Everything you need to know about Israel: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Israel: World's Only Jewish State and in Conflict with Palestine
After the World War II British withdrew their mandate of Palestine and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and Jewish states but the Arabs rejected this deal. Soon the war between Arab and Israel started. The Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars with logistic support from world power blocks. The territories Israel occupied in the 1967 Yom Kippur war are not included in the Israeli state. According to the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty of 1979 Israel returned the occupied territories to the Arab nations. Israel and Palestinian officials signed on 13 September 1993 the Oslo Declaration granting self-rule to Palestine. In May 2000, Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, which it had occupied since 1982. In February 2005 Israel signed a ceasefire agreement with Palestine that significantly reduced the violence in Gaza Strip. The election of Hamas in January 2006 to head the Palestinian Legislative Council irked Israel and prepared the ground for further confrontation.
Israel Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures:
Israel Geography and Climate:
Israel lies at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Egypt on the west, Syria and Jordan on the east, and Lebanon on the north. Its maritime plain is extremely fertile. The southern Negev region, which comprises almost half the total area, is largely a desert and Jordan is the only important river that flows from the north.
Israel witnesses varying temperatures during the winters when the mountainous regions are windy, cold, and snowy. While the coastal cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa enjoy typical Mediterranean climate with cool, rainy winters and long, hot summers
Culture, Cuisine and Tradition Of Israel:
The location of Israel at the meeting point of three continents- Asia, Europe and Africa, has also affected its culture. Israel's writers and performers, painters, sculptors, and photographers have always remained excelled in their work highlighting social issues relating to Jewish identity and statehood. Many Israeli artists and sculptors, including Yaacov Agam, Dani Karavan, and Reuvin Rubin, have gained international recognition for their work.
The Israeli food is dynamic and diverse. Immigrants from more than eighty countries have contributed to Israeli cuisine. The Israeli cuisine can be divided into two main groups: Ashkenazic, characterized by sweetness, and Sephardic, which is spicy. The ubiquitous traditional falafel, hummus, couscous and gefilte fish continue to be favorites.
Tourist Attraction of Israel:
Israel has lot of diverse tourist attractions worth seeing that satisfy tourists according to their tastes.
Tel Aviv : It is one of the leading tourist destinations in Israel and its second largest city and main administrative center.
Jerusalem: is the largest city of Israel. The center of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and the modern capital of Israel, Jerusalem is also referred to as the City of Gold. This is where historic buildings are juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers.
Nazareth : It is a beautiful city located in the north of Israel. Both the Christians and Muslims live in religious harmony here. It is renowned worldwide as the home of Joseph and Mary.
Major Sight-seeing Places in Israel include:
Washington, May 2 (IANS) The United States has put India, China, Pakistan and ten other countries on a priority watch list for allegedly providing insufficient protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights or limited market access.
Tel Aviv, May 1 (IANS) A rare seal from the First Temple period has been uncovered in an archaeological excavation in Jerusalem, authorities said Tuesday.
Beirut, April 30 (IANS) Israel Monday began building a wall along its border with Lebanon. The wall will separate the Lebanese village of Kfar Kila from Israel's settlement of Metula, Xinhua reported.
Ads
Jerusalem, Apr 30 (ANI): Israeli Government officials have rejected former chief of security agency Shin Bet, Yuval Diskin's criticism of the country's political leadership.
Jerusalem, Apr 29 (Xinhua-ANI): A recent poll carried out by an Israeli newspaper revealed that most Israelis are supportive of a strike on Iran if it is led by the United States.
Moscow, April 29 (IANS) About 25,000 metric tonnes - or 62 percent - of Russia's chemical weapons haf been destroyed till April 29, RIA Novosti reported Sunday.
Gaza, Apr 29 (Xinhua-ANI): Israeli naval forces nabbed six Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said Sunday.
Jerusalem, Apr 29 (ANI): Former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin has criticized Israel Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Ehud Barak over the country's 'messianic political leadership', which is misleading the public on issues related to Iran.
Cairo, Apr 29 (ANI): Saudi Arabia has closed its embassy in the Egyptian capital and recalled its ambassador in the wake of protests over the arrest of a human rights lawyer.
London, April 28 (IANS) The former chief of Israel's domestic intelligence agency has accused the country's leadership of "misleading" the public on the merits of a possible military strike on Iran, BBC reported.
Washington, Apr 28 (ANI): US Republicans have fired back at Barack Obama's new ad campaign that suggests Osama bin Laden would probably still be alive if Republican contender Mitt Romney had been the president.
Strasbourg, April 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Thursday called on the UN Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Syria.
New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) Team Anna Thursday released a set of documents that allude to "kickbacks and money laundering" in several defence and commercial deals of the Indian government, alleging that top government functionaries were aware of these.
