Israel considers strike at chemical weapons

[$teve]

Some of our own thoughts and speculations about possible developments in Syria reflect discussions by several governments, according to this article. Namely that the Syrian regime's stockpile of WMDs could fall into the hands of terrorists and Israel flagging striking the weapons. Interesting.



Israel considers strike at chemical weapons
By By Alex Spillius, Diplomatic Correspondent
12:32PM BST 19 Jul 2012

Washington has held talks with Israel about a possible strike at Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile, which is thought to be the largest in the world.

The Pentagon is not advocating military action, particularly while President Bashar al-Assad still clings to power, but US officials told the New York Times that the option had been presented by Israel.

Thomas Donilon, the US national security advisor, was in Israel last weekend to discuss the dramatically developing crisis, which reached a bloody turning point on Wednesday when a rebel bomb killed three of Mr Assad’s closest aides.

An Israeli incursion from the air or by land would be highly sensitive, given that it has officially been in a state of war with Syria for decades.

Israel however has a track record of unilateral action there, having destroyed a facility suspected of being a planned nuclear weapon research and development centre in the eastern Deir ez-Zor region in 2007.

Its concern is shared by King Abdullah of Jordan, who told CNN that in the "worst case scenario" chemical weapons could end up in the hands of jihadist groups among the patchwork of anti-Assad forces.

"Our information is that there is a presence of al-Qaeda in certain regions inside Syria, and has been there for a while," he told CNN.

"And, again, one of the worst-case scenarios as we are obviously trying to look for a political solution would be if some of those chemical stockpiles were to fall into unfriendly hands," he warned

US intelligence reports recently suggested that some of Syria’s chemical weapons had transferred, though the reasons were unclear. Some Western officials believe the material was being deliberately hidden from armed rebel groups or Western powers.

In the past two days rumours have circulated widely in Syria that the army is preparing to use chemical weapons against rebel forces or civilians.

The White House was open about its concern, with spokesman Jay Carney saying on Wednesday: “The Syrian government has a responsibility to safeguard its stockpiles of chemical weapons, and the international community will hold accountable any Syrian officials who fails to meet that obligation.”

Syria is believed to have reserves of sarin, mustard gas and cyanide, but the full details of its stockpile are unknown as it is one of eight states not to have joined the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention. Others include Israel and Egypt.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...l-weapons.html

[Deputyez]

If Israel attacks things could very quickly escalate to Isaiah 17 proportions. I keeping expecting to hear of a war involving Israel every morning when I turn on the news.

[Patti311]

Scriptures say that what is happening will happen...or what is "appearing" to happen will happen. I sit here in almost an unbelieving state....it seems surreal. Everything I've believed and read for so many years now...seems to be here, right now.

I don't know about many of you, but each time a new news story comes our way revolving around Damascus or Israel, the entire ME infact....my heart jumps. I go between being so excited to an attempt to quash my excitement and joy slightly due to the fact that many still are not saved (if infact these news stories are indeed leading up to our departure, ie Rapture).

My emotions are like that of someone trying to learn how to drive a standard car for the first time....jerk forward (with excitement) then backwards (trying to reign it in slightly). I compare it in a way to an actual physical wedding....the excitement one feels when they think about it (bride/groom)...I remember how excited I was years ago. Look at how hard it would have been to say "no, I can't be excited, it isn't right, because some people won't be there". For me, the joy and excitement of the approaching day would overshadow any remorse.

I don't know....I'm not even sure if I'm making any sense. All I know is that events are moving ever closer to what was foretold thousands of years ago. Can I get a witness? Anyone feel the same? Anyone understand what I mean?

In the end, God's will WILL be done, and all will be fulfilled on His timetable...but times are exciting, and it's a blessing to be alive at this point in time.

[lilies of the field]

Amen, Patti! I am just the same, feeling exhilarated about soon being with our Bridegroom, but being heartbroken over the fate of the lost. My hope is that all these reports coming out of the ME will awaken many who have heard, at some point, about end times events. Perhaps they will recognize these things and realize the Bible is true, and come to saving faith.

[cricket55]

So many huge changes in the ME this past year. It seems so unreal at times, always wonder what will be in the news next.

[carol1948]

I read a couple days ago, that in addition to Israel, Turkey, Jordan and I think Lebanon are very nervous about this movement of WMDs in Syria. There is more than one direction that destruction of Damascus may come.

[UntilHeComes]

Does the destruction of Damascus have anything to do with end time prophecy? Or are we excited about it being destroyed because the Bible says it will be. Thanks for answering my question!!!

[Jlutz]

Does the destruction of Damascus have anything to do with end time prophecy? Or are we excited about it being destroyed because the Bible says it will be. Thanks for answering my question!!!

