samuel.
The Geopolitics of Israel
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe land of Israel's position at the crossroads of three continents makes the Holy Land strategically valuable to the great powers around it.
A Stone Named Jerusalem
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughOne of the clearest signs of the end is 'Jerusalem surrounded by armies.' Zechariah 12 names the city as 'a cup of drunkenness' and 'a very heavy stone.'
The Nation of Israel—Biblical Israel? (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat HigginsModern-day Jews are just a fraction of those whom the Bible calls 'Israelites.' This is a distinction we must understand to grasp vital truths in God's Word.

The Nation of Israel—Biblical Israel? (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat HigginsMost people think 'Israel' simply means 'the Jews.' However, the Bible shows that the Jews are only part of the larger people of Israel, which still exist today.
The Other Israel
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The media portrays Israel as a war-torn, savage country. Actually Israel is a world class scene, having a better GNP than any country in the Western world.
A Mid-East Mess
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe latest round of violence in Palestine highlights a major flaw in the peace process: Neither side necessarily wants peace!

A Revival of Hatred
'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. BaityJews face increasing antisemitism, even where they were once valued. The Bible predicts violence focused on Jerusalem and the Jews in the end times.
The Greatest Threat
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeDespite the instability of its neighbors, Egypt and Syria in particular, Israel's greatest threat is an internal problem: its relationship with God.

The New Energy Equation
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeNew discoveries of oil and gas deposits around the world reveal that we have plenty. Extracting it cheaply and easily, though, is another matter.
All About Edom (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughEsau was prophesied to be the father of a nation, Edom, and the Bible gives us plenty of clues about the character of his descendants.
Those Who Live in the Light
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe suffer persecution because We embrace the truth and light, which terrifies those who love to live in darkness, defying God's holy and spiritual laws.
Submitting to Sin?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe must analyze and evaluate everything that enters our minds from the media sources that primarily promote a leftist, secular humanist agenda.
The Second Exodus (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe Bible tells us that the time is coming when God will regather Israel to the Land of Promise, a greater Exodus than that from the Land of Egypt.

Hamas' October 7 Attack
Sermon by David C. GrabbeHamas' October 7 attack fits into a biblical pattern of God's people turning from Him, causing God to hide His face and allow incredible suffering.
The Money Has Failed! (Part Two)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe motives of those who desire to create a cashless society are not pure; behind them lurks the sinister goal of controlling and stealing.
The Proof of the Bible
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletWe live in an age of skepticism. Is the Bible superstition or authority? Did you ever stop to PROVE whether the Bible is the inspired Word of God?