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Last Day Ships in Middle East Waters

January 16, 2007

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The following is an excerpt from Archive Prophecy Update Number 51, dated January 8, 2002

Begin Excerpt from Archive Prophecy Update Number 51

Prophecy Update Number 50 closed with the antichrist located in Cairo, Egypt, which has been his capital for more than three years. He will supposedly have fulfilled the desire of what most nations say they want, that is, he will have brought stability to the Middle East. However, between the third and fourth year of his rule, something will cause him to quickly head for Jerusalem. We closed Update 50 by saying, “Lord willing, In Prophecy Update Number 51, we will discuss what causes him to head for Jerusalem.”

Daniel 11:44,45 – But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. [45] And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

Please bear in mind that Daniel does not bring him out of the Egypt he has conquered until verse 44, and that he heads back for the glorious holy mountain, which is the middle hill of the three hills upon which the eastern part of the city of Jerusalem rests.

It is better known as the Mount of Moriah, where the first three temples sat, and is located between two seas, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Dead Sea. Before the mighty former Soviet Union of Joseph Stalin arose, some identified this troubling news out of the north as being about Attila the Hun, after him it was about the German Kaiser of WW1, then about Hitler of WW2, and so forth and so on. Before the great communist revolution of Mao brought forth the present huge sleeping giant of Red China, some identified the troubling news out of the east as being about Genghis Khan, the great Mongol conqueror from the east. But modern day expositors generally now tend to make it news concerning Russia in the north and China in the east. I do not believe it is either. When Daniel wrote his book, it was written to the people of his day. So it is important to consider what they knew to be immediately to the north and to the east of Egypt. But before we discuss what was, and still is, immediately north of Egypt, and what was, and still is, immediately east of Egypt, let me advise you why I do not believe it involves Russia or China.

Get out a world map and measure how far it is from Cairo to the borders of China and Russia. The population of Russia today is more than 150 million, and the population of China is more than 1 billion, 300 million. Do you really think he is going to take them on? And are they not supposed to join forces with him at the final battle of Armageddon? If he were, it would be rank insanity to return to Jerusalem to take them on! And, besides all that, the land we know as China and Russia, for all practical purposes, was perhaps mentioned only in fables in Daniel’s day. Do you really think he will “go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly make away many” from two distant, vast, countries with a combined population of almost one and one-half billion?

So what is immediately north of Egypt? What touches its northern border? The Mediterranean Sea! And what land is immediately east of Egypt? What touches its eastern border? The Negev! And what could possibly be in the Mediterranean Sea that would trouble him

? The U.S. Fleet! And what could possibly be in the Negev that would trouble him

? Between 1.7 and 1.9 million Israelis! The U.S. Navy & Marine Corps publish periodical “TRANSITIONS” of “All the Ships at Sea.” You will find it amazing how many vessels we routinely have on scheduled patrols in the Mediterranean Sea. We keep a carrier constantly on station patrolling that section of the Mediterranean immediately south of Turkey and north of Egypt.

The carriers USS Enterprise and the USS Theodore Roosevelt have often relieved each other on this permanent patrol station, along with other carriers.

There is also a report issued periodically on marine units deployed on the many ships that patrol the seas of the Middle East from the Mediterranean through the Red Sea into the Indian Ocean and up into the Persian Gulf. It is simply called “All the Marines Deployed.” The U.S. Marines and IDF have been conducting joint operations in the Negev off and on for some 25 years.

So the antichrist has had Israel bottled up in the Negev for more than three years at this future point in time. I believe the news he hears is simply this: the U.S. Marines and IDF are planning to close his rear flank back to the country from which he originally came, Syria. He will have left a strip heavily fortified across Gaza and the northern Sinai, but he will begin to have reservations about the ability of his troops to hold it. He will then head back for Jerusalem to finally do what he wishes he had previously done, that is, to end the Jewish problem. He will “go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.” He will super fortify the northeast Sinai and Gaza Strip, and head northeast to Jerusalem to prepare for the destruction of Israel in the Negev. In Prophecy Update Number 52, Lord willing, I will define his palace, the tabernacles, and

the nations involved.

End Excerpt from Prophecy Archive Number 51

If one goes back over the events in the Middle East since the summer war between Israel and Hizbullah, it is easy to see that the United States has been easing a lot of naval air power into the waters of the Middle East. I have covered the reason for this in several previous BLOGS we have issued since last July.

