Israel

Israel is a Middle Eastern country located on the southeastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares its borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.

Israel's new government, led by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was sworn in on April 1, 2009. After forming a coalition with the Labor Party and three right-wing parties, Netanyahu assembled the largest cabinet in Israeli history.Los Angeles Times: In Israel, Netanyahu and super-sized Cabinet sworn in (April 1, 2009)

Israel held a general election when Kadima leader Tzipi Livni failed to form a new government after the departure of Ehud Olmert. After the final vote count it was announced on February 12, 2009, that Livini won the vote count. However, both Livini and her opponent, Benjamin Netanyahu, failed to get the majority needed to govern. President Shimon Peres designated Netanyahu as prime minister because he believed he had a better chance to form a coalition. Netanyahu had until April 3, 2009, to form a coalition. He was sworn in on April 1, 2009, after forming a coalition with the central Labor Party led by Ehud Barak, and three other right-wing parties.Los Angeles Times: In Israel, Netanyahu and super-sized Cabinet sworn in (April 1, 2009)

On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, Israel's security cabinet began discussing the possibility of releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Corporal Gilad Shalit. The cabinet is in the midst of trying to determine a long-term truce with Hamas, and may actually require that Shalit be released as part of the truce.BBC News: [Israel leaders mull prisoner swap http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7896506.stm] (February 18, 2009)

The West Bank and Gaza Strip have been occupied by Israel since 1967; they are partially administrated by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, respectively. Another occupied territory, the Golan Heights, constitutes Israel's border with Syria and has been a point of contention between the two nations. Under the Golan Heights Law the territory was placed under civilian Israeli law, administration and jurisdiction. All three territories were captured from Egypt, Jordan and Syria during the Six Day War of 1967.

The origins of the state of Israel date back to the end of World War II. Following the war, the United Kingdom withdrew from their mandate of Palestine, and the UN in a move rejected by the Arab League and Arab Higher Committee, partitioned the area into separate Arab and Jewish states. A series of wars followed between Israel and its neighbors including Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. The deep tensions between Israel and its neighbor states have punctuated the history of the region since.

Hamas ended a six-month ceasefire by launching rockets into southern Israeli towns on December 27, 2008. Consequently, Ehud Barak declared an "all-out war against Hamas and its branches."FoxNews: Israel At 'War to the Bitter End'...(September 29, 2008) In retaliation, Israeli military forces attacked the Gaza Strip.

A unilateral cease fire was announced by Israel on January 17, 2009; hours later Hamas also announced a cease fire. On January 19, 2009, Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert said that they intended to be completely withdrawn from Gaza by the time of the inauguration of American president Barack Obama on January 20, 2009.International Herald Tribune: Israel hopes to complete Gaza troop withdrawal by Tuesday (January 19, 2009) Israeli military officials said the last troops were removed before dawn on Wednesday, January 21, 2009.FOXNews.com: Israel Withdraws All Troops From Gaza Strip (January 21, 2009)

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  Creative Commons image by "European Commission"

• Merriam-Webster's Atlas: Map of Israel

• My Israel Source: Israel Geography

• Geology.com: Israel Map