History of Israel

Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon bound the Middle Eastern nation of Israel. Its rich and complicated past stretches thousands of years. 

Ancient History

Canaanites, among the first people recorded to live in Israel, were present. Living on what they learned, little city-states developed with a naturalistic outlook toward religion. Under Abraham's leadership, the Israelites left Mesopotamia for Canaan sometime in 1800 BCE. One God they knew and, as His chosen people, developed a powerful feeling of identity. Under King Saul, the Israelites established a monarchy unified in the 11th century BCE. During the reigns of King David and his son Solomon, the two future kings led the captivity by seizing and enlarging the territory they possessed; they also constructed the first temple, Jerusalem.

Conquest and Exile

Three centuries later, in 722 BCE, the Assyrians captured the northern kingdom of Israel and dispersed its population around their domain. Initially taken by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, the southern kingdom of Judah endured another few hundred years before it fell. It signalled the beginning of the period in which Babylon banished several Jews and housed them among its citizens.

Return and Revolt

The Persians took Babylon in 539 BCE; they let the Jews go back to their own country. Following the Persian conquest, they restored their temple and their religious customs. But this was short since the Greeks, once under Alexander the Great's leadership, invaded Israel in 332 BCE. They split the empire upon Alexander's passing, and Israel came under the Seleucid Dynasty's region. Leading a rebellion against the repressive hold of authority, the Maccabees returned Jerusalem under their control.

The Roman Rule and Jewish Diaspora

Once the empire grew in 63 BCE, Israel came under Roman control. The Jews loved some autonomy, but the Romans eradicated that in 66 CE when a major rebellion against Roman rule began. 

Zionism

Later half of the 1800s saw Zionism striving to establish a Jewish empire in Palestine. Following World War I, Britain replaced the Ottoman Empire with Palestine. In 1947, the UN authorized a plan to split Palestine into an Arab and a Jewish state. May 14, 1948, saw Israel's creation as the result.

Etymology 

Israel stems from the Bible and the Hebrew terms for "The Struggle with God" and "God perseveres." Religion is relevant to Israel's history and identity. Today, Israel is a varied country with Jews, Arabs, Christians, and other groups in its population.

Medieval times and late antiquity

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Israel was governed by a succession of Islamic leaders comprising the Abbasids and the Umayyads. Jerusalem became a holy site for Muslims and Christians at this time, and conflicts about city power emerged. Christians tried to reclaim Jerusalem's sovereignty during the 11th-century Crusades before Muslims eventually triumphed.

Modern era

Rising anti-Semitism cleared the path for a historic flood of Jewish immigrants to Palestine in the 19th century. The later produced Israel and Zionism as a Jewish state at last. The nation has been at war with its Arab neighbours since then, but has seen tremendous technological, agricultural, tourist, etc. progress. 

British Mandate for Palestine

We were occupied as a mandate in Palestine by the League of Nations following World War I; this was greeted with hostility. Regarding the nation, people of Arab and Jewish background hold different opinions. Tension existed among factions since the British aimed to restrict Jewish immigration. 

State of Israel 

David Ben, Israel's first prime minister, declared the country on May 14, 1948. As the earthly hope of a nation for the Jewish people was realised, this was a turning point in Jewish history. Still a problem, this has also resulted in strife with Arab countries. 

Establishment and early years

The early years of Israel's independence also marked a conflict with its Arab neighbours and the welcome of an immigration flood of Jewish people. It witnessed breakthroughs in education, technology, and farming as well. Today, it is a developed country still leading the way in innovation and technology while having a very high quality of life.

Arab–Israeli conflict

The Arab-Israeli issue has been the focus of various diplomatic and negotiating initiatives for a resolution during the past few years. Still, none of them sought a long-lasting answer. The road towards peace in the area is still a never-ending one.

Twenty-first century 

Israel is dealing with terrorism and ongoing 21st-century diplomatic settlements of problems with surrounding nations. Still, it has evolved significantly in many other fields, enough to qualify as a Middle Eastern powerhouse. Israel still struggles politically and socially, and is home to a great deal of creativity and technology.  

Geography

Israel is on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, with a very small territory, encompassing mountains, valleys, and deserts. West is the West Bank and Gaza; Southwest is Egypt. With its high salt concentration, healing qualities, and kind sharing of bits and pieces of its neighbours with us, the Dead Sea lies along its eastern edge.

Climate 

Israel's Mediterranean surroundings bring long, hot, dry summers and short, moderate, rainy winters. Deserts in the southern parts get relatively high temperatures and little precipitation. On the other hand, places nearer the mountains often get more precipitation and seem colder than other sections of the nation.

Government and politics

Under a semi-presidential administrative frame, Israel's legislative body consists of a prime minister, head of government, and a president, head of state. The nation is well-known for its ongoing dynamic republic, which includes fair and free choices held regularly.  Still, Israel's political scene is complicated; it is a country of different people, and wars are still in progress.

