Syria & Lebanon 2007

Syria & Lebanon2007

Hizbollah fans flames across Lebanon Headline Hizbollah fans flames of unrest over Lebanon Headline Daily Telegraph January 26 Event At least three people were killed and more than 100 were injured in clashes across Lebanon yesterday as thousands of pro-Hizbollah protesters blocked roads in a campaign to oust the country's prime minister. It had been billed as a peaceful nationwide strike by the Syrian and Iranian-backed militant group and its Shia and Christian allies. But it quickly escalated into street battles between Sunni and Shia gangs in several towns. Comment The battle between Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims has now come to Lebanon. In Iraq these two groups kill scores of each other every day. Now in Lebanon, street battles between these two religious factions has begun. Syria and Iran are run by Shia’s. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are run by Sunni’s. Lebanon is a fault line between the two. The “army” of Hizbollah is Shia. It is run and financed by Iran and Syria. The current Prime Minister of Lebanon was born into a Sunni Muslim family. He is pro West and anti Syrian. This is why Syria and Iran are both fanning the flames of unrest in Lebanon to try to unseat the present government. Will the Shia’s succeed in ousting the pro Western government? Possibly. But what we do know for certain is that Lebanon is the northern door through which the king of the north will come. We also know that there are now 1000’s of European troops in southern Lebanon following the war between Israel and Hizbollah in August 2006. It is just a matter of time before the tinderbox of Lebanon is reignited. Bible Quote Zechariah 11 1 ¶ Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

Clash on Israel-Lebanese border Headline Clash on Israel-Lebanese border Headline BBConline February 8 Event Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has denounced Israel for what he called a border violation, which led to the first clashes since last year's war. He condemned the "new Israeli aggression on Lebanon's sovereignty". Israel says its troops returned fire after being shot at while searching an area where explosives were found. Unifil, which described the incident as serious, said it was assessing whether Israeli troops had indeed crossed the Blue Line, and not just a security fence. Crossing the Blue Line constitutes a border violation, whereas going over the fence does not. It is the first such armed incident on the border since Israel's 34-day campaign against Hezbollah guerrillas ended in August last year. Comment In the WWW it has been said repeatedly that it is just a matter of time before conflict begins again. UNIFIL is the multinational force led by France. There are currently 9,700 soldiers from 21 different countries patrolling the northern border of Israel! Every single country present is hostile to Israel. Even Russia has soldiers in Lebanon. There is certainly more trouble coming to this Lebanon. The Lord God himself has gathered the nations of the world to the border of Israel. Note the verse below. The earth will mourn and languish. At that time Lebanon will be hewn down. Then will the LORD rise and be exalted. We long for the time when he does rise and IS exalted. Bible Quote Isaiah 33 9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down:…10 Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted

Syria ups army infrastructure on border Headline Syria ups army infrastructure on border Headline Jerusalem Post March 3 Event Syria has spent the past few months constructing and moving infrastructure to its southern border that could be used to launch a war against Israel, senior defence officials have told The Jerusalem Post. According to the officials, the Syrian military - while restricted in the number of troops it is allowed to deploy along the border - has moved military infrastructure, including fuel depots, closer to the frontier. The Syrians have also built structures in the area that could serve as weapons stores and military bases. "There is no doubt that something out of the ordinary is taking place on the Syrian side of the border," a high-ranking official said. Comment On the 19th Feb on a visit to Saudi Arabia, Condoleeza Rice, the US Secretary of State, was told that Damascus (Syria) was a “weak and dispensable link in Iran’s front against the United States and Israel in the Middle East. They assured the US Secretary that overthrowing the regime in Syria would not put Syria in danger of disintegration like Iraq. Syria is not mentioned as one of the nations that invades Israel in Ezekiel 38. Iran is. There are verses that speak of great destruction coming on Damascus. There is a huge amount of political movement in the Middle East at the moment. Syria is getting anxious and isolated. Iran is not happy with Syria and how it conducted itself in the Lebanon conflict. Syria could bear the brunt of the USA’s frustration with Iran. Bible Quote Isaiah 14 1 ¶ The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

As Syria prepares for war In Syria, Mr Solana held talks with President Bashar al-Assad Headline As Syria prepares for war Headline Jerusalem Post March 15 Event This has been a banner week for Syrian diplomacy. Tuesday, US Assistant Secretary of State for Refugees, Ellen Sauerbrey, became the first senior US official to visit Syria since February 2005. Following closely on Sauerbrey's heels was the EU's foreign policy chief Javier Solana. Unlike Sauerbrey, who came and left without making a sound, Solana used the occasion to drop a diplomatic bomb. Standing next to Syrian Foreign Minister, Solana announced, "We would like to work as much as possible to see your country Syria recuperate the territory taken in 1967." Israel should be very concerned by Solana's statement. Seventeen years ago, an American diplomat made a similar statement to another Arab dictator [Saddam Hussein]. It was swiftly followed by war. Solana's statement that Europe supports the reassertion of Syrian control over the Golan Heights came in the midst of a massive Syrian deployment of offensive weapons systems close to its border with Israel. Early this week, Israeli military commanders revealed that since last September, Syria has deployed between 1,000 and 3,000 missiles and rockets close to that border. Comment This truly is a diplomatic bomb shell! Europe (the beast of Revelation) says publicly that they would like to work “as much as possible” to see Syria “recuperate” land “taken” in 1967. In other words the fear in Israel is that Syria now has a green light to launch an offensive to get the Golan Heights. In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. It did so thinking it had the American OK. War between Syria and Israel may be close. Bible Quote Isaiah 17 3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, Israel is in trouble when the kingdom of Syria ceases. See v 1-5

