On Saturday, a Hezbollah rocket fell on a soccer field, killing 12 Druze children in northern Israel. The loss hit home somewhat. For those who traveled to Israel with us in February 2019, you remember the memorable lunch stop with the Druze man in northern Israel. We learned about the Druze culture…people of Arab descent, but very loyal to the country in which they live. They typically do not hold to radical Muslim ideology, and, as citizens of Israel, they serve bravely and loyally in the IDF.

When news broke of the Hezbollah attack, my mind went immediately to that man and his community. Though Druze live in Israel, Lebanon, Syria and elsewhere, they are a protected minority only in Israel. However, they must be very careful in overtly speaking out regarding Israel’s right to defend them, as Druze in other countries are equally loyal to their countries. That makes this situation very tricky. Those living in Israel are almost assuredly favorable to Israeli retaliation on their behalf, but creating dissention within the Druze community as a whole would not bode well for them.

As we have noted before, things are always complicated in the Middle East. It is an extraordinarily complex tribal system in which tribes are more important than nationality. Israel is the only democratic nation-state in the Middle East, protecting every tribe and tongue within their borders. Yet, tribal loyalties make things very complicated.

Please pray for the Druze people as they mourn the loss of their children. Pray also that the Druze soldiers in the IDF will continue to serve the state of Israel with honor and without pressure from tribesmen in other lands. Pray for wisdom of IDF leaders. If they attack Lebanon, other Druze people living there will undoubtedly be in harm’s way.

Flames of war in the Middle East will almost assuredly escalate. May the God of Israel guide and direct His people, and may the nation of Israel turn to His guidance.