S. Lebanon -- Buffer Zone or Refugee Camp?

Lebanon’s elections have been postponed until 2028. It seems Israel might be attempting to capitalize on this, in order to repeat its past efforts to create a sustainable buffer zone (up to 6 miles) across southern Lebanon. Its strategy is to deny Hezbollah space across the south to attack northern Israel. By destroying much infrastructure and many homes of Lebanese residents across the south, Israel’s intent is to enable its northern Galilee residents to return to their homes. 

 

In addition to a buffer zone across southern Lebanon, Israel seeks to establish similar buffer zones across Gaza and Syria. The risk of sustainable buffer zones is they could gradually  transition from military outposts, to residential communities, attracting those who seek lower density or pioneer-type opportunities. Think West Bank.

But I intuit The Lord may have an eventual, BIGGER plan for southern Lebanon—one that may not necessarily involve current residents in Galilee or Israel. He promises:

 

I will also bring them back from the land of Egypt, and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon, until no more room is found for them. 

(Zechariah 10:10)

 

This prophecy remains a pending aspect of The Lord’s iterative promises Israel. (get the list). The first massive phase of His fulfillment of this promise occurred after the establishment of the modern state of Israel on May 14, 1948. Since then, there has been a steady trickle of Jewish immigrants to Israel, as well as some emigrants who have fled from Israel’s wars and other reasons.

 

The topical series, Hasty Jewish Migrations (Series), explores (a) major historical Jewish migrations, of which 3 have been hasty, and (b) Biblical inferences of 2 future hasty, global Jewish migrations. As such, the above prophecy signals the pending 4th such migration. Zechariah 13:8-9 and Zephaniah 3:8-13 seem to signal the 5th, final migration in advance of the pre-Millennial Reign purging of the global, post- apocalypse, Jewish remnant. 

 

    •  Might a significant buffer zone in southern Lebanon become 'an over flow’ valve’ for future           Jewish immigrants?

 

The prophecy guarantees overflow into Lebanon, but doesn’t specify mechanisms. 

History is replete with such migrant spillages, e.g., from the wars in Syria and Ukraine; and the Venezuelan, Rohingyan, Afghan, Ethiopian and the 1948 Palestinian refugee crises. Many more of such events may be triggered by climate change refugees.

    •  What about Gilead in northern Jordan? 

 

Zechariah 10:10 also infers Jewish migrant will spill into northern Jordan—an area that currently hosts the 2nd largest refugee population, globally, and is only 31 miles from the Jordan/Israel border. Unless this situation changes, any significant spillage of Jewish migrants into Jordan suggests a relatively ‘up close’ proximity with Palestinian refugees. 

 

Given the 1987 Israel-Jordan peace treaty, and the absence of regular militant activity in that region, Israel has been fortifying and extending the border zone within its territory to enhance security of settlements, and to guard against possible threats of weapons smuggling by militias. Israel’s border region fortification does not extend into Jordan. 

 

Conclusion

 

Very wisely, Israel’s Immigration and Absorption Ministry has been working to improve the nation’s ability to attract and absorb rising numbers of migrants. It recently drill tested the nation’s readiness for en masse ingathering of exiled Jews, reportedly in response to rising Jewish racism across the world. 

 

If the Ministry’s actions might signify an awareness of many yet-fulfilled, Old Testament in-gathering prophecies, then we can only wonder whether its preparations might strategically link to both Zechariah 10:10, and the planned buffer zone in Lebanon. 

 

What if the buffer zone in southern Lebanon,

might be a massive, Jewish refugee camp—

in waiting?