Syria / Russia missile deal Headline Major Syrian missile purchase – one of several preparations for war - Geostrategy Direct March 14 Event Syria has concluded a $1-billion weapons deal with Russia, Israeli military sources said. The sources said Syrian President Bashar Assad agreed to purchase the S-300PMU anti-aircraft system and anti-tank guided missiles from Moscow. The first components of the strategic air defence system are to arrive in Syria this year. Israeli sources said Syria's military has bolstered its presence along the southern border in what appears to be preparation for war with Israel in 2007 or 2008. The Syrian military has been constructing bunkers to store weapons and protect troops from Israeli air attack, the sources said. "The Syrians have decided to buy the S-300," an Israeli source said. Russian President Vladimir "Putin has approved this, and the Syrians will embark on a process of rapid acquisition and deployment." Comment It is also reported that under this agreement that Damascus will allow Russia to expand naval base rights at two Syrian ports. Shimon Peres said that this deal “provides an incentive for Syria to go to war" . As Syria is not mentioned in Ezekiel 38 we might expect Syria to be “taken out” of the picture at some point. If war between Israel does occur we can see how Russia would quickly be involved as it has an increasing military presence in that country. The King of the north was essentially Syrian originally – it will be Russian in the future. Bible Quote Daniel 11 40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, The king of the north in Daniel 11 is the same as the Gog of the land of Magog in Ezekiel 38.

Israel prepares for Syrian attack Headline Massive IDF drill prepares for Syrian attack on Golan Headline Jerusalem Post April 27 Event The IDF on Thursday held intensive training manoeuvres in preparation for a feared Syrian attack on the Golan Heights. Hundreds of tanks and thousands of soldiers, backed by helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, massed in the Judean Desert to drill simulations of war. The training exercise focused on Brigade 401 and its utilization of Israel's most advanced tank - the Merkava Mark 4 - against the Syrian advanced Russian-made T-72. Since the Second Lebanon War, Military Intelligence has claimed that war with Syria is now closer than ever, and the IDF is on heightened alert in the North in preparation for the possibility of a surprise attack. Comment Israel talks of compromise and potential peace and yet envisages war with Syria. Debkafile reported this week that Syria sent 40 of its top generals on a secret mission to Iran last week. The Syrian War Planning Chief met with the Iranian Defence Minister. Israel is very concerned about this visit. It was unusually large. It included the top generals. They were taken to Hizbollah training camps and the visit was unusually long. Over 7 days. Meanwhile a huge US military exercise began this week in the gulf as America prepares for an Iranian attack on its 5th Fleet. Bahrain hosts the US 5th Fleet and the US Central Command said the exercise on Tuesday was the largest ever in the gulf. We see therefore the constant preparation for war in the region. Joel 3:9 is underway. Bible Quote Joel 3 9 ¶ Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

Syria moves units to Lebanon border Headline Israel's U.S. envoy says concerned about Syrian arms Headline Reuters May 2 Event WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israel is growing more concerned about unprecedented military purchases and stepped-up training by Syria, at levels not seen since the 1973 Middle East war, its envoy to the United States said on Wednesday. "Syria is developing into a very serious threat," Israeli Ambassador Sallai Meridor told a luncheon sponsored by the Israel Project, a group that promotes the country's agenda. "We hope it's not offensive but we're not sure." A significant build-up of missile capability by Syria could "create major damage to Israel" and Russia was supplying the arms to Damascus, he said, without providing specific details of the source for that information. Comment The title to this slide comes from a report in Debkafile this week. Debkafile being Israeli military analysts. They say that shortly after the Lebanon War panel in Israel slammed the Olmert government, President Assad of Syria moved an infantry brigade from the Iraq border to the sensitive area opposite the Golan Heights. Israel is carefully watching this move to see if Syria is trying to capitalise on Israel’s current weakness. Note Russia’s involvement in arming Syria! Syria is certainly a place to watch. It is the ancient king of the north. However is not mentioned in the nations that invade Israel in Ezekiel 38. There are passages that speak of Syria coming to a cataclysmic end – utterly destroyed. It is possible this destruction takes place before Gog (Russia and host) come down. Bible Quote Jeremiah 49 27 And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.

