Israel Update for February 2011

Israeli officials are expressing concerns over an upcoming UN Atomic Energy Agency report that is expected to say that Iran's nuclear uranium enrichment programme has recovered quicker than expected from a computer virus bug that destroyed some of its centrifuges. Iranian officials charged that the virus, known as Stuxnet, was introduced by 'foreign Zionist agents,' thought to be a reference to the United States, Israel, the UK and possibly several other European countries.

New Chief Of Staff

As turbulent street protests spread like wildfire to many parts of the region, a new Israeli Armed Forces Chief was sworn in during February. Lieutenant General Benny Gantz becomes the IDF's twentieth military commander. In a ceremony in Tel Aviv, Gantz proclaimed that he was taking charge of a 'strong, disciplined and persistent army. Having served as deputy chief of staff under retiring IDF Chief Gabi Ashkenazi, Gantz is expected to carry on with most of his predecessors programmes and reforms. Prime Minister Netanyahu commended the new leader for his 'unique manner that combines calm, persistence and pleasantness, ensuring stability and continuity.'

Under Israeli law, a retiring military commander must wait three years before entering the political world. Many of Israel's top leaders have come from IDF ranks, including current Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Ariel Sharon and the late Yitzhak Rabin. Speculation about Ashkenazi's future abounded during February, with most predicting he will join a major political party when his time-out expires.

With defense spending cuts being recommended in the United States and many other countries due to the worldwide economic slowdown, Israeli leaders are confident that they can maintain or even increase their current budget because of the country's strong economic recovery. Statistics released by the government during the month showed that Israel's Gross Domestic Product rose by 5.4% during the second half of 2010, up from 5% during the first half of the year. The performance was among the best among industrialized countries, with only a few places like Chile and South Korea growing faster than Israel. Part of Israel's economic strength was attributed to a record year in overseas tourism, which brought nearly three and a half million visitors to the land during 2010. However officials admitted that the tourism sector will probably not perform as well this year, given that widespread unrest is currently rippling through the region, if not actually occurring inside of Israel.

Realizing the scriptures tell us that everything which can be shaken will be shaken in the biblical last days, it is comforting to know the prophets also foretold that the time of Jacob's troubles will come to an end when the Jewish Messiah transforms the world, bringing in peaceful tranquility under His beneficent rule. 'The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat.They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea' (Isaiah 11:6 and 9).