Newt Gingrich has called the Middle East conflict the start of World War III. Is this a sign of the end times?

The bible prophecies about a great war against Israel in the last days. Israel will be protected and a peace covenant will be signed by a world leader promising that Isreal will be allowed to live peacefully. The signing of the peace covenant will usher in the 7 year tribulation and the antichrist will be the world leader who signs the peace covenant with Israel.