Germany reports incidents in Lebanon Headline Germany reports close calls between IDF & UNIFIL Headline Jerusalem Post May 12 Event In the past two weeks, three incidents have taken place in southern Lebanon between UNIFIL's (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) navy and Israeli forces, a spokesperson for the German security forces in Lebanon said Friday evening. According to the spokesperson, the latest incident occurred in the last few days, when IAF fighters approached a German naval ship patrolling the Lebanese coast. The report states that the planes were flying in an unusual manner. In addition to the IAF flyby, the spokesperson said that on April 30 an IDF ship approached a German naval ship near the coast of Lebanon. Because the IDF ship did not announce itself, the German ship began battle procedures. One day earlier, a similar incident occurred, where an IDF ship approached a Swedish ship which was also part of the UNIFIL force. Comment Lebanon has disappeared from our news and quite possibly from our minds as well. The fact that God gathered many nations to Israel’s northern border should not be forgotten. These nations are some of Israel’s most fearsome enemies. They are patrolling the ground in southern Lebanon and the seas in that area as well. There are more than 11,000 troops from 20 different countries deployed there. All of them hostile to Israel. We how incidents such as the ones mentioned above can happen and how quickly they could become something much more serious. Lebanon is the “door” through which the northern host will enter Israel. Bible Quote Zechariah 11 1 ¶ Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

Syria’s military exercise Headline Syria Advances Military Exercise Schedule Headline Mideastnewline May 13 Event Syria has advanced its military schedule in what could signal plans for war with Israel in 2007. Officials said Syria has decided to conduct a series of major military exercises in May through July. They said the decision was meant to accelerate preparations for a war against Israel in the summer of 2007. "Syria is now in the middle of an unprecedented process of a huge military buildup," Israeli Deputy Defence Minister Ephraim Sneh said. "They have acquired state-of-the-art Russian weapons, huge quantities of long-range rockets and missiles." Officials said Syria was close to concluding negotiations to purchase advanced anti-aircraft systems from Russia. They said the systems could include the S-300PMU1 air and missile defence system as well as the TOR-M1 mobile short-range anti-aircraft battery. Comment The talk continues to be of a war between Israel and Syria this year. Military exercises can be a cover for moving equipment and men to required positions before war. With this unprecedented build-up of military equipment along the border of Israel, Syria is preparing for conflict. Note how Russia is supplying Syria with very sophisticated missiles and defence systems. Who else is Syria going to use these weapons against if not Israel? Syria’s intentions are clear and so are Russia’s. To bring the nation of Israel to an end. A conflict with Syria is mentioned in the scriptures. Bible Quote Isaiah 17 3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts verse4 explains the glory of Israel at this time!

Iran to Israel: Don’t attack Lebanon Lebanon – The Fire This Time Headline Front Page Headline Iran to Israel: Don't Attack Lebanon Headline Associated Press May 24 Event Iran's hard-line president warned Israel on Thursday that nations in the region would take action against the Jewish state if it attacked Lebanon in the summer. Although there has been discussion among Israeli experts about the possibility of another war against the Lebanon's Hezbollah guerillas, Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz and other officials have denied plans for such a conflict. A war between the two sides last summer ended in a U.N.-brokered cease-fire. Ahmadinejad comments Thursday also likely reflect his attempt to cast himself in the role of a champion of the Palestinian cause. Iran support the militant Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups that refuse to recognize Israel. Comment More warnings to Israel from Iran. It comes in a week when Lebanon erupted again. The latest fighting in Lebanon is centred on the Palestinian-led Sunni Muslim faction that sprang up 6 months ago called Fatah al-Islam. It has close links to Syria who has been accused of fermenting the current terror. Time magazine this week said that the “present unrest in Lebanon is an ominous sign of future turmoil throughout the region.” It is not difficult to see Israel being blamed for this violence. It is taking place in a Palestinian refugee camp setup following the creation of Israel in 1948. If only Israel let the Palestinians have their own state (you can hear people say) then there would be no trouble in refugee camps in Lebanon. Hence one of the reasons for Syria causing this trouble. Fire once more is coming on Lebanon. Bible Quote Zechariah 11 1 ¶ Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

Anti-Syrian MP assassinated Headline Lebanese MP dies in Beirut blast Headline BBC online June 14 Event An anti-Syrian MP was among at least 10 people killed in an explosion in Beirut's waterfront area. Walid Eido died in the blast, in the mainly Muslim Manara neighbourhood, officials said. Mr Eido is the third member of Lebanon's anti-Syria parliamentary majority to be killed in a bombing in the past two years. President George W Bush condemned the bomb attack, in which at least 10 other people were wounded. A number of other high-profile anti-Syrian figures have been killed in Lebanon since 2005. In a statement the White House said there had been a "clear pattern of assassinations" in recent years of those opposed to Syrian interference in Lebanon's affairs. Comment The capital of Syria is Damascus. The very fact that Damascus still exists proves that the verse below has not yet been fulfilled. One day Damascus will “cease to be a city” ESV translation. Damascus is a central hub of terrorism today. Several of the most prominent terrorist organizations have their headquarters there, and coordinate their operations from there. Verse 3 of Isaiah 17 says that the kingdom will disappear from Damascus as well. It is not just Isaiah 17 but also Jeremiah 49 and Zechariah 9 as well that describe this. There is complete and utter destruction coming on this nation. It is not hard to see this coming. Israel is armed with nuclear weapons and if its existence is threatened by Syria (who do possess WMD) they may unleash them. Syria continues to provoke the USA and Israel as we see above. Bible Quote Isaiah 17 1 ¶ The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

