Middle East Report: Israel’s Elections, Iran, Judea and Samaria, and the Lord’s Appointed Days
On this edition of the Middle East Report, host John Riley speaks with Dr. Baruch Korman, founder and worldwide Bible teacher of LoveIsrael.org. Their conversation covers Israel’s upcoming elections, the war involving the United States and Iran, tensions over Judea and Samaria, and the biblical significance of the Lord’s appointed days.
About LoveIsrael.org
John Riley: Baruch, thank you for joining me from the land of Israel. It is good to connect with you again, my friend.
Dr. Baruch Korman: Good to talk with you as well, John. Thank you for this opportunity.
John Riley: Many people may not know about LoveIsrael.org. You are heard on American Family Radio, but listeners may not know much about your ministry. Tell us about LoveIsrael.org and what you do.
Dr. Baruch Korman: We hold numerous conferences throughout the world. We recently returned from a conference in Romania, which went well. Before that, we spent a few days in Singapore for another conference. Then we came to the United States, where we visited Colorado and several other places.
We also partner with Bible colleges around the world, sharing many of the courses we offer. We stay busy.
John Riley: You offer free, verse-by-verse teaching on the Word of God in both audio and video formats at LoveIsrael.org. Listeners can learn about the Bible’s context, history, and original languages, gaining a deeper understanding of Scripture.
Israel’s Upcoming Elections
John Riley: Let’s talk about current events in Israel and around the world. One issue that may not be on many listeners’ radar is Israel’s upcoming election in October.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is one of the longest-serving prime ministers in Israel’s history, but some believe he may not remain in office after the election. Israeli politics—with its competing parties and coalitions—can be confusing. Can you explain the situation in simple terms?
Dr. Baruch Korman: First, Israelis do not vote for an individual candidate as Americans do. We vote for a political party. Those parties usually represent a philosophy, policy, and agenda, so voters select the party that best reflects their views.
No one knows what will happen in the election. However, many people are disappointed with how Prime Minister Netanyahu has handled two matters.
First is the war with Hamas in Gaza. The initial policy was to allow no food, water, electricity, or other supplies until the roughly 250 hostages were released. But that policy lasted only about four hours. Under Netanyahu’s leadership, Israel agreed to allow large amounts of food into Gaza.
Despite reports of a humanitarian crisis, Israeli soldiers recorded video in local markets showing significant quantities of food. As you noted earlier, there is a great deal of conflicting information.
The second concern is Israel’s northern communities, which suffered greatly from Hezbollah attacks originating in Lebanon. Israeli military experts repeatedly argued that Israel needed to strike Beirut to stop those attacks.
Netanyahu often says he knows how to handle international pressure, but I would suggest that he did not do so in this case. He did not follow the military experts’ recommendations. Many people are frustrated because his rhetoric and actions appear very different.
John Riley: Several parties are vying for seats in the Knesset. The party or coalition able to form a governing majority will determine the prime minister.
In the United States, election results may be known within days. In Israel, coalition negotiations can last 10 or 15 days—or longer—before the outcome is clear. It can be very complicated.
I want to ask listeners to pray for this process. As you said, there appears to be considerable dissatisfaction with the current prime minister.
Political and Religious Tensions in the United States
John Riley: Let’s turn to elections in the United States. We are seeing democratic socialists and communists, as some describe them, aligning with Islamist candidates seeking high office. As a Jewish believer in Yeshua who lives in Israel, what are your thoughts?
Dr. Baruch Korman: It is disheartening. These Islamists appear to be finding a home within one political party, and, as you noted, they tend to align with socialist or communist ideas.
Socialism and communism often lead to oppression. In my view, Islamist movements are not interested in blessing or helping people.
Christian organizations fund and operate many hospitals and charitable institutions. By contrast, I do not see comparable efforts among those who are loyal to Islam. This may be an oversimplification, but Islam is often associated with terrorist activity. Unfortunately, such ideas are finding a home in one of the United States’ political parties.
John Riley: Do you think Christians in this country are inattentive to the threat posed by Islamist movements? Some communities are being built around Muslim and Islamist populations. Are we sufficiently aware, and are we doing enough to oppose these developments?
Dr. Baruch Korman: I agree that this is a problem. People understandably focus on their own lives and children, but that can cause them to overlook what is happening in their states and communities. I believe that inattention could produce serious consequences in the near future.
John Riley: How much of this is spiritual?
Dr. Baruch Korman: The Hebrew term ha-satan means “the adversary.” Satan delights in causing adversity, suffering, and grief.
