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Israel at War : Inside the Nuclear Showdown with Iran

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Is the crisis in the Middle East hurtling toward the point of no return?
* Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, tells the U.N. that Iran could have nukes by spring.
* Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has called for the end of the United States and Israel.
* Chaos is erupting throughout the region.
* Rumors abound of an impending Israeli first strike against Iran’s nuclear program.

Is war imminent?

New York Times best-selling author Joel C. Rosenberg looks at the events developing in the Middle East and asks the tough questions: Could Israel launch a preemptive strike at any moment? How might an Israel-Iran war set the Middle East on fire? What should we be watching for? Israel at War will help you understand what is happening right now behind the scenes in this volatile region—and how this high-stakes showdown could affect the future of the Middle East and the world.

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2012

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About the author

Joel C. Rosenberg

56 books3,008 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg

Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Alexander Curran.
Author 6 books469 followers
June 5, 2018
“Iran also continues to provide seemingly “limitless support” to the Hezbollah terror organization in Lebanon..."

Rosenberg gives the reader Israel at War : Inside the Nuclear Showdown with Iran published in 2012 where he gives us inside accounts of U.S. and Israeli governmental interests. He also tells us about his friendship with "Bibi" Benjamin Netanyahu while detailing his life, and rise to the political height of prime minister of Israel, and his (plus the Author's insight/perspective...) views on the Islamic Republic of Iran plus the ongoing nuclear deal... Basically detailing Nethanyahu's fears and reservations about Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities.
The book interestingly gives an account of Iran's mentality and a belief that is compatible with some forms of Shia ideology, regarding the arrival and ascension of the Madhi, the coming (Or they say this person is already here and present...) of an Islamic messiah who will be accompanied by Isa (Jesus). (Also in some Sunni circles there is also discussions regarding the coming of the Madhi…)Rosenberg says this apocalyptic vision is what will herald for the Iranians the destruction of their enemies (America and Israel) and herald the coming of an Islamic Utopian World. Obviously not for infidels or the term kafir would negatively apply for those who would not fit into this utopic existence. There also parallels made that show hatred of Jews and Iranian Jewish communities fleeing Iran after the revolution, being made to Nazi Germany in the sense if it isn't anti-Semitism then it clearly is still a horrible stain of anti-zionism that isn't just critical of Israel but wants its destruction. How do innocent civilians and people living there fit into that equation of destruction? It definitely does not. The mentality between Hezbollah, Iran and Syria's Assad has always been one that seeks to destroy Israel and using the extremes of palestinianism for that very goal. It would seem they do not care about human life if they are Israeli and do not even seem to view them as human beings. Yet this narrative fails to distinguish co-existence and continues to resort to violent methods rather than explore alternatives. Using a humanitarian issue for an excuse to cause further death and destruction shows a very dangerous and evil threat. What would this threat be like if they have a nuclear weapon and intend to use it against their enemies? What are the responsibilities and conditions for such power?
A growing concern is the ideological and extreme nature that comes from the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the sixth previous president of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, with their hatred and radically opposed disposition towards Israel and America. They want to wipe Israel off the map and refer to America as the Big Satan. Since 1979, when the Islamic republic first appeared and came into power with a Shia theocratic styled government, with the emerging first Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini they have viewed America and Israel as the enemy since day one. Which given the foreign interference of the previous decades has also fuelled this moral relativism and extreme opposition. (Also the former President Ahmadinejad's holocaust denial didn't really help his image on the world stage and in the book described as clever yet extreme in his preferences...)