Hamas, Teheran & Damascus Headline Hamas, Teheran, Damascus will begin West Bank takeover - Headline Debkafile June 15 Event DEBKAfile’s military sources report that Hamas’ planning and combat tactics clearly betray the professional hands of Syrian and Hizballah officers who have set up a command centre in the Gaza Strip. It was the second triumph in a week for a Palestinian force backed by Iran and Syria, after the Lebanese army failed in four weeks’ combat to crush the pro-Syrian factions’ barricaded in the Nahr al-Bared Palestinian camp near Tripoli. The Iran-Syrian alliance has acquired by brute force two Mediterranean coastal enclaves in northern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. Its momentum, launched a month ago in both sectors was unchecked. The Fouad Siniora government’s troops failed to break through to the Palestinian camp and crush the pro-Syrian uprising. The Olmert government stood by unmoved as the most radical elements in the Middle East snatched the Gaza Strip on Israel’s southwestern border. The Bush administration is finding itself forced out of key Middle East positions, its main assets Siniora and Mahmoud Abbas trounced on the battlefield. Comment The “revolution” in Gaza by Hamas, according to Debkafile (Israeli based military analysts), is part of a coordinated campaign by Syria and Iran. These 2 nations are wrong footing America and increasing their power base in nations surrounding Israel. Significant geopolitical movements are underway around God’s land. The nations who want the destruction of Israel are making their moves. It surely cannot be long before all the pieces are in place and war will begin. Bible Quote Joel 3 2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people [Israel].

Israel sent secret peace offer to Syria Headline Israel sent secret peace offer to Syria Headline Newsweek June 8 Event Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sent a secret message to Syria suggesting a complete withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights in exchange for a full peace treaty, the Israeli Yediot Ahronot daily reported Friday, capping a week of speculation on whether Israel and Syria were headed for peace or war. The Syrian leader has yet to respond to the offer, which also requested Syria sever ties with Palestinian militant groups, a 'senior diplomatic source' told Yediot. Comment We mentioned on the first slide the build up to war between Israel and Syria. What leaked out this week was a secret peace offer made by the Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert to Syria. Syria and Israel have technically been at war since 1967. Syria wants the Golan Heights back that Israel captured in the 6 Day War. The secret peace offer made by Israel, was to hand back the Golan Heights if Syria cut all ties with Palestinian militant groups. They would then sign a peace treaty. It is extremely unlikely that Syria would do this – even for the Golan Heights. The Palestinian militants like Hezbollah are the armed pawns of Syria. It may well be that Syria considers war a better option than peace. Hence why Israel PM Ehud Olmert said this week his country did not want war with Syria. What we have hear though is talk of peace and yet preparation for war. Syria has not yet responded to the offer. Now Israel has made the offer public it will have to. The answer it gives may not be the one Israel is hoping for. Bible Quote 1 Thessalonians 5 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, They are talking about peace!

Syria preparing for war with Israel Headline Syria Making Preparations for War with Israel Headline Israeli National News June 15 Event A Qatari newspaper,Al Watan,reported Friday that Syria is making concrete preparations for war with Israel, saying that the Syrian government has removed the Government and State Archives from the Damascus area. According to the paper, this move indicates preparations for war. Syrian parliament member Muhammad Habash confirmed on Al-Jazeera Arabic world news satellite TV last week that Syria is indeed engaged in active preparations for a war with Israel. The conflict, said the Syrian MP, is expected to break out during the summer months. Comment Also reported this week is the news that Russia has started delivery of top-of-the-line fighter jets to Syria under a new deal estimated to be worth US$1 billion. The business daily Kommersant said on Tuesday that Russia had begun delivering five MiG-31E jets under a deal apparently negotiated during Syrian President Bashar Assad's trip to Moscow last autumn. Syria is in the territory of the king of the north mentioned in Daniel 11. However we believe the modern king of the north that invades Israel will in fact be Russia. Syria is not mentioned in Ezekiel 38 at all. So here we have the ancient king of the north preparing for war, being armed by the future king of the north, Russia. It does seem likely that war is around the corner between Israel and Syria. Both sides appear to be preparing for conflict. For Russia to assume the mantle of king of the north, perhaps Syria is destroyed first? The verse below has yet to be fulfilled… Bible Quote Isaiah 17 1 ¶ The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

