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UPDATED: The possibility of an Israeli preemptive war against Iran is growing steadily as we head into summer. Meanwhile, the Russian-Iranian alliance is getting stronger. Now we can confirm that “Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Israel and the Palestinian territories later this month,” reports the Times of Israel. It will be Mr. Putin’s second visit. He was the first Russian leader in history to visit Israel seven years ago.
Is there a prophetic significance to the trip in light of Ezekiel 38-39 and the coming “War of Gog and Magog”? It’s certainly intriguing in light of how trends in recent years have been so consistent with the ancient prophecies. It’s also interesting in light of Russia’s decision to send attack helicopters to Syria, which the Associated Press reports could escalate the horrific violence by the Assad regime against the Syrian people.
“Officials said Putin’s schedule for the two-day trip has not been finalized but talks will likely focus on Iran’s nuclear program and the ongoing violence in Syria,” reports the Times. “Putin — who began his third term as president last month, after having served for four years as prime minister immediately post an eight-year presidential stint — is scheduled to arrive in Israel on June 25, where he will meet his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other senior officials. The Russian leader will also attend the unveiling ceremony of a memorial erected in Netanya in honor of Red Army soldiers killed during World War II. On June 26, Putin will move on to the Palestinian territories and Jordan, where he will meet President Mahmoud Abbas and King Abdullah, respectively. He is also expected to visit the Baptism site of Jesus Christ, in the Hashemite Kingdom.”
The Jerusalem Post notes that “news of Putin’s expected visit came as Russia was the center of controversy for its continued support of Syrian President Bashar Assad, despite his brutal crackdown on dissenters. In addition, Russia has been seen as an impediment to harsher international action against Iran for its continued pursuit of nuclear technology. Putin has warned of the dire consequences of a potential Israeli or US attack on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities.”
As I wrote in March when we first heard news of this possible trip, several questions need to be asked:
- With all the other important countries and leaders in the world Mr. Putin could visit, why is he choosing to make meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu such a top priority?
- What is the Russian leader’s motive?
- What does he want to accomplish, and why?
- Will Putin seek to pressure Israel not to launch a preemptive strike on Iran?
- Will Putin visit Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, as well?
- What about other countries mentioned in the prophecies of Ezekiel 38-39?
It’s too early to draw any conclusions, but Czar Putin’s trip is worth watching closely.
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