China Pushes for a Palestinian State

China Pushes for a Palestinian State

Communist Chinese President, Xi Jinping, is aggressively seeking to control all matters concerning the Middle East including Israel and a future Palestinian State. On Thursday, at the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) in Beijing, Xi spoke to influential leaders from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain in an effort to spread China’s economic and political influence in the Middle East. In addition to promoting China’s Belt Road Initiative (BRI), which is “China’s global plan to offer predatory loans to poor countries, to be used to pay Chinese companies to build ports, roads, and railways that they could otherwise not afford” (Breitbart), Xi once again weighed in on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, demanding the establishment of a Palestinian State. It is important to note that since October 7, 2023, when Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 Jews, barbarically raped women and young girls, beheaded and burned to death infants, and took hostage 250 people hostage, China has refused to condemn the heinous acts of Hamas. In fact, China has become more steadfast in its support for the terrorist regime and more vocal in its rhetoric against Israel.

Xi declared that “War should not continue indefinitely. Justice should not be absent forever. Commitment to the two-State solution should not be wavered at will. China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. It supports Palestine’s full membership in the U.N., and supports more broad-based, authoritative and effective international peace conference” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China).

Xi also pledged China’s financial support to reduce the burden of the current conflict.

“On top of the previous RMB100 million yuan [$14 million] of emergency humanitarian assistance, China will provide an additional RMB500 million yuan [about $69 billion] of assistance to help ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support post-conflict reconstruction. . . We will donate U.S.$3 million to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency [UNRWA] for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in support of its emergency humanitarian assistance to Gaza” (Breitbart).

Xi and his CASCF participants then signed a joint statement against Israel.

Blessors of Israel has noted that Communist China has been “pulling the puppet strings and asserting its agenda in the Middle East” for quite some time. By way of reminder, in April of 2023, China brokered a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two countries that had not had diplomatic relations since 2016.

Later that month, China inserted itself into the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, offering to facilitate peace talks.

In June of 2023, China invited a delegation from Iran and Pakistan for joint counterterrorism talks. Delegates were optimistic that new initiatives would likely lead to increased peace and stability in the wider Middle East region as well as within the borders of their respective countries.

Then, two weeks after Hamas brutally attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Communist Chinese’s President Xi Jinping, called for a cease fire and the establishment of a two-state solution when he said, “The top priority now is a ceasefire as soon as possible, to avoid the conflict from expanding or even spiraling out of control or causing a serious humanitarian crisis” (CNN).

China has repeatedly voted against Israel at the United Nations because it objects to Israel taking steps to ensure that Hamas will never be able to attack its citizens again.

Please keep in mind that China has one goal, global domination by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. In light of China’s professed agenda, its influence in the Middle East is of serious concern.

China does not have allies, only puppets that it manipulates to achieve its objective. Therefore, this realignment of nations under China’s leadership will not serve to promote peace in the Middle East. Rather, it will promote China’s agenda at the expense of the nations of the Middle East, especially Israel. China is no friend of Israel.

Please join me in praying for the peace of Israel.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | May 30, 2024

Will 2024 be the Year Iran Reveals it is a Nuclear Power?

Will 2024 be the year that Iran reveals it is a nuclear power? Recent comments by Iranian officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are cause for concern. Let’s trace Iran’s management of the narrative since the first of this year.

On January 18, 2024, Breitbart reported that Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director-General of the IAEA, expressed his frustration with Iran because it had “tripled its uranium enrichment rate and increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade material.” Grossi vented, “It is a very frustrating cycle. We don’t understand why they don’t provide the necessary inventory for weapons, the manufacture and storage of so much material is raising concern. . . Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state which is enriching uranium at this very, very high level – very close to weapons grade.”

Sunday, February 11, 2024 was a significant day for Iran. The day marked the 45th anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Associated Press reported that thousands of Iranians took to the streets that were decorated with Iranian flags, balloons, and banners.

Iranians also chanted familiar slogans, slogans that have been frequently recited since the Iranian regime took control in 1979. What were those slogans? “Death to America” and Death to Israel.” As those traditional slogans were shouted, United States and Israeli flags were also burned. Then the celebration intensified as the crowd watched a paratrooper jump from a plane while displaying a Palestinian flag.

Many high-ranking Iranian officials joined the celebration in Tehran, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. During his speech which was broadcasted to the nation via Iranian state television, Raisi called upon the United Nations to “expel the Zionist regime” and to stop Israel’s bombing of Gaza.

Later that same day, the former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Ali Akbar Salehi, was interviewed by Iranian state television and said, “We have all the (pieces) of nuclear science and technology. Let me give an example. What does a car need? It needs a chassis, it needs an engine, it needs a steering wheel, it needs a gearbox. Have you made a gearbox? I say yes. . .” (Associate Press).

Salehi’s comments prompted a warning from Rafael Mariano Grossi. While speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Grossi sounded the alarm regarding Salehi’s admission and Iran’s lack of transparency. Grossi said that Iran is “presenting a face which is not entirely transparent when it comes to its nuclear activities. Of course this increases dangers. There’s loose talk about nuclear weapons more and more, including in Iran recently. A very high official said, in fact, ‘we have everything, it’s disassembled’” (Associated Press).

Ten days later, Reuters reported “Iran’s nuclear chief. . . dismissed a suggestion that the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi would visit Iran next month [March] but instead invited Grossi to a conference in Tehran in May.” Grossi wanted to visit Tehran in order “to tackle ‘drifting apart’ relations between the IAEA and the Islamic Republic.” But Mohammad Elami said the March visit would not work for the Iranian regime due to a “busy schedule.”

Then on April 11, 2024, The Jerusalem Post reported that “Iranian nuclear scientist Mahmoud Reza Aghamiri revealed during an interview with Iran’s Channel 2, “As I have said before, making an atomic bomb is not complicated. If you can have a nuclear reactor, which is a device where you control the chain reaction. . . When producing a nuclear bomb, you make a device where the chain reaction is not controlled, so it is much easier. The important point is that our nuclear capabilities are high.”

After Iran attacked Israel on April 14, 2024 with drones and missiles, Iran’s nuclear threats and hints elevated to a new level. Even though Iran has said it would not pursue nuclear weapons because Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has banned production, several high ranking Iranian officials have hinted “that Iran will be changing its declared nuclear doctrine from civilian to military, and will act to develop nuclear weapons” (MEMRI). For instance, Javad Karimi Ghadossi, Majlis National Security Council Member and former Senior IRGC Official said, “If approval is given [by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khameni], it will be a week until the first [nuclear] test.” On April 16, 2024, Abdallah Ganji, a member of Iran’s Informational Council, warned, “Any mistake by Israel and its sponsors – France, Britain, and the U.S. – could prompt Iran to rethink its nuclear strategy” (MEMRI).

Meanwhile, on May 7, 2024, the Associated Press reported that the IAEA is still trying to negotiate with Iran “over how to implement a deal struck last year to expand inspections of the Islamic Republic’s rapidly advancing atomic program.” Once again, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, sounded the alarm stating, “Tehran has enough uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade level to make ‘several’ nuclear bombs if it chose to do so.”

On May 10, 2024, MEMRI translated an interview of Majlis member, Dr. Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, who revealed Iran’s plan to gradually announce it is a nuclear power. Ardestani noted that “recent statements by Kamal Kharrazi, advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, along with statements by other elements, about the possibility of a change in Iran’s nuclear doctrine from civilian to military were ‘a preliminary step before announcing that we have a nuclear bomb.’” Ardestani added, “In effect, we want to gradually make it known that we have achieved [this]. . . We do not want to announce it all at once and frighten the world.” And commenting on Iran’s April 14, 2024 attack on Israel, Ardestani observed, “Iran would not have attacked Israel or the U.S. with missiles unless it had the ‘backup’ of a nuclear bomb.” Finally, Ardestani said that “Iran is apprehensive about frightening its allies Russia and China, and that. . . it expects Russia will use its veto in the UN Security Council to thwart possible sanctions by the Western powers once it becomes known that Iran has a nuclear bomb.”

Question: Why should this matter to citizens of the United States, Israel, and their western allies?

Answer: Because Iran is not only the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, it is committed to the destruction of the United States and Israel.

Question: Why are these developments important when it comes to understanding the events of the latter days?

Answer: The prophetic stage is being set for the return of Jesus Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation.

As I have noted in recent articles and during the Blessors of Israel Podcast, one event that will precede the Great Tribulation is the Battle of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39). During the Battle of Gog and Magog, there will be an alliance of nations against Israel. According to the book of Ezekiel, “Persia,” modern-day Iran, will be part of an alliance that will attack Israel “in the latter years” (Ezek. 38:5, 8). These nations will “devise an evil plan” against Israel and with overwhelming force “come like a storm. . . like a cloud covering the land” (Ezek. 38:9-10).

But in response to this great opposition, God will come to Israel’s rescue and pour out His “blazing wrath” upon her foes in order to deliver Israel from certain destruction through a series of cataclysmic judgments (Ezek. 38:18-23). This divine deliverance will be in keeping with God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).

So, the stage is being set for the events prophesied by the prophet Ezekiel 2,600 years ago. And through it all, God will reveal Himself to Israel and the many nations so that they will know that He is the Lord (Ezek. 38:23).

Will you please join in praying for Israel and for the leaders of the United States?

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | May 17, 2024

China and Russia Support Iran’s Attack on Israel. . . What’s Next?

