Tensions have risen between Israel and Syria. So much so that the IDF has launched a major offensive against al-Julani’s Syrian regime. What lit the fuse?

The situation is complicated. The Druze population in Syria has been under attack from the regime for no real reason other than they are Druze. An off-shoot of Islam, the Druze hold much different regard for decency and civility.  They have no country of their own but instead inhabit countries across the Middle East, including Israel.

The Druze are not Muslim and are not Arab. They are a relatively peaceful bunch who also happen to be valiant warriors. There are sizable communities in northern Israel and those on our past tours have experienced their hospitality when we visited Druze communities near Mt Carmel. They serve honorably in the IDF and are known to be dedicated soldiers and commanders. Some even occupy positions in the top echelons of Israel’s special forces and intelligence units. They serve boldly, bravely, and voluntarily.

Because they have no country of their own, those living in Israel often have family members living only a short distance to the north in Syria.  Recently, as Druze villages in Syria were brutally attacked, it raised the ire of Israeli Druze who crossed the border into Syria to fight on behalf and alongside their kinsmen. Unfortunately, that makes it difficult for the IDF to operate effectively.

Israel is committed to the Druze safety, so took up the current battle to defend Druze enclaves in Syria. As noted, attacks are coming from regime forces. Al-Julani, the recently installed president of Syria, was once a high-ranking commander in ISIS. Though he has portrayed himself as a Western suit-wearing moderate, it is difficult to believe that leopard changed his spots.

Unfortunately, in what may be Trump’s biggest foreign relations blunder, the US has lifted sanctions on Syria and al-Julani and has hinted at allowing Syria into the Abraham Accords. Those appear to be very poor decisions on the part of the Trump administration. Apparently, Daniel Cohen of Real Life Network agrees…

Meanwhile, Israel is talking the only language clearly understood in the Middle East…power.  The Netanyahu administration has launched defensive maneuvers to defend the Druze community in Syria, and has unleashed full scale bombing of important governmental and military installations in Syria.  All this after strict and clear warnings to Julani to cease attacks on Druze communities.

Israel is now seemingly at war with Syria, though the US is putting reigns on both Israel and Syria. Not to say “this is it,” but to point out one critical Bible prophecy. Isaiah 17:1 predicts that, in the last days, Damascus (Syria’s capital) will be utterly destroyed. Couple that with the Ezekiel 38-39 prophecy of a northern invasion (ostensibly through Syria) into Israel, and one can logically surmise that the destruction of Damascus could open the doorway to that event.

It is too early to know whether or not prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes, but the scenario lends itself to that possibility.

It’s time to pray, my friends! May the Lord guide and direct Israeli leadership and may they heed it. Pray, also, that the Trump administration moves with prudence and caution, yet clear-headed and decisive as God leads. We live in interesting days, and our relationship and trust in the Lord are increasingly important. Lean into Him as you observe world events in light of Scripture.