If the bible says something will be, then that is prophecy.

but to answer your question more specifically take a look at Isaiah 17:1 and the rest of the chapter while your there

[Raphael]

The prophecy regarding Damascus in Isaiah 17 may occur after the Rapture as part of the Gog-Magog War (Ezekiel 38-39) - or not. All we know for sure is that it must be in the future as Damascus has never "ceased from being a city" since its origination. Jericho is probably the only city that's older - and its walls crumbled on one occasion.

Those excited are not excited about the destruction of anybody or any city or anything else. They feel the Rapture may be at the door because of cataclysmic events (stemming from war in the Middle East) from which the Lord may want to remove his people ahead of time. No one is excited at the prospect of unsaved people being left behind (at whatever point the Rapture occurs) to face the Tribulation.

What plays out daily, and is reported (on a biased basis) in the MSM news, is Bible prophecy being fulfilled. We on this site are trying to alert the lost.

[Rei]

Indeed, I'm not excited because people are going to die - that's tragic, that's awful. I pray God spares as money as possible, and indeed, thousands are fleeing from Damascus.

I'm excited because I long to see the fulfillment of prophecy after so many years - because it means Jesus is at the door.

[Steve53]

Does the destruction of Damascus have anything to do with end time prophecy? Or are we excited about it being destroyed because the Bible says it will be. Thanks for answering my question!!!

The prophecy regarding Damascus in Isaiah 17 may occur after the Rapture as part of the Gog-Magog War (Ezekiel 38-39) - or not. All we know for sure is that it must be in the future as Damascus has never "ceased from being a city" since its origination. Jericho is probably the only city that's older - and its walls crumbled on one occasion.

Those excited are not excited about the destruction of anybody or any city or anything else. They feel the Rapture may be at the door because of cataclysmic events (stemming from war in the Middle East) from which the Lord may want to remove his people ahead of time. No one is excited at the prospect of unsaved people being left behind (at whatever point the Rapture occurs) to face the Tribulation.

What plays out daily, and is reported (on a biased basis) in the MSM news, is Bible prophecy being fulfilled. We on this site are trying to alert the lost.

http://www.pre-trib.org/articles/vie...on-of-damascus

[UntilHeComes]

Indeed, I'm not excited because people are going to die - that's tragic, that's awful. I pray God spares as money as possible, and indeed, thousands are fleeing from Damascus.

I'm excited because I long to see the fulfillment of prophecy after so many years - because it means Jesus is at the door.

Yes Rei, Thank you for accurately expressing what I meant! Obviously, I am not excited in anticipation of people dying--I hope they come to know our Saviour, too! However, I would be excited to once again witness the fulfillment of Scripture according to God's will.

[OtherSideOfTheBoat]

I am glad to hear of many escapaing.

Chemical weapons may lead to all out war.
They might kill everyone left in Damasucs but how long do they last?
People could live there again following a chemical strike.
Radiation, however, could destroy the city and leave it uninhabitable.

[treasures]

I am glad to hear of many escapaing.

Chemical weapons may lead to all out war.
They might kill everyone left in Damasucs but how long do they last?
People could live there again following a chemical strike.
Radiation, however, could destroy the city and leave it uninhabitable.

I've wondered lately if it's "possible" that it's not so much that the city is destroyed and is a city no more because it's uninhabitable (such as with radiation), but because this occurs so late in the game that there is simply no time/money/will to rebuild what with all of the chaos during the tribulation, and when that is finally done, Christ will reign the earth and decide what will and will not be rebuilt and inhabited. Just my opinion that it might be a possibility. Maybe. Unless someone comes along and pokes some holes it that possibility.

[Steve53]

I've wondered lately if it's "possible" that it's not so much that the city is destroyed and is a city no more because it's uninhabitable (such as with radiation), but because this occurs so late in the game that there is simply no time/money/will to rebuild what with all of the chaos during the tribulation, and when that is finally done, Christ will reign the earth and decide what will and will not be rebuilt and inhabited. Just my opinion that it might be a possibility. Maybe. Unless someone comes along and pokes some holes it that possibility.

Isaiah 17:1
The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

I prefer to take the above passage literally with "heap" denoting physical destruction beyond radiation damage - not excluding a nuclear or chemical type fallout of course, but inclusive of same.

[treasures]

Isaiah 17:1
The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

I prefer to take the above passage literally with "heap" denoting physical destruction beyond radiation damage - not excluding a nuclear or chemical type fallout of course, but inclusive of same.

That's exactly what I was wondering, but you worded it much better, thank you.

[Steve53]

That's exactly what I was wondering, but you worded it much better, thank you.