Overall, it is a short book but fairly enjoyable going through the O'Bama years, getting into the Israeli and Iranian perspectives on each other, and understanding the motivations plus future manuervering taking place that will continue to shape the region.
The book is a warning from 2012 about what Rosenberg views as a radical and dangerous regime getting hold of and using nuclear weapons. I can understand and appreciate their concerns but also would hope to see us moving past a nuclear dependant world in general, especially when it comes to nuclear weapons, which can serve no good apart from a deterrant. To actually use such devastating weapons benefits no-one and can only cause massive losses of life and devastation to our planet. An interesting book but more about current affairs back in 2012 but certainly still relevant when it comes to regional developments still ongoing presently too.
Profile Image for Amy.
Author 10 books5 followers
July 18, 2021
Amazing perspective on the struggle with Iran. Eye opening.
Profile Image for Brenten Gilbert.
492 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2012
This is the second Joel Rosenberg book I’ve read this year and, though this is significantly shorter than Implosion it’s no less significant. In fact, it provides an international complement to the domestic challenges described in Implosion. In less than 150 pages, Rosenberg lays out the intensity of the conflict in the Middle East and the potentially devastating impact it can have on the entire planet. For far too long, these threats and aggression have been overlooked or shrugged off, in hopes of preventing a war between Israel and Iran. But if we stop living in denial, it’s clear that Israel is already at war with Iran and it’s trending towards escalation.

Parts of this detailed account read like a spy novel, which makes for a compelling read. After the realization that these “stories” are accurate and true, the reader’s only response can be one of urgency, gravity, and awe. Israel at War is clearly a call to action, one that underscores the importance of this week’s election and America’s foreign policy going forward. And one thing’s for certain: having read this book, I look at news headlines with a different perspective and find more reasons to pray for our future generations.

- from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (11/7/12)
Profile Image for Floyd Cryer.
28 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2015
Love it... Every bit as good as I thought it would be. This is a book that I plan to read again to get a grip on more of the information that I couldn't retain the first time.

I hope to read more of Rosenberg's work...
Profile Image for Ed.
68 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2018
This will be the shortest review I've ever done in keeping with it being a short book and is six years old. From the title I thought I was going to read about Israel's valiant Defense Force protecting its people and overcoming their enemies. Instead I was treated to a slanted view of history bashing President Obama and praising Benjamin Netanyahu while presenting his life story. Not a surprise since the author seems to be a friend of Bibi! At this same time American military cooperation with Israeli defense forces was at its highest level.

(While I write this, as friends of Israel, we have the app that sounds an alert every time a rocket attack takes place in Israel and is running reminding me of the peril that Israelis face every day and making me thankful for the peace we enjoy in our lives here.)

Authors writing about history should try to keep a balanced view, but in my opinion, this author brings a right-wing slant that appeals to that segment. I read it to the end to give it a fair chance and the same theme kept repeating itself with the final section being a pitch to donate to the the author's non-profit organization. I attend church every Sunday but I am leery of those who spouse Bible verses to me like punctuation in a sentence.

I don't recommend this book to those who are moderate in their views or support peaceful solutions in the Middle East. If you are a right-wing Christian locked into only one way of looking at things, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Andrea Salgado.
15 reviews
February 8, 2020
“Israel at War” is an incredibly complete account of the events occurring in Israel in these past decades. It details how the path to war could be slowly evolving and it describes the events Biblically described by the prophets in these times. The book describes the real threat to Israel and the world currently and how Israel has responded and must respond. Added to this, are the interpretations of present and future times coming from the Bible itself. The book reveals more than just a political description of the main characters involved, it dives a little into their belief system and mission. Finally, it calls those of us who love Israel to action, as human beings and Christians, not just prayer, but preparation for whatever may happen. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Scott.
12 reviews
August 24, 2017
Insightful

Joel as always has a strong grasp of the geopolitical environment in the Middle East and does an excellent job of describing the current and historical context surrounding Israel and it's leaders.
Profile Image for John Rhoads.
73 reviews
March 26, 2018
Rosenberg is fascinating at least and shocking insight, wise always

