| 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
- A-G asks High Court to freeze law separating police investigations unit from prosecutionon July 27, 2026
The A-G warned that the law would create a “political prosecution unit” capable of intimidating police officers, investigators, prosecutors and journalists.
- Cypriot lawmaker slams Eisenkot billboards ahead of Israeli electionon July 27, 2026
Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot defended his Cyprus billboards, saying they aim to send a positive message to Israelis ahead of October's vote.
- Israeli rock band Eifo Hayeled releases new album written against the backdrop of waron July 27, 2026
Created over the past three years against the backdrop of the Gaza war, the album moves between personal reflection and national pain.
- Ben-Gvir rules out running with Smotrich for elections, says parties are 'fundamentally different'on July 27, 2026
The Otzma Yehudit leader said the parties appeal to different voters, warned against a unity government, and defended his policies on Gaza and security prisons.
- Amit Ulman brings his inventive rap to ‘Dream High’ - reviewon July 27, 2026
The climax of the film is a rap contest, where all the rivalries, past and present, play out and are resolved.
- Shin Bet Chief Zini makes first official visit to YAMAM counterterrorism unit, meets with deputyon July 27, 2026
Shin Bet Chief David Zini visited YAMAM for the first time, reviewing joint counterterrorism operations, technological capabilities, and the unit’s past hostage rescue missions in Gaza.
- WATCH: IDF discovers, destroys Hamas tunnel network in northern Gaza Stripon July 27, 2026
The operation follows an IDF strike on Sunday, which killed the head of Hamas's internal security in central Gaza, Wael Musa Khaled Ladawi.
- Knesset to High Court: Judicial-selection overhaul does not justify striking down Basic Lawon July 27, 2026
Under the current system, the committee includes three Supreme Court justices, two ministers, two MKs, and two representatives of the Israel Bar Association.
- Netanyahu heads to US for talks with Trump on Iran, ‘expanding circle of peace’on July 27, 2026
"I am embarking on this mission with one clear goal," Netanyahu said, "to ensure the security, strength, and future of our dear State of Israel."
- Two Israelis caught by IDF after crossing Syria border, as Syria reports military raid in Quneitraon July 27, 2026
According to the military, troops dispatched to the Hermon located the two, returned them to Israeli territory, and transferred them to police.
- IDF soldiers find Hitler drawings in private home in southern Lebanonon July 27, 2026
According to Arabic-language IDF spokesperson Ella Waweya, known as “Captain Ella,” the drawings were signed with the name Hassan Haidar and were believed to belong to a larger portfolio of artwork.
- Most religious Zionists prefer dialogue over legislation to solve Israel's social issues - pollon July 27, 2026
At Tzohar's annual conference, 79% of religious Zionists backed grassroots dialogue over legislation as the best path to social consensus in Israel.
- Herzl's grandparents’ remains expected to arrive in Jerusalem for reburial in coming dayson July 27, 2026
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog have both confirmed that they will attend the ceremony.
- Next Israeli gov’t will declare ‘violent, antisemitic’ Qatar an enemy state, Bennett sayson July 27, 2026
According to Bennett, Qatar is a leading financier of Islamist terrorism, particularly of Hamas, whose hands are stained with the "blood of many Israelis."
- Turkey working to influence Israel's upcoming elections through social media - exclusiveon July 27, 2026
The officials did not provide details about the social media accounts, platforms or organizations involved. They also did not say whether the operation was being directed by the Turkish government.
- Woman indicted for allegedly poisoning five-year-old son in hospital with 'dangerous substances'on July 27, 2026
The child had been admitted to the hospital under suspicion of having drunk cleaning fluid, after which hospital staff noticed a deterioration in his condition, the police stated.
- Supreme Court bars PA from challenging recognized disabilities in terror compensation claimson July 27, 2026
The court ruled that once the National Insurance Institute, or a court, determines a terror victim has an existing disability, the Palestinian Authority could be liable for providing compensation.
- IDF soldier punctures tires, smashes door of Palestinian cars during West Bank operationson July 27, 2026
At least three other soldiers witnessed the acts, Army Radio reported on Monday morning, noting that none attempted to stop the vandal.
- Massive fire breaks out in southern Israel factories, hazardous leak ruled outon July 27, 2026
The Fire and Rescue Authority also stated that rescue forces were on the scene. Two firefighters were lightly injured, while a bystander was lightly injured and treated for smoke inhalation.
- National Insurance demands Sderot residents reimburse Oct. 7 aid funds over 'unlawful' purchaseson July 27, 2026
NII said the funds, provided after October 7, were intended for rehabilitation and treatments but were instead used for "prohibited purchases," including airline tickets and mobile phones.
- PA's Abbas calls for end to 'systemic' settler violence, requests support from UN, Arab leaderson July 27, 2026
The President of the Palestinian National Authority sent letters to Arab nations and the UN requesting international support after violent incidents in the West Bank saw an uptick in the last week.
- IDF soldier found lifeless on base in central Israel, circumstances under investigationon July 27, 2026
The military informed the soldier’s family, noting that it shares their grief and will “continue to support them.”
- West Bank security situation rapidly snowballing, forces will be reinforced, military officials sayon July 27, 2026
A total of 26 battalions are now operating across the sector, with a security official warning on Sunday that the situation was "a snowball rolling downhill."
- Ben-Gurion University launches ASK POLA: An AI study advisor for prospective studentson July 27, 2026
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has unveiled ASK POLA, a new AI-powered academic advisor designed to help prospective students navigate the university admissions process around the clock.
- Wave of WhatsApp suspensions sweeps across Israel, raising concerns of blocked accountson July 27, 2026
The Israel Internet Association on Saturday advised WhatsApp users to back up important information stored in the messenger app in case their accounts were suspended as well.


