Israel alone before history?

Once again, the major powers are discussing the future of the Middle East. Once again, Israel is asking itself: can it really count on its allies? This question runs through its entire history. The discussions between the United States and Iran, the sometimes-contradictory statements by Western leaders, and the pressure on Jerusalem have created a sense of déjà vu for many. Some go so far as to evoke the Munich agreements of 1938, when the great European powers thought they were preserving peace by multiplying concessions to Hitler.

Today's Allies, Tomorrow's Interests

The United States has undeniably been Israel's main ally for several decades. Before them, Britain played a decisive role with the Balfour Declaration of 1917, France contributed to the development of Israel's nuclear program, while Czechoslovakia provided essential weapons during the War of Independence. Their military, diplomatic and economic support has contributed greatly to the security and survival of the Jewish state.

However, even the best allies act according to their own national interests. Administrations follow one another, geopolitical balances evolve and priorities change. What seems vital in Jerusalem is not always perceived in the same way in Washington, London or Paris. This reality is not new. David Ben-Gurion already reminded us that Israel's existence must rest above all on its own ability to defend itself. This conviction is still repeated today by many Israeli officials, including Binyamin Netanyahu.

Did Donald Trump "Save" Israel?

President Donald Trump's statements that without him "Israel would no longer exist" have sparked strong reactions. It is true that several decisions of his administration have been particularly favorable to Israel: the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital, the transfer of the American embassy, the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and the promotion of the Abraham Accords.

From a biblical perspective, no human leader is Israel's savior. God used Cyrus, king of Persia, to allow the return of the exiles. He has used emperors, kings, presidents, and governments over the centuries. But the instruments must never be confused with the One who directs History.

Men Pass, God Remains

For nearly 4,000 years, Israel has been going through history while powers that seemed invincible have disappeared: Pharaoh's Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arab Caliphates, the Crusaders, the Ottoman Empire and the British Empire. All of them dominated the Middle East at one time. All of them ended up losing their power or disappearing. Israel, on the other hand, is still there. No other people dispersed for nearly two thousand years has returned to their land, regained their ancestral language and reconstituted their national state. This simple observation remains one of the most extraordinary phenomena in human history.

The Permanence of God’s Help

For the believer, this permanence is not the result of chance. It is one of the most striking testimonies of God's faithfulness to His promises. Ultimate trust must never rest on Washington, Moscow, or Paris. Psalm 146 reminds us: "Do not trust in princes, in the sons of man, who cannot save."

Israel's future does not depend on an American president, a diplomatic agreement or a military alliance. It depends on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the One who declared, "I watch over my word to perform it" (Jeremiah 1:12). This is why present events invite humility. Leaders come and go, empires collapse, strategies change. But the God of Israel remains faithful.

Honor to the Fighters

This in no way diminishes the courage of those who today bear the responsibility of defending the country. We want to honor the valiant soldiers of the IDF as well as all the members of the security forces who watch over Israel day and night. Their commitment shows a deep sense of duty and a sincere love for their people.

Sergeant Nave Habshush, a 20-year-old soldier from Geva Binyamin who fell in Lebanon, wrote: "I will serve with great joy, wherever I go... I understand the importance of military service; we came into the world for such missions. If I am in the army, it is so that children can be born in this country." These words alone sum up the spirit of sacrifice that animates so many young Israelis.

Is Israel Alone Before History?

Humanly speaking, it has often found itself isolated, misunderstood or abandoned by those who presented themselves as its allies. But biblical history as well as contemporary history tell of another reality. Israel has never survived the centuries because it was the most powerful, the most numerous or the best surrounded. It has survived the centuries because God watches over the promises He has made.

Alliances are precious, friends are necessary, soldiers are admirable. But beyond diplomats, presidents, and armies, remains the One who said, "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4). And as long as this word remains, Israel will never truly be alone before history.