I say five stars because not a word was written that wasn't both insightful and revealing. I truly appreciate his picture of coming events and most of all his correlation with the bible.
Profile Image for Brad Scott.
55 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2021
Great read in investigative study not only on Shia eschatology but as well Bibi’s life and Iran’s ideology that goes so much further then rationality with being in defiance to an Jewish homeland to be driven solely upon is fundamental belief in the mahdi and the coming chaos
Profile Image for Debjyoti.
22 reviews21 followers
October 19, 2023
This book delves into Israel's history, its conflicts with neighboring nations, and the various threats it has encountered. It also provides an account of Benjamin Netanyahu's rise to become the Prime Minister of Israel after a decade of being kept out of high offices.
2 reviews
February 21, 2019
Interesting

Not as up to date as I thought it would be for me. The reference to the bible were not of interest to me.
285 reviews
April 14, 2020
Interesting thoughts but dated when considering current events. Author has a strong bias.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
804 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2023
Great look into geopolitical atmosphere of the world! It would be nice if it was updated as it is 10 years old and a lot has changed!
Profile Image for DJ.
66 reviews
November 20, 2023
Informational to the reality of Arab countries and what they go through in their daily lives. Eye opening to terrorists view of the U.S. and beyond.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
87 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2012
Is the crisis in the Middle East hurtling toward the point of no return? Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, tells the U.N. that Iran could have nukes by spring. Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has called for the end of the United States and Israel. Chaos is erupting throughout the region. Rumors abound of an impending Israeli first strike against Iran’s nuclear program. Is war imminent? Joel C. Rosenberg looks at the events developing in the Middle East and asks the tough questions: Could Israel launch a preemptive strike at any moment? How might an Israel-Iran war set the Middle East on fire? What should we be watching for?

Joel Rosenberg is uniquely qualified to help us all think clearly of the threats we face in today's world. From the depth of Rosenberg’s biblical Christian faith and personal and professional relationships with key Israeli, military and other world leaders he is able to weave a story from the bible and today’s headlines. This book is yet another conversation about the dangers of a nuclear-armed, and increasingly deranged, spiritually twisted, Iranian leadership.

The one thing I was disappointed is that my review copy did not come with the sneak preview of Rosenberg’s latest book that will come with your copy when you buy eBook. It will have a special sneak preview of material from the forthcoming novel, Damascus Countdown — the last book in the trilogy that includes The Twelfth Imam and The Tehran Initiative — which will be released early in 2013.
As usual, Mr. Rosenberg has gone to the heart of the matter. Although this book is short 100 pages, it is full of information. The way he writes about prophecy and current events, you understand what is happening right now behind the scenes in this volatile region and how this high-stakes showdown could affect the future of the Middle East and the World. Rosenberg books are always worth reading and this book is no exception. I am looking forward to his new book.
I received copy of eBook from Tyndale Blog Network for my review
Profile Image for Stacie Wyatt.
Author 4 books16 followers
May 3, 2014
Israel @ War by Joel C. Rosenberg
I reviewed Israel at War by Joel C. Rosenberg, in exchange for a review from Tyndale House. This review is more informative because I had little to no knowledge of Israel and Iran, prior to reading this book.

I chose the book because it was different from my normal reading. I don't follow Israel's political structure but I now this country has importance in Christianity. I hardly know anything about Israel, other than it's biblical relevance. The book also discussed how Iran is an enemy of Israel. Iran is a Muslim country, while Israel is more rooted in Christianity

The book discussed Benjamin Netanyahu. I heard of him before, but was not sure of his relationship to Israel, so I wikipedia'ed him. He was the prime minister of Israel from 1996-1999. Some of the things he said and I noted was:

Sometimes the critics are wrong

He had a desire to protect people from threats

He had the desire to go to war or not to go to war.

I also had to wikipedia some other references: (Note I do not normally use wikipedia for research, but today I needed definitions. ).

Mullah-Muslim man, who is educated in theology and sacred law
Twelfth Imam-12th political and spiritual leader to Muhammad
Mahdi-Prophesied redeemer of Israel, who will rule for 7, 9, or 19 years before day of judgment.

