As Trump barnstormed through the Middle East this week cutting economic deals with very wealthy Arab nations, talk of an expanding circle of potential Abraham Accords suiters has people wondering whether or not normalization with Israel will continue to be a prerequisite to joining the elite peace plan.

Meanwhile, the IDF has launched Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza. Israel has vowed to go in with the most intensive operations yet to literally sweep terrorists from the Gaza Strip. Safe zones are set up in southern Gaza to protect civilians and to distribute food to those in need. Everyone fleeing south will go through checkpoints to prevent known terrorists from entering. Food and other humanitarian aid will be overseen by private contractors and will be provided to innocent civilians. Terrorists, meanwhile, will be hunted down and eliminated as the IDF literally combs Gaza, destroying all remaining terrorist infrastructure, tunnels, and structures.

Why must Israel succeed in totally demolishing Hamas? Why must President Trump succeed in making normalization with Israel a prerequisite to joining the Abraham Accords? For several reasons, but here is a key one:

Stop to think for one moment. What if that situation was here in America? What if those kids were yours? There is no doubt, we would do whatever is necessary to protect our children, our families, and our fellow citizens. That is why Israel and President Trump must succeed.

However, let’s consider two things Biblically:

1. Whether before or after the rapture (we’re not sure), the Ezekiel 38-39 invasion WILL occur at some point. Russia, Iran and Turkey will lead a coalition that invades from the north. The three have already begun to cozy up, but right now, Russia is tied up in a hot war with Ukraine, Iran is being backed into a corner economically and militarily, and Turkey is fighting to be relevant. Trump has offered to broker peace in those situations, but as of this writing, no takers. Ultimately, those nations will find solace among themselves and draw together to cooperate in the invasion. Are we seeing the groundwork being laid for that?
2. Ezekiel 38: 11 and 14 clearly states that Israel will be living safely and peacefully when the invasion occurs. If Israel is successful in decimating Hamas and President Trump is successful drawing Arab nations to normalization (even if tenuous) with Israel, will that set the stage in which Israelis, after decades of bomb-dodging, will finally feel safe and at peace?

A final word: One cannot help but be impressed with the way President Trump has brought even pro-Iranian regimes (particularly Qatar) to the table to consider becoming part of the Abraham Accords. His peace-making ability is definitely impressive and I’m grateful for it. However, given the deceptive nature of Islamic states, I still find it very questionable whether or not those nations will uphold their end of the deal if they sign on to it. Will they truly recognize Israel as a sovereign state with a right to exist in their homeland? Will Qatar really put pressure on Iran to sign a separate deal in which Iran agrees to totally dismantle their nuclear facilities? For true success, Trump MUST build in accountability and strong ramifications if agreements are violated, and it must be lasting.

Continue to pray for clear-headedness, discernment, and wisdom as President Trump’s team continues to negotiate agreements.