Quote: "Based on past statements by Olmert and his deputy, Tzipi Livni, Israel would apparently agree to return more than 90 percent of the West Bank in the framework of a permanent agreement and allow the Palestinians to create a corridor between Gaza and the West Bank. In return for holding on to large Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank, Olmert would likely agree to give up some parts of the Negev to the Palestinians. In the past the prime minister hinted to the possibility of transferring a number of east Jerusalem neighborhoods to the control of a future Palestinian state. It is estimated that Olmert would also be willing to discuss joint control over the Temple Mount complex.

Friends, the pieces of the puzzle seem to be falling into place. Over the last few weeks we have witnessed a tremendous increase in Russian military activity, with bombers sent on runs to Scotland during a political fracas with Britain, and to the Pacific island of Guam during a dispute with the US. Russian submarines have been sent to the North Pole to lay claim to the vast resources that lie beneath the ocean floor. Russian naval commanders are planning to rebuild sea ports in Syria, and may send a fleet to the Mediterranean to protect their "strategic interests" in the region. President Assad has been upping the anti in the Golan Heights, threatening a war of attrition by September, if Israel does not hand the territory back to Syria. And as my friend Jim Clint has shown us, the Scriptures seem to indicate that the war of Ezekiel 38-39 would have to occur during the later part of the year in order for the birds of prey to feast on the carcases of the slain. We are also witnessing an increased global involvement in the Middle East, with an international peace conference coming up at the end of the year, and negotiations continuing between Olmert and Abbas. As we have seen, Olmert and Abbas are planning to determine at least the "contours" of a Palestinian state as part of an agreement that would be implemented at a later date. The Bible states that the Antichrist will divide the land for gain (Daniel 11:39), and the Scriptures indicate the city of Jerusalem will be divided half way through the tribulation period (Zechariah 14:2). Joint authority over the Temple Mount area could possibly pave the way for the building of the Third Temple, which is due to occur during the first half of the tribulation period (2nd Thessalonians 2:4). And then we have Rosh Hashanah - the Feast of Trumpets coming in September, which some think may be around the time of year in which the Rapture of the Church will occur. While none of us can know for certain how much longer the Lord will tarry, all the signs are pointing to the soon return of Jesus Christ. If Christ came today, would you be ready? Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Source YNet News