Israel

Israel is a country in the Middle East bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Its capital is Jerusalem, which is recognised by the US, although much of the international community has held back recognition until the city's status is decided in negotiations with the Palestinians. Its financial, economic, and technological centre is Tel Aviv. Israel is regarded by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the biblical Holy Land. Its current prime minister is Binyamin Netanyahu, who was re-elected in 2022 after having previously held the office from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021. Israel has been at war with Hamas since its October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis.