By Nelly Favis Villafuerte
Nelly Favis Villafuerte
(Part VII)
Do you believe that the fighting over Jerusalem can trigger instability in the entire world? Do you believe that the Israeli military has the might to repulse the forces of the neighboring Arab nations? Bible-believing people believe so. Simply because the Bible says so (See Psalm 121:4; Isaiah 54:17; Joel 32:2; Isaiah 41:8-16; Ezekiel 37:10; and Zechariah 12:8). To capsulize these Biblical verses – God’s supernatural protection and intervention will make the Jews win assaults against them. Miraculous victories will come their (Israelites) way. God, the protector of the Jews, does not sleep. In the last days, Israel would produce an “exceedingly” great army. In the end times, Israel would be so strong. Those who war with Israel will be nothing and non-existent.
* * *
Let me share with you the following interesting information about the Israeli Military:
During the Biblical times, the Jewish people were already a powerful force – as long as they were obeying God. When they entered the Promised Land, they captured Jericho City and later other places, including the Jebusite City of Jerusalem which they made their capital.
There was a war march during King Jehoshaphat’s reign where the Israeli army was led not by soldiers but by singers, dancers, and worship leaders (2 Chronicles 20).
The famed Israeli Defense Force known as the IDF was not organized until the then five armies of Egypt, Syria, Transjordan, Lebanon, and Iraq began invading the new state of Israel – within hours after the declaration of Israeli independence in the afternoon of May 14, 1948. The Israeli forces then totalled only about 30,000, poorly equipped and poorly trained – against the well-trained and well-equipped Arab forces – and yet against unbearable odds, Israel miraculously won the war. (Reference: Israel in Bible Prophecy: Past, Present & Future by Dr. R. Reagan)
Israel has been in an endless state of conflict and risk since its birth as an independent state in May, 1948 – fighting wars and repelling unexpected assaults every how many years. No wonder, the Israeli culture of innovation and creativity in weaponry is unmatched by other nations. Compulsory military services is required of Israelis at a young age;
Israel is the first country in the world using robots to replace soldiers on border patrol. A new category of robotic weapons known as the unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are deployed along Israel’s border with Syria in the North and the Gaza Strip in the South. Example of such robotic border patrol is the so-called Guardian UGVs. (Reference: https://nypost.com/2017/01/29/why-israel-has-the-most-technologically-advanced-military-on-earth/)
Israel is the only country in the world that has used missile defense systems in times of war. These systems do more than just save lives. They also give the country’s leadership “diplomatic maneuverability,” the opportunity to think and strategize before retaliating against rocket attacks. Today, Israel has the Arrow, which is partially funded by the United States, to intercept long-range ballistic missiles; David’s Sling to intercept medium-range rockets; and cruise missiles as well as the combat-proven Iron Dome, which has intercepted hundreds of Katyusha rockets fired from the Gaza Strip in recent years. (Reference: https://nypost.com/2017/01/29/why-israel-has-the-most-technologically-advanced-military-on-earth/)
Israel has the so-called Jericho III, the most advanced ballistic missile in the Middle East region, presumably (Israel does not offer much data on its operation) capable of striking targets not only in the Middle East, but also across Europe, Asia, and potentially North America. (Reference: http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/5-big-reasons-israel-mini-military-superpower-19362)
Israel is the first country in the world to operate drones in combat operations. It has the so-called Heron TP referred to in Israel as the “drone that can reach Iran. This Israel’s largest unmanned aerial vehicle with an 85-foot wingspan, the same as a Boeing 737 airliner. It can stay airborne for 24 hours and carry a 1-ton payload. (Reference: https://nypost.com/2017/01/29/why-israel-has-the-most-technologically-advanced-military-on-earth/)
Israel supplied the US Navy with its first drone, known as the Pioneer. A few years later, one Pioneer made history when it flew over a group of Iraqi soldiers during the First Gulf War. The soldiers saw the aircraft, took off their white undershirts, and waved them in the air. It was the first time in history that a military unit had surrendered to a robot. (Reference: https://nypost.com/2017/01/29/why-israel-has-the-most-technologically-advanced-military-on-earth/)
One of the most lethal and protected tanks in the world that is manufactured in Israel is known as Merkava - constructed out of necessity in 1970 – when the United Kingdom and other countries refused to sell tanks to Israel. ((https://nypost.com/2017/01/29/why-israel-has-the-most-technologically-advanced-military-on-earth/)
* * *
Finally, where do you think the Israeli soldier got his awesome creativity wisdom and innovative skill to construct top of the line military weaponry?
By the way, I have been receiving many letters requesting for one/some copies of this Jerusalem series which the readers of this column missed to read. Please visit the website of Manila Bulletin: https://mb.com.ph/ and search for the title of my article.
* * *
This column continues to give out copies of the Holy Bible for free to those who cannot afford to buy their own copies. If interested, please send your letter-request to Ms. Nelly Favis Villafuerte, 5233 LRV Building, Fahrenheit St., Palanan, Makati City. Kindly mention if it is the Tagalog, English, Cebuano, or Ilocano Bible that is preferred.
Be joyful and forgiving! (Comments may be sent to Ms. Villafuerte’s email: [email protected].)