MidnightCall Magazine
In this issue:
- Hear theWord of the Lord — By Thomas Lieth
- FirstThessalonians 3 and the Rapture — By Dr. Ron J. Bigalke Jr.
- Popular Prophecy:CheckingDogmaTwice — By Wilfred Hahn
News From Israel MagazineIn this issue:
- Why Jerusalem is Jewish — By Arno Froese
- ON THE HORIZON:
- Analysis: Birthright Needs to Transform on Larger Scale
- Israel Praises Turkish Authority for Preventing Hezbollah Attack
- Relationship with American Jews Is Changing
- A Festival of Discrimination—Funded by the EU
- The Cyrus Cylinder
Micro-Satellites for Better Intelligence in Development
Nehoshtan was speaking at a lecture at the annual Ilan Ramon Space Conference at the Fisher Brothers Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies in Herzliya. He outlined the needs of the Israel Defense Forces and IAF in terms of space intelligence, and said that “we need to cover large territories and to do it all the time, constantly, through a variety of sensors.”
Israel needs “something like an airplane that can take off and do what needs to be done - micro satellites,” he said.
As of today, Israel is operating three intelligence satellites - Ofek 5, Ofek 7 and SAR-1. The state also purchases satellite footage from local and foreign companies.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is hoping to supply the new demand. Rafael is trying to develop micro-satellites weighing under 120 kilograms, many times smaller than ordinary satellites developed by Israel Aerospace Industries.
The new satellites will also be able to fly considerably lower than their predecessors, the company said.
Traditional satellites normally fly in altitudes of 600 to 700 kilometers above the earth, since lower altitudes would necessitate more engine use. The low weight of the micro-satellites will enable them to fly at as low as 300 kilometers, which would allow for lighter and less powerful surveillance gear.
-www.haaretz.com, 28 January 2010
Like no other country in the world, Israel is forced to count on a surprise attack at any time. Syria continues to build up its own forces. Iran is allegedly building nuclear weapons. Even “friends” like Jordan show little interest in Israel’s security, and the so-called western-friendly Saudi Arabia is being supplied with highly sophisticated American weaponry. Israel cannot afford to lose the next war; thus, preparation is essential to guarantee Israel’s existence.
While many nations speak favorably to Israel, none can be trusted. Here we must read the prophet Zechariah, who received a vision from the Lord. In chapter 1, the prophet saw red, speckled and white horses. Zechariah did not understand, and asked, “O my Lord, what are these?” (verse 9). Then he receives an answer in verses 10-11: “And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth. And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.” When it comes to Israel, the world is neutral: “All the earth sitteth still and is at rest.” Who really cares about Israel and Jerusalem? The world is solidly united in their decision to refuse Israel’s sovereignty over the city of Jerusalem. The nations have long ago decided that Judea and Samaria are to be Palestinian territories. No world leader would agree to the borders set forth by God in a covenant with Abraham: “In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18).
In spite of the seemingly hopeless situation, the Lord has a different answer: “So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction” (Zechariah 1:14-15).
Notice that the nations’ neutrality toward Jerusalem and Israel is actually assisting the enemies; the world is helping toward the affliction of Israel.
Here is the Lord’s answer to Israel: “Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem. Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem” (verses 16-17).
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