Escalation on the northern border

There are new reports of troop movements by Hezbollah near Israel's northern border. As stated in the article, this action will "further escalate the tension" in the region. We've been watching this area closely for such movements, as a build-up to warfare.

"Report: Hizbullah Deploys Thousands of Terrorists Near Border"

A Lebanese and Shi’ite website have quoted an unconfirmed report that Hizbullah has deployed 5,000 terrorist fighters near Israel’s northern border. Although the original report in the American-based World Tribune was based on anonymous sources, its publication in the Arab world may further escalate the tension that has resulted in Israel, Syria and Hizbullah exchanging charges of saber rattling.

Israeli military intelligence officers are reported to have evidence of deployments in Shi’ite villages, many of which were used by Hizbullah in the 34-day Second Lebanon War four years ago.

IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi warned in Rome Monday night that “Hizbullah is replicating sections of southern Lebanon underground, and is building an underground infrastructure of command centers and rocket launchers, mostly within the Shi'ite villages in southern Lebanon, as well as other parts of Lebanon."

Intelligence reports estimate that Hizbullah possess 60,000-80,000 rockets, more than three times its stockpile before the war in 2006. Many of the rockets have a much longer range, and Israel has supplied the United States with evidence that Syria has transferred the deadly Scud missile to Hizbullah in Lebanon as well.

In addition, we have more "rumors of war" in the news today:


"Israel and Iran: No Surprise"

“…it will not be a surprise attack. In fact, regardless of when Israel attacks Iran the element of surprise does not exist. This confrontation has been discussed for several years and everybody knows about it so there will be no surprises. Israel is ready for it. Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas are ready for it. It’s just a matter of when.” —Jerry Pourcy “If Israel Attacks Iran In July 2010….”

The only questions are when—and will, Iran (et al.) attack Israel, or will Israel attack

Lebanon(Hezbollah)/Iran/Syria/Gaza Strip (Hamas) first, in a preemptive strike? (Link)

If nuclear weapons come into play, we could all soon be worrying about a lot more than the economy, and the oil spill.

Iran is the world’s only Shi’ite-ruled country—the rest being controlled by Sunni Muslims (although several countries besides Iran, have large Shi’ite populations). Around 80% of the world’s Shi’ites are “Twelvers,” who, in a nutshell, believe that the 12th Imam, or Mahdi, will one day return, and usher in an era of global peace, under Islamic rule. (Link)


That no doubt sounds groovy to some folks, however, the era of peace must first be preceded by a bloody period of violence and chaos. At least that’s the view apparently held by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the clerics and followers of the Hojjatieh sect.

Lets not forget the dialog which took place a couple of years ago - but it is very important, and may provide an explanation of why Damascus will be removed from existing as a city:


"Israel to Syria: Use chem weapons and we'll wipe you off map"

Israeli officials vowed to wipe Syria off the map if it is attacked with chemical weapons like one that reportedly exploded in July at a secret Syrian base staffed with Iranian engineers.

Politicians in Israel said yesterday they were not picking a fight with their neighbor, but pledged to forcefully retaliate if chemical warheads come screaming across its shared border.

"We will not attack them first. But if they ever use these weapons against Israel, then we must be clear — it will be the end of this evil and brutal dictatorship," Yuval Steinitz, a right-wing member of the Israeli parliament, told the Daily News yesterday.

This scenario sounds a LOT like the descriptions provided by Isaiah 17.

We shall see.