As scheduled, President Obama hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a meeting today in the Oval Office.  According to reports, the two discussed Iran’s nuclear ambitions, strategy in the battle with ISIS, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and settlements in east Jerusalem.  So far, I have not seen much substantive news regarding that two-hour meeting.

However, I do find two things interesting.  First, the two sat down in front of cameras and a press corp for a 6-minute photo op.  Relations between the two have been prickly in the past, and the photo op appeared to be just that…a photo op, with no real substance.  The two exchanged nicities and provided very general statements.  It appeared to me that the two leaders were simply trying to present a united front in order to convince Americans that the US truly is a reliable ally.  Personally, I’m not sure I’m convinced of that.  See a 3-minute video clip of that photo op here.

The second thing that strikes me, actually lends credibility to my statement above.  Shortly after Netanyahu departed the White House, Obama’s press secretary Josh Earnest issued an official White House statement denouncing Israel’s plan to build a new housing project in East Jerusalem.  The issue of settlements in East Jerusalem (land which the Palestinians believe they are entitled to) has been ongoing for years.  I find it interesting that, the statement was issued within 2 hours of the Prime MInister’s departure.  If the Obama White House is truly wanting to portray friendship and loyalty to Israel, why would they make that statement at that time?

We are yet to know how the private meeting really went, but I suggest to you that, as believers, we are wise to continue to pray for relations between the two countries, and for President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu.  May we as a nation choose to bless Israel and not curse her.  (Genesis 12:3)  And may we as a nation not participate in scattering God’s people and dividing their land. (Joel 3:1-2)

If you haven’t been following along, I encourage you to stop by for a visit tomorrow when I share another incredibly fascinating testimony of a Revivalist who is ministering the love of Jesus to Palestinians in the Middle East.  See you tomorrow!