Israeli Government on the Verge of Collapse?

From time to time I would like to use this site to share news of what God is doing in our world. As you know, President Bush recently returned from a nine-day visit to the Middle East. While in Jerusalem he reiterated his view that Jerusalem should once again become a divided city, as it was prior to the Six Day War in June 1967. This division was identified as one of the "core issues" that needed to be resolved if a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians could be reached.

After President Bush left, Israeli Prime Minister Olmert instructed his Foreign Minister Livni to begin negotiations over these "core issues" with the Palestinians. Immediately one party in Olmert's coalition government bolted from that coalition. The reason: opposition to any division of Jerusalem. Olmert's coalition government is beginning to topple. Will it fall completely? It depends upon whether other members of the coalition bolt as well. All Olmert needs to do is lose another eight seats in the Knesset and his government will no longer have a majority. I believe that many coalition members are waiting until January 30 when the final report of the Winograd Commission will be made public. (This is the commission that has been investigating the Second Lebanon War of the summer of 2006). Speculation is that Prime Minister Olmert will be greatly criticized for mismanagement of this war and may be forced to resign. If that happens then national elections will probably be called and a new government will be formed.

Although most Israelis want peace, they have learned through the debacle of the disengagement from Gaza, that continual giving away of land does not bring peace. And certainly Jerusalem, their ancient capitol city, should not be on the negotiation table.

These next few weeks should be very interesting. I'll keep you posted.