War in Israel: Why and How
Priestly reflections on the causes of the war that has erupted in the state of Israel.
For two years now, the world has been watching the bloody events unfolding in Ukraine. But now, a new shock has arrived – military actions have begun between Israel and Palestine. People's attention is focused on the sequence of events in this conflict. However, in my publication, I want to explain to readers what the problem is in these long-standing clashes. HAMAS began its military actions with a specific call – to liberate the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In fact, this conflict, which has been going on for decades, is essentially related to only one place – the Temple Mount. This, in my opinion, is the whole secret of this war, the crux of the matter.
But first, I want to say a few words about the world situation in general, as this is directly related to everything that is happening with us now. What I write is my personal vision, and I do not insist on being right.
Lately, criticism of the so-called "conspiracy theory" and "conspiracy theories" is often heard. I am not a supporter of this point of view myself. What "secret" and "conspiracy" can there be in what was calculated, forecasted, and scientifically substantiated several decades ago? Conferences and symposiums were held, and the question of what the world would be like in the 21st century was openly discussed in the broadest circles. It was evident to everyone that the post-capitalist era was coming to an end. Humanity is entering a new era.
The new format of relationships includes ingredients that have never existed in world history: the internet, globalization, new forms of economic, political, and social relations. And if you add to this the synthesis of biomedicine and computer technology, as well as the problems of resource scarcity associated with overpopulation of the planet, then we get what has actually been given the scientific name "New World Order" (NWO).
The basic principles and laws of the existence of this new all-human formation have long been studied and predicted. Only why, for some reason, this quite understandable, scientifically based new format of human coexistence is now suddenly being called "conspiracy theory" and "conspiracy."
Yes, it looks, to put it mildly, unpleasant. In fact, humanity is entering a system of relations in which phenomena such as democracy, human rights, etc. will have to be bid farewell to forever. And there is no secret in the fact that there is no longer any bipolar or multipolar world. Two hands that make a dough mess of this New World Order will appear from time to time, fighting with each other, but they will have one head. Blood, suffering, and the deaths of millions of people will be real. But the historical process itself has ceased to be the spontaneous result of the combination of different human wills. Everything has become planned and controlled, even when it appears as chaotic.
It will no longer be us who will decide what public and even personal opinions should be. A single world government is not the fantasies of an inflamed mind but a logical consequence of the development of civilization. There is no secrecy or intrigue here. Moreover, it could not have been otherwise. This is what globalization processes, the development of information communications, the concentration of the lion's share of finances in the hands of a small number of people, scientific and technological 'progress,' and so on should have led to by necessity. Now, only this head will decide where there should be war and where there should be peace, where there should be hunger and where there should be abundance, who should fight against whom and for what, where to direct the hatred of nations and where to direct love, and so on.
I understand that these judgments of mine may seem absurd to some; I won't argue. However, I can also assume that in this autocratic rule, people will participate not only or even primarily. The main ideologist of their work and planner will be the one who calls himself a cosmocrator. There is no mystical secret here either. Haven't people in power turned to the 'builder of the universe' or the 'architect of the world' for help and support for the first time? Only at the final stage of the history of the world will they become the direct conductors of his will and directed action.
This is the general state of affairs, and now let's return to current world events.
The reason for the start of military operations
HAMAS militants 'unexpectedly' attacked Israel, firing thousands of rockets at it. Preparation for such a military operation takes a considerable amount of time and certain actions that were taking place right under the noses of Israeli intelligence agencies.
The Mossad is the best intelligence agency in the world. Its specialists at any time of day or night could answer the question, 'What is the fly, sitting on the automatic weapon of a Palestinian located at such-and-such geolocation point, doing right now?' But here I will leave the question open as to why the Mossad was looking but 'not seeing' the preparation for the intervention.
The Temple Mount
Millions of Jews dream of being buried at the foot of the Temple Mount. What makes this mountain so remarkable, and what is there? First and foremost, it is distinguished by one significant Stone. Jews call it the 'Even-ga-Hashṭiyya,' while Muslims refer to it as the 'Al-Sakhrah.' The translation is the same – the 'Cornerstone of the Foundation.' According to Jewish and Muslim traditions, this is where the Lord began the creation of the earthly world. Legend has it that King David placed the Ark of the Covenant on this Stone. His son Solomon built the first Temple here. The Holy of Holies, where the presence of God was believed to dwell, was located over this Stone, and only the Jewish high priest could enter it, once a year.
The First Temple stood for four hundred years until it was destroyed by the Babylonians. The construction of the Second Temple lasted for nearly five centuries and was completed during the reign of King Herod. This Temple was one of the greatest structures of antiquity. The apostles exclaimed with admiration to Jesus, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" Jesus answered and said, "Do you see these great buildings? All this will be destroyed, so that there will not be left one stone upon another" (Mark 13:1–2; Luke 21:5–6). It was indeed destroyed in 70 AD, and even the place was plowed over (according to Roman laws, construction was prohibited on plowed land).
Surviving Jews scattered around the world, and as a city, Jerusalem disappeared. Only a small village, a Roman colony called Aelia Capitolina, remained. During the Byzantine period, when Jews were allowed to return to this place, there were weak attempts to rebuild the Temple. According to the accounts of contemporaries, they all ended in failure.
