Hi gang!  I have good news for you today.  Though it may seem that America is abandoning Israel, I want to share a glimmer of hope!

Over the last two days, we asked two important questions:

• Who is Prepared to Stand with Israel? Here, we looked at presidential candidates, and which candidates are best prepared to stand with Israel.  (Hint: there are only two!)
• Why Should Americans Stand with Israel?  We examined practical reasons why Americans should stand with Israel.

Today, let’s cap off the topic with good news: despite the current administration’s consistent lack of respect and regard for one of our most crucial allies (Israel), previous US presidents and their administrations put agreements in place to provide Israel with the most effective missile defense systems in the world.  Those systems continue to operate and increase, thanks to continued support and cooperation from America.

Why is Israel’s missile defense system so important?  For starters, take a look at the chart to the right.  As you can see, between Hezbollah (in Lebanon, to the north of Israel), Syria (to the northeast of Israel), and Hamas (in the Gaza Strip), there are at least 170,000 known rockets and missiles pointed at Israel…a tiny nation the size of New Jersey!  And that’s only three of Israel’s enemies.  They have many, many more.

To help Israel defend herself against those threats and others, the US has partnered with Israel in the development of the Iron Dome, which takes out short-range missiles; David’s Sling, which intercepts medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles; and Arrow, Israel’s defense against long-range ballistic missiles with WMD warheads.  These systems are considered the most technologically advanced defense systems currently in active military service.

The US has invested over $4.5 billion in these systems, a significant investment in a crucial ally.  Beyond that, it is technology “in the hip pocket,” should America or other allies ever face the same types of threats that Israel does.

So, while we may not agree with the way some politicians treat our most important Middle East ally, and while we may agree that America has not been as faithful to Israel as we should, we can rejoice in one bit of good news.

Now, let’s go a step further!  Why not use this as a catalyst to pray for Israeli-American relations?  Now more than ever we must be steadfast in our support of Israel.  One day, the Bible tells us, every nation will turn against Israel…and every nation will be judged.  (Joel 3:2)  As Christians, let’s set our resolve to not let that happen until after the Lord has taken us from this world!

His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
~Matthew 25:21

Time is short, my friends!  Let’s be found faithful when our Lord returns!

Shabbat shalom!