The first major change came in January, when Donald Trump returned to the White House and reinstated the pro-Israel policies of his first administration. Benjamin Netanyahu was the first foreign leader hosted at the White House, signalling that U.S.–Israeli relations were high on Trump’s agenda. The new administration resumed deliveries of heavy munitions that had been halted under President Biden, approved $4 billion in emergency military aid for Israel, reversed sanctions on settler groups, withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council and UNRWA, and sanctioned the International Criminal Court. These moves were widely viewed as highly pro-Israel and gave the Israeli government more flexibility in regional actions.

This shift created what many perceived as a window of opportunity for Israel to take action against Iran’s nuclear program. In June 2025, Israel reportedly carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. It is believed that these attacks damaged several sites, though the extent of the destruction remains unclear. The U.S. contributed through B2 bombers in an operation known as “Operation Midnight Hammer,” dropping bunker-busting bombs on key facilities and negotiating a ceasefire shortly thereafter

While the precise impact on Iran’s nuclear program is uncertain, the event was widely interpreted as a setback to Iran’s regional standing and a blow to its perceived power.

In October, Israel and Hamas finally agreed to a ceasefire, leading to the release of all living hostages and the return of all deceased hostages, with the exception of Ran Gvili. While the political outcomes remain unclear, Hamas reportedly agreed to disarm and cede governance of Gaza.

For the first time since October 7, 2023, Israel is not engaged in an active war, although tensions remain high.

Despite these significant achievements on the ground, Israel has lost support among international allies. Several European countries have distanced themselves, and nations previously neutral have moved toward a more critical stance on Israel.

Connecting 2025 Events with Bible Prophecy

From a biblical perspective, prophecy describes Israel as a prosperous nation leading up to Christ’s return. Scriptures describe Israel as having “cattle and goods” and spoils of “silver and gold” for Gog to take. Israel is also described as “dwelling safely,” “without walls, and having neither bars nor gates.”

While Israel still faces numerous security challenges, the failure of an enemy like Iran to acquire nuclear weapons is one of the factors required for Israel to be able to dwell safely without fear. From Ezekiel 38:5, Persia (modern Iran) as an enduring enemy of Israel, and so, them obtaining nuclear weapons while they continue to call for the destruction of Israel, would present a blocker to Israel being in that situation of peace described in prophecy.

Prophecy also suggests that Israel will be a nation respected but hated, a characteristic reflected in the formation of the Gogian confederacy. Israel’s current situation in Europe, where criticism and opposition have grown, brings us closer to that situation.

Joel 3 indicates that Gaza will be inhabited by a group opposed to Israel but not actively at war. The political outcome in Gaza remains uncertain, but if the ceasefire is implemented as agreed, it could bring Israel to peace, at least on the Gazan front.

In the West Bank, an estimated 25,000–29,000 housing units have been approved in 2025 alone — more than in 2023 and 2024 combined, likely the highest number in a single year. This expansion supports the prophetic expectation that Israel will be “dwelling upon the mountains” at the time of Christ’s return.

Looking back over 2025, we can see progress toward security and settlement, while simultaneously witnessing international opposition. The “spirits like frogs” gathering the world for battle, as described in Revelation, may be reflected in these geopolitical tensions. As we enter 2026, let us prepare for the return of Christ and pray that this coming year could be the year of His return.