I will briefly describe the subsequent history of this place, without going into details and nuances. Those interested can easily find them on the internet.
The place of the Temple Mount in Islamic tradition
When Islam first emerged on the Arabian Peninsula and had not yet become a world religion, it was already associated with the Temple Mount. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad was miraculously transported from Mecca to the Foundation Stone of the Temple Mount on a fiery horse called Al-Burāq. It was from this Stone that Allah took the Prophet into the heavenly abodes.
Since then, Muhammad and his followers always prayed in the direction of the Temple Mount, where, according to the Quran, there was another mosque, even though there was no physical mosque there yet. Construction of the mosque would begin a hundred years later.
In the Quran itself, only two mosques are mentioned: the one on the Foundation Stone and the one in Mecca. The entire Muslim world reveres three of its greatest sanctuaries – the mosques in Mecca, Medina, and on the Temple Mount (this mosque is called Al-Aqsa). To regain full control of this site, the military invasion of Palestinians into Israel began. However, the history of this confrontation did not start yesterday.
The seventh to twentieth century
If we exclude specific periods associated with the Crusader campaigns, we can say that from the seventh to the twentieth century, which spans thirteen centuries, the Temple Mount, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Foundation Stone belonged to the Muslim world. Throughout the entire period of Muslim dominion, only Islamic followers could ascend the Temple Mount.
No one disputed Muslim rights to the Temple Mount, even after British control of Palestine following World War I.
The modern era
The situation gradually changed with the establishment of the new state of Israel in 1947. Before 1967, the Old City (the eastern part of Jerusalem) and the Temple Mount were under the rule of Egypt. However, in a rapid six-day military operation, they came under the control of the State of Israel.
According to Islamic law, which international courts also recognize, the type of ownership that the Al-Aqsa Mosque belongs to is considered inalienable. Therefore, from a legal perspective, Jews have no rights to the Temple Mount. The legal situation is one thing, but the reality is different.
Muslims stopped controlling the territory that belonged to them. The situation reached an impasse.
Why Jews want the Temple Mount
There is no need to speak about the importance of this place for Jews. For several decades, Jews have been able to create a powerful and developed state. However, it's essential to remember that essentially it's not a secular state, but a religious one. This state does not have a religious center.
The Temple is the heart of Judaism; it is the purpose and meaning of the existence of the State of Israel. For two thousand years, Jews have lived with the hope of rebuilding the Temple. With the reestablishment of the State of Israel and the return of Jews to their historic homeland, there is only one step left to take. But how? The Third Temple can be constructed only in one specific location, the place where God began creating the world, where the Creator took the earth from which He made Adam, where Adam sacrificed to God, where Abraham built an altar upon which he intended to sacrifice Isaac, where the Ark of the Covenant resided, and where the Holy of Holies of the First and Second Temples was located. However, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the greatest sanctuaries of Islam, is situated on this spot.
Therefore, the Temple Mount has become a point of contention between two religions, and the situation has reached an impasse. Some resolution must be found.
The importance of the Temple Mount for Jews
There's no need to emphasize the significance of this place for Jews. Over the past few decades, Jews have managed to create a powerful and developed state. However, it's important to remember that, essentially, this is not a secular state but a religious one. This state lacks a religious center.
The Temple is the heart of Judaism, and it is the purpose and meaning of the State of Israel's existence. Jews have lived with the hope of rebuilding the Temple for two thousand years. With the reestablishment of the State of Israel and the return of Jews to their historic homeland, there is only one step left to take. But how? The Third Temple can be built only in one specific place. This is the place where God began creating the world, where the Creator took the earth from which He made Adam, the place where Adam offered sacrifices to God, where Abraham built an altar to sacrifice Isaac, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, and where the Holy of Holies of the First and Second Temples was located. However, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the greatest Islamic sanctuaries, is situated on this spot.
Thus, the Temple Mount has become a point of contention between two religions, and the situation has reached an impasse. Some solution must be found.
What does it mean for Christians?
Jews have a prophecy that the Third Temple will be built, and it will herald the coming of the Messiah. Christians, from ancient times, also have a prophecy that this is how it will be, except the Jewish Messiah is considered to be the antichrist. Already, based on this prophecy, it can be confidently said that the side that will win in this war is predetermined. The Third Temple is already destined to appear at the end of human history. The start of its construction will signify that the world, in its current physical form, won't last much longer, and the events described in the Book of Revelation by John the Apostle will unfold at a rapid pace.
However, the most important thing is that the eternal Passover, the joy of meeting Christ in His great Second Coming, the springtime renewal of the whole world, will already be visible on the horizon. And this is a great joy for us. Furthermore, there is the testimony of the Apostle Paul, stating, "Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way, all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:25-26). This means that Jews must, at some point, acknowledge that the Messiah is Christ and essentially become Christians. Such is the intrigue embedded in the historical nexus of the last days of the world.
As soon as the war in Israel began, the first thought that came to my mind was that it somehow has to do with the construction of the Third Temple. Whether I am right or not will be revealed with time. But in any case, as it goes, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20).