Golan Heights Syria planning terror in Golan Headline Syria is Planning for Campaign of Terror on Golan Headline Debkafile June 29 Event On June 26, Syria opened the Damascus-Golan road to Quneitra to civilian traffic for the first time since the Six-Day War of 1967. No announcement was made. Until this week, civilian traffic heading towards Syria’s Golan border with Israel was discouraged by the government in Damascus; a traveller needed eight different pieces of paper and endless waits to get past the military roadblocks. All of a sudden, the powers-that-be in the Syrian capital decided to allow civilians free passage to Golan meaning preparations are complete for the launch of a cross-border campaign of terror in the Israel sector of the territory. Such a campaign could quickly escalate into a full-scale war. Comment The Bible does speak of the area of the Golan Heights. It is the area of Bashan. If you have a map in the back of your Bible look at the one at the time of the kings. Bashan is normally identified and it covers the area of the modern Golan Heights. In fact Golan itself was a city in Bashan and though there is not city of Golan now it is obviously where the name originates today. Golan in Bashan was given to the half tribe of Manasseh by Moses. See Numbers 32:33. The Bible speaks of Bashan as a fruitful place that becomes barren. It is mentioned a number of times with destruction coming on Lebanon. We could surely envisage that if there is war between Israel and Syria that Hezbollah in Lebanon would also join in. As we see above, the potential for full-scale war in the near future is likely. Bible Quote Isaiah 33 9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.

Lebanon ‘to erupt in 1 week’ Headline Lebanon 'to erupt in 1 week‘ Headline Ynet news July 8 Event Syria has called on its citizens to leave Lebanon ahead of an expected "eruption" in that country, Arab and Iranian press reports have said. The media reports were translated and made available by MEMRI in a special dispatch on Sunday. "In the past few days, Arab and Iranian media reports have pointed to the possibility that Lebanon's current political crisis may become a violent conflict after July 15, 2007," the MEMRI dispatch said. July 15 comes one day before a special UN Security Council meeting which is expected to discuss the possibility of stationing international experts on the Syria-Lebanon border, in order monitor the ongoing illegal cross border arms traffic to Hizbullah, thought to be originating from Iran and Syria. Comment The UN Security Council is also expected to meet next week to discuss a key report on the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a development which may bode badly for Syria. Syrian authorities have also instructed all Syrian citizens residing in Lebanon to return to their country by July 15, 2007. We see pressure mounting on Syria and trouble in Lebanon may divert attention away. Trouble in Lebanon could easily involve Israel as Hezbollah are rearmed with 1000’s of missiles. Reuters reported this week that Israel’s armed forces are poised for a major conventional war. Tens of thousands of reservists and conscripts and been training with an intensity not seen in Israel for decades. A conflagration is coming. Bible Quote 2 Chron 24 23 And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came up against him [Israel]. Israel has fought many wars with Syria over time

Al Qaeda threat to UK and Lebanon Headline Al Qaeda’s No. 2 issues dire threats against two government heads Headline DEBKAfile July 10 Event Ayman Zawahiri’s tirade catches Britain in a highly edgy state after three attempted terrorist attacks, and Lebanon in the grip of a Damascus-backed al Qaeda linked offensive ahead of the UN Security Council debate on Lebanon. Turning to British PM Gordon Brown, he says: “The policy of your predecessor has brought tragedy and defeat upon you, not only in Afghanistan and Iraq but also in the centre of London.” He then calls on all Muslims in the Lebanon to rebel against the forces which oppose Islam and have encircled them. Comment It is interesting that Britain and Lebanon are linked in this latest tape from Al Qaeda. The Bible also links the two. In Isaiah chapter 2, God speaks about judging the proud and lofty. (v12). And then in v13 he speaks of this judgement coming on Lebanon and then in v16 it coming on Tarshish (Britain). Lebanon is home to the city of Tyre. The ancient maritime trading city of Phoenicia. It was destroyed eventually by Alexander the Great in 332BC. However the Bible says that Tyre would “pass over to Tarshish”. So in some way Tyre would continue to exist. It would “pass over” Britain. In fact Britain did become a great maritime trading nation. Tyre though was not a nation but a city. Britain has a great trading city that was established by a man of Tyre! London and Tyre are linked prophetically. There is destruction coming on both areas in these last days. Bible Quote Isaiah 23 5 so shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre. 6 Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the isle. London is a latter day Tyre

Hezbollah: Rockets can hit Israel Headline Hezbollah leader: Rockets can hit Israel Headline USAtoday July 24 Event Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah said Monday his group possesses an arsenal of rockets that can reach all of Israel, including Tel Aviv. “We could absolutely reach any corner and any point in occupied Palestine,” Nasrallah said in an interview aired by Arab broadcaster Al-Jazeera and Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television. Celebratory gunshots and fireworks erupted in Beirut’s southern suburbs for several minutes as the interview began and after it ended. Nasrallah said last year’s war between Israel and Hezbollah did not succeed in diminishing his group’s military capabilities. Repeating earlier claims, the Hezbollah leader said his group could already have fired at Tel Aviv last summer during the conflict, but had avoided doing so. Comment We reported last week of a military pact between Syria and Iran. Further news has come out about this deal. Knesset Member Arieh Eldad said this week that the reported military agreement between Iran and Syria is “reminiscent of the pacts that were signed on the eve of the Six Day and Yom Kippur wars”. He went on to say that the pact would lead to Israel being attacked from Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Iran. Interesting then that following the agreement last week that Monday this week sees the Hezbollah leader (in article above) saying they can now hit ALL Israel with missiles. (33,000!) Peace is being spoken of but war is being prepared. Bible Quote Joel 3 10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. The weak are saying they are strong!!

