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
- 30% of complaints filed about judges in 2024 were justified, report findson September 15, 2025
The annual “Public Complaints Commission on State Representatives in the Courts” report, authored by judge Prof. Menachem Finkelstein, found half the total complaints concerned the prosecution.
- Music on the double: Liturgical singer Lior Elmaleh offers a sonic bridge for allon September 15, 2025
The 51-year-old payetan – liturgical singer – has put together an impressive roster of artists for the occasion, culling top performers from the piyut domain alongside other musicians.
- Gov't agrees to discuss A-G termination with high courton September 15, 2025
Government tells High Court it will discuss A-G Gali Baharav-Miara’s dismissal under court outline if conditions on timing and attendance are met.
- Israel Information Center organizes award ceremony for books on Shimon Peres, Moshe Sharetton September 14, 2025
Peres, the only one to serve as both prime minister and president, and Sharett, the country’s second prime minister, were chosen as the focus of the Israel Information Center's award ceremony.
- Israelis oppose West Bank annexation, prioritize ties with Arab countries, survey revealson September 14, 2025
The poll indicates that most Israelis are worried that unilateral annexation or an extended military campaign in Gaza could harm regional alliances and weaken Israel’s international standing.
- Trump admin. looks to restart hostage negotiations in new talks with Israel, Qataron September 14, 2025
Over the weekend, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Washington, where he met with the Trump administration.
- Dozens of Mossad women penetrated Iran during 12-Day War- exclusiveon September 14, 2025
The Mossad is poised to intervene if Tehran seems to be trying to use its uranium to move again in the direction of a nuclear weapon.
- PM Netanyahu praises Yamam unit for historic Gaza hostage rescue missionson September 14, 2025
Netanyahu opened Yamam's 50th anniversary celebration by commending the elite unit for its contribution to Israel's war against terrorism.
- Herzog calls to strengthen ties with UAE in aftermath of Qatar strikes - exclusiveon September 14, 2025
Israel's President Isaac Herzog made the statements at a service honoring fallen president Shimon Peres and prime minister Moshe Sharett.
- Hamas officials scramble to flee Gaza while forcing civilians to remain in harms way - COGATon September 14, 2025
"While Hamas calls the residents of Gaza City NOT to move south, its operatives fear for their own lives and are seeking to leave the Gaza Strip," COGAT wrote.
- Sa'ar: No decision made on applying West Bank sovereignty, dialogue with US underwayon September 14, 2025
West Bank sovereignty will be raised as part of possible response measures to continued attempts to promote a Palestinian state, Sa'ar said.
- IDF braces for Hamas kidnapping attempts in Gaza City offensive, officers sayon September 14, 2025
The threat is very real, as Hamas has built tunnels along key routes and under many buildings and streets in the Strip.
- IDF kills 11 terrorists, finds explosives in Beit Hanun underground terror tunnelon September 14, 2025
The operation was carried out by soldiers from the Northern Brigade under Division 99, in coordination with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), intelligence personnel, and observation units.
- Israel weighs choice between ceasefire deal and Gaza City ground offensive - analysison September 14, 2025
Following the failed Qatar strike and international pressure, Israel faces a critical decision: agree to a hostage deal and ceasefire or proceed with a full-scale ground operation into Gaza City.
- Spain summons Israel ambassador following Netanyahu’s ‘blatant genocidal threat’ commentsby Ap Correspondent on September 14, 2025
Spain has formally summoned Israel’s acting ambassador in Madrid following accusations from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office that Spain’s prime minister had threatened Israel.
- Bombed, starving and orphaned: The horrific plight of children arriving in Gaza’s hospitals aloneby Alex Croft on September 14, 2025
Up to 40,000 children in Gaza are believed to have lost at least one parent as Israeli forces continue a brutal offensive. Medics tell Alex Croft that many are now arriving in hospital alone
- PM Netanyahu, US Sec. of State Marc Rubio visit Western Wallon September 14, 2025
“The visit of the American Secretary of State is a testament to the strong relationship between the United States and Israel. We greatly appreciate the visit," Netanyahu said.
- Netanyahu to alter flight path to US over ICC, political concerns - exclusiveon September 14, 2025
Netanyahu will fly to the US next week with a smaller delegation, as his flight aboard the Wing of Zion avoids airspace tied to ICC-related political tensions.
- Qatar hosts top diplomats before major summit on Israel's attack in Doha targeting Hamas leadersby Jon Gambrell on September 14, 2025
Qatar's prime minister has denounced Israel as Arab and Muslim foreign ministers are meeting to discuss a unified response to Israel's attack on Doha
- Some 81,700 soldiers wounded in Israel’s wars, 20,000 in current one, Defense Ministry sayson September 14, 2025
Every month, around 1,000 soldiers file new claims regarding their wounds from the war.
- Young haredi man convicted of spying for Iranon September 14, 2025
Stern is a 22-year-old yeshiva student from Beit Shemesh, and belongs to the Vizhnitz hassidic dynasty.
- Rubio in Israel in wake of Qatar attack as Israeli strikes intensify in northern Gazaby Matthew Lee and Samy Magdy on September 14, 2025
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Israel as it intensifies attacks on northern Gaza
- 'Qatargate': Police appeal court decision to allow Urich to return to Netanyahu's officeon September 14, 2025
Israel Police appealed a ruling allowing Netanyahu adviser Yonatan Urich, a key suspect in the “Qatargate” probe, to return to the PMO despite allegations of security breaches.
- Rebuilding Gaza uncertain as Israel continues strikes and war persists - analysison September 14, 2025
Without a clear strategy to remove Hamas and move to post-conflict reconstruction, the path to rebuilding Gaza remains uncertain.
- Trump’s top ally seeks answers from Israel over Gaza and Qatarby Matthew Lee and Samy Magdy on September 14, 2025