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The history of Israel spans the Southern Levant, known also as Canaan, Palestine, or the Holy Land, which today encompasses Israel and Palestine. This area was part of the Levantine corridor, a route for early human migration out of Africa. Around the 10th millennium BCE, the Natufian culture emerged, and by 2000 BCE, Canaanite civilization developed. The region came under Egyptian control during the Late Bronze Age. In the Iron Age, the kingdoms of Israel and Judah formed, key to the origins of Jewish, Samaritan, and Abrahamic traditions. These gave rise to major religions like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and more. Over time, the land saw numerous conflicts and came under the control of various powers, hosting a diverse mix of ethnic and religious groups throughout its history.

The mythological origins of Israel are deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context and the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), particularly in the narratives of the Torah. These stories mix divine intervention with the foundational history of the Israelite people. Key mythological elements include:

1. Abraham and the Covenant

2. Exodus and Moses

3. Jacob and the Twelve Tribes

4. Conquest of Canaan

5. David and Solomon’s Kingdom

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The names Land of Israel and Children of Israel have historically been used to refer to the biblical Kingdom of Israel and the entire Jewish people respectively.

The name Israel (persists/rules, though after Hosea 12:4 often interpreted as "struggle with God") refers to the patriarch Jacob who, according to the Hebrew Bible, was given the name after he successfully wrestled with the Angel of the Lord.

The earliest known archaeological artifact to mention the word Israel as a collective is the Merneptah Stele of ancient Egypt (dated to the late 13th century BCE).

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Ethnic map of Israel and Palestine, with the Golan Heights

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The demographics of Israel, monitored by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, encompass various attributes that define the nation's populace. Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has witnessed significant changes in its demographics. Today, it is the only state that holds the majority numbers of Jews.

The Israel Central Bureau of Statistics defines the population of Israel as including Jews living in all of the West Bank and Palestinians in East Jerusalem but excluding Palestinians anywhere in the rest of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and foreign workers anywhere in Israel. As of December 2023, this calculation stands at approximately 9,842,000 of whom:

73.2% (about 7,208,000 people) are Jews, including about 503,000 living outside the self-defined borders of the State of Israel in the West Bank

21.1% (around 2,080,000 people) are Israeli citizens classified as Arab, some identifying as Palestinian, and including Druze, Circassians, all other Muslims, Christian Arabs, Armenians (which Israel considers "Arab").

An additional 5.7% (roughly 554,000 people) are classified as "others". This diverse group comprises those with Jewish ancestry but not recognized as Jewish by religious law, non-Jewish family members of Jewish immigrants, Christians other than Arabs and Armenians, and residents without a distinct ethnic or religious categorization.

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Israeli Citizenship Law and Dual Nationality

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Israeli Citizenship Law and Dual Nationality

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The two primary pieces of legislation relating to Israeli citizenship are the 1950 Law of Return and 1952 Citizenship Law. The law of return grants Jews the unrestricted right to immigrate to Israel and obtain Israeli citizenship. Individuals born within the country receive birthright citizenship if at least one parent is a citizen. Israeli law defines Jewish nationality as distinct from Israeli nationality, and the Supreme Court of Israel has ruled that an Israeli nationality does not exist. A Jewish national is defined as any person practicing Judaism and their descendants. Legislation has defined Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people since 2018.

According to the Israel law of return, Americans can become citizens of this country without losing their first status. There are small limitations. Citizenship can be obtained by Jews and their descendants up to the third generation:

Children and grandchildren and their spouses;

Widower or widow of a Jew;

Spouse

In addition, people who have converted also have the right to Israeli citizenship. They are considered Jews by right of conversion to Judaism.

A person with dual citizenship of the United States and Israel is not considered a foreign citizen in accordance with the Security Service Law and, therefore, will be subject to mandatory military service.

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The territory of Israel, encompassing land, water, and air, is both geographically diverse and politically complex due to ongoing disputes. Israel's land area is approximately 22,000 square kilometers (8,500 square miles), stretching along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest, while the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip are within its geopolitical boundaries, subject to ongoing conflict and negotiations. These areas, particularly the West Bank and East Jerusalem, are hotly contested, with disputes rooted in both historical claims and international law. Israel's 273-kilometer (170-mile) coastline along the Mediterranean provides access to maritime resources, but maritime boundaries, especially in relation to gas fields in the Mediterranean, have also been points of contention with neighboring states like Lebanon. Significant water bodies such as the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, and parts of the Jordan River are critical for regional water security and are part of broader resource disputes, particularly with Jordan and the Palestinians. Israel also tightly controls its airspace, crucial for national defense, especially given the security challenges posed by neighboring countries and non-state actors. The territorial disputes, along with control over land, air, and water, continue to shape the geopolitics of the region.