Hezbollah snaps up frontier land Headline 1) Hizbollah snaps up frontier land to attack Israel 2) Syrian missile build-up continues Headline Sunday Telegraph & World Tribune August 14 & 15 Event 1) Hizbollah is buying up large tracts of land owned by Christians and other non-Shias in southern Lebanon as the militant group rebuilds its defences in preparation for a new war with Israel, The Sunday Telegraph has been told. The land grab is thought to be driven by the Iranian-backed guerrillas' efforts to rearm themselves and fortify the strategically important ravines north of the Litani River, just north of the front line in last year's 34-day conflict with its Jewish neighbour. 2) Syria continues to deploy missiles supplied by Russia and has established an anti-aircraft umbrella around Damascus and the Golan Heights. Israel's military has reported that the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad deployed a range of surface-to-air missile assets in southern Syria. The military said the assets were purchased over the last year from Russia and financed by Iran. "The situation is tense," a senior Israeli officer said. Comment Israel continues to be surrounded by her enemies. The UN which is now based in southern Lebanon is doing nothing to stop Hizbollah rearming and now even buying land in preparation for a new war with Israel. Syria continues to deploy missiles and note where they come from. RUSSIA! As vultures they circle God’s land and one day soon they will invade. Bible Quote Psalm 83 4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Syria 'fires on Israel warplanes' Headline Syria 'fires on Israel warplanes' Headline BBConline September 6 Event Syria has said its air defences opened fire on Israeli warplanes after they violated its airspace in the north of the country. Syrian officials said the defences forced the jets to drop ammunition over deserted areas and turn back, according to the official news agency, Sana. Israel's military said it would not comment on the reports. Israel and Syria remain technically at war and tensions between them have been rising in recent months. Comment Israel has not denied this incident and so we assume it is true. So what is going on? There are two thoughts which are both connected. The route that the planes flew brought Israeli warplanes to the closest point to Iran, separated only by Iraqi Kurdistan. America and Israel have not ruled out striking Iran because of its nuclear program. Israel was possibly collecting intelligence on Syria’s long range missiles in the north of the country. The second reason is that Israel was probing Syria’s new air defence systems provided by Russia. Interestingly the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the alleged "Israeli aerial action" over Syria's airspace. Either way tensions have now increased. All leave has been cancelled at IDF bases as Israel braces for a possible Syrian reaction to the incident in the coming hours. With Bible in hand we do expect conflict between Israel and Syria. There are verses that have never totally been fulfilled in respect to Damascus (Syria’s capital). Bible Quote Isaiah 17 1 ¶ The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. Chapter 17 could be latter day.

US confirms Israeli air strike on Syria Headline US confirms Israeli air strike on Syria Headline Daily Telegraph September 12 Event A US official has confirmed that Israeli warplanes carried out an air strike "deep inside" Syria, escalating tensions between the two countries. The target of the strike last Thursday remained unclear but Israeli media reported that a shipment of Iranian arms crossing Syria for use by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon was attacked. Comment We reported last week that Israel had flown across Syria on some sort of mission. Since then it has come to light that in fact Israel carried out an air strike in Syria. This has increased tensions dramatically. The Kuwait-based Al-Jareeda reported Wednesday that the advisors to Syrian President Bashar Assad are pressuring him to respond to the attack by "landing a blow to an Israeli target,". The Kuwaiti paper also reported that the Syrian army has begun drafting reservists from the armed corps, missile corps and anti-aircraft units, and quoted "sources in the know" who said the draft was a response to Israel raising its level of readiness in the north. There is also concern voiced this week by America that Syria is working with North Korea on a nuclear facility. On Thursday, a U.S. official was quoted as saying Damascus may be building a nuclear facility with North Korean assistance. How long before hostilities break out? Syria has a roll to play in the coming conflict. It is not mentioned in Ezekiel 38 but perhaps only because it is destroyed before.. Bible Quote Isaiah 17 1 ¶ The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. Chapter 17 could be latter day.

