John P. McTernan’s book As America Has Done to Israel suggests a shocking link between U.S. foreign policy and natural disasters. When the U.S. pressures Israel to go against its interests, he argues, it could trigger divine retribution in the form of catastrophic events. With the devastating California wildfires in January 2025 and the recently brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, we may be witnessing a frightening example of this theory in action.

A Bad Deal for Israel

On January 15, 2025, the U.S. brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions. But the deal was a bad one for Israel. In exchange for halting military operations, Israel was forced into unfair concessions—and the terms heavily favored Hamas.

A thousand Palestinian prisoners—including 110 individuals serving life sentences for terrorism—are set to be released. These are people responsible for killing Israeli citizens, and now they’ll walk free. In exchange, Israel will receive just 33 hostages. But here’s the catch: there’s no proof of life for many of the hostages. Israel is trading terrorists for hostages, and not even getting confirmation that its citizens are still alive.

The two-state solution—the same flawed plan that’s been a source of conflict for decades—is also on the table as part of the ceasefire. The idea of creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel, while Israel’s security is compromised, remains a point of contention. Critics rightly argue this is simply another way of undermining Israel’s legitimacy and safety.

Israel, the victim, is being told to stand down. Hamas started the war with an unprovoked massacre that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 kidnapped. Despite this, the U.S. pushed for a ceasefire where Israel was asked to make major concessions, while Hamas—who initiated the violence— was not held to the same standard.

Disastrous California Wildfires

Just days before the January 15, 2025 ceasefire, California went up in flames. Catastrophic wildfires swept through coastal cities, killing dozens, displacing thousands, and destroying entire communities. It’s hard to ignore the timing of these events.

McTernan suggests that when America pressures Israel, divine retribution follows. Could these wildfires be a sign? A spiritual consequence for forcing Israel into an unjust agreement?

Amid claims that the California fires are being fueled by heat, drought, and mismanagement, what if the timing is more than just a coincidence? Could this be a response to America’s role in putting pressure on Israel to compromise? The U.S.-Israel relationship is more than just political; it’s spiritually significant. And the timing of these disasters raises serious questions.

Israel’s Struggle to Stand

The ceasefire deal might be a dangerous misstep for Israel, one that weakens its security and emboldens its enemies. While the U.S. continues to act as a mediator, it must stop forcing Israel to make unnecessary sacrifices in the name of peace. Releasing terrorists in exchange for hostages is not a fair trade. Telling Israel to stand down after Hamas’ brutal attacks is a slap in the face to the lives lost and the families torn apart.

The world has seen the damage of the two-state solution—and the ceasefire deal perpetuates that flawed ideology. A Palestinian state at Israel’s expense won’t bring peace; it will only further jeopardize Israel’s safety.

As Israel contemplates its next steps, let us pray for the peace of Israel and encourage our politicians to act on Israel’s behalf. If these wildfires are any indication, the cost of this deal is not just political, but much, much greater.