Quote: "The contentious issue of the wall between the West Bank and Israel was called 'temporary'. Said Peres: "We were forced to do it. Since we built the wall, attacks came down by 80 per cent. Once there is peace, who needs walls'' He noted that there was no wall along the Jordanian border, nor were there minefields. "Why? They do not penetrate us," he said. There is still hope of peace with the Palestinians provided they are willing to sit and negotiate and peace will be at hand in a relatively short time. "Negotiate with us. We cannot change our neighbours or friends," he said.

This of course falls into line with Biblical prophecy, that Gog and his Islamic allies will in the last days, invade "the land of unwalled villages", Ezekiel 38:11. It's pretty difficult to stage a mass invasion when you have a concrete barrier standing in your way. This news comes as Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gave the go ahead for the security barrier to be extended to include two additional villages, Nili and Na'aleh.

Quote: "If the cabinet approves Olmert's decision, it will be the first time part of the fence has been moved eastward after receiving cabinet approval. Hitherto, all such changes have moved the fence westward, toward the Green Line, the pre-1967 border that separates Israel and the West Bank. 

In regards to Peres' political ambitions, it seems he is well on his way to becoming the next Israeli President. Peres has received official backing from Prime Minister Olmert, his Kadima party and the Labor party. The Israeli Knesset has amended the law which requires a secret ballot for the election of the president, which it is hoped will boost Peres' chances. Today the Knesset also moved to impeach the disgraced President Katsav. Meanwhile, Arab and Islamic efforts are still underway to try and find a lasting solution to the Middle East conflict. King Abdullah II of Jordan believes that European involvement in the region will increase significantly this year, and that the Middle East nations attach much importance to the EU's role as a mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. 

Quote: "King Abdullah said 'the importance of the EU and G8 role will increase this year as efforts intensify to relaunch the peace process between the Palestinian and Israeli sides'. 'The region attaches much importance to this role for accomplishing real and tangible progress in the peace process that should lead to the eventual creation of an independent Palestinian state' that lives in peace with Israel, the statement said.

Pakistan is also getting involved in the peace process. Pakistan Prime Minister Pervez Musharraf is hoping to form a group of like-minded Islamic nations that could work together to develop a new initiative for the region.

Quote: "Musharraf, who was due to fly next to Malaysia for a meeting with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said such a grouping of "like-minded" Muslim nations would be listened to. "Since the West is looking and searching for methods and new ideas of bringing peace to the region I think any new idea, any new initiative would be acceptable to them as long as it is workable," he said. He did not elaborate on the group but said King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia was being consulted.

I don't think I can remember a time when so many nations around the world were interested in achieving peace in the Middle East. Perhaps they feel that the scourge of Islamic terrorism may be somewhat influenced if there was peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The book of the Revelation mentions four world conditions that would prevail during the seven year period. The rider of the first white horse wears a crown, holds a bow with no arrows, and goes forth conquering and to conquer. It is believed this horse rider represents peace. During the beginning of the 70th week, I believe the world will experience an unprecedented period of peace. It will be this false peace that will help the Antichrist achieve worldwide acclaim. It won't last, and will be followed by the rider on a second red horse who represents war, and whose job it is to take peace from the earth. 

Revelation 6:1-2
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Source The Peninsula Qatar, Haaretz, Monsters and Critics, Reuters