Symbols are important.
Pontificating with self-righteous pseudo-confidence about symbols is . . . to be avoided . . . imho.
Things will be understood better by and by as the old Hymn asserts.
However,
ISRAEL
AND GOD’S HEART FOR ISRAEL AND PLANS FOR ISRAEL ARE AMONGST THE CLEAREST AND MOST DEPENDABLE PARTS OF SCRIPTURE.
Amen! Israel is the apple of His eye. Zechariah 2:8 For thus says the LORD of hosts: "He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.
And we are commanded to pray for the peace of Israel as well. Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
Isaiah 2:2-5 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come and let us walk In the light of the LORD.
Now, I'm pretty certain THAT hasn't happened yet. :)