Indigenous trade at the heart of South America
Israel, officially known as the State of Israel, is a country located in the Middle East, on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Key Facts
Capital: Jerusalem (internationally disputed, with some countries recognizing Tel Aviv as the capital)
Population: Approximately 9.3 million (2023)
Official Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic (recognized)
Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu (2023)
President: Isaac Herzog (2023)
Geography
Israel's geography is diverse, with coastal plains, mountain ranges, deserts (such as the Negev), and fertile valleys. The Jordan River flows from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.
History
Israel has a complex history rooted in ancient times and the modern political landscape:
Ancient History: The land of Israel has been significant in Jewish history for thousands of years, dating back to the biblical kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Jewish ties to the land go back to ancient prophets and kings, including David and Solomon.
Diaspora: After the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in AD 70, most Jews were dispersed, leading to the Jewish Diaspora.
Modern Zionism: The modern movement for the return of Jews to their ancestral homeland, known as Zionism, emerged in the late 19th century, led by figures like Theodor Herzl.
Establishment of Israel (1948): Israel was established as a modern state on May 14, 1948, following the United Nations' partition plan, which divided British-controlled Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. This event led to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, with neighboring Arab countries attacking Israel. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Israel survived the conflict and expanded its territory.
Conflicts and Peace Efforts
Arab-Israeli Conflict: Israel's establishment led to a series of conflicts with its Arab neighbors, including wars in 1956, 1967 (the Six-Day War), and 1973 (the Yom Kippur War). In the 1967 war, Israel captured territories like the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem.
Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: The conflict with the Palestinians remains unresolved. Palestinians seek an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital, but peace efforts, such as the Oslo Accords and the Camp David Summit, have not led to a final agreement.
Peace Treaties: Israel signed peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. Recently, Israel normalized relations with several Arab nations through the Abraham Accords (2020), including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.
Economy
Israel has a highly developed, innovative economy, with strengths in technology, agriculture, and defense. Some key sectors include:
Technology and Startups: Israel is known as the "Startup Nation" due to its high concentration of technology startups and innovation. It is a world leader in fields such as cybersecurity, medical devices, and software.
Agriculture: Despite its arid conditions, Israel has developed advanced agricultural technologies like drip irrigation.
Defense Industry: Israel's defense industry is advanced, producing technology for its military, such as the Iron Dome missile defense system.
Society and Culture
Israel's population is highly diverse, with Jewish, Arab, Druze, and other communities. Among Jews, there are distinctions between Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrahi communities, reflecting the different regions they emigrated from.
Religion: Judaism is the dominant religion, but Israel is also home to Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Baha'i followers.
Jerusalem: The capital city, Jerusalem, is sacred to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, housing important religious sites like the Western Wall, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Culture: Israeli culture is a blend of ancient and modern influences, with a thriving arts scene, music, and cuisine reflecting the diversity of its population.
Political System
Israel has a parliamentary system. Its government is based on a proportional representation electoral system, and its politics are often shaped by the need for coalition governments due to the large number of political parties.
Knesset: Israel's parliament is called the Knesset, consisting of 120 members.
Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the head of government, typically the leader of the largest party in the Knesset.
Controversies: Israel's internal politics are marked by debates over security, the relationship between religion and state, and peace efforts with the Palestinians.
Modern Issues
Security Concerns: Israel continues to face threats from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and broader tensions with Iran.
Settlements: The construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has been a major point of contention in peace talks with Palestinians and is widely considered illegal under international law.
High-tech Economy: Israel's focus on high-tech industries has boosted its global economic standing, but the country also faces social challenges, including inequality and housing costs.
Key Cities and Landmarks
Tel Aviv: Known for its vibrant cultural scene, beaches, and as a tech hub.
Haifa: A mixed city of Jews and Arabs, home to the Bahá'í World Centre.
Eilat: A popular tourist city on the Red Sea, known for its beaches and coral reefs.
Israel Today
Israel remains a major player in Middle Eastern geopolitics, balancing its strong economic growth with ongoing security challenges and complex relationships with its neighbors. Its society is dynamic, diverse, and deeply connected to its ancient history and religious heritage.
Copyright (C) S. Midttun, 2024
