Resources
Understand Israel
Explore Israel’s history, politics, society and security, one topic at a time.
Featured guides
Answers to common accusations
AntisemitismUnderstand how antisemitism developed, how to recognize it, and how communities can respond.Political IslamDefines political Islam and examines how named Islamist movements organize, use doctrine, and build regional influence.Humanitarian OrganisationsUnderstand UNRWA’s work in Gaza, the investigations into staff allegations, and documented cases of interference with humanitarian aid.Pro-Israel Advocacy OrganizationsA guide to organizations that advocate for Israel through lobbying, education, diplomacy, media monitoring, philanthropy, and legal work.Proportionality in WarHow the laws of war assess expected civilian harm, military advantage, precautions, and accountability in attacks.International Humanitarian Law in Urban WarfareClear explanations of the laws governing attacks, civilians and humanitarian access in urban warfare.Lawfare Against IsraelEvidence-led guides to international legal proceedings and claims involving Israel.The Goldstone ReportUnderstand the UN mission’s findings, Goldstone’s 2011 qualification, and what later investigations and casualty records establish.Apartheid Accusations Against IsraelClear, sourced answers on the history, legal definition, and application of apartheid accusations against Israel.Settler Colonialism Claims Against IsraelHistorical evidence on Zionism, Jewish ties to the land, migration, land ownership, and British rule.Nakba NarrativeExplains the 1947–49 displacement, the varied wartime causes, Jewish departures from Arab countries, and later refugee policy.Arab Settler Refugee IssueClear explainers on the 1948 refugee crises, UNRWA registration, host-country conditions, funding and service proposals.Media Bias Against IsraelCheck coverage of Israel through dated examples, named sources, editorial rules, reporting limits, and negotiation records.Social Media Disinformation Against IsraelLearn how to verify viral claims about Israel, recognize influence tactics, and assess documented countermeasures.BDS MovementClear guides to campus BDS campaigns, academic boycotts, campus policy and constructive Israel programming.From the River to the SeaUnderstand the slogan’s geography, documented uses, competing interpretations, and effects on Jewish students.October 7 Denial and MinimizationEvidence-led resources examining claims that deny or minimize Hamas’s October 7 attack and its victims.Genocide Accusation vs Legal DefinitionUnderstand the Genocide Convention’s legal test, the ICJ proceedings involving Israel, and how evidence of intent is assessed.Anti-Zionism vs AntisemitismDistinguish criticism of Israeli policy from antisemitism, collective blame, and discrimination against Jews.ICC and ICJ Proceedings Against IsraelExplainers on the ICC investigation and the ICJ cases and advisory opinions concerning Israel.
History
Israel's War of Independence 1948Explore the 1948 war, its major battles, and the armistice lines established in 1949.Sinai Campaign and Suez Crisis 1956The 1956 Sinai Campaign, its causes, secret alliances, and the diplomacy that shaped Israel’s withdrawal and the decade before 1967.Six-Day War 1967Clear, sourced accounts of the 1967 war, its military campaigns, and the territorial, diplomatic, and social changes that followed.Yom Kippur War 1973How Israel’s intelligence failure, battlefield recovery, and diplomacy shaped the 1973 Yom Kippur War.First Lebanon War 1982A concise history of Israel’s 1982 Lebanon campaign, its battles, diplomacy, and security aftermath.First Muslim Arab Insurgency / Iran-backed Terror Campaign 1987-1993A concise history of the 1987–93 Arab uprising, its factions, Israeli policy, and the diplomacy that produced the Oslo Declaration.Two-State SolutionHistorical partition plans, negotiation efforts, and the unresolved security and political questions in proposals for two states.Oslo AccordsA guide to the Oslo agreements, their security and economic arrangements, the collapse of negotiations, and the lessons Israelis drew.Hebrew Language RevivalHow families, schools, newspapers and public institutions expanded Hebrew into a shared modern language.Kibbutz MovementHow Israel’s kibbutzim grew from collective farming communities into varied communities with businesses and shared services.Balfour Declaration 1917Primary documents and clear historical context explain what the Balfour Declaration promised, how Britain framed it, and how its commitments developed.British Mandate PalestineHow British rule, Jewish and Arab national movements, and the UN partition vote shaped the country from 1920 to 1948.UN Partition Plan 1947Learn how the 1937 Peel proposal and the 1947 UN recommendation addressed competing national claims, and what the vote proposed.Israel's Declaration of Independence 1948Read the Declaration's historical claims and civic promises, how its text was negotiated and signed, and who signed it.Jewish Communities of the Middle East Before 1948A history of Jewish communities across the Middle East, their institutions, and the legal and political changes that shaped their lives before 1948.Holocaust Survivors Who Built IsraelHow Holocaust survivors reached Israel, served in its founding war, built communities, and shaped its public memory.Sephardic Jewish HeritageExplore Sephardic Jewish history from medieval Iberia through Ottoman communities and modern Israel.Ashkenazi Jewish Culture and European Jewish HistoryExplore the languages, institutions, movements, and history of Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Europe.Jewish Immigration to Israel — AliyahA chronological guide to Jewish immigration to Israel, from the early aliyot through refugee arrivals and modern rescue operations.ZionismA concise guide to Zionism’s origins, major currents, international recognition, and meaning in Jewish and Israeli life today.