Jerusalem, Apr 25 (Xinhua-ANI): Israel's military chief said on Wednesday that Iran is unlikely to pursue nuclear weapons while stressing that a military option is prepared for such a prospect.
Hyderabad, April 24 (IANS) US software and solutions company CA Technologies has set up its Asia innovation unit at its development centre here in partnership with the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H).
Gaza, Apr 24 (Xinhua-ANI): The Israeli naval forces arrested on Tuesday two fishermen who were fishing in the Gaza Strip territorial water, officials dealing with the fishermen rights said.
Colombo, April 23 (IANS) Sri Lanka and Israel have held their first bilateral consultation on enhancing trade ties, authorities said.
Damascus, Apr 23 (ANI): Syrian opposition group's efforts to topple President Bashar-al Assad's regime are being undermined by defections, split factions and deep ideological divisions, leaked emails have revealed.
Cairo, April 23 (IANS) Egypt said Sunday that it has annulled a gas export deal with Israel due to violations of contractual obligations, according to Egypt's Nile TV.
Cairo, April 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Egypt has terminated a long-term gas deal with Israel because of violations of contractual obligations, Egypt's daily al-Ahram reported.
Jerusalem, April 22 (Xinhua-ANI): Israel's military chief Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz has said the army is prepared to launch an attack on Iran' s nuclear facilities once a government decision to that end is made.
Karachi, Apr 21(ANI): The Jamaat-ud- Dawa backed Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) has once again openly staged a protest demonstration outside the press club against the re-opening of NATO supply routes.
London, Apr 20 (ANI): As opposed to an old saying that two heads are better than one, scientists have concluded in a new study that in many cases you are better off thinking for yourself.
Tel Aviv, April 20 (IANS) Researchers seem to have found a way to protect against deadly chemical attacks, such as Tokyo subway sarin incident, that left 13 people dead and thousands injured or with temporary vision problems.
One can expect a good news on the front of treatment of malaria as a possible new optical imaging system may make the diagnosis of malaria a lot easier, speedier and precise, a new study has suggested.
Washington, Apr 19 (ANI): A potential new optical imaging system may make the diagnosis of malaria much easier, faster and more accurate, a new study has revealed.
Tehran, April 18 (IANS) Iranian authorities have arrested 15 Israel-linked "spies" in the country, the official media reported Wednesday.
Gaza, April 18 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A senior Hamas official has called on Palestinian militants to kidnap Israeli soldiers in order to exchange them for Palestinians captured by Israel.
Moscow, April 18 (IANS/RIA Novosti) WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange kicked off his new career as an interviewer on a Kremlin-funded TV channel by hosting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah for a 45-minute discussion.
Ramallah, April 17 (IANS) Palestinians jailed in Israel began a hunger strike on Tuesday demanding an improvement of their detention conditions.
Washington, Apr 16 (ANI): US President Barack Obama has said Washington has not 'given anything away' in new talks with Tehran, and defended his continued push for a diplomatic resolution on the dispute over Iran's nuclear programmes.
Melbourne, Apr 13 (ANI): Lara Bingle has laughed off rumours that she hooked up with AFL convert Israel Folau.
Tehran, April 11 (ANI): The Intelligence Ministry of Iran has announced that security forces have arrested an Israel-backed terrorist team, planning to carry out attacks ahead of the crucial nuclear talks with the world powers in Istanbul.
Washington, April 11 (ANI): During the last interglacial period, approximately 120,000 years ago, Dead Sea came close to drying up entirely, researchers under a drilling project have found.
Tehran, April 10 (IANS) Iran Tuesday said it has busted a terrorist cell linked to Israel and arrested a number of its members.
London, Apr 9 (ANI): An Israeli air strike would not be able to destroy Iran's nuclear programme with its current airforce, an influential defence report has concluded.
Tehran, Apr 8 (ANI): A prominent Iranian politician has said that Tehran has the knowledge and skills to produce nuclear weapons, but will never do so.
Tel Aviv, April 6 (IANS) India feels there is need to strengthen bilateral relations with Israel which is possible for both the countries through collaborations in research and education sectors.
Washington, Apr 5 (ANI): Madonna is reportedly keen on travelling across the world to play her music, even in areas that are on shaky ground.
Tel Aviv, April 3 (IANS) The Israeli military is setting up a rocket battalion to help minimize civilian casualties in future combat operations in the Gaza Strip.
New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) Indian Grandmaster G.N.Gopal came up with his best Tuesday, defeating Tal Baron 4-0 to guide the hosts to an emphatic 9.5-6.5 triumph over Israel in the first round of the India-Israel Chess match here Tuesday.
New Delhi, Apr.3 (ANI): Since a stable West Asia is in the interest of both India and Israel, India should support efforts to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear state, argued strategic experts from Israel at a conference on "Two Decades of India-Israel Relationship" here today.