The last BLOG in our Archives was issued on January 5, and was titled, “President preparing for Contingencies.” It gives the reasons for, and the probable uses of, an ever increasing naval force in the waters of the Middle East.

What follows are a series of article about the carrier battle forces that have been coming into the Middle East since January 7.

Article 1

DEBKAfile Exclusive: Three US Norfolk-based amphibious assault ships set out for Persian Gulf Saturday

January 7, 2007, 11:33 PM (GMT+02:00)

They are part of the USS Bataan Strike group carrying 2,000 Marines and equipped to insert forces ashore by helicopter, landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The Baatan is equipped with helicopters and fast hovercraft capable of landing thousands of Marines on beaches and providing the landing with cover. The Shreveport, known as the Super Gator, combines

the logistical-intelligence support of a command ship with the assault capabilities of combat loaded marines. It is designed for extended amphibious operations.

The USS Oak Hill is designed to assist distressed vessels.

DEBKAfile’s military sources add that another three warships are due to sail out of Norfolk for the Gulf this week with marine personnel aboard. This will bring to more than 20,000 the complement of sailors, marines and pilots either heading for the Gulf region like the USS John C. Stennis strike group, or already present like the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the USS Boxer.

The deployment of the USS John C. Stennis strike group, announced last week, was billed as “a warning to Syria and Iran.”

Article 2

Two US aircraft carrier groups plus a Patriot air defense missile battalion planned for the Middle East – the Pentagon

January 12, 2007, 7:42 PM (GMT+02:00)

The US military spokesman said the carrier USS John C. Stennis will join the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group. Both will be deployed in the Persian Gulf for a period of months. The second carrier will not just be showing force, but be actively involved in combat operations and providing air support across the region.” US-Iranian tensions are mounting over Washington’s charges of Iran’s disruptive interference in Iraq, which were spelled out by President George W. Bush Wednesday. US forces detained six Iranian nationals in two raids in Irbil, northern Iraq Thursday.

Article 3

At least 16 US F-16 fighter craft arrive in S.

Turkish Incirlink base for the first time in three years

January 12, 2007, 11:08 PM (GMT+02:00)

According to local Cihan News Agency, the F-16s were accompanied by an early warning system AWACS airplane and tanker airplanes from an American base in Germany.

An official at the US embassy in Ankara said the planes had arrived for joint exercises with the Turkish military

Article 4

Two Carrier Battle Groups in Middle East before Spring

http://www.tribulationperiod.com/

January 16, 2007

US bringing second aircraft carrier to Mideast

Associated Press, THE JERUSALEM POST

January 16, 2007

A second US aircraft carrier will arrive in the Middle East in about a month, a US Navy official said Tuesday, the first time since the US-led Iraq invasion in 2003 that the United States will have two carrier battle groups in the region.

The increase in US forces is a show of strength by Washington in the face of Iran’s growing regional assertiveness and a perception among US adversaries that the United States is vulnerable in Iraq, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday.

The USS John C. Stennis is scheduled to sail Tuesday from its homeport of Bremerton, Washington.

End Article 4

Every thing seems to be slipping into place on land, sea, and in the air of

the Middle East, and my guesstimate continues to be that at some point in time between 2008 and 2012 Israel will be attacked from the north by a confederation of Islamic nations.

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Divine Nectar from False Gods and Demons!

January 15, 2007

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I realize that our rapid deterioration in morality, since the end of
World War II in America, has been a constant source of grief to those who try to follow the teachings of Christ. However, in all honesty, as one who has spent a good deal of his life in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East, I can attest that America is as pure as spotted snow, when compared to what I observed in what was the known world when the Book of Revelation was written. I have always believed that the greatest degree of God’s judgment, during the tribulation period, is going to come down on Europe proper, Eurasia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East. In other words, when Wormwood of Revelation 8 falls on the earth, I believe it will fall on that area. The seals will directly affect that area more than the Western World, as will also the trumpets and vials, and the final battle of Armageddon.

The death toll in that zone will far exceed the casualty count in the Western World. Please do not get the impression I am saying America is going to get a free ride.

We will be zapped, but I believe it be far less than in the aforementioned areas.

It is a common tendency to base the degree of God’s wrath on physical adultery, and certainly God hates physical adultery. However, I have long contended that the degree of wrath kindled by God is far greater for spiritual adultery.

And while we have great spiritual adultery in our northern hemisphere, it is nothing compared to that in Europe, Eurasia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Asia.

So just what is classic spiritual adultery?