Iran, is at war with Israel and the United States. Iran has launched multiple attacks against the US and Israel, using rockets, mortars, suicide bombers, missiles, and a pending nuclear attack. The attacks caused loss of hundreds of lives to be lost, injured, and millions in damages paid by Iran. The Presidency of Reagan and Clinton or Israel did not launch an attack, during these times. Israel eventually targeted Iran by bombing rocket factories and weapons warehouses, but no full-blown attack.

This book was enlightening to read, but I learned a lot from it.
Profile Image for Felix.
159 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2013
The book paints a scary prospect: war in the
Middle East between Israel and Iran. The
book was written from the perspective of
somebody who has inside knowledge of Israel's
leaders (Netanyahu) but it seems the author
also clearly sympathizes with Israel.

The book assumes and believes that Iran is
pursuing the nuclear agenda not for peaceful
means but to develop nuclear weapons for the
purpose of launching a nuclear attack on Israel.
It also criticizes the current US Administration of
Barack Obama for not being aggressive enough
in stopping Iran's nuclear program and not
supportive enough of Israel.

The book claims Iran's leaders are not rational
and instead are dedicated towards bringing about
the end of the world to pave the way for
the coming of the 12th Imam and the golden age
for Iran.

War in the middle east is a scary prospect but
the book does not propose any real solution
except to advocate support of Israel, pray for
world peace and criticize the US for not doing
more to support Israel's efforts.

I don't really have any views on this matter
and I don't know enough to support any side but
war in the Middle East is scary and I hope
world leaders on all sides will find a
way to find a solution to this problem that
works for the betterment of the world and
mankind.
Profile Image for GONZA.
7,446 reviews127 followers
October 28, 2012
This book really frightened me, most of all for all the information about the preemptive strike that Israel is going to make against Iran. I didn't knew many of the facts, and I lost myself in the myriads of information about religions, bible sugestion, Obama's reaction and so on, anyway I must remember it's just a very conservative side of the story and I still believe in diplomacy.

Questo libro mi ha spaventato e preoccupato, soprattutto per tutte le informazioni che portano a pensare come un attacco preventivo da parte di Israele contro l'Iran sia ormai prossimo. Non conoscevo la maggior parte dei fatti nè le miriadi d'informazioni riguardo le varie profezie religiose, i suggerimenti della Bibbia, le reazioni di Obama etc.etc. Resta necessario comunque ricordarsi che questa è solo una versione dei fatti, tra l'altro da parte di un'ala molto conservatrice e io ancora credo nella diplomazia.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS FOR THE PREVIEW

Profile Image for Lisa B..
1,369 reviews6 followers
Read
October 28, 2012
My Thoughts:

I requested this book from Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley because I am interested in the Middle East.

While I am glad I read it, I am not going to rate it for several reasons:

1. I do not know enough about this subject to express an informed opinion.

2. This is a hot political topic. Pick a side. Does that make one person right and one person wrong? In my mind no - just a difference of opinion.

3. The author appears to have the background and credentials to express a learned opinion. To me, the book leaned in a certain direction. I'm certain I could find another book that leaned in the opposite direction.

4. I have a long way to go before I think I could ever express an opinion on what is happening in the Middle East. This book was an interesting place to start.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

Publish date: October 12, 2012
125 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2013
If you know Joel Rosenberg, then you really don't need to read this book. There isn't anything that is surprising about his views of Israel and an nuclear armed Iran.

Rosenberg takes us in a close-up trip to the Israeli Prime Minister and how he handles this situation with the Iranians. What this book truly does is give us a better understanding of the man, Netanyahu.

His writing is clear. His knowledge is crisp.

You won't finish reading this book wondering what Rosenberg believes a nuclear Iran will do and how Israel will respond.

He pulls in the United States and the how the situation will implicate us.

This is a fairly short book at only 100 pages so there really isn't much to review because so many people already know Rosenberg from his fiction writing.