Washington, Apr 1 (ANI): US Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has said Barack Obama's comments that Russian President Dmitri Medvedev would have 'more flexibility' to negotiate on nuclear arms after winning the 2012 election, should be a sign of concern for allies, including Israel.
Jerusalem, April 2 (IANS) Israeli cabinet has moved to strengthen bilateral trade ties with China by voting to support joint industrial research and development projects between the two countries.
Istanbul, March 31 (INAS) Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that the outcomes of an Israeli air strike on Iran's nuclear facilities would be "disastrous", reports said Saturday.
Gaza, March 31 (IANS) A Hamas official Saturday ruled out the possibility that the Palestinian reconciliation will take place this year, blaming mainly Israel and the US for blocking it.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 30 (IANS) Leader of opposition and veteran CPI-M leader V.S. Achuthanandan Friday said Defence Minister A.K. Antony should resign in the wake of 'the biggest ever scams' that have taken place under him.
New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) Over 500 global defence firms from 32 countries will be displaying their land and naval warfare systems at Asia's largest military exhibition being hosted by India from Thursday to showcase its prowess as a weapons producer and emergence as an attractive investment destination in the sector.
Washington, March 28 (IANS) The US has said it supports expanding Israel's anti-rocket defence system Iron Dome, and is to ask Congress for money to install more such systems.
New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) India will host from Thursday Asia's biggest defence exposition, showcasing the country's military prowess and the nation's emergence as an attractive destination for investment in the sector.
Ramallah, March 25 (IANS) The Palestinian leadership is looking forward to gain declarations of full Arab political and financial support for their cause in the Arab League annual summit due to be held in Baghdad March 29, a senior Palestinian official said Sunday.
Ramallah, March 25 (IANS) Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Sunday accused Hamas of foiling an attempt to resume fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip.
New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) With India edging past China as the world's largest arms importer, an industry body has sought increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector to 100 percent from the existing 26 percent to attract advance military technology to India and for curbing large-scale imports.
New Delhi, Mar.24 (ANI): India has shared information about the Iranians being involved in an attack on an Israel diplomat in New Delhi.
Guatemala City, March 24 (IANS/EFE) Former police director Marlene Blanco and two ex-cops were arrested Friday on charges of conspiring to carry out extrajudicial executions, said a spokesman for the UN-sponsored International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala.
Lucknow, March 23 (IANS) Burying differences persisting for generations, hundreds of Muslims - both Shias and Sunnis - Friday took to the streets here to protest the arrest of journalist Syed Mohammed Kazmi, alleged to be involved in the Israel embassy car bombing in New Delhi last month.
Moscow, March 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia last year exported over 32 million carats of uncut rough diamonds worth $3.81 billion, the finance ministry said. India, Belgium and Israel were the major buyers.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): The Delhi Police on Friday informed that warrant against three persons of Iranian origin, namely, Houshan Afshar, Syed Ali Mehdi Sadr and Mohammad Reza Abolghasemi, have been issued in connection with the February 13 Israel car bomb attack.
Tehran, Mar 16 (ANI): A senior Iranian official has said that Tehran is ready to allow "permanent human monitoring" of its nuclear program in exchange for Western cooperation.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that investigating authorities have identified three Iranians as suspects in connection with the terrorist attack on an Israeli diplomat that occurred on February 13.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): The Delhi Police on Friday informed that warrant against three persons of Iranian origin, namely, Houshan Afshar, Syed Ali Mehdi Sadr and Mohammad Reza Abolghasemi, have been issued in connection with the February 13 Israel car bomb attack.
Tehran, Mar 16 (ANI): A senior Iranian official has said that Tehran is ready to allow "permanent human monitoring" of its nuclear program in exchange for Western cooperation.
Maryland (US), Mar. 14 (ANI): A new University of Maryland poll has said that nearly seven in ten (69 percent) Americans favor that the United States and other major powers continue to pursue negotiations with Iran.
Maryland (US), Mar. 14 (ANI): A new University of Maryland poll has said that nearly seven in ten (69 percent) Americans favor that the United States and other major powers continue to pursue negotiations with Iran.
London, March 11 (ANI): Scientists have identified a gene that could hold the key to extending life by up to two decades.
London, March 11 (ANI): Scientists have identified a gene that could hold the key to extending life by up to two decades.
Jerusalem, Mar 10(ANI): At least 10 Palestinians, including a senior Palestinian militant leader, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Jerusalem, Mar 10(ANI): At least 10 Palestinians, including a senior Palestinian militant leader, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Jerusalem, Mar 9(ANI): Israel will wait for sanctions to work against Iran and will not attack that country's nuclear assets in near future, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.
Washington, Mar.7 (ANI): The United States and five other countries have reportedly agreed to reopen talks with Iran, offering Tehran a diplomatic path to resolve an ongoing nuclear crisis after months of bellicose rhetoric.
