A report published this week—almost as a footnote to the primary news cycle—should awaken deep concern and a profound sense of urgency. For the first time on the Gaza border, the Egyptian army has conducted live-fire military exercises a mere one hundred meters from the Israeli frontier.
This drill is not an isolated event; it is part of a systemic military buildup in the Sinai, occurring in direct contradiction to decades-old peace accords. Are our decision-makers once again trapped in a "Seventh-of-October slumber"? This exercise was reportedly carried out with the coordination and approval of the IDF, suggesting that those entrusted with our security remain dangerously complacent.
Even before the tragedies of October Seventh, military leaders insisted that our enemies were deterred. History has shown the folly of relying solely on human strategy. As the Pasuk says:
“If Hashem doesn't guard a city, in vain does the watchman keep watch” (Tehillim 127).
The Divine Plan: The Axis of Nations
Current events are not mere geopolitical shifts; they are the unfolding of a Divine plan within the process of Geulah (Redemption). We are witnessing the formation of the axis of nations—including Turkey, Egypt, and Iran—described in the prophecies of the War of Gog u’Magog.
Egypt claims its military strengthening is meant to prevent Gazan refugees from breaching its borders. However, we understand that this presence on our southern flank is a Heavenly catalyst intended to draw Klal Yisroel closer to Avinu Shebashamayim. History is poised to repeat itself: just as the Egyptians pursued our ancestors during the first Exodus, our current predicament requires a "great cry" from the depths of the heart.
The Unlikely Alliance: Turkey and Egypt
Why does Egypt aspire to become the sixth-largest military power in the world during a time of "peace"? The answer lies in its new alliances. Turkey and Egypt, once hostile rivals, have found common ground in their shared antagonism toward Israel.
Reports indicate weapons deals exceeding $350 million, with Turkey supplying Egypt with advanced drones. Their navies recently conducted the "Sea of Friendship" exercise in the Mediterranean for the first time in thirteen years. Meanwhile, Turkey has established permanent bases in northern Syria, positioning itself on every front—land, air, and sea.
President Erdogan has dropped all pretenses of diplomacy. In July 2024, he declared: “Just as we entered Libya and Karabakh, so too we will enter Israel.” He has compared the Israeli leadership to the greatest villains of history, signaling that he seeks to lead the charge against the Jewish State.
The "Great Fire" and the Nuclear Shadow
It has long been cautioned that the War of Gog u’Magog may involve a "great fire" that consumes the global order. We see the sparks of this today in the standoff between the West and Iran.
The tightening economic chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has left the Iranian regime with its back against the wall. For a fanatical leadership, surrender is not an option. Like Samson, they may choose the path of "Let my soul perish with the Philistines," potentially unleashing unconventional weapons that would set the world ablaze.
In such a scenario, the nations of the world would likely cast the blame upon Israel, providing the "Axis of Evil" a pretext for an all-out assault. At that moment, events will move with astonishing speed, and the only refuge will be found in Teshuvah (repentance).
The Safety of Tzion
Despite these daunting shadows, we must maintain perfect emunah. The prophets assure us that Eretz Yisroel will become the safest place on earth for the Jewish people. As it is written:
“And upon Har Tzion there shall be refuge, and it shall be holy” (Ovadiah 1:17).
Our inheritance is not shrinking; it is destined to expand to the borders promised to our forefathers, reaching into parts of what are today Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
Are We Ready for the Moment of Truth?
The gates of Heaven stand open. The "Yamim Nora’im" of history are upon us, and the Almighty is waiting for the return of His children. We must not look only at the movement of tanks and drones, but inward toward our own hearts. The strengthening of the enemy is a call for the strengthening of our faith.
May we be zocheh to see the Go’el Tzedek (Righteous Redeemer) lead us with mercy and glory. The greater our cry to Hashem today, the sooner our fears will be transformed into eternal blessing.
Bimheirah b’yameinu, Amen!
