Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond.
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THE ISRAEL BRIEF- 11-14 August 2025
(Click on the blue title)

Lay of the Land’s Pick of the Week is an image of ambiguity
THE PHOTO THAT SHOWED LITTLE AND REVEALED MUCH

“How to spin a hamburger that it appears as fillet mignon.” Israelis know the ‘deal’
from so many letdowns as their hostages languish in Gaza tunnels!

Articles
Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.
(1)
INSIGHTS FROM THE INSIDE
Succumbing to Hamas propaganda, South Africa’s government is part of an immoral minority on the wrong side of history
By Derek Arnolds
(recently retired senior intelligence analyst in South Africa’s Secret Service)

leader Khaled Mashaal, bellowed to the crowd of supporters waving Hamas’ green and white flags
that the wave of knife attacks against Israelis would continue until “…the land is for Palestine.”
Should we be surprised today?
INSIGHTS FROM THE INSIDE
(Click on the blue title)
(2)
ROARING AGAINST BETRAYAL
Cozying up to antisemites to feel “safe” is not assimilation it’s surrender – “It’s letting the world’s hatred rewrite your soul”
By Grant Gochin

While homophobiahas faded, antisemitism is “de rigueur.” To be gay today “you must denounce Israel,
vilify Zionists, spit on your Jewishness …and nod along as the world justifies our slaughter.”
NOT ME – roars this writer in proud defiance!
ROARING AGAINST BETRAYAL
(Click on the blue title)
(3)
THE ARAB VOICE – AUGUST 2025
Perspectives and insights from writers in the Arab media

incapable of extricating itself from, Lay of the Land this week taps into the Arab perspective of
what is evolving and the ramifications for Palestinians and the region.
THE ARAB VOICE – AUGUST 2025
(Click on the blue title)

LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche
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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).