On Saturday, April 13, Iran launched its first-ever direct attack against Israel with approximately 185 drones, 110 surface-to-surface missiles, and 36 cruise missiles launched at Israel (The Times of Israel). Iran said that Saturday’s attack was in retaliation for an April 1 airstrike in Damascus on a building located near the Iranian consulate which left seven officers of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps dead, including commander Mohammed Reza Zahedi. It is being reported that Zahedi was involved in the planning of the Hamas terrorist strike on Israel last October 7. To date, Israel has not taken responsibility for the April 1 attack.

While the sheer volume of military hardware launched by Iran at Israel last Saturday was overwhelming, it also revealed the inferiority of Iran’s military technology and the superiority of Israel’s defense systems which were enhanced by support from the United States, Great Britain, and France. “None of Iran’s 185 Shahed 238 drones launched against Israel reached the country, nor did any of the 36 cruise missiles fired in Tehran’s historic attack. . . Only a small number of Iran’s 110 Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles struck the country, and an even smaller number exploded” (Ynet News).

Yet, Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi was quick to dismiss the facts about Iran’s military shortcomings during his speech yesterday at a military parade marking Iran’s Army Day. Raisi declared that Iran’s drone and missile attacks on Israel “toppled Israel, proving that it is weak as a spiderweb. . . This operation was precise and calculated, and it announced to the entire world and to the alleged armed superpowers, to America and to the supporters of the Zionist regime, that Iran is in the arena, and that our armed forces are prepared and waiting for the command of the Supreme Commander. Operation ‘Honest Promise’ was limited in scope. Had it been broader, they would have seen that nothing would have remained of the Zionist regime” (MEMRI).

In an effort to control the narrative and voice their support for the newest member to their BRICS alliance, Communist China and Russia have heaped praise upon Iran for their attack of Israel. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister and accepted Iran’s justification for the attack. In fact, he described Iran as “good-neighborly and friendly” (Breitbart). And Wang Yi’s spokesman also noted that the absence of a Palestinian state is “the most persisting injustice in [the] modern-day world” (Breitbart).

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, also praised Iran’s failed strike against Israel. According to the propaganda arm of the Iranian government, PressTV, Putin described the attack as “tactful and wise,” noting, “What the Islamic Republic of Iran did in response to what happened criminally and in the light of the inaction of the [UN] Security Council, was the best way to punish the aggressor and represented the tactfulness and rationality of Iran’s politicians” (Breitbart).

Fearful of Israeli retaliation, earlier today, Iran threatened “to advance its nuclear weapons program and to attack American targets in the Middle East if Israel strikes its nuclear facilities” (Israel National News). It is also reported that “the Iranians warned the US and European countries not to tighten the sanctions against them, because this would lead to taking steps in the nuclear field such as raising their level of uranium enrichment” (Israel National News).

Not fearing Iran’s threats, today, the White House announced that it is “holding Iran accountable – imposing new sanctions and export controls on Iran” (WhiteHouse.gov). The press release concluded by stating, “Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran’s attacks: The United States is committed to Israel’s security. We are committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region. And we will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable.”

According to Axios, “Israel considered conducting a retaliatory strike against Iran on Monday night but eventually decided to postpone it.” Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told “two foreign ministers that Israel will respond to the Iranian attack but will do it in a ‘thoughtful and calculated way.’”

It is important to note that we are witnessing the drawing of clear battle lines. In fact, we are witnessing the alignment of nations against Israel in preparation for what was prophesied by the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 38-39, the Battle of Gog and Magog.

As I have shared in articles, podcasts, and during prophecy updates with Pastor Rich Jones, Russia and Iran will play significant roles in the events leading up to the Great Tribulation. It is also clear that Russia and Iran feel empowered to move against Israel and her Western allies because of the support they receive from Communist China.

During the Battle of Gog and Magog, there will be an alliance of nations against Israel which will be led by the leader of Russia, “Gog, prince of Rosh” (Ezek. 38:4). “Persia,” modern-day Iran, and Turkey will be part of an alliance that will attack Israel “in the latter years” (Ezek. 38:5, 8). These nations will “devise an evil plan” against Israel and with overwhelming force “come like a storm. . . like a cloud covering the land” (Ezek. 38:9-10).

In the midst of this great opposition, God will come to Israel’s rescue and pour out His “blazing wrath” upon her foes in order to deliver Israel from certain destruction through a series of four cataclysmic judgments (Ezek. 38:18-23).

First, God will send a “great earthquake in the land of Israel. . . and all the men who are on the face of the earth will shake at My [God’s] presence; the mountains also will be thrown down, the steep pathways will collapse and every wall will fall to the ground.”

Second, the invading armies will turn against each other because God will “call for a sword against him on all My [God’s] mountains. . . Every man’s sword will be against his brother.”

Third, God will send a deadly “pestilence” upon Israel’s enemies and “with blood I [God] will enter into judgment with him.”

Finally, God will rain down upon the invading armies “a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone.”

