Dear friends and readers,
Yesterday was a great day for truth. A great day for God's people Israel and a great day to thank a President who keeps his word!
BREAKING NEWS: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced an official reversal of long standing U.S. foreign policy toward Israel.
The United States will no longer condemn Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria--the West Bank. I am sure I don't have to remind my readers of the fact that God gave permanent ownership to Israel of lands far far greater in size than the current State of Israel. And that permanent land grant from " ON HIGH" includes the ancient areas of the West Bank which were originally known as Judea and Samaria.
Some history: Going back to the Carter administration of 1978, it was concluded and categorically stated in U.S. foreign policy that Israeli settlements in these areas were inherently illegal and a violation of International law. Subsequent administrations believed that unrestrained settlement building by Israel were an obstacle to peace and to establishing a two state solution (which by the way, called for dividing up the current State of Israel into two States---one for Israel and one for the Palestinians).
However in 1981, President Reagan disagreed with that conclusion, and said that he did not believe that Israeli settlements were illegal. After that, came George H.W. Bush, Clinton and then George Bush jr. During the 8 years of President Bush, he made promises regarding moving the U.S. Embassy but failed to act. Then comes the 8 years of President Obama's administration which reversed course yet again. Declaring through Secretary of State John Kerry, that once again U.S. foreign policy would not recognize any Israeli settlements in the West Bank as being legal under International law.
It's no wonder Israelis on the streets of Jerusalem have frequently been bewildered about whether or not "Uncle Sam" was really their friend!
As you me recall when President Trump was running for office, one of his premier goals and promises was to move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. But this was not simply a matter of moving a building or a flag. No, much bigger than that because if he moved it, the world would know that the most powerful nation of earth was recognizing JERUSALEM as Israel's eternal capital.
How big a deal is that? Several U.S. Presidents promised to do this but came and went without keeping their word. On a personal basis, I made a decision to leave the Republican Party when George Bush Jr. also failed to keep his word. ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH!
So you can just imagine how pleased I was when the newly elected President Donald Trump actually did keep his word and moved the Embassy. FOR ME this was huge because regardless of what else may happen in the world, Biblically, Israel's security is of paramount importance.
Then on top of that, the President also recognized the Golan Heights as a possession of Israel which insures to a very large extent, a huge safety zone on Israel's northern boarder. Happy, Happy!
So when the news broke this week that the Trump Administration was overturning Obama's failed policy and will once again give a nod of approval for Israel to continue building settlements in the West Bank, it was a massive win-win situation.
But to be clear: What the United States is really doing is "getting out of the way" to allow Israeli courts to decide the fate of the West Bank. But this tacit U.S. approval is worth mountains of political gold on the worldwide stage! Also although I am certain this decision is far from popular with the Palestinian leadership, Trump is also keeping his word in that he believes that the resolution of a two state solution should be resolved between Israel and the Palestinians without interference from outside sources.
While only the Lord Himself knows what is in the immediate future for Israel, as far as I am concerned this was a major political win for Israel.
Thank you President Trump for keeping your word.
God bless you all today,
Pastor Rance.