I see Islam as a political movement masquerading as a religion. It is not focused on blessing people, helping them, or eliminating suffering. That is why we see Islamic states. It is disheartening when people fail to pay attention to what is happening in their communities.
John Riley: What should Christians do? Should we ignore this?
Dr. Baruch Korman: The prophet Zechariah repeatedly says, “Execute justice.” We should be concerned first and foremost with justice.
In my view, Islamist leaders are often focused on exploitation and oppression rather than justice. In negotiations involving Iran, participants have shown a willingness to lie, deceive, say one thing, and do another.
From my perspective, President Trump has bent over backward in negotiations. The ceasefires have strengthened Iran and allowed deceptive actors to exploit the United States.
The War Involving the United States and Iran
John Riley: Let’s turn to the war involving the United States and Iran and its implications for Israel, the United States, and the world. How do you think the war is going, and where might it lead?
Dr. Baruch Korman: I hope it ends, but I do not believe it will end until President Trump understands how wars are brought to a conclusion.
World War II offers an example: Dwight Eisenhower insisted on unconditional surrender. President Trump has mentioned this regarding Iran, but Iran will not surrender freely. It will have to be forced to surrender, and that will require stronger action.
Many military commentators in Israel are confused that the United States is not applying greater military pressure. President Trump has threatened Iran’s power grid and energy resources, but has not acted on those threats. When Israel targeted some oil fields, President Trump was displeased.
I believe Israel is capable of doing what is necessary to bring Iran to surrender. The United States is also capable, but I do not know whether it has the resolve to take the required steps.
John Riley: Iran has not launched ballistic missiles toward Israel for some time, although it has fired toward Bahrain, Jordan, and other Gulf countries. Perhaps Iran understands how Israel would respond. There are concerns about a surprise attack, but I assume Israel is fully prepared.
Dr. Baruch Korman: I believe Iran has refrained because Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, has clearly stated how Israel would respond to any aggression against Israeli soil.
He has said Israel would target Iran’s energy infrastructure, power grid, and oil fields. Israel has done so before and is capable of doing it again.
Iran also has limited ability to defend itself. It can launch ballistic missiles at American bases in Jordan and elsewhere, but it lacks an effective air-defense capability against what either the United States or Israel could do.
I do not understand why both countries are not doing more to bring the war to a conclusion. The longer it continues, the more people suffer—especially the Iranian people, who have endured hardship for 47 years.
Israel, the United Kingdom, and Judea and Samaria
John Riley: Another issue that may not be on many people’s radar is the growing tension between Israel and the United Kingdom. It concerns what much of the world calls the West Bank, but what the Bible calls Judea and Samaria. Can you bring us up to speed?
Dr. Baruch Korman: It is not a small matter. The conflict between the two countries is growing.
From the perspectives of the European Union and the United Nations, any Jewish person living in Judea and Samaria is considered to be living there illegally or occupying the territory.
I believe Christians should form their opinions from Scripture rather than from political positions. Christians look forward to the establishment of the kingdom of God.
In the prophecy of Obadiah, Jewish people inhabit specific places in the land. These locations extend beyond present-day Israel and Judea and Samaria to places in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt.
If we are interested in biblical fulfillment, Jewish people must spread out. The United Nations’ plan for peace envisions a smaller Israel. Biblically, however, God expands Israel’s borders—from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates River.
This is not what the United Kingdom, the United Nations, or the European Union wants. They regard Jewish settlements as illegal. In my view, that denies Jewish people the freedom to choose where they live and opposes biblical fulfillment.
John Riley: The United Kingdom is imposing sanctions related to Israeli products, and Israel has closed the British Consulate in East Jerusalem. The dispute appears to be escalating.
Ultimately, the question is: Whose land is it? We believe God gave the land to the Jewish people through covenant. We will continue watching this story.
The Lord’s Appointed Days
John Riley: As we close, I want to give you time to discuss the special days approaching in Israel, including Sukkot and the other appointed days of the Lord.
Dr. Baruch Korman: We have the Feast of Trumpets, followed by Yom Kippur and the Feast of Tabernacles. There is another day people often overlook: Shemini Atzeret, which means “the eighth-day assembly.” It is one of the most spiritual of the appointed days.
Hamas understood its significance. The October 7 attack occurred on Shemini Atzeret, a day with a kingdom connection. They chose that day, in my view, to demonstrate opposition to the kingdom of God.
These are appointed days—not merely Jewish days, but the Lord’s appointed days. That distinction is important. Because they are scriptural, they remain relevant to believers today.
