Updated 4/17/2024
Yesterday, Iran launched a large long distance aerial attack on Israel (Iran is about 650 miles east of Israel). They used about 170 attack drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles (smaller, slower and shorter range than ballistic missiles)[1.1]. However, very few got past Israel’s air defense systems which also had fighter jet support from the IAF (Israel’s Air Force) and the United States and United Kingdom militaries. Reports say 99% of the attack was intercepted and there were only a few dozen minor injuries and one severe injury for a seven year old girl in Israel[1.1] (the United States military took credit for destroying about 86, nearly one-third, of the incoming missiles[1.3]).
The great success of Israeli defenses was lauded as a miracle by some, but I would not count standard military defenses as miraculous protection from God. This expanding conflict is God’s plan and judgment as I said did and would continue to happen after the October 7th Hamas attack
(see The significance of Israel under attack for more) and in
God’s Offering to All In Judaism –
“They will be put to shame. A sound of uproar from the city, a voice from the temple, it is the voice of Yahovah who is dealing retribution to His enemies” (Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66:6).
If you do not see God bringing Israel and Judaism to shame since October 7th, then please review
The significance of Israel under attack and go through world news of what has happened in Israel, Gaza, and for Jews worldwide since October. Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict, hostages held by Hamas, and fumbling and lapse of humanitarian responsibilities for Palestinians have clearly shamed Israel to the world. All this has happened by God’s will and judgment, for His hand is lifted against the people.
God has let Israel become blood thirsty, and so they attacked the Iranian consulate in Syria, which killed top Iranian commanders in a place that is supposed to have diplomatic immunity by International Law as all embassies are meant to have protected status. It outraged many and irked United States leadership that Israel did not inform their allies of their plans. But it is by God’s will that Israel mismanage its affairs, and that led to Iran’s retaliatory strike on Israel.
The strike was known to be a serious threat in recent days and before the attack, Israeli leaders vowed severe retribution if Iran did it. Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “We set a simple principle: Anyone who hits us, we hit them”[1.2]. An eye for an eye, just as God taught them in the Torah (Exodus/Shemot 21:23-25; Leviticus/Vayikra 24:17-22). Loyal to God, but how often does Israel need to be reminded that their ways were meant for ancient times long gone?
If Israel strikes back from an attack that did little damage and was a response to their own attack on Iran’s top military officials, it would be yet another incident to show Israel is too blood thirsty for their own good and further isolate them to the international community. May they not go too far and escalate the conflict so much as to make the name of Yahovah El Elyon, God Most High, hated among the nations, for it is by His divine providence that Israel claims authority, blessing, and protection.
But what righteousness is aligned with corrupted authority, even if it is God-ordained authority? What happened to the ancient people and leadership of Israel when they were too corrupt to turn to the righteousness that God waited for? The prophets proclaimed certain doom for the nation while their false prophets and seers proclaimed peace and blessing.
References
[1.1] Renee Ghert-zand. "Young girl seriously hurt in Iran attack remains in life-threatening condition". The Times of Israel. 2024 Apr. 14. Retrieved 2024 Apr. 14.
<https://www.timesofisrael.com/young-girl-seriously-hurt-in-iran-attack-remains-in-life-threatening-condition>
[1.2] Times of Israel Staff and Agencies. "We set a simple principle: Anyone who hits us, we hit them". 2024 Apr. 11. Retrieved 2024 Apr. 14.
[1.3] ABC World News. 2024 Apr. 15.