Chances of war with Syria still high Headline 'Chances of war with Syria still high‘ Headline Jerusalem Post September 24 Event The IDF continued to maintain a high level of alert along the northern border on Sunday as senior defence officials told The Jerusalem Post that while close to three weeks have passed since Israel's alleged air strike in Syria, there is still a chance war could break out. Reflecting the escalation in tension, IDF troops were alerted to the northern border fence Sunday morning after the electronic alarm was activated, sparking fears of a possible infiltration from Syria. The army said the alarm went off after the fence was touched, and that tracks were spotted on the Syrian side of the border. Soldiers who arrived on the scene ruled out an infiltration, and the IDF said it was possible that a roving animal had triggered the alarm. Sunday's incident followed the scrambling of two fighter jets on Saturday to the northern border after a Syrian military jet that was being tracked by Israel disappeared from military radar systems. A short time later, the IAF discovered that the Syrian jet had crashed in Syrian territory. Comment Last Saturday was Yom Kippur. Defence Minister Ehud Barak warned in a speech on that day that the relative calm and quiet could not be understood at face value. "If there is one lesson that can be learned from the Yom Kippur War, it's that we should not be mislead by deceptive periods of calm," he said in reference to the tension with Syria as well as diplomatic developments with the Palestinians. "The spirit of Israel must be prepared at every moment as if the next war is around the corner." We must not be misled either. Christ will return when least expected. It might just be a “normal” day. When the floods came in the time of Noah it was just another “normal” day. We do know that destruction will come when people are saying “peace and safety”. In periods of calm and quiet we should be most alert! Bible Quote Matthew 24 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Jesus will return on a day least expected ...... Therefore we should WATCH!

Israel admits airstrike on Syria Headline Israel admits air strike on Syria Headline BBConline October 2 Event Israel has confirmed that it carried out a strike on a Syrian military installation last month. Syria accused Israel at the time but Israeli officials refused to comment, and the Israeli military censor imposed a strict blackout on information. The censor's office has now allowed some details to be released. On Monday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told the BBC that a Syrian military construction site was hit in the Israeli air strike on 6 September. President Assad said the raid demonstrated Israel's "visceral antipathy towards peace" - and Syria reserved the right to retaliate. Comment According to numerous reports there is utter disbelief in Syria that Israel was able to enter its airspace undetected. In Iran the disbelief is more like panic. Both Syria and Iran are protected by new Russian anti-aircraft systems but Israel was able to jam them (somehow) and were therefore completely invisible to their radars! It was not just a tip toe by Israel into Syrian arispace but a deep penetration. Syria now possesses the most crowded anti-aircraft systems in the world - more then 200 batteries of different types. Russian, Syrian and Iranian experts are desperately trying to find out what went wrong. A very senior British ministerial source said in relation to Sept 6th when Israel attacked Syria, ‘If people had known how close we came to world war three that day there’d have been mass panic”. When the military experts in Syria / Russia and Iran work out what went wrong and correct the problem the retaliation may be swift in coming. We know that at some point world war 3 is coming – it will be the final conflict. As the world prepares for war let us prepare to meet our Lord Jesus at his return. Bible Quote Joel 1 15 Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

Swathes of Lebanon’s forests burnt Headline Swathes of Lebanon forest burnt Headline BBConline October 3 Event Forest fires have destroyed large areas of woodland across Lebanon, killing one woman and injuring dozens. More than 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) of forest have been lost. Officials have described the fires as the worst in a decade. Many of the blazes appear to be under control, but fires continue to blaze in the north near Qobeyyat and Andaqt. Italy, Cyprus and Jordan have dispatched helicopters to help battle the fires. A woman died on Tuesday of smoke inhalation near Deir al-Qamar in the Shouf Mountains region. Comment This week has seen earthquakes and a volcano erupt south of Israel. To the north Lebanon is aflame. Lebanon is the door through which the northern host will enter Israel. The door of Lebanon must be opened to let the armies through into Israel. In the verse below God says that the doors of Lebanon are opened so that fire can devour the trees. As we see fires raging in the literal trees of Lebanon we know the time is coming when fire will rage in the symbolic trees of Lebanon. Trees are symbolic of the nation itself. We read in Isaiah 2:12-13 “For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: And upon all the cedars of Lebanon”. So the day of the LORD will directly involve Lebanon. The fires above perhaps point to the nearness of this day. Bible Quote Zechariah 11 1 ¶ Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

Syrian civil defence placed on the ready Headline Syrian civil defence placed on the ready Headline Debkafile October 12 Event Our military sources report exclusively that Thursday night, October 11, Syria placed its civil defence services on a state of preparedness and mobilized their reservists. Government and military hospitals across Syria have also been alerted. These measures were ordered Tuesday, October 9, and were in place within three days. In contrast, there is no change in the deployment of Syrian forces along the border with Israel on Golan and Mt. Hermon. Thursday, Syrian defense minister General Hassan Turkmani published a message to the armed forces calling for “readiness to withstand all aggression.” A day earlier, the Syrian chief of staff, General Ali Habib, said at an officers’ passing-out parade: “Syria is capable of beating off any conspiracies” against the country. All these measures and this rhetoric strongly indicate the Syrian regime is convinced that either an American or Israeli assault, or attacks by both against Syria and Iran are due shortly. Comment Conflict between Israel and Syria could be just round the corner. The tension has not been defused since the Israeli bombing of Syria on September 6th. Its another piece of the jigsaw that all points to the closeness of remarkable events long looked for. Israel talking of peace and dividing Jerusalem. Russia increasingly authoritarian and angry with America. At the same time hostilities with Iran and Syria look more and more likely. War with Syria might well come before Russia invades. Syria is NOT mentioned in Ezekiel 38 as one of the nations that invades Israel. So what happens to Syria? Does it makes peace so and this is why it does not invade? NO. It is surely destroyed beforehand. Israel has shown a few weeks ago it is not afraid to attack Syria. Bible Quote Isaiah 17 3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria:

