In the last few days, there have been massive protests and repeated pressure domestically and internationally, demanding Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu give up the Philadelphi corridor and agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage deal with Hamas. Despite hundreds of thousands of Israelis protesting in the streets calling for a deal (ref. 1), and despite a trade union strike (ref. 1), and despite open criticism from the likes of Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot (ref. 2) and even seeming disloyalty from his own defence minister Yoav Gallant and others who have been discussing things with the Americans, Netanyahu remains adamant that a deal that surrenders the Philadelphi corridor would be a win for Hamas and, more to it, dangerous for the nation of Israel.
Early on in this war between Israel and Hamas, I said that whatever decisions the Israeli government happens to make must be more or less correct because the stakes are very high, and so either God himself or his angels such as the archangel Michael would be guiding the government at every step of the way. The Bible prophesies that in these last days, every individual in the nation of Israel who is supposed to survive surely will survive.
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Daniel 12:1
As of now, Israel is governed by the Knesset, and so the prime minister of the government is the lawful and rightful leader, and so unless an election is called, which means politics becomes a thing, all Israelis should stand with the prime minister and the government.
I should also remind that earlier this year, America’s CIA had signaled that they wanted Netanyahu out of the way (ref. 3).
Now, to add to all that, the latest news is that Hamas itself wants an end to the rule of Netanyahu (ref. 4). Yesterday, Hamas issued a threat to kill more hostages unless Netanyahu gives up.
It goes without saying that to give in to Hamas’ threats and terrorism would be to encourage more of the same.
Remember that during WW2, on the question of Dunkirk, all of the British establishment – the generals, and the likes of Halifax – wanted to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, but Winston Churchill alone remained steadfast, and he was the prime minister.
From a Bible prophecy standpoint, surely the securing of the Philadelphi corridor strengthens the southern half of Israel. When the enemy comes in like a flood, Judah is to be strong enough to withstand the onslaught so that the military situation turns into that of a siege (ref. Zechariah 12:2). It follows from this that Netanyahu is right to insist on control of the Philadelphi corridor.
It is also noteworthy that a poll conducted by Jewish News Syndicate shows that the majority of Israelis do agree with Netanyahu about the Philadelphi corridor (ref. 5).
So, apparently, Netanyahu is not only right militarily and prophetically, but he is even right politically.
Now, on the matter of the Temple Mount, at some point in the not too distant future, there must be a temple of God and oblation to God, but Netanyahu, not wanting to provoke Islam and trigger a wider war, has long insisted on the status quo of no Jewish prayer.
Still, it might be that the status quo is to remain in place for the time being.
I noticed that Itamar Ben Gvir recently talked about a synagogue being built on the Temple Mount (ref. 6). A synagogue would not be correct. It must be a temple of God, probably a tabernacle like the one that David in his day set up for God and the ark of the covenant.
I suppose, the two witnesses must first appear in Jerusalem, and they will explain everything and prepare the way.
Behold, I will send my messenger [I think, Elijah], and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord [I think, the Holy Spirit], whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
Malachi 3:1-4
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Malachi 4:5-6
The temple and the oblation must happen because Israel must turn in a proper and an official way towards the LORD, the God that Israel knows as Ha-Shem.
Granted, subsequently the oblation will be stopped by the forces of the Antichrist. But even so, in due course, Israel’s Messiah, the Son of man Jesus Christ, will come with the armies of heaven and he will “raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen”.
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old
Amos 9:11
It might be that Netanyahu will change his mind about the Temple Mount when the time comes. I am not sure, but to lead Israel at this time before the day of the LORD could well be his thing and his moment in history.
It is interesting that the name “Netanyahu”, which literally means “God has given”, includes the name of the LORD, a variation of the tetragrammaton.
Certainly, right now and in regard to the Philadelphi corridor, Netanyahu is correct, not least because both Hamas and America’s CIA want him replaced.
References:
1. Kathleen Magramo and Rob Picheta (2 September 2024), “Israeli strikers and protesters demand Gaza deal after 6 hostages killed “, cnn.com
2. Eliav Breuer (3 September 2024), “Philadelphi corridor is not an existential threat, Gantz and Eisenkot say”, jpost.com
3. Akiva Van Koningsveld (12 March 2024), “US intel agencies question Netanyahu’s viability as leader, predict resignation”, jns.org
4. HT (5 September 2024), “Hamas’ Veiled Threat To Kill More Hostages? Every Day Netanyahu Rules May Mean A New Coffin…”, hindustantimes.com
5. Caroline B. Glick (4 September 2024), “JNS poll: Majority of Israelis back Netanyahu on Philadelphi, oppose protests”, jns.org
6. TOI (26 August 2024), “Fuming Palestinians claim Ben Gvir announced plans for synagogue on Temple Mount”, timesofisrael.com