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Israeli sovereignty is based on its establishment as a modern state in 1948 and its control over defined borders, recognized by the international community. It exercises full political, legal, and military authority over its territory, including Jerusalem, which it considers its undivided capital. Israel's government and institutions, such as the Knesset (parliament), function independently, with the power to legislate, enforce laws, and conduct foreign policy. Sovereignty for Israel also includes its economic autonomy, technological innovation, and defense capabilities, symbolized by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

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Israel’s sovereignty is not universally accepted in all regions it controls, especially where Palestinians claim rights to statehood. While Israel maintains its right to self-defense and territorial integrity, its control over these disputed areas remains a point of contention on the global stage, as well as among regional neighbors.

Israel faces various threats to its sovereignty, both from within and outside its borders. Externally, militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah pose significant security risks through attacks and skirmishes. Iran's nuclear ambitions and its support for groups hostile to Israel further exacerbate these threats. Diplomatically, many countries do not recognize Israel's sovereignty over East Jerusalem and West Bank settlements, leading to international criticism and potential isolation. Internally, Israel grapples with the challenges of integrating its diverse population, managing tensions with Arab citizens, and addressing the political status of Palestinian territories. Together, these factors complicate Israel's ability to fully exercise its sovereignty.

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Jerusalem is one of the world's oldest cities, with a history spanning over 5,000 years. The city's importance grew during the Israelite period, which began around 1000 BCE when King David captured Jerusalem and made it the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel. David’s son, Solomon, built the First Temple, establishing the city as a major religious center. Following the kingdom's split, Jerusalem became the capital of the Kingdom of Judah.

On 5 December 1949, Israeli PM, David Ben-Gurion, proclaimed Jerusalem as Israel's "eternal" and "sacred" capital, and eight days later specified that only the war had "compelled" the Israeli leadership "to establish the seat of Government in Tel Aviv", while "for the State of Israel there has always been and always will be one capital only – Jerusalem the Eternal", and that after the war, efforts had been ongoing for creating the conditions for "the Knesset(Parliament) returning to Jerusalem.

Since the beginning of 1950, all branches of the Israeli government—legislative, judicial, and executive—have resided here, except for the Ministry of Defense, which is located in Tel Aviv.

The Status of Jerusalem as Israel's capital is at the heart of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Israel asserts its sovereignty over the entire city, Palestinians demand that East Jerusalem serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state. The international community remains divided, with most countries advocating for a negotiated solution to the city’s status, rather than unilateral declarations.

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Israel has legitimate right to exist! Yes or No?

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Israel has legitimate right to exist! Yes or No?

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International views on Israel's legitimacy often depend on perspectives regarding the Palestinian territories, settlements, and peace processes. In essence, while Israel's legitimacy is widely recognized, it continues to be a deeply debated topic in global politics, particularly concerning the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Here's how the world is divided concerning the question of Israel's Legitimacy:-

Legal-Rational Authority:

Pro-Israeli Jews: Support Israel’s legitimacy through its democratic institutions and international recognition.

Anti-Israeli Jews: Ultra-Orthodox groups oppose Israel, citing that the state doesn’t align with religious law.

Anti-Israeli Muslim States: Deny Israel’s legal right to exist, rejecting UN resolutions.

Traditional Authority:

Pro-Israeli Jews: Reference historical ties to the land based on biblical and ancestral claims.

Anti-Israeli Jews: Some argue only the Messiah can restore Jewish sovereignty.

Anti-Israeli Muslim States: View Israel as a usurper of Palestinian and Islamic lands, countering historical claims with Islamic tradition.

Charismatic Authority:

Pro-Israeli Jews: Leaders like Ben-Gurion are revered for establishing Israel.

Anti-Israeli Jews: Oppose Zionist figures as deviating from religious paths.

Anti-Israeli Muslim States: Reject charismatic Zionist leaders, viewing them as oppressors of Muslims.

