Area Total | 20,770 sq km |
Climate | temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas |
Natural Resources | timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand |
Imports | $68.61 billion (2017 est.) partners: US 11.7%, China 9.5%, Switzerland 8%, Germany 6.8%, UK 6.2%, Belgium 5.9%, Netherlands 4.2%, Turkey 4.2%, Italy 4% (2017) |
Exports | $58.67 billion (2017 est.) partners: US 28.8%, UK 8.2%, Hong Kong 7%, China 5.4%, Belgium 4.5% (2017) |
Government | parliamentary democracy |
Capital | Jerusalem |
Population | 8.4 million (July 2018 est.) |
Ethnicity | Jewish 74.4% (of which Israel-born 76.9%, Europe/America/Oceania-born 15.9%, Africa-born 4.6%, Asia-born 2.6%), Arab 20.9%, other 4.7% (2018 est.) |
Language | Hebrew (official), Arabic (used officially for Arab minority), English (most commonly used foreign language) |
News about Israel
- How to watch and vote in the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contestby Via AP news wire on May 17, 2025
Acts from more than two dozen countries will take the stage in Basel, Switzerland, to compete in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest
- IDF begins renewed offensive in Gaza with operation 'Gideon’s Chariots'on May 16, 2025
The military said that it had launched several strikes and deployed forces to secure swaths of land in the Gaza Strip to renew its offensive in the enclave.
- Terrorists dressed as women to transfer Edan Alexander across Gaza, released hostage recountson May 16, 2025
Edan Alexander described only being given seawater and dirty bread to consume during his year in captivity.
- Danon accuses UN aid chief of weaponizing the word 'genocide' against Israelon May 16, 2025
While briefing the 15-member body earlier this week, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said: "Will you act – decisively – to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law?"
- 'Hamas terrorists kicked me, received sexual, verbal abuse,' Keith Siegel says in new interviewon May 16, 2025
“We experienced sexual and verbal abuse: comments about the size of our genitals and comparisons between us, about my daughters, about my wife's sexual orientation," he elaborated.
- The crisis is Gaza is only growing. Here's what to knowby Julia Frankel on May 16, 2025
The crisis in Gaza has reached one of its darkest periods, as Israel blocks all food and supplies from entering the territory and continues an intensifying bombardment campaign
- Assailant wounds police officer in terror attackon May 16, 2025
The suspect was neutralized at the scene and the wounded individual was evacuated for medical treatment at Shaare Zedek.
- Katz threatens to kill Houthi leaders while hinting at Mohammed Sinwar's deathon May 16, 2025
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that these strikes are just the beginning.
- Israeli show 'Bad Boy' hits Netflix global Top 10 liston May 16, 2025
The Hebrew-language series, which tells a hard-hitting, moving story of a teen in the juvenile detention system who becomes a stand-up comedian, is showing on the streamer in 45 countries altogether.
- IDF evacuates Gazans in North ahead of large-scale ground op.on May 16, 2025
The move is intended to prepare the ground for the next phase of the operation, which is a broad ground offensive against Hamas.
- Eran Riklis speaks on adapting 'Reading Lolita in Tehran' to the big screenon May 16, 2025
The movie is now playing in theaters around Israel and opened to rave reviews in Italy and France a few months ago.
- Gaza children are sent back to war zone following medical care after Jordan rejects requests to stayby Omar Akour,Samy Magdy and Sam Mednick on May 16, 2025
Seventeen Palestinian children and their caregivers were recently sent back to Gaza after receiving medical treatment in Jordan
- Gaza deal negotiations show no progress, Israeli source tells 'Post'on May 16, 2025
"The impression received is that the Israelis came to Doha to thwart the talks and find justification for renewing the war in Gaza," a foreign source said.
- Voices: For Eurovision’s sake, let’s keep politics out of the song contestby Clair Woodward on May 16, 2025
It’s a shame this year’s contest is bogged down in anti-Israel controversy, says Clair Woodward – the frivolous get-together should be all about the performances, not the real world
- Moment Gaza residents flee as Israeli airstrike hits house caught on videoby Holly Patrick on May 16, 2025
Footage captured the moment an Israeli strike hit a building in Jabaliya, in the Gaza Strip, on Thursday, 15 May.
- Severe but stable: Improvement in baby's condition of woman murdered in terror attackon May 16, 2025
“Our medical teams are prepared and continue to provide dedicated and comprehensive care,” the medical center said.
- Eurovision explained as the extravagant pop contest reaches its grand finalby Jill Lawless on May 16, 2025
The 69th Eurovision Song Contest is approaching its grand final in the Swiss city of Basel
- Grapevine, May 16, 2025: Generous gift to the University of Haifaon May 16, 2025
Movers and shakers in Israeli society.
- Light aircraft crashes off Israeli coast, one in critical conditionon May 16, 2025
The pilot managed to escape the plane and reach land, with light injuries, Magen David Adom (MDA) confirmed. The other passenger was later rescued and is undergoing medical treatment at the scene.
- Knesset c'mtee discusses scam stealing millions from elderly, Holocaust survivorson May 16, 2025
The fraud, committed largely via telephone, particularly targeted Israel's Russian-speaking community, with scammers speaking in Russian.
- Einav Zangauker receives sign of life from her son Matan, held hostage in Gazaon May 16, 2025
On Monday, following the announcement of Edan Alexander's return, Zangauker stated: "If Matan is left alone in the tunnel, Netanyahu decided to murder my child."
- Arsonist sparks Jerusalem valley fire that is now in 'containment stage'on May 16, 2025
At least 10 fire and rescue teams were dispatched, with four firefighting aircraft in assistance.
- Trump: 'People are starving' in Gaza, US will address iton May 16, 2025
"We're monitoring what's happening in Gaza and we're going to address it - people are starving there," Trump said during his tour in Abu Dhabi.
- AP PHOTOS: Eurovision performers gear up for grand final with sparkles and songsby By Martin Meissner on May 16, 2025
The 69th Eurovision Song Contest will holds its grand final on Saturday night.
- Hostage Families Forum criticize Gaza strikes, call to reach dealon May 16, 2025
"The effort to sabotage the proposals currently on the table will be remembered with contempt forever," the families stated.