Spiritual adultery is worshipping any god or gods, other than the true God, who sent his Son, the Messiah Jesus Christ, into the world to pay the sin debt for all who would put their faith for salvation in him.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 2:8,9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

John 5:24 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

To worship any other persons, god, or gods is spiritual adultery.

The following Scriptures describe spiritual adultery.

Exodus 20:3-5 – Thou shalt have no other gods before me. [4] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: [5] Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Acts 17:22-25 – Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. [23] For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. [24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; [25] Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

John 4:22-26 – Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

[23] But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. [24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. [25] The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. [26] Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

Today, across this earth, billions of Muslims worship Allah, who was introduced by the Prophet Muhammad in the Koran, while billions of others worship hundreds of gods represented by various forms of idols.

The most heavily populated seat of most of these religions is found in Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Asia. It is in this area that the greatest loss of live will occur during the tribulation period.

Revelation 6:8 – And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

The Koine Greek word used for “earth” is “ges,” and “fourth part” is “tetaprou.” When the two words are together, it does not refer to one-fourth of the world’s population, but one fourth of the earth’s surface, where the seal riders will be given power to kill within that area. I believe that one-fourth of the earth’s surface will be the known world at the time John wrote the book of Revelation. That is where by far the greatest number of deaths will occur during the tribulation period.

Revelation 9:18 – By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

I take this “third part of men” to refer to the worldwide population of mankind.

Ezekiel 39:2 – And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:

I take this to mean only one-sixth of the antichrist’s multimillion army will survive the battle of Armageddon fought in Israel.

False religion and spiritual adultery run rampant across North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Asia. The BBC NEWS article, which follows, reminded me of that, and of the future horrors this area is soon going to experience for failing to worship the only true God.

Psalm 2:1-5 – Why do the hea

then rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, [3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. [4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. [5] Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Exodus 20:3 – Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Psalm 2:12 – Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Begin BBC NEWS ARTICLE

Millions bathe in India’s Ganges

BBC NEWS

January 15, 2007

Several million Hindu pilgrims have been bathing in India’s Ganges river at Allahabad for a key festival.

Five million people are expected to have taken the ritual cleansing plunge into the river by the end of Monday.

Sunday and Monday are among the most auspicious bathing days in the 45-day Ardh Kumbh Mela festival as the sun enters the Tropic of Capricorn.

The Ganges was flushed with fresh water after holy men threatened a boycott, saying its waters were too polluted.

The saying of Pilgrim Hari Om Sharma attests to the reason the millions flock to the river Ganges: “I am here to wash away my sins – the sins I accumulated in my life so that I can die as a pious soul.”

The holy men, or sadhus, led the way into the river, to the sound of drumming and chanting.

Many wore saffron robes, and many carried tridents in their hands.
Hindus believe that bathing at Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers – Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati – can wash away their sins and break the cycle of reincarnation.

“My mind is now totally clean and without any malice after I came here and had a bath,” one pilgrim told the BBC.
Pitcher battle

Water from canals and dams upstream was released to clean the river at the northern city of Allahabad to pacify the sadhus, some of whom had threatened to kill themselves.

Offerings cast into the river and waste and sewage dumped into it have polluted

the river over many years.

Astrologers are divided on the most auspicious time of planetary alignment but millions of Hindu devotees are expected to bathe late on Sunday and early Monday.

The Ardh Kumbh Mela, which began on 3 January, is one of the largest gatherings on Earth, with some 60m Hindus expected to attend over the 45-day period.

It is a smaller version of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, which takes place every 12 years.

According to Hindu mythology, gods and demons fought a celestial war over a pitcher of divine nectar. Allahabad is one of the four towns where drops of nectar fell during the battle.

END BBC NEWS ARTICLE

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Al-Qaeda, Iran, and Hizbullah exp

anding Global Reach and Power!

January 15, 2007

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The question of whether or not there will eventually be a Middle East war seems to be a “done deal” in the minds of the vast majority of the world analysts.

The unanswered questions are how it will start, when it will begin, how many countries will be involved, to what area will it be confined, what kind of weapons will be used, how long will it last, will the United States, Europe, Russia, and China eventually get

involved in it, how many will be killed during it, and will it end in the final biblical battle of Armageddon?

The three articles which follow, from the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, the AP and the Boston Globe, were extracted from the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs Daily Alert.

