Zechariah 12:3 “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.”
Editor's Note: Jim Bakker teaches to watch Israel closely because it is the prophetic timeclock for the unfolding of Last Days events. In Matthew 24, Israel is the fig tree that the Lord told His people to observe to understand the times. It is like a barometer of what is happening in the nations.
Israeli leaders held an official ceremony marking a year since the beginning of the 50 day war with Gaza.
Both Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to the 67 soldiers who died during Operation Protective Edge and warned that the next battle could be even more difficult and costly to the nation of Israel.
“The next conflict will be even more difficult than the last. It is clear that such a conflict will require a decisive and difficult decision,” Rivlin said. “When there is no fire towards Sderot, Nahal Oz, Nir Banim, Ashdod or Ashkelon — then there will be no fire towards the Gaza Strip.”
“We are not a people of war, but if forced to take up arms to defend our borders and our existence, we will not hesitate to do so,” the president added.
The remembrance comes as the United Nation’s Human Rights Council voted to condemn Israel for alleged war crimes during the conflict.
Netanyahu, however, appeared to be unmoved the opinion of the United Nations in his comments.
“I say to all enemies of Israel — Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and the Islamic State, too — whoever tries to harm us, their blood is upon their heads,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu also spoke directly to the families of those who perished saying that each one saved lives.
“There isn’t any remedy for your pain,” Netanyahu said. “But with all that pain, you truly understand that your loved ones saved lives… for the sake of Israel.”
“Life is a flowing river that takes us forward and you will eventually know days of hope and happiness,” he continued. “There will always be pain, but your loved ones died as heroes.”
Netanyahu’s brother Yoni died during a 1976 Israeli military action.