New Delhi, Mar 7 (ANI): The Delhi Police on Wednesday reportedly nabbed one suspect in connection with the Israeli embassy car blast.
Washington, Mar.7 (ANI): The United States and five other countries have reportedly agreed to reopen talks with Iran, offering Tehran a diplomatic path to resolve an ongoing nuclear crisis after months of bellicose rhetoric.
Washington, March 6 (ANI): Scientists are looking into the sea to find alternative energy sources.
Jerusalem, Mar 6 (ANI): Israel reserves the right to pre-emptively strike at Iran's nuclear facilities without American support, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.
Washington, March 6 (ANI): Scientists are looking into the sea to find alternative energy sources.
Jerusalem, Mar 6 (ANI): Israel reserves the right to pre-emptively strike at Iran's nuclear facilities without American support, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.
Washington, Mar 5 (ANI): US President Barack Obama has warned that any "loose talk of war" would only speed Iran towards attaining a nuclear weapon.
Washington, Mar 5 (ANI): US President Barack Obama has warned that any "loose talk of war" would only speed Iran towards attaining a nuclear weapon.
Jerusalem, Mar 4(ANI): Israel is likely deliver a strong ultimatum to the United States on Monday, demanding that President Barack Obama vow to use military force to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb.
Jerusalem, Mar 3(ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed that his country has the right to defend itself against Iran, which he claimed, is working for Israel's destruction.
London, Mar 3 (ANI): A cheap antibiotic used to treat acne could alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia, international studies say.
London, Mar 3 (ANI): A cheap antibiotic used to treat acne could alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia, international studies say.
Washington, Mar 3 (ANI): Scientists have unearthed the origin of an important type of exploding stars-Type Ia supernovae.
Jerusalem, Mar 3(ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed that his country has the right to defend itself against Iran, which he claimed, is working for Israel's destruction.
Washington, Mar.2 (ANI): U.S.President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet here on Monday, and are likely to focus their attention on Iran during their conversation.
Washington, Mar.2 (ANI): U.S.President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet here on Monday, and are likely to focus their attention on Iran during their conversation.
Washington, Feb.29 (ANI): U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet here next week, and are likely to discuss Iran's nuclear program.
Washington, Feb.29 (ANI): U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet here next week, and are likely to discuss Iran's nuclear program.
New Delhi, Feb.27 (ANI): Israel's Ambassador to India Alon Ushpiz has said that he has complete confidence in the Indian Government and other relevant agencies completing investigations related to the February 13 terror strike in the heart of Delhi on a Israel diplomat's wife to Israel's satisfaction.
New Delhi, Feb.27 (ANI): Israel's Ambassador to India Alon Ushpiz has said that he has complete confidence in the Indian Government and other relevant agencies completing investigations related to the February 13 terror strike in the heart of Delhi on a Israel diplomat's wife to Israel's satisfaction.
Tehran, Feb 26 (ANI): A senior Iranian official has warned Israel against launching an attack on its nuclear facilities in the wake of rising international tension over Tehran's uranium enrichment programme.
Washington, Feb 25 (ANI): Just how long a relationship will last can be predicted by the amount of "love hormone" in the bloodstream of a newly smitten person, a new study has claimed.
London, Feb 23 (ANI): In a new study, scientists have found that an enzyme found in humans appears to lengthen the life of mice.
London, Feb 23 (ANI): In a new study, scientists have found that an enzyme found in humans appears to lengthen the life of mice.
Tehran, Feb 22 (ANI): A senior Iranian military commander has warned that Tehran would consider launching preemptive strikes on anyone who threatens it.
Islamabad, Feb 22 (ANI): Foreign countries including the US and India are responsible for killings in Balochistan, Pakistan military sources have claimed. he United States, the Central Intelligence Agency CIA, the XE Services (the new name of erstwhile Blackwater), India and Israel are some of those involved in terrorist activities in Balochistan and are fanning secessionist tendencies among angry Balochis, The Nation quoted the sources, as saying.
Washington, Feb 22 (ANI): Israeli researchers have developed a simple blood test that may provide early detection of many types of cancer.
Islamabad, Feb 22 (ANI): Foreign countries including the US and India are responsible for killings in Balochistan, Pakistan military sources have claimed. he United States, the Central Intelligence Agency CIA, the XE Services (the new name of erstwhile Blackwater), India and Israel are some of those involved in terrorist activities in Balochistan and are fanning secessionist tendencies among angry Balochis, The Nation quoted the sources, as saying.
Washington, Feb 22 (ANI): Israeli researchers have developed a simple blood test that may provide early detection of many types of cancer.
Tehran, Feb 22 (ANI): A senior Iranian military commander has warned that Tehran would consider launching preemptive strikes on anyone who threatens it.