U.S. Intelligence Chief: Al-Qaeda Expanding Its Global Reach

Dafna Linzer and Walter Pincus (Washington Post)

Al-Qaeda is significantly expanding its global reach, effectively immune to the loss of leaders in battle, Director of National Intelligence John

D. Negroponte told Congress Thursday.

He also warned that the Taliban is mounting a vigorous insurgency in Afghanistan, that Pakistan has become a safe haven for top terrorists, and that Iran’s growing regional power is threatening Middle East stability.

“Shadow” of Iran Growing, Spy Czar Says

Greg Miller (Los Angeles Times)

Negroponte said that “40 to 70” foreign fighters enter Iraq each month through Syria, and that “many, if not most, of those are suicide bombers.”

Iran has provided money, support, and deadly munitions to Shiite groups, including so-called “explosively formed projectiles,” capable of ripping through heavy armor, that are supplanting ordinary roadside bombs as a major threat to U.S. troops.

Hizbullah Is a Growing Danger, U.S. Intelligence Chief Reports

Katherine Shrader (AP/Boston Globe)

Negroponte highlighted an increasingly worrisome assessment of Hizbullah: “As a result of last summer’s hostilities, Hizbullah’s self-confidence and hostility toward the U.S. as a supporter of Israel could cause the group to increase its contingency planning against U.S. interests.”

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Syria’s Rhetoric is a Cherished Illusion, not a Moment of True Peace!

January 15, 2006

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The three articles, which follow our blog comments, were taken from the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. They describe quite well the current situation facing Israel in the Middle East.

1. The impossibility of a peaceful settlement in the Middle East

2. The growing strength of fanatical Muslim extremists

3.

The increasing ability of Syria to influence Middle East Affairs

Begin the Three Articles

Article 1. Drop This Cherished Illusion

Yosef (Tommy) Lapid

Does anyone really think it is possible to reach a settlement with the Palestinians that will guarantee peace between us

? How can one not see the rift among them, their inability to administer their own lives, Fatah’s helplessness, Hamas’ abysmal hatred, the murderousness of the popular resistance organizations, the destructive influence of radical Islam, the interference of Iran, and the belief – so deeply rooted in almost every Arab heart – that,

sooner or later, Israel will disappear off the map?

Even if Israel agreed to withdraw to the 1967 borders (and it doesn’t); even if Israel agreed to allow the refugees to return to Israel within the 1967 borders (and it doesn’t); would Hamas ever recognize the right of a Jewish state to exist in the heart of the Muslim Middle East? True, anything is possible. But not in the foreseeable future.

Not in this generation. And if not the Palestinians, then radical Islam will make sure there is no peace agreement with Israel.

The writer is a former Israeli cabinet minister.

(Jerusalem Post)

Article 2. A Moment of Truth in the Middle East

Nadav Tamir

Historically, conflict in the Middle East was defined by the struggle between Israel and the Arab world. Today, a new conflict has emerged between pragmatic moderates and fanatical extremists.

In this new conflict, Israel finds itself on the same side as the moderate Arab community. Both support the implementation of a two-state solution to resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Moderate Arabs also call for the renunciation of terrorism, and progression toward modernity and enlightenment.

On the other side of the divide stands an alliance of strong forces.

Iran has proven to be a leader in promoting chaos and terrorism and exporting Islamic extremism throughout the Middle East.

Syria cultivates an alliance of convenience with Iran in a desperate attempt to divert attention from its brutal machinations in Lebanon. Consequently, both Iran and Syria support Hizballah, Hamas, and other Palestinian terrorist organizations as proxies in Lebanon and in the Palestinian territories.

In the wake of the war between Hizballah and Israel, moderates in the Arab and Muslim world are beginning to grasp the danger of supporting these extremists. In the Arab world, there is a discernible fear of fundamentalism in moderate regimes, including Jordan, Egypt, the Gulf, and the Maghreb states. These nations are wary of Iranian ambitions and the dangers of a destabilizing extremist alliance.

The writer serves as consul general of Israel to New England.

(Boston Globe)

Article 3. Syria Poised to Assert Itself

Seth Wikas

Although Bashar Assad does not possess the same state-building skills as his father, the American quagmire in Iraq, Syria’s strong ties to rising power Iran, and Damascus’ support of Palestinian terrorist groups have all recently converged to offer Assad his first real opportunity to manipulate Middle Eastern affairs on a grand scale.

Syria still plays a dominant role in Palestinian politics.

With Hamas leader Khaled Meshal ensconced in Damascus, Assad is a welcoming host, allowing his guest to be the main arbiter in the formation of any viable Palestinian government. Damascus – with its influence over Hamas and Hizballah – continues to be the key to the settlement of a lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors and the formation of a Palestinian state.

