Disturbing yet illuminating insights from writers in the Arab media opining on Israel’s current war with Gaza.

(*Translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)

ISRAEL’S SERVICE TO THE PALISTINIAN CAUSE
By Ahmed Abdel-Tawwab

Al-Ahram, Egypt, April 5

Israeli policies have inadvertently shed light on the Palestinian struggle in recent months, showcasing undeniable evidence of the Israeli army’s heinous crimes against innocent civilians. Through audio and video recordings, the world has witnessed atrocities such as the killing of children, blocking access to essential supplies, and targeting hospitals. This stark reality has debunked Israel’s self-proclaimed image as a modern democratic state, revealing the underlying racism within its leadership. These revelations have surpassed any previous efforts by Palestinians to bring attention to their plight since the conflict with Zionist groups predating the establishment of Israel. As a result, Israel’s close allies may now reconsider their support, not because they were unaware of the war crimes or racism, but because Israel has lost its ability to conceal its actions from the world.

The once formidable façade has crumbled, leaving Israel’s friends vulnerable to scrutiny on the world stage. In addition to exposing Israel’s true nature, recent events have also highlighted the incompetence of its intelligence agencies. The unexpected Hamas strike on October 7 caught Israeli authorities off guard, revealing a lack of foresight and strategic planning. The notion of Israel’s “invincible army” has been shattered, rendering it a subject of ridicule rather than fear among Palestinians. Israel’s oppressive tactics, though brutal, have clearly failed to achieve their intended goals. The rising Palestinian generation now views the Israeli army not as a force to be reckoned with but as a tool for destruction and intimidation that ultimately falls short of its objectives. This shift in perception marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the need for a reevaluation of Israel’s actions and policies.

—Ahmed Abdel-Tawwab 

HAMAS THRIVES ON CHAOS AND DISCORD
By Najeeb Yamani 

Okaz, Saudi Arabia, April 4

I was not surprised at all by the crude and direct incitement orchestrated by the leaders of the Hamas movement against the Jordanian public. Their actions sought to destabilize the region, throwing it into the fiery chaos that had ignited in the Gaza Strip following their ill-advised endeavor on the seventh of October under the banner of Al-Aqsa Flood.

The catastrophic consequences we witness today are a direct result of their actions. My lack of surprise at Hamas’ conduct arises from my firm conviction and informed understanding of the Muslim Brotherhood and its operating mechanisms. The Brotherhood’s reckless agenda places human safety and security as secondary concerns, utilizing strong religious emotions to manipulate public sentiment. Hamas’ demagogic discourse, driven by unbridled emotion and inverted reality, often leads to disastrous outcomes. The ongoing humanitarian and military crisis in the Gaza Strip was hoped to be a turning point, a lesson learned, and an opportunity for self-reflection. However, Hamas failed to heed the disastrous results of their actions, paving the way for the Israeli occupier to further suppress the Palestinian cause. By spreading incendiary rhetoric, Hamas directly aimed to destabilize neighboring countries, particularly Jordan, inciting chaos and disregarding sovereignty. Hamas leader Mohammed Deif’s audacious incitement of Jordanians to revolt shows the depth of Hamas’ manipulative tactics. Their inflammatory narrative only fuels the fire of conflict, using ordinary people as pawns in a larger game. Hamas portrays the war against Israel as a battle of enthusiasm and emotion rather than strategic planning, undermining the true complexities of the conflict. This demagoguery serves only as a political lesson to those who fail to grasp reality or evaluate situations with a clear mind. Hamas must acknowledge the consequences of their actions and the misguided adventures they undertake. By targeting neighboring countries and inciting the masses, Hamas only drives the region further into turmoil. The motivations behind Hamas’ incitement must be scrutinized, particularly considering the timing of their actions. Khaled Mashal’s call for a battle of Al-Aqsa Flood and subsequent visit to Iran reveal a larger agenda at play. Hamas’ alignment with Iranian interests and the Safavid agenda raise concerns about their true intentions and loyalties. If Hamas truly cared for the Palestinian cause, it would hold Iran and other supporters accountable for their promises and hollow threats. The Brotherhood’s agenda thrives on chaos and discord, seeking to subvert religious texts for their own gain. The consequences of power in the hands of groups like the Brotherhood are evident in the plight of Sudan today, a cautionary tale of the destruction wrought by unchecked extremism. 

—Najeeb Yamani 

HEZBOLLAH’S WEAPONS FRIGHTEN NOT JUST ISRAELIS BUT ALSO LEBANESE
By Jean Feghali

Nida Al Watan, Lebanon, April 12

In a recent appearance on International Quds Day, Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary-general of Hezbollah, declared:

 “We have not employed our main weapons yet, nor have we used our main forces.”

Similarly, back in early March, MP Mohammad Raad, the head of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, made a statement asserting:

“We have not yet used all our weapons. The weapons reserves for open warfare have not yet been deployed, and the enemy knows it.”

Hezbollah is known for its secretive approach regarding the weapons in its military arsenal. They keep the details hidden due to military secrets, causing unease among Israelis who constantly try to uncover the weapons stockpiled by the party. Nasrallah even claimed that Hezbollah’s budget, weapons, and missiles are supplied by the Islamic Republic of Iran. While it is no secret that Hezbollah’s weapons arsenal has Iranian origins, the organization has been expanding its sources of armament, acquiring new weapons in addition to the ones left by the Syrian Army when it withdrew from Lebanon in 2005. Not limited to Iranian supplies, Hezbollah also manufactures weapons in Lebanon, and receives arms through various means from Iran, Syria, and the Bekaa region.

Moreover, Hezbollah is said to acquire high-quality weapons from the black market, even ones manufactured in the West. There have been instances of Iranian weapons being used, including during the Iran-Iraq war when Iran illegally purchased American missiles through a covert deal orchestrated by American officials. The trend of pragmatism is visible not only in Hezbollah’s weapon procurement strategies but also in the diplomatic actions of the US and Iran. The historical context of arms trading between Iran and the US demonstrates how pragmatism often trumps ideological differences. Hezbollah’s approach, based on pragmatism, aims to wield its weapons not only against Israel but also as a tool in Lebanese internal politics. This versatility and adaptability make Hezbollah’s arsenal a subject of concern not only for Israelis but also for the Lebanese people.

– Jean Feghali

While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves.  LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).