God’s judgment against Israel’s enemies will be so severe that it will take Israel seven months to bury their enemies and seven years to gather and destroy their weapons (Ezek. 39:9-16).

This divine deliverance will be in keeping with God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).

So, the developments between Russia and Iran are setting the stage for the events prophesied by the prophet Ezekiel 2,600 years ago. And through it all, God will reveal Himself to Israel and the many nations so that they will know that He is the Lord (Ezek. 38:23).

Please also note, the destruction of Russia, Iran, and Turkey at the end of the Battle of Gog and Magog will create a geopolitical void which will be filled by a revived Roman Empire, whose leader will be the Antichrist (Daniel 7:7-8, 20-27).

Blessors of Israel is closely monitoring the developments between Israel and Iran. Please join me in praying for Israel and her people during these difficult days.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | April 18, 2024

Iran Attacks Israel, Will Israel Retaliate?

Yesterday, Iran launched an unprecedented attack against Israel. The Times of Israel reports that Iran launched “185 drones, 110 surface-to-surface missiles, and 36 cruise missiles at Israel.” While the attack came mainly from Iran proper, some of the attack also came from Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.

“None of Iran’s 185 Shahed 238 drones launched against Israel reached the country, nor did any of the 36 cruise missiles fired in Tehran’s historic attack. . . Only a small number of Iran’s 110 Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles struck the country, and an even smaller number exploded” (Ynet News).

According to the IDF, the attack lasted 16 minutes during which there were 688 sirens sounded. Thirty-one people were slightly injured and one Israeli was seriously injured due to shrapnel (Ynet News).

The United States, Great Britain, and France assisted Israel in defending Israel against Iranian drones, cruise and ballistic missiles (Times of Israel).

Even though Iran threatened to attack other Middle Eastern countries who supported Israel against Iran’s attack, “Jordanian jets downed dozens of Iranian drones flying across northern and central Jordan heading to Israel. . . in a dramatic show of support from Amman” (The Times of Israel).

Prior to the attack, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement in which he expressed his appreciation for the support Israel was about to receive from the U.S., U.K., and France in defending Israel from the Iranian attack. The statement reads:

“Citizens of Israel, In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defense systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong. We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries. We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination. Citizens of Israel, I know that you also are level-headed. I call on you to follow the directives of IDF Home Front Command. Together we will stand and with G-d’s help – together we will overcome all of our enemies.”

Many nations have voiced their support for Israel and their condemnation of Iran for yesterday’s attack. That said, the BRICS alliance of nations which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa along with new members, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates did not condemn Iran’s attack but called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel (DW.Com). Likewise, the “Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed concerns over the ‘recent military escalations’ in the regions and. . . stressed the importance of ‘preventing any further exacerbation’ of the crisis” without condemning Iran (CNN).

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden reiterated U.S. support for Israel during a joint press conference with Japan’s Prime Minister, stating, “As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again: ironclad. We’re going to do all we can to protect Israel’s security” (Breitbart). And speaking to reporters on Friday about a potential Iranian strike against Israel, Biden said, “Don’t” (i24 News).

But it appears that Biden’s “ironclad” support for Israel has limits. Reuters reports that “President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the U.S. will not take part in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate” during a phone call last night.

This morning, during an interview on ABC’s “This Week,” the White House’s top national security spokesperson, John Kirby, confirmed the U.S. will not support an Israeli counter-offensive against Iran, stating, “U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war.”

The Times of Israel now reports that Biden’s call with Netanyahu “dissuaded” Netanyahu “from greenlighting an immediate retaliatory strike against Iran.”

Blessors of Israel is closely monitoring this crisis between Israel and Iran. Please join me in praying for Israel and her people during these difficult days.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | April 14, 2024

Israel Braces for an Attack by Iran

The Middle East and the rest of the world are on edge. According to CBS News, “Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours – the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike” on an Iranian consulate in Syria’s capital. Two U.S. officials told CBS News “that a major attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country.” In light of the imminent threat, the United States “has instructed its diplomatic employees in Israel not to travel far from their homes in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be-er Sheva in the south” until further notice (Breitbart).

According to Axios, three U.S. officials confirmed that “Iran sent a message to the Biden administration through several Arab countries earlier this week: if the U.S. gets involved in the fighting between Israel and Iran, U.S. forces in the region will be attacked.”

President Biden answered Iran’s warnings on Wednesday during joint press conference with Japan’s Prime Minister, when he declared, “As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again: ironclad. We’re going to do all we can to protect Israel’s security” (Breitbart). And speaking to reporters earlier today about an Iranian strike against Israel, Biden said, “Don’t” (i24 News).