Democratic Legitimacy:

Pro-Israeli Jews: Emphasize Israel’s democratic nature, with full electoral rights for all citizens.

Anti-Israeli Jews: Oppose on religious grounds, arguing the state lacks divine sanction.

Anti-Israeli Muslim States: Reject Israeli democracy, highlighting disenfranchisement of Palestinians.

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The term "Knesset" or "Great Assembly", which according to Jewish tradition was an assembly of 120 scribes, sages, and prophets, in the period from the end of the Biblical prophets to the time of the development of Rabbinic Judaism – about two centuries ending c. 200 BCE.

As the legislative authority of the Israeli government, the Knesset possesses the jurisdiction to formulate and annul all statutes. It holds de jure parliamentary supremacy, enabling it to enact any law by a simple majority, even if such legislation may ostensibly conflict with a Basic Law, unless specific conditions for its amendment are outlined. The Knesset is also empowered to establish and revise Basic Laws in its capacity as a Constituent Assembly. Additionally, the Knesset exercises oversight over government operations through its committees, appoints the Prime Minister, ratifies the cabinet, and elects the President of the State and the State Comptroller. Furthermore, it possesses the authority to remove the President and State Comptroller from their positions, revoke the parliamentary immunity of its members, and dissolve itself to initiate new elections.

The Knesset meets in Givat Ram, Jerusalem. Members of the Knesset are elected nationwide through proportional representation. Its 120 members are elected to 4-year terms through party-list proportional representation as mandated by the 1958 Basic Law: The Knesset.

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The 25th Knesset of Israel was elected in November 2022 and began its sessions on December 13, 2022. The structure of the Knesset includes various parties and coalitions, each contributing to its overall composition and functioning. This Knesset was marked by a diverse representation of political parties, reflecting a range of ideological positions from right-wing to left-wing, as well as Arab and religious parties.

Government Coalition (64 seats)

Right-wing, Religious, Nationalist

1. Likud: 32 seats

2. Religious Zionism: 6 seats

3. Shas: 11 seats

4. United Torah Judaism: 7 seats

5. National Unity: 8 seats (coalition partner)

Opposition (56 seats)

Left-wing, Centrist, Liberal, Progressive, Arab, Islamists

1. Yesh Atid: 24 seats

2. Labor Party: 4 seats

3. Meretz: 4 seats

4. Joint List: 6 seats

5. Ra’am: 5 seats

6. Other Opposition Parties: Various smaller parties not forming part of the coalition.

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The Prime Minister is the most powerful political figure in Israel, as outlined in sections 7 to 14 of Basic Law: The Government. The President nominates the Prime Minister after consulting with party leaders in the Knesset, and this appointment requires a majority vote of confidence from the Knesset members. As head of government, the Prime Minister is responsible for making foreign and domestic policy decisions, which are then voted on by the cabinet, comprised mainly of ministers who oversee government departments, alongside some deputy ministers and ministers without portfolio. The Prime Minister appoints the cabinet members, but their composition must be approved by the Knesset. While the Prime Minister has the authority to dismiss cabinet members, any replacements need Knesset approval. Most cabinet ministers are Knesset members, although only the Prime Minister is mandated to be one.

A select group of ministers led by the Prime Minister forms the security cabinet, responsible for outlining and implementing a foreign and defense policy. Israeli government has 28 ministries, each of them responsible for a sector of public administration. The Office of the Prime Minister coordinates the work of all government ministries, and assists the Prime Minister in their daily tasks. The State Comptroller, who supervises and reviews the policies and operations of the government, is elected by the Knesset in secret ballot.

The President of the State is the de jure head of state of Israel. The position is largely an apolitical and ceremonial role, and is not considered a part of any Government Branch. The President's ceremonial roles include signing every law (except those pertaining to the President's powers) and international or bilateral treaty, ceremonially appointing the Prime Minister, confirming and endorsing the credentials of ambassadors, and receiving the credentials of foreign diplomats.President is the only government official with the power to pardon or commute prisoners. The President appoints the governor of the Bank of Israel, and the members and leaders of several institutions. The President also ceremonially appoints judges to their posts after their selection.

