The final results of the elections in Israel to form a new government and parliament (Knesset) have resulted in a “divided” country and far less support for the new party Kadima than once anticipated. Instead of 40 seats in the 120 member Knesset, they received only 28. This in spite of the polls in recent weeks that indicated the opposite.
The Kadima Party of acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and its 28 seats is now faced with developing a coalition government that will give them the majority of seats – 61 are needed. The Labor Party of Amir Peretz received 20 seats and they have indicated a desire to join the coalition provided they receive authority over what they call “socio-economic” issues. The Meretz Party of Yossi Beilin received 4 seats and the Arab members comprise another 10 and presumably they will join the new governement which seeks to divide the land further and to divide Jerusalem. The total if this occurs would be 62 seats and give Ehud Olmert the position of Prime Minister. Israeli President Katsav is the one who formally recognizes the new Prime Minister based on the coalition government that will be set up.
The big surprise in this election was the 12 seats obtained by the new “Israel Our Home” Party of Avignor Lieberman. He immediately declared that by the next election they will become Israel’s ruling party!
One of the sad results of this election was the demise of the influence of the Likud Party of Benjamin Netanyahu. Of course, the new Kadima Party which Ariel Sharon set up before his coma decimated the Party. They are still a force to be reckoned with after capturing 11 seats. If the “so-called” right wing parties decide to form a coalition government, it appears they might be able to form a bloc of 51 seats in the new government. They are called “right-wing” because of their opposition to the Road Map and the giving up of more land that God gave to the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Bible prophecy scholars and teachers are watching these events closely as they affect the situation in Israel and the Middle East. The problem of Hamas still remains and many Israeli leaders are skeptical of trying to negotiate with an enemy dedicated to their destruction. Hamas has refused to recognize Israel and will continue (according to its own words) the barrage of terror attacks against Israeli citizens.
We can expect that the “quartet” (United States, United Nations, European Union, and Russia) will now put intense pressure upon Israel to give up most of its land and return to pre-1967 borders and give East Jerusalem as a capital to the Palestinians.
The support of Israel in these difficult days is of major concern to all Bible-believers. In praying for the peace of Jerusalem when there is little evidence of any peace, increases our longing for the return of the Messiah of Israel, our Lord Yeshua, the Prince of peace, Who will set up a kingdom that will NEVER be destroyed! To Him be all the glory and praise!