Is Iran Targeting the Temple Mount?
By Tom Gilbreath
Multiple reports say a fragment from an intercepted Iranian missile likely caused the explosion less than 500 yards from the Temple Mount. After watching the video, some observers said it looked more like a bomblet from cluster munition. Either way, it hit inside the Old City of Jerusalem. It was explosive and violent. Unlike a nearby strike that killed nine Israeli civilians and destroyed a synagogue, this one did minimal harm even though several reports indicate that fragments reached areas in and around the Temple Mount.
All of this raises a volatile question. What would happen if an Iranian missile struck the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the Dome of the Rock? In the Twelve-Day War last June, Iran seemed to avoid this area. Could the chatter on social media be right? Is it possible that Iran is targeting Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem? Why?
How would it help Iran to strike Islam’s third holiest site, Al-Aqsa, or the gleaming Dome of the Rock? Both sit on the Temple Mount. Both Shia Muslims (such as those in Iran) and Sunni Muslims believe that Mohammed used the Temple Mount as a launching point for his ascent into “the seven heavens.”
But Shia Muslims believe that the world will be saved by a Muslim messianic figure known as the Mahdi. They believe he will come at a time of chaos, upheaval, and disorder. The destruction of the Dome of the Rock or Al-Aqsa would certainly bring chaos — across the Middle East with powerful echoes around the world.
Groypers and other extreme antisemites have already begun speculating on social media that Israel caused the recent hit on the Old City. Some say Israel left that area unprotected, while others claim it was an IDF black flag operation. I think that would be the standard line among a growing number of people predisposed to blame Israel and the Jews for everything. Outrage would also rebound on Iran, but a regime this desperate to survive might be counting on a shift in blame to Israel. That would bring them new allies, especially in the Middle East.
According to Bible prophecy, a third temple — or at least part of it — will be built. Many believe that permission to build the Temple will be part of the Antichrist’s “covenant with many” that triggers the 70th week-of-years prophesied in Daniel 9, often called the Tribulation. Is it possible that a missile striking the Al-Aqsa Compound could open the door to a future compromise where the Dome of the Rock would be rebuilt alongside a third Temple?
This is speculation. I don’t know how the Temple will be rebuilt. But I do know that the Bible says it will be. Neither am I accusing Iran of trying to destroy sites that their own religion calls holy. But they no longer seem interested in avoiding those sites.
The possibilities are staggering. A single missile could instantly reshape the global geopolitical landscape.
