Israel

Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast and east, Jordan to the east and southeast and Egypt to the southwest. The population of Israel was 8.7 million people as of 2018 making it one of only two countries (the other being Palestine) in which Jews form a majority within their overall population base.

History

The modern state of Israel traces its roots back to Biblical times when Jewish families first settled there about 4 000 years ago during Abraham’s time period. Since then various empires have controlled this region including Babylonian Empire, Roman Empire and British Mandate until 1948 when David Ben-Gurion declared independence for what would become known as “the Jewish State” – just days before Britain withdrew from mandate control over Palestine after World War II. This declaration marked an end century long struggle by Zionist movement towards establishing independent nationhood for Jews around world who were persecuted throughout Europe since 19th Century leading up Holocaust during Second World War that resulted death millions innocent lives particularly those belonging Jewish faith community living continent at time event took place . After its establishment four Arab armies attempted invade young nation but they were unsuccessful against IDF forces due superior strategy tactical expertise shown Israeli side brought them victory battles fought six day 1967 war which also resulted expansion Israel’s territory include West Bank Gaza strip along Golan Heights Sinai Peninsula resulting present geographical boundaries having been established .

Politics & Government

Israel is multi party parliamentary democracy headed Prime Minister chosen through free democratic elections held every four years has executive branch includes President whose role largely ceremonial while legislative one consists Knesset parliament 120 members elected national ballot system judicial third comprised Supreme Court appointed life tenure basis by Judicial Selection Committee lead Chief Justice hearing appeals cases previously decided lower courts . Governmental structure further involves local authorities each district providing services such education healthcare public transport taxation etc under direct supervision relevant ministries Cabinet ministers responsible particular portfolios decision maker highest level diplomatic relations maintained number foreign nations though some states refuse recognize existence country because perceived bias support Palestinians despite these challenges large scale international trade agreements signed bilateral arrangements ensure good standing among global partners United Nations Security Council regularly debates issues concerning security well resolution passed 2009 affirming right self determination Israelis living West Bank East Jerusalem both regions remain areas contention between government Palestinian Authority most recently deadlock broken talks May 2021 setting stage resumption peace process path lasting solution conflict can be found future generations enjoy benefits peaceful coexistence neighbours rather than turbulent history past few decades .