Things aren't looking too good in the Near East these days. Israel (May 15, 1948 00.00) is running Moon-Mercury (or Moon-Ketu if using the Krishnamurti ayanamsha) and Moon is closely conjoined by transit Saturn although it is now separating. Unfortunately, it is moving towards Pluto and the 7th cusp. Uranus falls under the exact trinal aspect of natal Ketu so that is another foundational source of this current phase of violence.
Of more immediate concern is the proximity of transit Mars to natal Mars at 5 Leo. One should expect this high level of violence to continue or even briefly worsen until this conjunction comes exact around the July 20. After that, things will probably de-escalate, at least temporarily. Some sort of ceasefire may occur on the 22nd.
Longer term, the Ketu antardasha doesn't bode well for leaders and governments because it is placed in the 10th house and is squared by Saturn and Pluto. Olmert's adminstration may not last the year. Ketu is further associated with violence since Mars is placed in the nakshatra ruled by Ketu and is placed in the 8th house of sudden actions. Ketu subperiod will last until February 2007. All told, this current crisis gives strong support to the Krishnamurti ayanamsha for this chart. Mercury is nowhere near as afflicted.