On the diplomacy front, the Daily Caller reports that the “Biden Administration asked China on Thursday to urge Iran against launching a retaliatory strike against Israel.” During a phone call between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Blinken asked Beijing to “deter Iran from launching an attack against Israel.” But Wang rejected Blinken’s request and stated that “China ‘strongly condemns’ Israel’s strikes and urged the U.S. to play a ‘constructive role’ in the Middle East.” Where China refused to assist with diffusing tensions between Iran and Israel, Russia, Germany, and Great Britain “urged countries in the Middle East to show restraint” on Thursday (Reuters).

Earlier today, “Hezbollah said it had launched ‘dozens’ of rockets from Lebanon towards Israel. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman said around 40 missiles and two explosive drones had been fired. No casualties were reported and there were no indications of involvement from other actors” (BBC).

On Tuesday, The Times of Israel cited an anonymous “Western security official” who noted Israel “has been conducting air force drills in recent days that include preparing to target Iranian nuclear facilities and other key infrastructure should the Islamic Republic retaliate for the Damascus strike by attacking from its own territory.”

And yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his warning to Iran if it attacked Israel, stating, “We are in challenging times. We are in the midst of a war in Gaza that is continuing with full force. In addition, we are continuing with ceaseless efforts to return our hostages, but we are also preparing for challenges from other fronts. . . We set a simple principle: Anyone who hits us, we hit them. We are ready to fulfill our responsibilities to Israel’s security, in defense and attack” (The Times of Israel).

Blessors of Israel is closely monitoring this crisis between Israel and Iran. Please join us in praying for Israel and her people during these tumultuous days.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | April 12, 2024

On Wednesday, Iran’s supreme leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei spoke at a religious event which marks Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that formally closes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During his speech, Khamenei accused the United States and the United Kingdom of supporting Israel in “kill[ing] children in their mothers’ arms and patients in hospitals” (Breitbart). Khamenei said, “During the last six months in Gaza, the Western governments, themselves, put on display this evil nature before the eyes of the world. . . Their strength does not match that of the resistance fighters, so they claim the lives of old men, families, children and women, and killed more than thirty thousand innocent people.”

What Khamenei failed to mention is that Israel was brutally attacked by Hamas terrorists, an Iranian proxy, on October 7, 2023. During that barbaric attack, 1,200 Israelis were murdered, women and young girls were raped, babies were burned to death and beheaded before their parents, and approximately 240 people were taken hostage.

What Khamenei also conveniently failed to mention is that the number of Palestinian casualties includes Hamas terrorists and that Israel’s ability to limit civilian casualties during its urban warfare campaign against Hamas is without peer in the history of modern warfare (Newsweek).

Lastly, what Khamenei failed to mention is that Israel did not start the war against Hamas, Hamas did. And ever since, Israel has been trying to remove this existential threat from its border with Gaza because Hamas, like Iran, is committed to the destruction of Israel and the extermination of the Jews.

But Khamenei’s comments did not end there. Next, he threatened Israel, promising, Israel “must be punished and it shall be” for allegedly attacking an Iranian consular building in Syria on April 1, which left two Iranian generals and five officers dead (Time of Israel). Khamenei said, “Israel attacked the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Consulates are part of the countries to which they’re affiliated, thus the attack was launched against our own country. Israel will pay for the mistake it made” (Ynet News).

On Friday, April 5, CNN reported, “The US is on high alert and actively preparing for a ‘significant’ attack that could come as soon as within the next week by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region.” CBS News also reported last Friday, “The U.S. has picked up intelligence that Iran is planning a retaliatory attack that would include a swarm of Shahed loitering drones and cruise missiles. . . Officials say the timing and target are unknown” but it is likely to come by the end of Ramadan.

Last week, Israel placed its embassies around the world on high alert (Jerusalem Post). The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also canceled home leave for all combat troops and even scrambled GPS systems in Israel (The Time of Israel). Due to the increased threat, Israelis began “stockpiling supplies out of fear of an attack from Iran” even though the IDF claims there is no need to do so (Ynet News).

In response to Khamenei’s threats earlier today, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, warned that Israel will strike Iran directly if an attack against Israel originates from within the borders of Iran. Katz posted his response to Khameni in Persian on his X account and then tagged Khamenei’s official X account, saying, “Should Iran attack from its territory, Israel will respond and attack inside Iran.”

What would Israel target if Iran attacked Israel directly from within its borders?

Yesterday, The Times of Israel cited an anonymous “Western security official” who noted Israel “has been conducting air force drills in recent days that include preparing to target Iranian nuclear facilities and other key infrastructure should the Islamic Republic retaliate for the Damascus strike by attacking from its own territory.”

The U.S. and Israel have repeatedly voiced concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. Those concerns reached a new level today after it was reported that “Iran has greatly increased activity at the Fordow nuclear facility, moving it closer than ever to the production of nuclear weapons” (Israel National News). “Officials said that Iran has enough highly enriched uranium now to create enough fuel for three nuclear bombs in as little as a few days to a few weeks. The creation of a ‘crude bomb’ could take up to six months, while producing a warhead capable of being fitted on a missile could take up to two years.”

