This podcast is sponsored by Canacord Genuity Wealth Management, award-winning wealth managers who go above and beyond to support and guide you.

Visit can-dowealth.com to start building your wealth with confidence.

Hello, I'm Sam Holmes and welcome to Spectator Out Loud. Every week, a few of our favourite writers read their pieces from the latest issue. This week, we'll hear from Max Jeffrey on his first impressions visiting Israel. Kate Andrews on her difficult relationship with Newcastle Football Club, and finally Maggie Ferguson's

review of the new book, Blacksmith, Apprentice to Master, tools and traditions of an ancient craft.

First up, Max Jeffrey. From an Israeli army base on the border with Lebanon, I can see the village

of Maroonarras. An Iranian flag flies from the dome of the mosque.

Nearby, strapped to a post, is a 20-foot cutout of the late Iranian general, Kasim Soleimani,

which was put there earlier this year by Hezbollah after he was killed by an American airstrike in 2020.

His right arm and index finger are stretched out, pointing menacingly over the valley at Israel.

Hezbollah, backed by Tehran, control Maroon al-Ras, and I can hear the buzz of a drone watching them.

Some Israeli officials say Iran could have enough and rich uranium for a nuclear bomb in just a few weeks.

I'm here with Bicom, the Britain-Israel Communications and Research Centre. In Tel Aviv, our small group of journalists meet Isawi Frege, the second Muslim minister in Israel's history, who is tasked with improving relations with the country's Arab neighbours. If war does come, Israel wants them on its side.

An abalient head of security escorts us to the minister, telling us in a thick Russian accent

about his posting at Israel's Kensington Embassy.

I met the very nice man, David Cameron, he says.

In his office, Fred says two or three more Arab states will follow the United Arab Emirates,

Bahrain and Morocco in re-establishing diplomatic ties with Israel by next year.

Saudi Arabia is a priority, but the king, like many other Muslims, won't forgive Israel for taking what he sees as Palestinian

land. In Ramallah, in the West Bank, it's easy to forget the 70-year conflict. The roads

are flanked by nail salons, billboards advertising chicken burgers and a Mercedes-Benz garage.

But the situation is especially precarious today.

Mahmoud Abbas has clung to the presidency here for 16 years,

...