Hi friends…and welcome back to our virtual discussion group! On Monday we launched a short series regarding potential activity at the ICC, and whether or not Israel’s back will be pinned to the wall. We followed that up yesterday, considering Egypt’s role in sticking it to Israel. Today, we take a look at Saudi Arabia and their position in the scheme of things.

When Trump was president, moderate Sunni Arab nations were intrigued by the idea of normalization with Israel. Some (UAE, Bahrain, Morrocco and others) signed the Abraham Accords, opening up economic, military and even political opportunities between the countries. The “big fish” that encouraged such cooperation behind the scenes was Saudi Arabia, and they themselves were oh so close to joining the Abrham Accords. However, once Biden took office, it left the Saudis wondering if they really wanted a ride on that carousel.

To this day it is believed Saudi Arabia and Israel both favor normalization, but something is preventing it. Perhaps there is a clue hidden just beneath the surface of the current dilemma in Gaza!

The Saudis are interested in peace with Israel because they view Israel as strong and willing to stand up to Saudi Arabia’s archrival, Iran. Historically, if you get Israel, you also get the strong backing of the US, including (in this case) protection from potential nuclear action from Iran. If a “fake Gaza peace deal” (which is what would emerge if Egypt’s weak plan was implemented) occurred, it would signal new life for Hamas and weakness for Israel. Saudi Arabia is looking for strength, thus joining the Abraham Accords would be off the table!

But here’s a twist: If the Saudis can somehow be successful in getting America to provide a nuclear reactor, might they appease the Biden administration by agreeing to a US/Egypt-brokered peace deal? Furthermore, MBS (the Saudi crown prince) is very cunning. Might he help Biden become a “peacemaker” prior to the November elections by negotiating a Gaza peace deal (“two-state solution”) in exchange for a defense pact with America? It would sound so good to the American people…peace in Gaza AND a deal with the Saudis! “Even Trump couldn’t do that,” they would say! But, in essence, it would also hand the win to Hamas.

That would pin Israel’s back to the wall! If Israel rejects the terms of the US/Egypt/Saudi-brokered peace deal with Gaza and goes into Rafah instead, the ICC is ready to pin the “war criminal” label on Israel and her leaders!

If that scenario plays out, what are the consequences? That is a discussion for tomorrow!

Meanwhile, let’s get back to Bible basics. On Monday, we established that God is sovereign and in control of all things. Nothing takes Him by surprise, as He knows the end from the beginning. Scripture also tells us Israel is the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8), and He will make Jerusalem a heavy stone that will destroy those who attempt to come against her! (Zechariah 12:1-3)

Dear friends, Israel will stand! But when their back is against the wall, they must stand and pray. Let’s do that on their behalf as well. BTW – heed these exhortations personally. God’s promise is to prevent Israel from destruction. Those that come against Israel will be defeated. In reality, our backs are to the wall. Will we turn and pray?

We’re drawing near the end of our mini-series, so come back tomorrow to find out about the consequences of potential actions by the ICC and others!

See you then!