Prime Minister : Benjamin Netanyahu

President: Isaac Herzog

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Israeli law reflects the diverse history of the territory of the State of Israel throughout the last hundred years as well as the legal systems of its major religious communities. The Israeli legal system is based on common law, which also incorporates facets of civil law. The Israeli Declaration of Independence asserted that a formal constitution would be written, though it has been continuously postponed since 1950. Instead, the Basic Laws of Israel function as the country's constitutional laws. Statutes enacted by the Knesset, particularly the Basic Laws, provide a framework which is enriched by political precedent and jurisprudence. Foreign and historical influences on modern-day Israeli law are varied and include the Mecelle (Civil code of the Ottoman Empire) and German civil law, religious law (Jewish Halakha and Muslim Sharia; mostly pertaining in the area of family law), and British common law. The Israeli courts have been influenced in recent years by American Law and Canadian Law and to a lesser extent by Continental Law (mostly from Germany).

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No, Israel does not have a formal written constitution. Instead, it operates under a set of Basic Laws and other statutes that serve as the country's constitutional framework. The Basic Laws cover various aspects of governance, such as the structure of the government, the judiciary, human rights, and the functioning of the Knesset (parliament).

These laws were meant to be the foundation for a future written constitution, but political disagreements, particularly regarding issues like the role of religion in the state, have made it difficult to finalize such a document. Instead, the Basic Laws function as a de facto constitution, and their status has evolved over time. The Israeli Supreme Court has used these Basic Laws as a basis for judicial review, particularly in defending individual rights.

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The judicial branch of Israel operates as an independent entity, encompassing a variety of secular and religious courts to address the diverse legal needs of its population. The judicial system is structured into three main tiers, operating in a hierarchical manner:

1. Magistrate Courts: Serve as the initial court of first instance.

2. District Courts: Function as both appellate courts and courts of first instance for certain cases.

3. Supreme Court: Acts as both a court of first instance for matters concerning the legality of state authority decisions and the highest appellate court.

Judges for all courts are appointed by the Judicial Selection Committee. The committee is composed of nine members: two cabinet members (one being the Minister of Justice), two Knesset members, two members of the Israel Bar Association, and three Supreme Court justices (one being the President of the Supreme Court). The committee is chaired by the Minister of Justice.

In November 1985, the Israeli government informed the United Nations Secretariat that it would no longer accept compulsory International Court of Justice jurisdiction.

Apart from that it also has established religious courts, labour courts, military courts and courts of admiralty.

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Israel’s legal framework incorporates a system of religious tribunals that adjudicate specific personal status matters, such as marriage and divorce, under the jurisdiction of distinct religious communities recognized by law, including Jewish, Muslim, Greek Orthodox Christian, and Catholic Christian groups. Notably, the Protestant Christian community is not officially recognized.

Each religious community maintains its own court system, with the Jewish religious courts, governed by the PM Office and the Chief Rabbinate, specifically overseeing issues related to Kashrut, Sabbath observance, burial practices, marital matters, and the Jewish status of immigrants. It is important to note that Jewish weddings are sanctioned solely by the local Religious Council, and divorces must be processed exclusively through the Rabbinical Courts, where judges (dayanim) are required to be Orthodox rabbis.

In parallel, the Family Court has concurrent jurisdiction over ancillary matters such as property distribution and child custody in divorce cases, allowing parties to choose between the religious and secular courts based on their preferences.

The state supports and funds various religious courts, including Sharia courts for the Muslim community and Canonical courts for Christians, ensuring all judges uphold general law within their jurisdictions. The Supreme Court serves as the final appellate authority for all religious courts, thereby maintaining a unified legal oversight.

Overall, while religious courts possess defined jurisdiction, the interplay with secular courts ensures a comprehensive legal framework for family law in Israel.

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The labor court system in Israel comprises two primary tiers: the Regional Labor Courts and the National Labor Court. There are five Regional Labor Courts located in the judicial districts of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, and Nazareth. These courts possess exclusive jurisdiction over matters pertaining to employer-employee relationships, including issues related to employment, strikes, labor union disputes, and claims against the National Insurance Institute and Health Insurance.

The National Labor Court, situated in Jerusalem, serves as an appellate body for decisions rendered by the Regional Labor Courts. Additionally, this court has original jurisdiction for certain significant matters, such as national-level collective disputes, which it can address as a court of first instance. This structured system ensures that labor-related legal issues are adjudicated efficiently and effectively within the framework of Israeli law.

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintains a series of district military courts and special military tribunals. The Military Court of Appeals is the IDF's supreme appellate court. It considers and judges over appeals submitted by the Military Advocate General, which challenges decisions rendered by the lower courts.

