BY JIM HUTCHENS—
As I write, a major focus in Israel is underway, called Palestinian’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence, (UDI).
This is an attempt to have the United Nations declare a sovereign Palestinian state without any negotiations with Israel. The U.S has already stated that it will not support this effort. Still, the results of this initiative promises to be a game changer.
First of all, both Israel and the United States have already declared agreement with a two-state solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Now, neither officially opposes a Palestinian state. What they do oppose is an independent, unilateral declaration of such a state that completely ignores any of Israel’s concerns. Let’s get this straight. The Palestinians refuse to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. Yet, they want to be and are asking to be recognized as a Palestinian state.
Further, they refuse to denounce the promotion and practice of terrorism. They refuse to honor any and all past treaties and agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Yet they do still honor all charter documents of the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Islamic Jihad and al Qaeda – all of which call for the total annihilation and removal of the modern State of Israel with a Palestinian state put in its place.
Negotiations have now become a charade. Any act of deterrence only incentivizes more terror activities. Islamic Jihadists are drunk with a diabolical death wish for martyrdom. Killing Jews and other infidels, Christians included, is preached and promoted openly for all to hear.
Secondly, although much of the world and the world leaders may view the Bible as having no authority, the whole notion of a two-state solution in the Promised Land is in flagrant defiance of God’s covenant promises for a national homeland for the Jewish people. Sadly, even Israel refuses to base its foreign policy, especially regarding the Palestinians, on this eternal decree – to their own detriment. If the political leadership in the U.S. is even aware of God’s ultimate decision regarding this land, it has not been reflected in its foreign policy related to Israel. Why does this matter? Assuredly, this will not bode well for us. God remains unequivocal when he says, “I will bless those who bless you those who curse you I will curse.” (Genesis 12: 3)
However, a Congressional resolution has been initiated by Rep. Joe Walsh (R, IL) calling for Israel to annex Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) if the Palestinians continue to pursue UDI. It remains to be seen if the action will get any traction in Congress and the Administration. To be sure the liberal media will be apoplectic and many fence straddlers will call in sick.
Thirdly, if the Palestinian UDI is recognized – it would be a downright de facto recognition of terrorists and a terrorist state. The Palestinians would first of all bring this issue before the U.N. General Assembly. They would call for international isolation and delegitimization of Israel. It is a fact that legally, the UN General Assembly does not have the power at this point in history to bestow statehood. However, with the overwhelming majority of anti-Israel nations in the U.N., an affirmative vote for Palestinian statehood would have enormous negative propaganda value. Again, the U.S. has already declared that it will exercise its veto power if the resolution gets passed from the General Assembly to the U.N. Security Council where statehood could be recognized.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren has stated that if Palestinian UDI is recognized, indeed, that could mean all former agreements between the Palestinian Authority and Israel will be null and void. However, that might end up to be a blessing in disguise. How? If terrorism from another declared sovereign state is directed against Israel (which is inevitable), that would then be an act of war, a declaration of war. Like any other sovereign nation, they would have to deal with it accordingly.
In any case, with the results of the “Arab spring” still in doubt, with Iran and Hizbollah continuing to rattle their sabers, and with the Palestinian UDI destined to result in some sort of third intifada, Israel must continue to be prepared. The briefings I received during my recent visit to Israel continue to convince me that, at least for the time being, Israel is fully capable of, as they say, “containing and managing the conflict.”
The Scriptures speak of “that day” when only by God’s intervention will a remnant of Israel be saved. It further prophesies that a remnant of Gentiles will be engrafted into that remnant of Israel. Together they make up “The Israel of God.” (Romans 11:17 ff; Daniel 12:1,7; Deuteronomy 32:36, 39-43).
Until then, we will remain faithful to our calling to inform, educate and activate support for Israel and the Jewish people in these end times when much of the world is turning against them. We ask you to please partner with us in this effort. We know these are difficult economic times for all of us. We have especially felt it in The Jerusalem Connection this summer. As you know we are a faith-based ministry that utilizes volunteers to the max, including me and my wife. If you believe what we are doing counts for God’s Kingdom and His Messiah, the Lord Jesus, we ask for your help. We are as cost conscious as we can be. We ask you to pray and trust in God with us for His favor and provision for His work. With your help, we press on in the work God has called us to. I know you will pray about how you can be a regular prayer and financial partner with us.
Thank you for your prayer and consideration – Yahweh bless you!