They speak about what God has done, but they also point to future fulfillment with kingdom implications. We should acknowledge and understand these days according to Scripture, recognizing that they are a shadow of what is to come.
Sukkot and Its Meaning for Believers
John Riley: One of the major appointed days is Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles. Briefly, what is it, and how does it apply to believers in Jesus?
Dr. Baruch Korman: The holiday is mentioned in John 7. It challenges all God’s people, Jew and Gentile alike, who have faith in the God of Israel and believe the gospel, to trust not in themselves but in God—to depend upon and rely on him.
During the seven-day holiday, we remember God’s faithfulness to the children of Israel in the wilderness. God gave them manna and provided water from a rock. Scripture says that rock was Christ.
There is a New Testament understanding for all these holidays. They often point toward a future kingdom fulfillment.
In John 7, the Messiah said he was not yet going up to Jerusalem, but soon afterward he did go. Later, he taught in the temple despite significant opposition.
This shows how he, as the Son of God, trusted, relied upon, and depended upon his Father for all things. when we do the same, that trust produces boldness.
On the last and greatest day of the festival—called Hoshana Rabbah, meaning “the great salvation”—Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me.”
This is traditionally a time to pray for rain. Without rain, the Middle East faces serious problems. Rain is synonymous with blessing, and the source of that blessing is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We need to proclaim that message boldly to the world.
Connect With LoveIsrael.org
John Riley: That is an amazing perspective on the Lord’s appointed days.
I encourage listeners to connect with LoveIsrael.org. The ministry provides free, verse-by-verse Bible teaching rooted in the original languages. You can also download the My Bible Study app and listen on your phone while traveling, exercising, or going about your day.
Baruch, thank you for connecting with us from Israel. We are grateful for our partnership and for LoveIsrael.org’s broadcasts in many languages around the world.
Dr. Baruch Korman: Thank you very much, John. It is a joy and a pleasure to be part of the American Family Radio network.
Listen and Contact
John Riley: Thank you for listening to this edition of the Middle East Report.
I would love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected] to let me know you are listening or to send a question. Your message would be a great encouragement.
You can find the podcast at AFR.net or wherever you get your podcasts. Search for The Middle East Report.
Thanks for listening. I’m John Riley.
Middle East Report: Israel’s Elections, Iran, Judea and Samaria, and the Lord’s Appointed Days
On this edition of the Middle East Report, host John Riley speaks with Dr. Baruch Korman, founder and worldwide Bible teacher of LoveIsrael.org. Their conversation covers Israel’s upcoming elections, the war involving the United States and Iran, tensions over Judea and Samaria, and the biblical significance of the Lord’s appointed days.
About LoveIsrael.org
John Riley: Baruch, thank you for joining me from the land of Israel. It is good to connect with you again, my friend.
Dr. Baruch Korman: Good to talk with you as well, John. Thank you for this opportunity.
John Riley: Many people may not know about LoveIsrael.org. You are heard on American Family Radio, but listeners may not know much about your ministry. Tell us about LoveIsrael.org and what you do.
Dr. Baruch Korman: We hold numerous conferences throughout the world. We recently returned from a conference in Romania, which went well. Before that, we spent a few days in Singapore for another conference. Then we came to the United States, where we visited Colorado and several other places.
We also partner with Bible colleges around the world, sharing many of the courses we offer. We stay busy.
John Riley: You offer free, verse-by-verse teaching on the Word of God in both audio and video formats at LoveIsrael.org. Listeners can learn about the Bible’s context, history, and original languages, gaining a deeper understanding of Scripture.
Israel’s Upcoming Elections
John Riley: Let’s talk about current events in Israel and around the world. One issue that may not be on many listeners’ radar is Israel’s upcoming election in October.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is one of the longest-serving prime ministers in Israel’s history, but some believe he may not remain in office after the election. Israeli politics—with its competing parties and coalitions—can be confusing. Can you explain the situation in simple terms?
Dr. Baruch Korman: First, Israelis do not vote for an individual candidate as Americans do. We vote for a political party. Those parties usually represent a philosophy, policy, and agenda, so voters select the party that best reflects their views.
No one knows what will happen in the election. However, many people are disappointed with how Prime Minister Netanyahu has handled two matters.
First is the war with Hamas in Gaza. The initial policy was to allow no food, water, electricity, or other supplies until the roughly 250 hostages were released. But that policy lasted only about four hours. Under Netanyahu’s leadership, Israel agreed to allow large amounts of food into Gaza.