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In all matters having to do with admiralty, commercial shipping, accidents at sea, and other maritime matters, the Haifa District Court, sitting as the Court of Admiralty, has exclusive statewide jurisdiction.

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Israel possesses complete autonomy to shape its foreign policy in its interests. Its foreign relations involve a complex interplay of alliances, partnerships, and conflicts shaped by historical and geopolitical factors. Since its founding in 1948, it has faced hostility from many Arab nations but has achieved significant diplomatic milestones, such as peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. More recently, the Abraham Accords of 2020 have normalized relations with several Arab states, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, highlighting Israel's growing role as a strategic partner in addressing mutual threats, particularly from Iran. Israel maintains strong ties with Western nations, especially the United States, which provides military and diplomatic support. However, its relations with the Palestinians remain tense, with ongoing territorial disputes complicating peace efforts. Overall, Israel's foreign relations reflect a balancing act of securing alliances while managing regional tensions and its identity in the international community.

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Israel's media landscape is characterized by a complex regulatory environment that reflects ongoing tensions between press freedom and government control.

State of Media in Israel:-

1. New Legislation: A controversial media law enacted in April 2024 allows the government to take action against foreign journalists if they are perceived to threaten national security. This has raised alarms about potential censorship and repression of journalistic freedoms​.

2. Regulatory Framework: Israel does not have a comprehensive press law; instead, it operates under various regulations, some of which are seen as outdated. For instance, a British Mandate Press Ordinance from 1933 was finally revoked in 2017, enabling the publication of newspapers without a government-issued license. However, the lack of a singular, modern press law means that media regulations can be inconsistent and challenging to navigate​.

3. Media Ownership: The Israeli media market is dominated by a few large conglomerates, often leading to a concentration of media ownership. Most media outlets are privately owned, which limits transparency regarding their financial practices and operations.

In 2024, Israel faces significant challenges regarding freedom of speech and expression, particularly amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas and rising tensions with Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI). Despite being classified as "Free" by Freedom House, there are increasing concerns about the suppression of dissent, especially against PCI.

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has reported a crackdown on freedom of expression, particularly through the prosecution of Palestinian citizens. Following the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, around 70 indictments have been recorded, many related to social media activity deemed as incitement to terrorism​.

The Israeli police have also banned demonstrations supporting Gaza, citing security risks, which has prompted legal challenges due to perceived violations of constitutional rights​.

Additionally, officials have made inflammatory statements targeting PCI, creating a climate of fear surrounding expressions of solidarity with Palestine. Arrests have often involved significant force, and detainees have reported severe conditions and abuse.

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Israel boasts a highly developed and diverse economy, characterized by innovation and technology. Israel has one of the highest numbers of startups per capita in the world, with thousands of tech companies operating across various sectors including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and fintech. The country has a robust venture capital industry, attracting substantial investments from both domestic and international investors. In 2022, Israeli startups raised over $25 billion in venture capital funding, indicating strong investor confidence. The country's strong emphasis on research and development, supported by a robust education system and significant investment in startups, has positioned it as a "Startup Nation." Agriculture also plays a vital role, employing advanced technologies to maximize productivity despite the country's limited arable land and water resources.

The country boasts a highly educated and skilled workforce, particularly in engineering and technology fields. Many Israeli entrepreneurs and engineers have military experience, particularly in elite technology units, which enhances their skills and creativity. The service sector, including finance, tourism, and trade, significantly contributes to Israel's GDP, with major financial institutions located in cities like Tel Aviv. Additionally, Israel benefits from a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, facilitating international trade. While the economy faces challenges such as regional geopolitical tensions and social disparities, it remains resilient and continues to attract foreign investment, reflecting strong economic growth and stability.

GDP: $509 billion

GDP per Capita: $58,000

Imports: $107 billion

Exports: $166 billion

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Name: New Israeli Shekel (NIS),

Symbol: ₪

Issuing Authority: Bank of Israel

History:

The shekel has historical significance, with the name derived from ancient units of weight used in the region.

The New Israeli Shekel was introduced in 1985 to replace the old Israeli shekel, which had experienced hyperinflation.

Subunits: The New Israeli Shekel is subdivided into agorot, with 100 agorot equaling 1 shekel.

Banknotes and Coins:

Banknotes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200 shekels.

