Turning to the nation of Israel, there is one major problem often overlooked: it is not an external threat from surrounding enemy nations but a division from within, one that many believe poses an even greater danger to Israel’s future.
A well-known rabbinic teaching explains that the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. was caused not only by Rome but also by hatred and infighting among the Jewish people. The Talmud refers to this as שִׂנְאַת חִנָּם (sinat chinam), a baseless hatred toward one’s fellow man. Whether it is a nation, a congregation, or a family, when such hatred is allowed to grow unchecked, it often signals impending destruction.
Many Israelis believe that this is precisely what is happening in their country today. A recent poll published by the Jerusalem Post on June 15 reveals striking results on that concern. It found that 55% of Israelis consider internal divisions the greatest threat to the continued existence of the State of Israel. By comparison, only 23% cited the conflict with Iran, and 18% cited the conflict with the Palestinians.
What then is this internal conflict? Many point to the widening chasm between large segments of Israeli society and the ultra-Orthodox religious establishment, as well as the growing tension between the Haredi community and other sectors of Israeli society. This division has become one of the most significant and contentious issues facing the nation today.
This has led Naftali Bennett, one of the leading contenders for Prime Minister in Israel’s upcoming elections, to say just a couple of weeks ago, on June 23, that he is outlining a plan to ‘build Israel from scratch.’ His plan, named the ‘New Covenant,’ is described as ‘a foundational plan to repair the state.’ He went as far as saying: We will dismantle the ultra-Orthodox state within a state and build a Jewish, democratic, prosperous, and strong state.
This division has become glaringly obvious. For example, only a few days ago, the prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbi, Rabbi Aryeh Yazdi, publicly denounced the Israeli army’s Chief of Staff, declaring: ‘The accursed IDF Chief of Staff—may his name and memory be erased.’ He cursed him. His words provoked widespread outrage and drew sharp criticism from many across Israel.
The controversy stems from the fact that, since the rebirth of the State of Israel in 1948, most Haredi or ultra-Orthodox Jews have traditionally been exempt from military service. Many within the Haredi community believe that full-time study of their sacred texts and prayers provides spiritual protection for the nation and is just as vital to Israel’s survival as military service itself. However, the vast majority of Israelis do not share that view. Because Israel faces growing security challenges and an increasing need for soldiers, the government and the army have begun drafting some Haredi men into military service.
While this move is supported by 80% of the people of Israel, it has sparked a storm of protest among many ultra-Orthodox leaders. Rabbi Aryeh Yazdi, along with others, has joined demonstrations across the country, underscoring the deep divisions that persist within Israeli society.
Consider this for a moment. When you look at Israel today, there is a striking resemblance to the Israel of the first century. Once again, we see a relatively small but influential religious establishment exerting enormous influence over the nation’s direction. The names have changed, from the Pharisees and Sadducees to today’s religious leadership, but the dynamic remains remarkably similar.
This should not surprise us. In fact, it is exactly the kind of setting the Scriptures prepare us to expect in the last days. When Yeshua spoke of the rebirth of Israel through the parable of the fig tree, a prophecy many understand as pointing to the restoration of the nation before His return, He immediately added these remarkable words: ‘Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.’ (Matthew 24:34) What did He mean by this generation?
The Greek word genea is broader than merely people born during the same period. Throughout the Gospels, it often describes not merely an age group but a people marked by a particular moral and spiritual character. Notice how often Yeshua spoke of “an evil and adulterous generation” (Matthew 12:39) and “an adulterous and sinful generation” (Mark 8:38). He was describing far more than a calendar date; He was describing a spiritual condition.
It is therefore possible that, when speaking of the last days, Yeshua meant that the same religious spirit that opposed Him in the first century will still be present when He returns.
If that is so, what we see in Israel today is another reminder that God’s prophetic program is unfolding exactly as He said it would.
And so, when we look at Israel today, that resemblance is striking. Once again, a relatively small but influential religious minority exercises tremendous influence over the nation, contributing to tensions and divisions that many Israelis themselves believe are weakening the fabric of their society.
As a result, Israel stands today in an extraordinarily fragile position. From without, she is surrounded by enemies who openly seek her destruction. From within, she wrestles with deep political, social, and religious divisions that threaten her unity. Such fragility compels us to ask: How does such a small nation continue to survive?
The answer can be found only in God’s faithfulness. He has preserved Israel throughout history and continues to watch over His people. This is why the Scriptures call us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), to love the people of Israel, and, above all, to place our confidence not in political leaders but in the Lord, the Keeper of Israel (Psalm 121:4).
Click here for the Video: Israel and the Nations – A New Prophecy Unveiled: Israel’s Destructive Divisions