The biggest threat to Israel – and it’s not the occupation, war or intifada

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Published: 14 October 2017

Last updated: 4 March 2024

By Anshell Pfeffer

BENYAMIN NETANYAHU IS OMINOUSLY and obsessively warning that Israel may not survive to see its 100th anniversary, based in part on his reading of the Bible. It's a tragedy for all of us that his interpretation is wrong

In Haaretz on Tuesday, Jonathan Lis published quotes from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a Bible study session at the Prime Minister's Residence in which he ominously warned that Israel may not survive to see its 100th birthday in 31 years.

Netanyahu apparently recommended that Israel should focus on surpassing the record of the Hasmonean kingdom, the last truly independent Jewish sovereignty in the land, which lasted for only 77 years and was wrapped up by the Roman Empire in 63 BCE.

Intrigued, I called up a couple of people who were at the session. Around 50 people attended the two-hour event, which consisted of about 15 academics and public figures weighing in on biblical and Judaism-related topics, with Netanyahu responding to them.

FULL STORY Bibi’s biggest fear for Israel is written in the Bible (Haaretz)

Photo: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu at the 'Bible Study Club' held at the PM's Residence in 2013 (Mark Israel Salem)