I believe the clock started when Israel became a nation state again (proclaimed in Tel Aviv on 14 May 1948).
IMO though, the 7 years of tribulation may have actually started when Barrack was given authority. Just sayin' ...
It seems that a covenant (peace treaty) will be made with (forced on?) Israel by Antichrist (?) at the beginning of the final seven years. Dan. 9:27. That's what I'm looking for (among other things).