The writer is a visiting fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

(Baltimore Sun)

End of the Three Articles

Comment

If Syria and Iran decide to convince Hamas, and the rest of the terrorist groups, that the only way to defeat Israel is to lull her into a false sense of security by recognizing her statehood, and going along with the formation of a Palestinian State within the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, then a temporary false peace will come in for a brief period. It will end with the fulfillment of the following Scriptures.

I Thessalonians 5:3,4 – For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Zechariah 13:8,9 – And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

[9] And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.

Jeremiah 30:7 – Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

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Shades of Saul and the Witch

of En-dor!

January 14, 2007

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It would seem that some of the Israeli politicians could have learned how they would have fared in the Hizbollah Conflict if, like Saul before his last great battle, they had gone to the Witch of En-dor to get a magic prediction from the dead.

In these last days which we now find ourselves, it should not shock us as to the number and popularity of those who claim to be able to converse with the dead. It seems to have infected even the leaders of our society, who would seem to be

of the most use to the unseen principalities and powers of darkness.

I Samuel 28:4-14 – And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa. [5] And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

[6] And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams nor by Urim, nor by prophets. [7] Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.

[8] And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee. [9] And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die

? [10] And Saul sware to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. [11] Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.

[12] And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me

? for thou art Saul. [13] And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. [14] And he said unto

her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle.

And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

The following article from the Jerusalem Post by Sheera Claire Frenkel, puts an interesting twist on the confusion that has manifested itself in the ranks of the Israeli politicians, who seem at times not to know what to do next.

Begin Jerusalem Post Artricle

The magic touch: A charm or a curse for Israeli politics?

Sheera Claire Frenkel, THE JERUSALEM POST

January 12, 2007

Should the Prime Minister’s Office include a bureau of astrology? Would Israel have done better in last summer’s war in Lebanon if the defense minister had conferred with Kabbalists?

Nancy Reagan conjured up a storm of controversy during the 1980s when it was revealed that astrologers had visited her in the White House and imparted advice that she might have then used to counsel her husband. But Mrs. Reagan’s sessions were no match for the magical tools that have been used, or should be, by Israel’s politicians, according to some of the participants in a conference held Thursday at the Hebrew University on “Magic, Mystery and Witchcraft.”

Topics addressed by leading university academics included “Jesus the Magician” and “The New Age: The Secret of Harry Potter’s Success.” But the conference’s final session featured participants discussing “Magic and Politics”; the theme was the role magic plays on Israel’s political scene.

Former Interior Minister Aryeh Deri (Shas) acknowledged the ways in which his party has routinely used “magical elements” such as prayers and curses during elections, ever since the party’s founding, and others said secular politicians also made magic a part of their day-to-day decision-making process.

Hebrew University Prof. Moshe Idel opened the panel by relating how, several years ago, he was asked to attend a Knesset committee meeting on astrology.

“At first I could not understand why I was there really, but soon I learned that hundreds of political figures, [including] many, many prime ministers all over the world, regularly use astrologers in their decision-making processes,” said Idel. “When the prime minister decided to go to war last summer, what’s to say that among other advisers he consulted there shouldn’t have been someone involved in less traditional methods?”

Rabbi Isaac Batzri, whose father, Rabbi David Batzri, is a world-renowned Kabbalist, couldn’t have agreed more with Idel’s recommendation for the second Lebanon war. In fact, he told the panel that Defense Minister Amir Peretz met with him and his father recently to discuss IDF operations.

“Actually we told him that the dates he chose for the operation had been completely unsuitable for the war, so it was not surprising how we fared,” said Batzri. “If [Peretz] had met with us before the war, we could have told him that in the Jewish faith there are days for everything.”

Batzri’s words upset many in the audience, who saw it as a sign of religious pressure to use traditional Jewish mysticism in making political decisions. Afterward, Batzri was surrounded by half a dozen audience members who wanted him to reveal the defense minister’s reaction to their meeting.

Israel Segal, a long-time Israeli news commentator, pointed to Batzri’s story as an example of “everything that is wrong” with Israel’s current political leadership.

“It pains me to say that magic, or spiritual elements, should be separated from the political world. But why should we take our holiest beliefs and ‘sell’ them? And for what? To get into the Knesset?” asked Segal.

Segal’s comments were primarily directed at Shas, whose spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, has often been criticized for using his religious popularity to attract voters to the party. In the past, the party has also been accused of selling prayers and granting blessing in exchange for votes.

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