Question: Why are these developments important when it comes to understanding the events of the latter days?

Answer: The prophetic stage is being set for the return of Jesus Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation.

One event that will precede the Great Tribulation is the Battle of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39). During the Battle of Gog and Magog, there will be an alliance of nations against Israel. According to the book of Ezekiel, “Persia,” modern-day Iran, will be part of an alliance that will attack Israel “in the latter years” (Ezek. 38:5, 8). These nations will “devise an evil plan” against Israel and with overwhelming force “come like a storm. . . like a cloud covering the land” (Ezek. 38:9-10).

But in response to this great opposition, God will come to Israel’s rescue and pour out His “blazing wrath” upon her foes in order to deliver Israel from certain destruction through a series of cataclysmic judgments (Ezek. 38:18-23). This divine deliverance will be in keeping with God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” (Gen. 12:3).

So, it appears that the stage is being set for the events prophesied by the prophet Ezekiel 2,600 years ago. And through it all, God will reveal Himself to Israel and the many nations so that they will know that He is the Lord (Ezek. 38:23).

Please join me in praying for Israel and her people during these critical days.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | April 10, 2024

Israel is More Isolated Than Ever

Earlier today, President Joe Biden spoke with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for approximately thirty minutes. Immediately after their phone call, the White House released the following statement:

“President Biden spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The two leaders discussed the situation in Gaza. President Biden emphasized that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable. He made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps. He underscored that an immediate ceasefire is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians, and he urged the Prime Minister to empower his negotiators to conclude a deal without delay to bring the hostages home. The two leaders also discussed public Iranian threats against Israel and the Israel people.

President Biden made clear that the United States strongly supports Israel in the face of those threats.”

What does the White House press release reveal regarding U.S. policy towards Israel?

First, the release of the 134 hostages held by Hamas terrorists is no longer a condition for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In fact, a ceasefire, not the release of hostages or the defeat of Hamas or the future security of Israel against another attack from its enemies is the most important concern for the Biden Administration. In many ways, today’s press release confirms the policy shift that was first unveiled when the U.S. “abstained from the vote for a Chinese- and Russian-sponsored resolution for an immediate ceasefire not conditioned on the release of the hostages” (Jewish News Syndicate).

Second, U.S. support for Israel is fading. Since U.S. policy towards Israel is now conditioned upon what the U.S. deems as proper for Israel’s war against Hamas, the door is wide open for the U.S. to execute a variety of anti-Israel policies.

For instance, the U.S. could withhold munitions from Israel which would reduce Israel’s ability to win the war against Hamas and defend itself against future attacks from enemies like Iran and Hezbollah (Politico).

Next, the U.S. could threaten Israeli officials that if they do not end the war with Hamas it will support efforts to try them for war crimes (Jewish News Syndicate).

In addition, the U.S. could permit the Palestinian Authority to become a full member of the United Nations. By the way, with impeccable timing, the Palestinian Authority submitted a request on Tuesday for “the United Nations Security Council to vote this month on accepting the entity as a full member” (Jewish News Syndicate). While the “United States is expected to block the bid due to Washington’s long-standing policy that U.N. membership will only come as a result of a negotiated bilateral agreement between Israel and the Palestinians” it was reported in February “that the Biden administration was considering unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.” At this time, 140 countries have already recognized a Palestinian state. The U.S. could simply abstain during the U.N. Security Council vote, and the Palestinian Authority would become a full member of the United Nations.

Finally, the U.S. could level economic sanctions against Israel and its leader similar to what the Biden Administration did to Russia after it invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 (CNN).

What does all of this mean for Israel? It means that Israel is more isolated than ever.

And the timing could not be worse. Not only have tensions been high during Ramadan, Islam’s holy month, recent reports reveal that Iran is preparing to attack Israel either directly or through one of its proxies in response to an alleged Israeli airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, which killed two generals and five officers on Monday (Associated Press).

In response, Israel has placed its embassies around the world on high alert (Jerusalem Post). The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also canceled home leave for all combat troops and scrambled GPS systems in Israel (The Time of Israel). Due to the increased threat, Israelis are “stockpiling supplies out of fear of an attack from Iran” even though the IDF claims there is no need to do so (Ynet News).

In light of these troubling developments, will you please join me in praying for Israel and for her people at this critical time?

God is not done with Israel. The stage is being set for the return of Jesus Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation. At that time, Jesus Christ will reign over Israel during the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20) which means God is preparing Israel for the return of her King.

What will Jesus Christ’s Kingdom be like? According to Isaiah 9:7, “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.”

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | April 4, 2024

Hamas has Turned the World Against Israel

Well, it only took 171 days for Hamas and its proxies at the United Nations (U.N.) and in the media to turn the world against Israel. One hundred seventy-one days.