Administrative divisions

There are six administrative districts in Jerusalem, with Jerusalem proper being the largest and most crowded. The nation also boasts more than a hundred municipalities run under local governments. Like the Israeli-occupied Palestinian lands, the land and resources division still causes excellent debate in Israel.

Israeli citizenship rule 

A citizenship test and residency criteria are among the conditions one must meet to qualify as an Israeli citizen. Every Jewish person living anywhere can immigrate to Israel and automatically acquire citizenship.  

Israeli-occupied territories 

Israel has held the Gaza Strip and the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War, claiming power and control of the homes. Israel argues it has due rights to the home, whereas the United Nations considers these areas as under Israeli military occupation. 

International opinion 

To some extent, Israel is seen as part of the total, uniting several nations all around, including Europe and the United States of America.  Still, its relations with surrounding Arab nations remain strained, given the ongoing strife.  

Foreign relations 

Israel has received enormous foreign help from the United States and other nations. Many Jewish immigrants have been absorbed with this help, both for military and financial needs. 

Military 

Serving Israel since its founding, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is the military establishment. Comprising land, navy, and air units, and mandated military duty for men and women. The IDF is well-known for its highly qualified troops, technologies, and weapons.

Legal system 

Legal systems of Israel combine Jewish, Ottoman Turkish, and British law. Its courts encompass civil and religious tribunals and deal with the religious personal status of Jews, Muslims, and Christians, including marriage and divorce. The highest judicial power in Israel is vested in the Supreme Court.

Economy

Israel's economy values science, technology, and entrepreneurship among the most developed countries on Earth. The nation boasts high-tech, travel, and agriculture among other sectors.

Technology and science  

Israel is advancing in science and invention, including pharmaceuticals, farming, and cybersecurity. The nation boasts several successful companies, research facilities, and many Nobel Prize winners.

Energy

Israel's natural resources are limited, so imported energy sources are essential. Still, it has spent a lot of money developing renewable energy, beginning with solar energy, and hopes to become more self-sufficient in this area.

Tourism

Millions of visitors Israel welcomes annually translate into a sizable portion of the nation's overall income. Here are beautiful beaches, natural terrain, and features suitable for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, as well as holy places. The protracted strife in Israel has also affected tourism to that country.

Real estate 

Israel's market is competitive and active, with vibrant demand for both residential and commercial real estate. Addressing affordability, land scarcity, and access to essential building finance would help immediately realise the construction sector's potential in the national economy.

Ethnic group  

Apart from the major ethnic group in Israel, Jewish, there are Arabs as well. Among the minority groups living in the nation are Druze, Bedouin, and Circassian.

Large cities 

Today, it is well-known for its lively business sector and rich cultural scene, and it is situated in the midst of Tel Aviv, the biggest and most populated city in Israel. Depending on Jews, Christians, and Muslims, Jerusalem is a well-known travel destination with religious values. Other major metropolitan areas are Haifa, Be'er Shiva—also known as Beer Shiva and Netanya.

Language

The most widely spoken official language of Israel is Hebrew, which most individuals learn as their first tongue. Among the official languages that Arab people speak is Arabic. 

Religion

Apart from Islam, Christianity, Druze, and many other religious organisations, Judaism is practised by an overwhelming majority of people. The religious character of Israel shapes both its political and spiritual aspects greatly.

Education

Israel enjoys a solid educational system; almost every child goes through primary and secondary school. This literary nation has several reputable colleges, including the Technion—Israel Institute of Technology and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Culture

Israel's many races and past help to highlight its diversified and rich culture. In addition to the contemporary arts, music, and gastronomic scene, traditional Jewish customs and holidays are also present here. 

Literature

Hebrew writing has its roots in antiquity. Modern Hebrew literature features works of native Israelis as well as Jewish immigrants. Long-standing internationally acknowledged Israeli writers have also had their work translated into many languages.

Music and dance 

Israeli dance traditions and music abound in Jewish and Middle Eastern inspirations. Along with Mizrahi music and the Israeli traditional dance "hora," Klezmer is a popular studio genre in the nation, along with other musical events.

Cinema 

Directors Li and Amos Gitai find Israel's continually growing film scene to be rather vivid. Its theatre culture features modern plays and classic Jewish pieces.

Architecture

Israel's architecture combines ancient and modern and is greatly affected by the civilisations that have walked (or driven) over its territory throughout history. Tel Aviv is sometimes known as "The White City" since there are many Bauhaus-style structures, sometimes called "International Style."

Media 

Israel boasts a varied media scene with mixed public and private sources. From politics and finance to entertainment, the nation's newspapers, TV channels, and radio stations cover practically all aspects of life.  

Cuisine 

Israel's cuisine blends Ashkenazi Jewish, Mediterranean, and Culinary Middle Eastern traditions, among others. Whether alone or in big groups, the very popular falafel, hummus, shakshuka, or schnitzel are quickly thrown into tiny batches and presented to every patron.

Sports 

Among the most watched sports in Israel and a universally enjoyed pastime is football (soccer). Israelis also enjoy swimming, tennis, and basketball. The nation has also produced world champions and Olympic medalists.