US and Israeli media have announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit President Obama at the White House on November 9, during his annual meeting with the Jewish Federations of North America.  Interestingly enough, November 9 is the anniversary of Kristallnacht (“Night of Broken Glass”), which most consider to be the start of the Holocaust in 1938.

Is there significance to the choice of that date?  It is impossible to know.  However, Netanyahu may have preferred that date as a way to bring to remembrance the tragic years that followed that horrendous night in Germany.  Obama may have preferred that date as a means of attempting to lure back the Jewish support he has lost in the wake of the infamous Iranian nuclear deal.

To some, this signals that US-Israeli relations are as strong as ever, despite the US turning its back on Israel in dealing with Iran.  To others, this appears to be a facade of “let’s make up and be friends.”  While I believe many (if not the majority) of citizens in each country consider the other a friend and an ally, it is difficult to believe that the governments of the two nations truly trust one another.

Before the two meet in Washington, however, Netanyahu is believed to be scheduled to speak before the UN General Assembly in NYC in late-September.  He will likely continue to protest the agreement with Iran, and will likely use the occasion to speak strongly to US Secretary of State John Kerry in a meeting between the two during his UN visit.

The Iran nuclear deal is set to take effect October 19, well before the Prime Minister visits Obama.  Thus, the chances are virtually none that his visit will have any impact regarding the nuclear deal.  Sanctions on Iran, however, will likely not be lifted by then.  With $150 billion in sanction relief and Russian S-300 missile delivery slated in the near future, this is perhaps Netanyahu’s last opportunity to talk sense with American politicians.

Could this be a last-ditch effort at sensible diplomacy before Israel takes action on its own?  It is impossible to know.  However, if left with no other alternatives, Netanyahu has pledged not to allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and the time to strike may be soon in order to avoid Iran’s build-up that will make destroying nuclear facilities virtually impossible.

It appears we are seeing legitimate signs leading to the War of Gog and Magog, predicted in Ezekiel 38-39.  So, keep one eye on Israel and one eye on Scripture!  You will be amazed how history and current events support what we read in God’s Word!