Israel is a country in the Middle East, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt, as well as the Palestinian territories in the West Bank, also known by Israelis as Judea and Samaria, and the Gaza Strip. The capital is Jeruselum, while Tel Aviv serves as the country’s economic and technological hub.
Israel was established as a modern state in 1948 and has a history deeply rooted in religious, cultural and geopolitical significance. Hebrew is the official language, with Arabic also widely spoken.
The economy is highly developed, with strengths in technology, defense, agriculture and natural gas production. Israel is a global leader in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and medical research. Despite limited natural resources, it has built a strong industrial and service-based economy, supported by international trade and innovation.
Israel has been involved in long-standing regional conflicts, particularly with Palestinian terrorist groups and neighboring states. In October 2023, a major war erupted after the Hamas terror group invaded parts of southern Israel, which resulted in the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Some 1,200 people were murdered, and 251 men, women and children were kidnapped into Gaza. Israel responded and has been at war with Iranian-backed terror groups since then. The conflict has further intensified tensions in the region, drawing international attention and diplomatic efforts to negotiate ceasefires and long-term resolutions. Security concerns, military operations and political dynamics continue to shape Israel’s domestic policies and foreign relations.
