Israel
Context: India chose not to vote on a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Israel’s strike on Iran, calling for restraint and dialogue instead.
Important Pointers:
Capital of Israel: Jerusalem is the proclaimed capital, though many countries maintain embassies in Tel Aviv due to political sensitivities.
Geographical Location: Israel is located in West Asia, bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Governing System: Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a President as head of state and a Prime Minister as head of government.
Major Intelligence Agency: Mossad is Israel’s external intelligence agency known for covert operations abroad.
Military Service: Israel has compulsory military service for most citizens over the age of 18, including both men and women.
Iron Dome System: Iron Dome is Israel’s mobile all-weather air defence system used to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells.
Abraham Accords (2020): Israel normalized relations with UAE and Bahrain under US-brokered peace deals known as the Abraham Accords.
Nuclear Policy: Israel follows a policy of nuclear ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying possession of nuclear weapons.
Economy Type: Israel has a high-tech, innovation-driven economy, often called the "Start-Up Nation."
Palestine Conflict: Israel has an ongoing territorial and political conflict with Palestinians, especially in Gaza and the West Bank.
Official Languages: Hebrew is the official language; Arabic also has a special status.
Religion: Israel is the world’s only Jewish-majority state, but also includes Muslim, Christian, and Druze minorities.
Recent Conflict with Iran (2025): Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, escalating regional tensions.
Strategic Partner of India: Israel is a key defence, agriculture, and technology partner of India.
UN Membership: Israel became a member of the United Nations in 1949.