Please remember that on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 Israelis, injured thousands of Jews, and kidnapped 253 people.

But on Monday, March 25th, 171 days later, the 14 members of the U.N. Security Council adopted Resolution 2728. The United States should have vetoed the resolution, but abstained instead and paved the way for its adoption.

What does Resolution 2728 declare?

The non-binding resolution “Demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs, and further demands that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain” (TheNationalNews.Com).

First, it is important to note that Hamas is not a member of the U.N. Therefore, Hamas is not bound by the dictates of the U.N.

Second, please notice that Resolution 2728 does not condition a ceasefire upon the release of the hostages. As a result, any motivation for Hamas to negotiate with Israel and release the hostages was weakened by Resolution 2728.

And that’s exactly what happened immediately after Resolution 2728 was adopted. Israel and Hamas had been negotiating a hostage deal and truce but talks came to an abrupt halt once Resolution 2728 passed (The Times of Israel).

The next day, the head of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. During their meeting, Haniyeh celebrated the approval of Resolution 2728, saying this “indicates the unprecedented political isolation experienced by the Israeli occupation” (The Jerusalem Post).

By the way, the Jerusalem Post observed that Haniyeh conveniently “neglected to mention the resolution’s demand that his movement ‘immediately and unconditionally’ release the Israeli hostages it kidnapped during the October 7th massacre.” Why? Because Haniyeh knows that Hamas is not bound by any U.N. resolution so it does not have to release the hostages, especially since the wording of Resolution 2728 does not condition a ceasefire upon the release of the hostages.

Haniyeh rightly observed the significance of Resolution 2728 when he added that Israel had “failed to achieve its political and military goals” in Gaza, and that “We are going through a historical stage and a fateful turning point in the context of the historical context with the Zionist entity in the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood (Hamas’s name for the October 7 massacre)” (The Jerusalem Post).

During their meeting, Khameni complimented “the propaganda and media measures” of Hamas and other Palestinian terrorists groups (The Jerusalem Post). It was quite appropriate for the Ayatollah Khameni, the leader of the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, to compliment Hamas and its proxies. Hamas’s global propaganda campaign is working. In fact, the results of their campaign can be seen in the latest Gallup poll.

In November of last year, 50% of Americans surveyed approved of Israel’s military action in Gaza and 45% disapproved. But in March 2024, only 36% approve and 55% disapprove. Please keep in mind that this Gallup poll was taken before Resolution 2728 was approved. Imagine what the numbers will look like as Hamas and its proxies ramp up their efforts to demonize Israel as Israel seeks to defeat Hamas and remove the terrorist threat from its border.

Last week, I noted a recent survey of Palestinians living in Gaza and how the Gazans support for Hamas to continue to “rule the Gaza Strip has increased by 14 points to more than 50% since December, with nearly 60% believing the terrorist group will remain in control of the territory” (Jewish News Syndicate). Based on what we are witnessing, there is good reason to believe the Gazans have it right. Truly we are witnessing a historic shift against Israel on the world stage.

But while the nations are aligning against Israel, we must see that this is part of God’s plan. God is preparing Israel for the return of Jesus Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation. Zechariah 12:10 declares, “I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.” On that day, God’s grace will be poured out on Israel as they call upon the name of the Lord and are saved.

Will you please join me in praying for Israel and for the nations, that all will hear the Good News and place their faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of eternal life? This is why Jesus came, “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

May this Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday bring about a world revival because, like never before, our world needs Jesus Christ.

Will you please join me in praying for Israel and for the nations, that all will hear the Good News and place their faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of eternal life? This is why Jesus came, “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). May this Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday bring about a world revival because, like never before, our world needs Jesus Christ.

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | March 27, 2024

Palestinians Still Support Hamas

The polling numbers say it all. According to a survey conducted of 1,580 Palestinians living in Gaza, Judea, and Samaria, 93% believe that “Hamas did not commit atrocities during its mass invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023.”

The Jewish News Syndicate reports this survey was conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research between March 5 and 10. The Palestinians surveyed were interviewed in-person and the margin of error was 3%.

Of those polled, 72% still support the Hamas terrorist attack of Israel on October 7th. These results show that support for Hamas among Palestinians remains just as high as it was three months ago. In fact, support for Hamas by Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip rose by 14 points. What’s also interesting about the polling results is that “among Palestinians who watched videos of the atrocities filmed by the perpetrators themselves, 81% still did not believe atrocities were committed” by Hamas terrorists against innocent Israeli men, women, and children.

Now, please remember that on October 7th, 1,200 Israelis were murdered, thousands were injured, and 253 people were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. On that horrible day in Israel’s history, terrorists “committed acts of mass rape, necrophilia, beheadings, torture, mutilation, desecration of corpses and other atrocities.”