This will resonate with people who already agree with his thinking.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale Publishing.
1 review
July 26, 2014
Joel Rosenberg does it again

Joel must have a VERY close walk with the Lord, where else could he get such insight, be so RIGHT ON in 'the truth of the matter'?. As I read this it is July of 2014 and Israel is under attack by terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Once again Obama is playing his role as a disrespectful coward to a T. Russia has invades the Ukraine, a passenger airliner has been blown out of the sky with sophisticated Russian artillery by trained insurge$10,000.nts with all 299 passengers dead. The terrorists in Gaza are using their Palestinian citizens, children mostly as human shields and Obama is off on a 3 day fundraising tour in the Pacific northwest at $10,000.00 a plate. Obama and the U.N. want Israel to cease fire, but this time Netanyahu said NO. WE WILL DEFEND OURSELVES AND OUR COUNTRY. Is this the war of Psalm 83?, leading up to the war of Gov and Magog of Ezekiel 38, 39 that Joel speaks of?. Once again , excellent work!.
Profile Image for Jennie.
241 reviews12 followers
November 5, 2012
This book was a little of an eye opener for me. I have heard a lot of rumblings about Israel and Iran but didn’t really see the urgency. Rosenberg offers a thorough breakdown of current and past histories of Israel and Iran. Some of the history does weigh down the book at times but it is a lengthy history and really necessary. We can only hope that our leaders are leading us down the right path rather then a horrible outcome.

I think that Rosenberg has an absolute gift when it comes to writing his fiction books and speculating on biblical scenarios that could play out. He posed this scenario in the second half of the book and it sends chills up my spine when I think of it possibly coming true.

I was super excited to read a sneak peak of Damacuous Countdown…wish it would have been more then one chapter. I am looking forward to it coming out.
Profile Image for Isa.
158 reviews
April 14, 2013
When Israel signs off on the nuclear proliferation act. . . Maybe I'll feel the sympathy the author is requesting of me. Until then? Biased, to put it mildly and only semi-informative. I want facts, not opinions and not a narrow singular perspective. I'm a STEM major, so while I understand Israel's relevance in the religious world. In the all inclusive real one, what they've done is awful. I don't see holy land as any sort of excuse. It brings the reality of a WWIII starting in the middle east but it doesn't say how, why, or any real reasoning.

Meh, it's a good beginner book for those interested in the ME and particularly the conflict. I just wish it said more regarding Gaza, Palestine, and the other countries Israel has issues with. Lebanon. Syria. I'm not feeling the entire "boo hoo poor israel" vibe, the title is Israel at War. Say what it is, y'know?
Profile Image for Stacey.
77 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2012
This was a really quick read. I read it right before the presidential elections, and my vote was actually swayed by what I read. The situation in Israel is much scarier than I ever paid attention to, and I can't believe we're not more outraged as a nation. I'm anxious to see what happens in the near future. I hope our government will stand behind Israel. Reading this in light of Biblical prophesy made all this more profound. Wow!
Profile Image for Jami Bennington.
155 reviews43 followers
November 12, 2012
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a history fan. I also have, in the last few years, developed an interest in world events centered around the Middle East and how it relates to Biblical history. So when I had the opportunity to read and review Joel C. Rosenberg's Israel at War: Inside the Nuclear Showdown with Iran, I snagged the opportunity. This book was a play-by-play account of what is now happening. http://jamiswords.blogspot.com/2012/1...
Profile Image for Doug.
96 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2012
Anything Joel writes is worth the reading. He has his finger on the pulse of the epicenter of the world. This book came out during the current battle with Gaza. Very timely book. You need to read this book.
Profile Image for Ashwath.
Author 7 books12 followers
August 21, 2013
This book has very little substance. This is more like a promotional book for the author's other books. The arguments in the book is unconvincing and doesn't provide a good perspective to relate to the current scenario.
26 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2013
Really good analysis of the situation between Israel and Iran. I was a little disappointed that the last 30% of the book was a preview of Damascus Countdown, which I have previously read, so I'm wondering if I can get 30% back from my purchase? :)
279 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2014
Are we ready?

"To misunderstand evil is to risk being blindsided by it." Rosenberg presents the possibilities for various scenarios that may occur in the middle east and the Biblical prophecies that should explain them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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