IsraelEdit
Israel is a country in the eastern Mediterranean whose modern existence grew out of a long historical process of Jewish self-determination in the land historically known as Zionism and the broader return of Jews to the region. Located at a strategic crossroads between Africa, Asia, and Europe, it features a varied landscape—from the arid Negev desert to the densely populated coastal plains around Tel Aviv and the historic hills of Jerusalem and Galilee. Since its founding in 1948, the state has built a robust, market-oriented economy and a vibrant civil society, anchored by a parliamentary democracy and a military that is deeply integrated into national life.
Israel’s population is diverse, with a Jewish majority alongside a substantial Arab minority and smaller communities of Druze, Christians, and others. The Jewish population includes a spectrum of religious observance—from secular to ultra-orthodox—while the country’s civic institutions strive to accommodate a multiplicity of viewpoints within a framework of equal rights under the law. The Law of Return and the structured integration of immigrants, including large waves from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, and the diaspora, remain central to national identity and demographic development.
History
Israel’s modern history begins with late 19th and early 20th century political and social movements seeking a Jewish national homeland in the historic lands of the Hebrew people. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the subsequent British Mandate era set the diplomatic and political framework for Jewish self-rule and Arab-Palestinian national aspirations in the region. The 1947 UN Partition Plan proposed separate Jewish and Arab states, a plan that was accepted by Jewish leaders and rejected by Arab leaders, leading to the 1948 War of Independence and the establishment of the State of Israel.
The ensuing decades saw recurrent conflict and coexistence. Israel fought major wars in 1956, 1967, and 1973, and it gradually built a durable framework for diplomacy with neighboring states. The peace treaty with Egypt–Israel peace treaty in 1979 and the 1994 peace with Jordan–Israel peace treaty solidified regional alignments. The 1990s produced a wave of negotiations, including the Oslo Accords and the 1993 recognition of mutual legitimacy with the Palestinians, albeit with persistent difficulties and renewed tensions.
Israel’s economy expanded dramatically through the late 20th and early 21st centuries, driven by innovative sectors such as information technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and energy. The discovery and development of natural gas fields in the 2000s and 2010s further integrated Israel into regional and international energy markets and contributed to a diversification of the economy.
In recent years, Israel has pursued a diplomacy of selective normalization with several Arab states, culminating in formal agreements known as the Abraham Accords. These agreements reflect a shared interest in regional stability, trade, and security cooperation, and they have had a meaningful impact on Israel’s strategic environment.
Geography and demography
Israel spans about 22,000 square kilometers and features a range of ecological zones, from the desert climate of the Negev to the Mediterranean climate of the coastal plain. The country’s densely populated urban centers sit alongside rural areas and frontier communities. The Arab minority—comprising Muslims, Christians, and Druze—lives in urban and rural settings across the country, contributing to a pluralistic political culture while sometimes raising questions about national cohesion and equal opportunity.
Jerusalem holds a central symbolic and political role for multiple faiths and political movements. Parks, infrastructure, universities, and research institutions populate the landscape, underscoring a national emphasis on education and innovation as pillars of prosperity.
Politics, government, and law
Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a multiparty system and a highly active civil society. Legislative power resides in the Knesset, and executive authority is exercised by the government led by the prime minister. The president serves a largely ceremonial role, while the prime minister and cabinet set policy directions. The judiciary, including the Israeli Supreme Court, operates as an independent branch of government and often serves as a check on legislative and executive actions.
The political spectrum in Israel encompasses parties that emphasize security and national unity, economic liberalism and innovation, religious-cultural factors, and provincial or regional interests. The electoral system emphasizes proportional representation, which encourages a diverse parliament and coalition governance. Within this framework, debates over security, borders, and national identity remain central to political life. The state also enacts laws and policies related to immigration, civil rights, and education, shaping daily life in a way that integrates both Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
Economy and innovation
Israel’s economy is among the most dynamic in the world, with a robust high-tech sector, substantial venture-capital activity, and a strong emphasis on research and development. Innovation hubs, universities, and private-sector collaboration have produced a reputation for agility in fields like cybersecurity, biomedicine, agritech, and semiconductor technology. Energy discoveries in the Leviathan field and other offshore resources have complemented a diversified export base that includes technology, agriculture, and manufactured goods.
Labor markets, regulatory environments, and tax policy have evolved toward enabling entrepreneurship while addressing social protections. The economy has benefited from a strong global orientation, including close trade and security ties with the United States and expanding relationships across the European Union and other partners. See Economy of Israel for a fuller analysis.
Security, defense, and public order
Israel maintains a strong emphasis on national security and the deterrence necessary to manage regional threats. The Israel Defense Forces is a central institution in national life, reflecting a conscript-based system and a culture of service. The country has invested in defensive systems such as the Iron Dome and other missile-defense technologies to defend civilian populations.
Security concerns shape many policy choices, including the management of borders, responses to terrorism, and the control of sensitive areas in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Proponents of ongoing security measures argue they are essential for protecting citizens and preserving regional stability, while critics urge more rapid progress toward durable political settlements that address the needs and rights of all residents. The status of Jerusalem and the question of borders remain among the most contentious topics in security discourse, with different proposals for achieving lasting peace balanced against legitimate security concerns.
Foreign policy and diplomacy
Israel’s foreign policy seeks to safeguard security and resilience while pursuing opportunities for international cooperation and regional normalization. The United States has traditionally been a major ally in security, diplomacy, and economic collaboration. Regional diplomacy has evolved with Abraham Accords and evolving ties with some Arab states as governments seek mutual interests in trade, tourism, technology, and regional stability.
Diplomatic engagements also involve complex debates about the Palestinian question, the status of Jerusalem, and the future of a potential two-state arrangement, along with governance and human-rights considerations. Supporters of pragmatic diplomacy argue that sustained security guarantees and economic development create the conditions for long-term peace, while critics stress that without verifiable ceasefires and credible institutions, peace agreements may falter.
Controversies and debates
Settlements and borders: Disputes over the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and related security implications remain a focal point of international and domestic debate. Proponents argue that settlement policy is tied to strategic depth, security, and historical connections to the land, while opponents contend that settlement activity complicates prospects for a two-state solution and international legitimacy. See West Bank settlements for context.
Jerusalem: The status of Jerusalem—including whether it should be the capital of the state and how sacred sites are managed—poses a long-running dispute in international diplomacy and domestic politics. Supporters emphasize historical and religious significance and practical governance, while opponents raise questions about sovereignty and bilateral negotiations.
Two-state solution and peace process: The viability of a negotiated two-state settlement remains contested. Advocates argue it offers a pathway to regional stability and shared sovereignty, while skeptics contend that security risks, demographic realities, and political incentives undermine a viable agreement. Discussions on this topic engage multiple parties, including the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and regional actors, as well as international mediators.
International law and human rights debates: International debates over the legality of settlements, displacement, and civil rights within disputed territories are ongoing. Critics often frame these issues in terms of human rights and international norms, while supporters emphasize security needs, historical claims, and legal interpretations that prioritize national self-determination. The conversation is nuanced and contested across different legal and moral frameworks.
Immigration and national identity: The balance between immigration, minority rights, and civic integration is a continuous policy challenge. The Law of Return and related policies anchor Jewish immigration as a national project, while efforts to expand equal rights and opportunities for all citizens are ongoing within a diverse society.
Economic policy and regulation: The country’s openness to market incentives and innovation coexists with social welfare programs and regulatory oversight. Debates often revolve around taxation, competition, housing, and investment, balancing growth with social cohesion.