Despite reports of a humanitarian crisis, Israeli soldiers recorded video in local markets showing significant quantities of food. As you noted earlier, there is a great deal of conflicting information.
The second concern is Israel’s northern communities, which suffered greatly from Hezbollah attacks originating in Lebanon. Israeli military experts repeatedly argued that Israel needed to strike Beirut to stop those attacks.
Netanyahu often says he knows how to handle international pressure, but I would suggest that he did not do so in this case. He did not follow the military experts’ recommendations. Many people are frustrated because his rhetoric and actions appear very different.
John Riley: Several parties are vying for seats in the Knesset. The party or coalition able to form a governing majority will determine the prime minister.
In the United States, election results may be known within days. In Israel, coalition negotiations can last 10 or 15 days—or longer—before the outcome is clear. It can be very complicated.
I want to ask listeners to pray for this process. As you said, there appears to be considerable dissatisfaction with the current prime minister.
Political and Religious Tensions in the United States
John Riley: Let’s turn to elections in the United States. We are seeing democratic socialists and communists, as some describe them, aligning with Islamist candidates seeking high office. As a Jewish believer in Yeshua who lives in Israel, what are your thoughts?
Dr. Baruch Korman: It is disheartening. These Islamists appear to be finding a home within one political party, and, as you noted, they tend to align with socialist or communist ideas.
Socialism and communism often lead to oppression. In my view, Islamist movements are not interested in blessing or helping people.
Christian organizations fund and operate many hospitals and charitable institutions. By contrast, I do not see comparable efforts among those who are loyal to Islam. This may be an oversimplification, but Islam is often associated with terrorist activity. Unfortunately, such ideas are finding a home in one of the United States’ political parties.
John Riley: Do you think Christians in this country are inattentive to the threat posed by Islamist movements? Some communities are being built around Muslim and Islamist populations. Are we sufficiently aware, and are we doing enough to oppose these developments?
Dr. Baruch Korman: I agree that this is a problem. People understandably focus on their own lives and children, but that can cause them to overlook what is happening in their states and communities. I believe that inattention could produce serious consequences in the near future.
John Riley: How much of this is spiritual?
Dr. Baruch Korman: The Hebrew term ha-satan means “the adversary.” Satan delights in causing adversity, suffering, and grief.
I see Islam as a political movement masquerading as a religion. It is not focused on blessing people, helping them, or eliminating suffering. That is why we see Islamic states. It is disheartening when people fail to pay attention to what is happening in their communities.
John Riley: What should Christians do? Should we ignore this?
Dr. Baruch Korman: The prophet Zechariah repeatedly says, “Execute justice.” We should be concerned first and foremost with justice.
In my view, Islamist leaders are often focused on exploitation and oppression rather than justice. In negotiations involving Iran, participants have shown a willingness to lie, deceive, say one thing, and do another.
From my perspective, President Trump has bent over backward in negotiations. The ceasefires have strengthened Iran and allowed deceptive actors to exploit the United States.
The War Involving the United States and Iran
John Riley: Let’s turn to the war involving the United States and Iran and its implications for Israel, the United States, and the world. How do you think the war is going, and where might it lead?
Dr. Baruch Korman: I hope it ends, but I do not believe it will end until President Trump understands how wars are brought to a conclusion.
World War II offers an example: Dwight Eisenhower insisted on unconditional surrender. President Trump has mentioned this regarding Iran, but Iran will not surrender freely. It will have to be forced to surrender, and that will require stronger action.
Many military commentators in Israel are confused that the United States is not applying greater military pressure. President Trump has threatened Iran’s power grid and energy resources, but has not acted on those threats. When Israel targeted some oil fields, President Trump was displeased.
I believe Israel is capable of doing what is necessary to bring Iran to surrender. The United States is also capable, but I do not know whether it has the resolve to take the required steps.
John Riley: Iran has not launched ballistic missiles toward Israel for some time, although it has fired toward Bahrain, Jordan, and other Gulf countries. Perhaps Iran understands how Israel would respond. There are concerns about a surprise attack, but I assume Israel is fully prepared.
Dr. Baruch Korman: I believe Iran has refrained because Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, has clearly stated how Israel would respond to any aggression against Israeli soil.
He has said Israel would target Iran’s energy infrastructure, power grid, and oil fields. Israel has done so before and is capable of doing it again.
Iran also has limited ability to defend itself. It can launch ballistic missiles at American bases in Jordan and elsewhere, but it lacks an effective air-defense capability against what either the United States or Israel could do.
