How Long Should Israel Wait to See if Sanctions Work?

This is the hot question asked around the world. No one seems to have an answer and there are differing opinions, even in Israel. Prime Minister of Israel feels that time could be running out for the sanctions that the West has placed on Iran to make a difference on their nuclear program. According to CNN, the sanctions “are certainly taking a bite out of the Iranian economy,” stated Netanyahu in an interview last week. However, “they haven’t rolled back the Iranian program—or even stopped it—by one iota,” he added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

On the other hand, while Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak shared Israel’s fears of a nuclear-armed Iran, his top general opposed his views and according to Reuters, “commented that the Islamic republic is ‘“very rational”’ and unlikely to build a bomb.”

Todays’ sanctions are stronger than they have ever been in the past. However, it is felt that even with this intense pressure against Iran, they will likely not be strong enough to stop their nuclear program.

Netanyahu still says he would not “bet the security of the world on Iran’s behavior” because he believes “that nation is led by a ‘militant Islamic regime’ that can ‘put their ideology before their survival.’” (According to Voice of America as he spoke on an interview with CNN.)

Regardless of what your opinion is, there is no doubt that the Middle East needs your prayers. Please take a moment to pray about this situation, and especially pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).