Coins are issued in denominations of 10 agorot, 50 agorot, 1 shekel, 2 shekels, 5 shekels, and 10 shekels.

Exchange Rates: 1USD = 3.69 NIS, on 4 p.m , 19th October, 2024

Digital Currency: The Bank of Israel has explored the concept of a digital shekel, reflecting global trends towards digital currencies, but as of now, no official digital currency has been issued.

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Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is one of the most advanced and experienced militaries in the world. Following are some of the key facts about it:-

1. Founding and Structure:

Established in 1948 after merging various paramilitary organizations, including the Haganah, Irgun, and Lehi.

Consists of three branches: Ground Forces, Israeli Air Force (IAF), and the Israeli Navy.

Follows a conscription system: military service is mandatory for Israeli citizens over 18, with men typically serving 32 months and women 24 months.

2. Technological Superiority:

Renowned for its use of cutting-edge technology and its defense industry, which produces weapons, drones, and other military hardware. Key military companies include Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Elbit Systems.

Operates advanced air defense systems like the Iron Dome, which intercepts short-range rockets, and David’s Sling and Arrow for longer-range threats.

3. Nuclear Ambiguity:

Believed to possess nuclear weapons, though has never confirmed or denied this. The Dimona nuclear facility is thought to be the center of its nuclear program.

Israel follows a policy of nuclear ambiguity, meaning it has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and avoids public discussion of its nuclear capabilities.

4. Elite Units:

IDF has numerous special forces units that are highly trained for various combat scenarios. These include:

Sayeret Matkal: Elite commando unit specializing in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue.

Shayetet 13: Navy’s elite unit, similar to the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Duvdevan: Special forces unit that conducts undercover operations in civilian areas.

5. Air Power:

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is one of the most technologically advanced in the world. It operates a range of aircraft, including F-35I Adir stealth fighters, F-16s, and drones.

Israel was the first country outside the U.S. to operate the F-35 stealth fighter, giving it a significant edge in air superiority in the region.

6. Operational Experience:

Extensive combat experience due to the numerous conflicts since founding such as 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Six-Day War (1967), the Yom Kippur War (1973), and various operations in Lebanon and Gaza.

Involved in ongoing military operations against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

7. Women in the IDF:

One of the first countries to include women in its military, and they serve in both combat and non-combat roles. Units like Caracal are mixed-gender infantry units.

The IDF has been progressively opening more combat roles to women over the years.

8. Defense Budget:

Allocates a significant portion of its GDP to defense, with a defense budget of around $30.5 billion USD in recent years, making it one of the highest in terms of spending per capita.

Also received $17.9 billion USD in military aid since October 7th, 2023.

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Israel’s intelligence services consist of three key agencies, each specializing in different aspects of intelligence and security:

1. Mossad: Focuses on foreign intelligence, covert operations, and counter-terrorism. Its tasks include espionage, countering nuclear threats (particularly from Iran), and assassinations, such as the capture of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann. Mossad also employs advanced cyber tools and often collaborates with agencies like the CIA and MI6.

2. Shin Bet (Shabak): Responsible for domestic security, counter-terrorism, and counter-espionage. It monitors threats from Palestinian groups like Hamas, as well as Israeli extremists, and protects critical infrastructure and government leaders.

3. Aman (Military Intelligence): Serves as the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) intelligence arm, focusing on military strategy, signals intelligence (SIGINT), and geospatial intelligence (IMINT). Key units like Unit 8200 handle cyber intelligence, while Unit 9900 manages satellite imagery for military operations.

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Israel has a vibrant sports culture, excelling in various disciplines. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, with the Israeli Premier League and clubs like Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv leading the scene. Basketball is also widely followed, with Maccabi Tel Aviv being a dominant force in European competitions like the EuroLeague.

In individual sports, judo stands out, with Israel achieving Olympic success through athletes like Yarden Gerbi and Ori Sasson. Tennis has also seen Israeli players like Shahar Pe'er make international strides, and the country participates in Davis Cup tournaments.

Israel has won 13 Olympic medals, primarily in judo, sailing, and gymnastics. It secured its first Olympic gold medal in windsurfing in 2004 through Gal Fridman. The country is also known for its thriving chess community, producing notable grandmasters like Boris Gelfand.