And after all the Palestinians in Gaza have endured because of Hamas; being used as human shields, having humanitarian aid stolen from them by Hamas terrorists, and being threatened with personal harm or even death if they did not obey the oppressive dictates of Hamas leaders who are living in the lap of luxury in Qatar, the survey found that 71% believe Hamas made the “correct” choice in attacking Israel on October 7th, which is an increase of 14% since the survey was last taken in December of 2023. By the way, the Gazans’ support for Hamas to continue to “rule the Gaza Strip has increased by 14 points to more than 50% since December, with nearly 60% believing the terrorist group will remain in control of the territory.”

Even the Ramallah-based survey group was surprised by their findings, stating, “Given the magnitude of the suffering in the Gaza Strip, this seems to be the most counterintuitive finding of the entire poll. . . Nonetheless, it is consistent with the increase in the percentage of Gazans who think Hamas will win the war.”

Question: With this kind of support for Hamas by Palestinians living inside of Gaza, why would anyone think a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will work?

Don’t get me wrong. I want peace as much as the next person and it breaks my heart to see the suffering in Gaza because Hamas leaders have doubled-down and are unwilling to admit defeat, lay down their weapons, and return the hostages. But even if Hamas leaders did admit defeat, released the remaining hostages, and lived in exile, these polling results make it clear that Hamas ideology will live on in the hearts of those Palestinians who remain in Gaza the day after Hamas is defeated. And we must never forget that the likes of Iran will gladly fund any efforts to terrorize and ultimately defeat Israel so that from the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free.

Don’t get me wrong. I want peace as much as the next person and it breaks my heart to see the suffering in Gaza because Hamas leaders have doubled-down and are unwilling to admit defeat, lay down their weapons, and return the hostages. But even if Hamas leaders did admit defeat, released the remaining hostages, and lived in exile, these polling results make it clear that Hamas ideology will live on in the hearts of those Palestinians who remain in Gaza the day after Hamas is defeated. And we must never forget that the likes of Iran will gladly fund any efforts to terrorize and ultimately defeat Israel so that from the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free.

Will you please join me in praying for Israel and her people at this critical time?

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | March 22, 2024

Can Syria Be Trusted With Nuclear Energy?

Just when you think that tensions can’t get any higher in the Middle East, Reuters reports that the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reignited “high-level dialogue” with Syria “focusing on building confidence in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Syria.” Evidently, the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, accepted an invitation from Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad and met with him yesterday in Damascus.

In light of what we know about the Assad regime in Syria, Israel’s enemy on her northeastern border, can it be trusted to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes? What does history have to tell us?

Well, the last time IAEA inspectors visited Syria was in 2011, the year civil war broke out in Syria due to street protests against Assad’s violent regime. At that time, “they were seeking to revive a stalled IAEA investigation into activity at a site in Syria’s eastern desert that U.S. intelligence had deemed to be a nascent, North Korean-designed reactor intended to produce plutonium for atomic weaponry.” But Syria’s endeavor to build atomic weaponry came to a screeching halt when Israel bombed the site and reduced it to rubble in 2007. And contrary to U.S. intelligence, the Syrian authorities claimed that it was a “non-nuclear military site, but the IAEA concluded in 2011 that it was ‘very likely’ to have been a reactor that should have been declared to nuclear non-proliferation inspectors.”

Now, as we consider Syria’s willingness to restrict atomic energy to just keeping the lights on in homes and businesses, we must also keep in mind that Syria has developed closes ties with China and Iran, enemies of Israel and the United States. For example, last September, just days before Hamas terrorists barbarically attacked Israel, China’s President Xi Jinping declared his support for the Assad regime when he said, “In the face of the unstable and uncertain international situation, China is willing to work with Syria to firmly support each other. . . and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice.”

And this last Sunday, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Akbar Ahmadian met with the Syrian Defense Minister, Ali Mahmoud Abbas, in Tehran. Ahmadian said, “The empowerment of Syria is in the interest of regional security and stability, and the development of relations can benefit the peoples of both countries and the region” (Islamic Republic News Agency). The Islamic Republic News Agency also noted that “Iran’s security chief commended the resilience of the Syrian nation and government as part of the Axis of Resistance against both the Israeli regime and terrorist groups in the region.”

So, based on recent history and Syria’s ties with China and Iran, it is clear that if Assad is given the green light, he will weaponize atomic energy and make Syria a nuclear power in the Middle East. And that is an unacceptable scenario for Israel and the West.

Now, for those who will argue that the IAEA will monitor Syria to ensure it is only using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, I ask, “How successful has the IAEA been in monitoring Iran’s nuclear program?” Perhaps we shouldn’t put too much confidence in U.N. nuclear watchdog’s ability to monitor a nuclear-powered Syria either.

Will you please join me in praying for Israel and her people at this critical time?

by Dr. Matthew Dodd | March 20, 2024