Houthis want to bomb, Hezbollah wants revenge, Iran says it might wait, and then there is ‘The Art of War’

(Book cover via Amazon)

Israel365 News posted the following:

Yemen’s Houthis planned mass attacks on US warships, Israeli ports

August 20, 2024

According to “The Wall Street Journal,” Iran’s terror proxies are advocating a more aggressive approach, causing concern in Tehran.

The Houthis in Yemen planned to carry out massive attacks on American warships and Israeli ports, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing the Iranian terror proxy group and European officials.

The attacks would have come in response to last month’s targeting killing of Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Israeli strikes on terror targets in the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah in Yemen. https://israel365news.com/394907/yemens-houthis-planned-mass-attacks-on-us-warships-israeli-ports/

Hezbollah, another Iranian-connected group, wants revenge and may have already taken at least one step:

Haniyeh Revenge: ‘Iran & Hezbollah Sent’ Suicide Bomber To Tel Aviv; Israel Stunned | Report

August 20, 2024

Israeli security forces suspect Iran and Hezbollah’s role in the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv on Sunday. The Times of Israel believe that the ‘terror attack’ could be Iran and its proxy’s bid to avenge the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/international/haniyeh-revenge-iran-hezbollah-sent-suicide-bomber-to-tel-aviv-israel-stunned-report/videoshow/112654350.cms

Iran … has vowed revenge, said Paul Wood in The Spectator. It may be satisfied with a symbolic strike – or it could “call Israel’s bluff” by, say, activating Hezbollah, which has the weaponry to overwhelm Israel’s missile defences and cause real damage. 08/18/24 https://theweek.com/defence/iran-and-israel-is-all-out-war-inevitable

Hezbollah and Iran have vowed revenge against Israel for the assassination of the Hezbollah military chief of staff Fuad Shukr in Beirut and the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s killing, but has a history of carrying out targeted assassinations across the region.

Hezbollah released a video on Friday showcasing missile-laden trucks driving through an allegedly city-sized tunnel network, the first time the group had revealed its widely reputed tunnel network on camera.

A source in Hezbollah said: “The enemy [Israel] wants a war and is always attempting to pressure us, so we are ready for all possibilities.” They added that that the group’s rocket capabilities were “very large” and what was displayed in Friday’s video was just “a drop in the ocean of what Hezbollah possesses”. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/18/fighting-intensifies-between-israel-and-hezbollah-despite-diplomatic-drive

Here is something from the free online book Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century (notice also a reference below which I have bolded for this post):

The Bible points to Iran (Elam below) and its ally Syria (Kir below) causing damage to Jerusalem of the nation of Israel:

⁵ For it is a day of trouble and treading down and perplexity By the Lord God of hosts In the Valley of Vision — Breaking down the walls And of crying to the mountain.

⁶ Elam bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, And Kir uncovered the shield. ⁷ It shall come to pass that your choicest valleys Shall be full of chariots, And the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.

⁸ He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; ⁹ You also saw the damage to the city of David, That it was great; And you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. ¹⁰ You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, And the houses you broke down To fortify the wall.

¹¹ You also made a reservoir between the two walls For the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker, Nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago. ¹² And in that day the Lord God of hosts Called for weeping and for mourning, For baldness and for girding with sackcloth. (Isaiah 22:5-12)

The Bible tells that after Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria took over Damascus, he moved Syrians to Kir (2 Kings 16:9-10). While this does not mean that Kir must (or must only) be a reference to Syria, the fact that Syria is an ally of Iran is interesting. The Bible also has the expression “the Syrians from Kir” (Amos 9:7), which is basically confirmation that Kir of Isaiah 22 would include Syrians. The prophecy that “Kir uncovered the shield” suggests that Syria will have somehow reduced the effectiveness of Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ and/or other defensive equipment the nation of Israel will use. The Bible additionally tells of a time when Kir will be destroyed (Isaiah 15:1b) and also says that Syria’s capital Damascus will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). The “House of the Forest” was anciently located in Lebanon (e.g. 1 Kings 7:2, 10:17,21; 2 Chronicles 9:16,20 [i])–which is where Hezbollah is based out of.

Here is the Catholic Public Domain Version translation of Isaiah 22:8:

⁸ And the covering of Judah will be exposed, and in that day, you will see the weaponry of the forest house. (Isaiah 22:8, CPDV)

A way for Judah to “see the weaponry of the forest house” would be a massive attack by Hezbollah. In Isaiah 22: 8, “Judah” is a reference to those in the land commonly called Israel–God will allow Israel to be attacked.

In Isaiah 22:9, understand that “the damage to the city of David” is a reference to at least part of Jerusalem, which is the “city of David” (cf. 2 Kings 9:28).

Further notice that Isaiah’s prophecy states that the damage will be great. Also notice part of the reason will be because Judah (modern nation of Israel) would “not look to its Maker,” nor “have respect for Him,” that God will allow this. Just relying on Israel’s own military will not be enough.

It appears there will likely be a regional war involving Israel, who has threatened to take preemptive attacks to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons[ii] as well as retaliatory attacks because of a massive arial attack by Iran announced on April 14, 2024.[iii] Israel has promised retaliation, with Iran’s then President Ebrahim Raisi asserting that even the “tiniest” invasion of its territory would bring a “massive and harsh” response. … and that if Iran had wanted to carry out a bigger attack, “nothing would remain from the Zionist regime.”[iv] While Israel did make what could be considered a tiny response, Iran suggested that the matter was now closed.[v] This author does not believe that, but instead believes that Iran and its allies are biding their time until they launch a massive attack.

