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 –02–05 February 2026
(Click on the blue title)
Lay of the Land’s ‘PhotoPick’ of the Week
SUSPENSE SAGA
People in the region WATCH, WAITand WONDER what may unfold and how it may impact their lives!
ARTICLES
Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.
(1)
BRAVE HEART
A fulfillment of a sacred vow – to bring them all home
By Rolene Marks
like a lion. “First in, last out,” in the words of his bereaved mother, Ran symbolizes
the courage and self-sacrifice of Israel’s finest young people.
BRAVE HEART
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(2)
THE WORLD’S MOST EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE
The upside-down world that we now live in.
By Neville Berman
and Yazidis struggle for their cause of sovereign rights to globally resonate, not so for the Palestinians.
Has it less to do with being Palestinian and more to do with their adversary being a ‘Jewish’ state?
THE WORLD’S MOST EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE
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(3)
CYPRUS, ISRAEL’S CLOSEST FARAWAY PLACE
Not only an attraction for Israel travelers, this captivating Mediterranean gem is attracting Israelis who are contributing to the Island and its tourism industry.
By Motti Verses
and beauty was born. For centuries, people have traveled here to sweep their loved one off their feet.
More and more Israeli tourists are showing that are being swept off their feet by Cyprus.
CYPRUS, ISRAEL’S CLOSEST FARAWAY PLACE
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(4)
THE ARAB VOICE – FEBRUARY 2026
Perspectives and insights from writers in the Arab media
in the Arab media are more approving, viewing it as a last ‘shot’ at peace for the region.
Whether expectation is a consequence of exasperation, time will tell.
THE ARAB VOICE – FEBRUARY 2026
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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).
