Are Islamic extremists about to obliterate the state of Israel? Some experts see reasons to worry.

August 16 was almost another Sept. 11—if not for the diligence of those who thankfully thwarted an Islamic terrorist plot to blow up planes en route to America. This should serve as a wake-up call that the battle for Western civilization against Islamic fanaticism continues. The recent fighting in Lebanon following the Hezbollah attack on Israel is part of the same conflict, though many want to dissociate it. Numerous experts have recognized the Lebanon conflict as a proxy war between Israel representing the United States and Hezbollah representing the Islamic theocracy of Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terror.

It is no coincidence that this conflict distracted the world from Iran's nuclear ambitions—which should be of paramount concern. Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has stated his desire to wipe Israel off the map and commented that it will be eliminated in "one storm." Moreover, he is a Shiite radical who claims to be in communion with the 12th Imam, a successor to Muhammad who disappeared 11 centuries ago. Shiites believe he will return at the end of time as the mahdi or Islamic savior during a time of great upheaval. Ominously, Ahmadinejad wants to instigate a global conflict to provoke the Imam's return. How could diplomacy ever work with an adversary whose goal is to start a world war?

Yet talking continues. On July 31, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution that requires Iran to suspend all activities related to uranium enrichment by August 31 or face possible sanctions. Then on Tuesday, August 22, the news from Iran was that it was ready for "serious negotiations" but would not abandon its nuclear program. No doubt talking will go on as Iran continues to pursue its goal. Bear in mind, however, that Ahmadinejad has spoken of the end of the world coming in two to three years or perhaps sooner.

That, of course, might even seem to pose a grave threat to the very existence of the Israeli state. Yet we have assurance from a vital source that Israel will continue to exist for some time. That source is Bible prophecy.

Israel will not be completely wiped out on any date chosen by Ahmadinejad, for the existence of some form of Jewish polity in the Holy Land is required for certain prophesied events to take place. Of note is a coming reinstitution of animal sacrifices in Jerusalem. Scripture says that these sacrifices will be cut off and the holy place defiled just prior to the commencement of the Great Tribulation 3 1/2 years before the resurrection of the righteous at Christ's return (compare Daniel 12:1-2, 11, 13; Matthew 24:15-22; "What is the 'Abomination of Desolation'?" of our free booklet The Middle East in Bible Prophecy).

Yet even the idea of sacrifices being reestablished on the Temple Mount presently seems almost unimaginable, given the Muslim Dome of the Rock that stands in the way. In 1998 I asked people at Jerusalem's Temple Institute, who are producing accoutrements for a rebuilt temple, about the presence of the Muslim shrine. They speculated that God could send an earthquake to knock it down. Yet this would not resolve the difficulties. A majority of Muslims would probably blame the Jews for destroying it—perhaps even for causing the earthquake!

Yet Scripture reveals that somehow sacrifices are going to start again. Thus, not only will a Jewish state exist at this future time, but it will seemingly be operating from a position of strength to be able to accomplish this. So we can safely say that Israel will not be bombed into non-existence by Iran. Of course, that does not mean Israel could not be seriously hurt—even by a nuclear strike somewhere in Israel besides Jerusalem that would not completely bring an end to the Israeli state.

Still, we wonder how events could possibly lead to a reinstitution of sacrifices. God has not given us the details. It could be a decisive and strategic act or a final act of desperation. We don't know how it will play out. But play out it will. And until then a Jewish state of some kind will remain. Yet shortly afterward its land will be overtaken by foreign forces, and the worst period in human history will ensue.

To understand more about what is prophesied for the Middle East, be sure to request or download our free and informative booklet The Middle East in Bible Prophecy.