Scripture points to an attack with Iranian involvement that will cause great damage to Israel. Despite its posturing, relative military strength, and ability to damage Israel and others, Iran will be somehow effectively neutralized (cf. Ezekiel 32:24). This could perhaps be from an attack involving Israel and other nations and/or internal civil unrest — this could also include electromagnetic (EMP) or similar weapons used against Iran (Jeremiah 49:34-39).

[i] Though many scholars claim Jerusalem was the site of ‘the house of the forest,’ additional details as to reasons why Lebanon should be considered as the location are in the following paper: A Discourse on the House of the Forest of Lebanon, pp: 111-134 in Bunyan J. Stebbing H. The Entire Works of John Bunyan, Volume 4. Virtue and Company, 1860

[ii] Egozi A. With Netanyahu back in charge, is a solo Israeli strike against Iran in the cards? Breaking Defense, November 08, 2022

[iii] Frankel J. Israel says it will retaliate against Iran, despite the risks. ABC, April 16, 2024

[iv] The Latest | Netanyahu says Israel will decide how to respond as Iran warns against retaliation. Associated Pres, April 17, 2024

[v] Hafezi P, Mackenzie J. Tehran plays down reported Israeli attacks, signals no retaliation. Reuters, April 19, 2024

Now, lets look at something that that Iran is saying:

Waiting period for Iran’s retaliation against Israel ‘could be long’, Revolutionary Guards spokesperson says

DUBAI, Aug 20 (Reuters) – There could be a long wait for Iranian retaliation against Israel, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards spokesperson Alimohammad Naini said on Tuesday, according to state media.

The Middle East has been bracing for Iran’s avowed retaliation over the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied that it was behind the killing.

“Time is in our favour and the waiting period for this response could be long,” Naini said, referring to retaliation against Israel, and reiterating that “the enemy” should wait for a calculated and accurate response. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/waiting-period-irans-retaliation-against-israel-could-be-long-revolutionary-2024-08-20/

I believe that Iran is planning for a time it thinks it will be best and that a more intense attack will be coming.

Some of what Iran is doing is consistent with passages from the ancient book by Sun Tzu called The Art of War. Here are some lines from its first chapter:

18

All warfare is based on deception.

19

Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

20

Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

21

If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.

22

If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

23

If he is taking his ease, give him no rest.

If his forces are united, separate them.

24

Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

25

These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.

https://suntzusaid.com/book/1

I believe Iran is using some of Sun Tzu’s tactics.

Here is something from chapter 3 of Sun Tzu’s book:

17

Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory: (1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

(2) He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

(3) He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. (4) He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

I assert that Iran is waiting until it believes that the time for a massive attack is right. I do not believe Iran has given up on the idea of trying to conquer Israel.

Notice that this past Spring, Iran’s Supreme leader repeated a common protest slogan and again pushed to overthrow the government of Israel:

Iran’s Khamenei tells visiting Hamas chief that Israel ‘will one day be eliminated’

May 23, 2024

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei met Wednesday with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who visited Tehran as the Palestinian terror organization’s representative at the funeral for Iran’s president Ebrahaim Raisi after he died in a helicopter crash.

“The divine promise to eliminate the Zionist entity will be fulfilled and we will see the day when Palestine will rise from the river to the sea,” Khamenei told Haniyeh during a meeting at his office.

The Hamas politburo chief responded: “God willing we will see that day together.” https://www.timesofisrael.com/irans-khamenei-tells-visiting-hamas-chief-that-israel-will-one-day-be-eliminated/

So, Iran’s Supreme Leader still applauded Hamas and still wants Israel destroyed.

Partial destruction to parts of Israel, including Jerusalem is prophesied (cf. Isaiah 22:6-9).

More on what is prophesied to occur is in the following Bible News Prophecy video:

15:03

Iran and Israel Conflict

European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrel, has been brokering the nuclear negotiations involving Iran and said that he thinks the deal is “in danger.” Iran blames the United States, whereas the USA says they are not delaying it. Israeli sources stated that Israel will stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Joe Biden says the USA would use its own military power to prevent Iran from getting such a bomb if need be. In 2021, Iranian lawmakers have submitted a bill seeking the government by law to commit to Israel’s destruction by the year 2040. Does the 22nd chapter of Isaiah point to damage coming to Israel from Iran and possibly Syria? Might Iran be concerned enough about limited progress with the USA to launch some type of attack? Is Iran the prophesied ‘King of the South’? Is it reasonable to think that the prophesied peace deal of Daniel 9:27 will not happen until after a military conflict. like a regional war? Should Christians watch the Middle East? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Iran and Israel Conflict.

As the Ayatollah continues to age, he may well decide that 2024 is the year for him to attempt to fulfill his desire to eliminate Israel.

This is something to watch for (cf. Mark 13:37).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here are links to two related videos Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.
Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century This is a free online book which helps show where biblical and Islamic prophecies converge and diverge.
Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes This article has information from the book, Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century, as well as from the old WCG and other sources.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or ? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.