Lebanese army fires on IAF jets Headline Lebanese army fires on IAF jets Headline Associated Press October 25 Event Israeli warplanes flying over southern Lebanon on Thursday were fired on by Lebanese soldiers but no hit was reported in the attack, Lebanese officials said. According to report, this was the first time since August 14, 2006, that Lebanese troops fired on Israeli warplanes. Lebanese security official said they fired a total of 150 rounds using machine guns and light aircraft weapons on armoured vehicles when the two Israeli warplanes flew at Marjayoun town near the border before noon local time. The security officer said they were trying to communicate with the warplane but Israeli jets did not respond. Lebanese soldiers used machine guns and light anti-aircraft weapons toward two planes that flew low over east of Marjayoun near the border, a Lebanese security official was quoted as saying. Comment Tensions increase on Israel’s northern border. For the first time since the cease fire in August 2006, Lebanese troops have fired on the Israelis. It is worth remembering that the 2006 Lebanon war saw many countries gathered to Lebanon under the United Nations Interim Force. (UNIFIL). These countries with military personnel in Lebanon include… Belgium, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Tanzania and Turkey. Note how many European countries are present and also Muslim countries as well. Russia though not listed has also sent many military personnel as well, outside the UNIFIL force. Note as well that none of the “young lions” are present in this force! God has begun to gather the nations to Israel – it will lead to war and Christ’s return. Bible Quote Joel 3 2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

Israel Says Hezbollah Can Hit Tel Aviv Headline Israel Says Hezbollah Can Hit Tel Aviv Headline Newsvine October 31 Event Israel alleges that Hezbollah militants in Lebanon have rearmed with new long-range rockets capable of hitting Tel Aviv and tripled their arsenal of land-to-sea missiles since last summer's war, the United Nations secretary-general said in a report Wednesday. Ban Ki-Moon said the reports of Hezbollah's rearming are a cause of great concern for the stability of Lebanon. "Israel has stated that the nature and number of weapons in Hezbollah's control constitutes a strategic threat to its security and the safety of its citizens," he said. While Israel has not provided the United Nations with specific intelligence due to the sensitivity of the sources, Ban said several speeches by Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah in the past few months "seem to confirm these Israeli claims." Comment Hezbollah are based in Lebanon and are funded and armed by Syria and Iran. They hate Israel and want to bring Israel’s existence to an end. Since the Lebanon war last year it appears (unsurprisingly) that Hezbollah has been busy rearming for the next war. The Bush administration announced tentative plans on Wednesday to sell Israel up to $1.32 billion worth of advanced guided TOW and Hellfire missiles, munitions and other weapons! And so the rapid build-up of military might takes place. Where is all this leading? With Bible in hand the question is easily answered. It is leading to the final great conflict or Armageddon when all nations will be gathered against Israel to battle. This is no depressing conclusion because it will NOT end in the destruction of mankind but will culminate in the physical return of God’s son to this earth. SOON… Bible Quote Revelation 16 6 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. Armageddon is the final judgment of all nations.

Bush loses patience with Syria Headline Bush 'loses patience' with Syria Headline BBConline December 20 2007 Event US President George W Bush says he has long since lost patience with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, and has ruled out opening a dialogue with him. "He doesn't need a phone call, he knows exactly what my position is," Mr Bush said at a year-ending news conference. The US and Syria have each accused the other of meddling in Lebanon, where repeated attempts to find a new president have failed. Mr Bush also accused Mr Assad of supporting militant groups. "My patience ran out on President Assad a long time ago," Mr Bush told reporters at the White House. "The reason why is because he houses Hamas, he facilitates Hezbollah, suiciders go from his country into Iraq, and he destabilises Lebanon." Comment President Bush has lost patience with Syria. This maybe a very significant statement. He has effectively closed all communication channels with Syria. Syria’s support for terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and also continued Syrian interference in Lebanon has infuriated President Bush. Lebanon has had no president for nearly a month since Emile Lahoud left office, and many parliamentary sessions called to elect one have been cancelled. Syria in the Bible is known as Syria and Damascus (the capital of Syria). Israel and Syria were known for their constant conflicts in the past. They are a Semitic people, from the same stock as Israel. David as well as Solomon were in constant war against Syria (I Kings 11:25). At some point Damascus (Syria) will “wax feeble” because “fear has seized her” and “anguish and sorrows” will come upon her. This may happen at any time. The comments from Bush above show this is a step nearer. Bible Quote Jeremiah 49 24 Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail.

Syria & Lebanon 2007