I do not understand why both countries are not doing more to bring the war to a conclusion. The longer it continues, the more people suffer—especially the Iranian people, who have endured hardship for 47 years.
Israel, the United Kingdom, and Judea and Samaria
John Riley: Another issue that may not be on many people’s radar is the growing tension between Israel and the United Kingdom. It concerns what much of the world calls the West Bank, but what the Bible calls Judea and Samaria. Can you bring us up to speed?
Dr. Baruch Korman: It is not a small matter. The conflict between the two countries is growing.
From the perspectives of the European Union and the United Nations, any Jewish person living in Judea and Samaria is considered to be living there illegally or occupying the territory.
I believe Christians should form their opinions from Scripture rather than from political positions. Christians look forward to the establishment of the kingdom of God.
In the prophecy of Obadiah, Jewish people inhabit specific places in the land. These locations extend beyond present-day Israel and Judea and Samaria to places in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt.
If we are interested in biblical fulfillment, Jewish people must spread out. The United Nations’ plan for peace envisions a smaller Israel. Biblically, however, God expands Israel’s borders—from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates River.
This is not what the United Kingdom, the United Nations, or the European Union wants. They regard Jewish settlements as illegal. In my view, that denies Jewish people the freedom to choose where they live and opposes biblical fulfillment.
John Riley: The United Kingdom is imposing sanctions related to Israeli products, and Israel has closed the British Consulate in East Jerusalem. The dispute appears to be escalating.
Ultimately, the question is: Whose land is it? We believe God gave the land to the Jewish people through covenant. We will continue watching this story.
The Lord’s Appointed Days
John Riley: As we close, I want to give you time to discuss the special days approaching in Israel, including Sukkot and the other appointed days of the Lord.
Dr. Baruch Korman: We have the Feast of Trumpets, followed by Yom Kippur and the Feast of Tabernacles. There is another day people often overlook: Shemini Atzeret, which means “the eighth-day assembly.” It is one of the most spiritual of the appointed days.
Hamas understood its significance. The October 7 attack occurred on Shemini Atzeret, a day with a kingdom connection. They chose that day, in my view, to demonstrate opposition to the kingdom of God.
These are appointed days—not merely Jewish days, but the Lord’s appointed days. That distinction is important. Because they are scriptural, they remain relevant to believers today.
They speak about what God has done, but they also point to future fulfillment with kingdom implications. We should acknowledge and understand these days according to Scripture, recognizing that they are a shadow of what is to come.
Sukkot and Its Meaning for Believers
John Riley: One of the major appointed days is Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles. Briefly, what is it, and how does it apply to believers in Jesus?
Dr. Baruch Korman: The holiday is mentioned in John 7. It challenges all God’s people, Jew and Gentile alike, who have faith in the God of Israel and believe the gospel, to trust not in themselves but in God—to depend upon and rely on him.
During the seven-day holiday, we remember God’s faithfulness to the children of Israel in the wilderness. God gave them manna and provided water from a rock. Scripture says that rock was Christ.
There is a New Testament understanding for all these holidays. They often point toward a future kingdom fulfillment.
In John 7, the Messiah said he was not yet going up to Jerusalem, but soon afterward he did go. Later, he taught in the temple despite significant opposition.
This shows how he, as the Son of God, trusted, relied upon, and depended upon his Father for all things. when we do the same, that trust produces boldness.
On the last and greatest day of the festival—called Hoshana Rabbah, meaning “the great salvation”—Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me.”
This is traditionally a time to pray for rain. Without rain, the Middle East faces serious problems. Rain is synonymous with blessing, and the source of that blessing is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We need to proclaim that message boldly to the world.
Connect With LoveIsrael.org
John Riley: That is an amazing perspective on the Lord’s appointed days.
I encourage listeners to connect with LoveIsrael.org. The ministry provides free, verse-by-verse Bible teaching rooted in the original languages. You can also download the My Bible Study app and listen on your phone while traveling, exercising, or going about your day.
Baruch, thank you for connecting with us from Israel. We are grateful for our partnership and for LoveIsrael.org’s broadcasts in many languages around the world.
Dr. Baruch Korman: Thank you very much, John. It is a joy and a pleasure to be part of the American Family Radio network.
Listen and Contact
John Riley: Thank you for listening to this edition of the Middle East Report.
I would love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected] to let me know you are listening or to send a question. Your message would be a great encouragement.
You can find the podcast at AFR.net or wherever you get your podcasts. Search for The Middle East Report.
Thanks for listening. I’m John Riley.