Other popular sports include marathons and water sports (sailing, windsurfing, diving), especially in coastal cities like Tel Aviv and Eilat, which also have a growing surfing culture. These sports showcase Israel's active engagement in both team and individual sports at the global level.

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Sports and military life are deeply intertwined in Israeli society, reflecting both the nation's emphasis on physical fitness and its security needs. Compulsory military service, which requires nearly all Israeli men and women to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has contributed to a culture that values discipline, physical strength, and resilience. Many former soldiers excel in sports after their service, benefiting from the physical training and teamwork fostered during their time in the military.

Krav Maga is a self-defense system developed by the Israeli military, known for its focus on real-world situations and brutal efficiency. It combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, judo, and karate to provide quick and effective responses to threats.

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The HDI is calculated based on three main dimensions:

Life expectancy at birth.

Mean and expected years of schooling.

Gross national income (GNI) per capita.

Israel statistics:-

HDI: 0.936 (2024)

Rank: 19th out of 191 countries

Average Life Expectancy: 83.3 years

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Happiness Index is made keeping the following factors into account:-

Life Evaluation: Respondents are asked to rate their overall satisfaction with their lives on a scale from 0 to 10. This assessment reflects a more cognitive aspect of happiness.

Positive Emotions: People are surveyed about the frequency of positive experiences in their lives, such as feeling happy, interested, and enjoying life.

Negative Emotions: Similarly, individuals report on feelings of negative experiences, such as anger, worry, and sadness.

Statistics about Israel's Happiness Index:-

Rank: 5th

Score: 7.341

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Design Inspiration: Designed based on the Jewish prayer shawl(tallit) which traditionally features blue stripes and fringes.

Adoption Date: October 28, 1948

Star of David: Represents Jewish identity, unity, and the connection of the Jewish people to their homeland.

Color Symbolism: Blue and white colours have historical and religious significance in Judaism, symbolizing purity and peace, respectively.

Symbolic Features: Two blue stripes are reminiscent of the tallit, symbolizing importance of religious heritage and traditions in its identity.

Historical Variations: Before its official adoption, several designs were proposed, including one featuring a menorah.

Rectangular Proportions: 8:11

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Hatikvah  (The Hope) is the national anthem of the State of Israel. Part of 19th-century Jewish poetry, the theme of the Romantic composition reflects the 2,000-year-old desire of the Jewish people to return to the Land of Israel in order to reclaim it as a free and sovereign nation-state. The piece's lyrics are adapted from a work by Naftali Herz Imber, a Jewish poet from Złoczów, Austrian Galicia.

Adoption as National Anthem: "Hatikvah" was adopted as Israel's official national anthem in 2004, although it had been an informal anthem since the establishment of the state in 1948. Before that, it was the anthem of the Zionist movement.

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The Mountain Gazelle was chosen as the national animal of Israel for its deep symbolic significance and representation of the region’s natural beauty. This graceful animal symbolizes the delicate balance of Israel’s ecosystems and the country’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The Mountain Gazelle has been an integral part of the local culture and landscape for centuries.

In Israeli culture, the gazelle is often associated with beauty and grace.

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The olive was elected as the national tree of Israel in 2021, with a majority of 33% vote polled by the Jewish National Fund.

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The hoopoe was chosen as the national bird of the State of Israel in May 2008 in conjunction with the country's 60th anniversary, following a national survey of 155,000 citizens.

The hoopoe was declared as the national bird of the State of Israel on 29 May 2008 by President Shimon Peres.

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The Common blue was elected as the national butterfly of the State of Israel in 2023.

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Spiritual hub for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

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An important Christian pilgrimage site, this freshwater lake is surrounded by historic towns such as Tiberias, offering boat rides and views of the Golan Heights.

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Central to Christian heritage, Nazareth is the site of the Basilica of the Annunciation and other significant biblical landmarks.

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Home to the Bahá'í Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Haifa is also a picturesque port city located on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

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The lowest point on Earth and renowned for its mineral-rich waters, the Dead Sea is a unique destination for floating and experiencing natural beauty, as well as nearby historical sites like Masada.

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Known for its beaches, modern architecture, and bustling nightlife, Tel Aviv offers a mix of history and modernity.

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Located on the Red Sea, Eilat is a popular resort destination for snorkeling, diving, and other water sports, known for its coral reefs and underwater marine life.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel#

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_symbols_of_Israel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem#

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Israel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_Laws_of_Israel