Why Doesn’t Israel Strike?

For several months now, political pundits around the globe have been speculating on when Israel would take some kind of military action against the nuclear sites in Iran. Israel may indeed attack. But even if she does, Iran will not be significantly injured.

From an Israeli perspective, the major issue does not appear to be the initial strike. Does Israel have the ability to deal a solitary deathblow to Iran’s nuclear program? If that was the only question, the answer is yes.

But that’s not the only question.

Israel lives in a very interesting neighborhood. Most of her antagonistic, Muslim neighbors would love to see Iran’s regime die and go away -- but they can’t say that publicly.

In the event of such an attack, a Pandora’s Box would be opened. No one is certain of what would come out, and there’s the rub.

According to speeches from some of Israel’s highest officials, President Barack Obama has informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that America would engage in a hands-off policy, which, in English, means that in the event of an attack, we would not resupply their military.

Israel has the ability to engage in a one-on-one fight with any enemy for a prolonged period. But if the entire Middle East were to blow up over an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Israel’s ordinance would have to be resupplied after 8 to 13 days. If not, they could be overrun.

And if overrun, the Jewish nation would cease to exist. That very real concern has caused, and will continue to cause, Israel’s indecisiveness.

The second, more compelling reason Israel will not strike Iran is based on biblical prophecy.

In Ezekiel 38, God tells us that Iran will join Russia, Turkey, and other distant enemies of the Jews in a surprise attack. I believe this attack will take place soon and, if Iran’s war-making capabilities were severely damaged, she wouldn’t have the wherewithal to participate.

I laugh when I write about “a surprise attack” because Ezekiel penned those words about 2,500 hundred years ago. It is one of the most well-known prophecies in Scripture.

Netanyahu has three brothers-in law and a son, Avner, who have all won the prestigious national Israeli Bible contest. I imagine that during family get-togethers, while the roasted lamb is being passed around the table, biblical issues of all sorts are discussed.

During Netanyahu’s last visit to Auschwitz, he said that horrible place held some of the “dry bones” that had been prophesied of in Ezekiel 37. Considering Bibi’s knowledge of Scripture, I cannot believe that he is unaware of a secret, future attack against Israel predicted in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

By the way, Russia, Iran, and all of the other forces that will attack Israel on that future day will suffer a catastrophic defeat. Christians may longer be on the earth, but please remember (if you doubt there is a God) that Israel’s enemies’ defeat should remove any doubt that God exists and loves the Jews.

We are living through an absolutely fantastic time, and everything is wrapping up -- just as prophesied.

Walt Osterman is the author of "Not Home Yet: A Tale Concerning Israel's Rebirth." He served in Vietnam and is a Bronze Star recipient. He lives in Wyoming.