Security and the conflict
IDF History and StructureLearn how the IDF was formed, organized, staffed, and reshaped by wars and new technology.Iran Nuclear ProgramClear, sourced guides to Iran’s nuclear sites, enrichment program, IAEA inspections, diplomacy and regional security implications.Israel-Iran Shadow WarA guide to documented cyber operations, covert attacks, and Israeli efforts to disrupt Iran’s weapons networks.Syria After AssadExplains how Assad’s fall changed Israel’s security environment, border arrangements, and regional interests in Syria.Hostages of October 7Profiles of those abducted, survivor accounts, release negotiations, and the laws prohibiting hostage-taking.Iron Swords WarIsrael’s military response to the October 7 attacks, its stated objectives, and the operations that shaped the war.Gaza Post-WarClear answers on Gaza governance, reconstruction finance, security, aid, education, infrastructure, energy and legal duties.Judea and SamariaExplainers on security arrangements, armed groups, PA governance, and Israeli security measures in Judea and Samaria.Lebanon Post-HezbollahExplains the rules, institutions and military threats shaping Israel’s security on the Lebanon border.FatahHow Fatah rose within the PLO, entered governance through Oslo, and shaped divided Arab self-rule.Turkey and HamasDocumented Hamas leadership, financing, Turkish policy, and aid projects clarify the security questions surrounding Ankara’s ties with Hamas.Iron Dome Air Defense SystemHow Iron Dome detects incoming rockets, chooses which threats to engage, and what its combat record measures.What Is the Shin Bet (Shabak)? Israel's Internal Security ServiceLearn what Israel’s internal security service does, how it is organized, and how its powers and conduct are overseen.Unit 8200Understand Unit 8200’s publicly known intelligence role, recruitment and training, alumni ecosystem, and place in Israel’s security institutions.Israeli Defense IndustryProfiles Israel’s major defense firms, their systems and the controls governing defense exports.Women in the IDFHow Israeli law and IDF policy expanded women's opportunities in combat, aviation, command, and religious service.Arab Settlers AuthorityExplainers on Arab Settlers Authority institutions, elections, security, public finance, and accountability.Hamas vs FatahExplains the Hamas-Fatah divide, the 2007 split in governance, and the agreements and institutions that shape their rivalry.Gaza Under HamasHow Hamas took control of Gaza, governs its residents, raises money, and builds military capacity.Israel-Iran War 2026A sourced guide to the 2026 Israel-Iran war, its origins, military operations, and regional effects.The 12-Day WarClear accounts of the June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict, the IAEA safeguards finding, the Israeli and US strikes, and the attacks on Israeli civilians.
Government and politics
Israeli SovereigntyExplore the history, legal milestones, governance and security questions that shape Israel’s sovereignty debate.Israeli Arab Political Parties and Knesset RepresentationHow Arab citizens have organized, voted, and exercised influence in Israel’s Knesset and government.JerusalemJerusalem’s Jewish history, Israel’s government and law, international recognition, holy-site administration, and city life.Israeli Democracy and Governmental InstitutionsUnderstand how Israel elects the Knesset, forms a government, divides public authority, and provides institutional oversight and political representation.Israeli Judicial Reform Debate 2023-2024How Israel's 2023 judicial proposals changed the balance among the Knesset, government, courts, and legal advisers.Israeli General Election 2026Explains Israel’s main election parties, electoral rules and coalition bargaining in the 2026 Knesset contest.
Region and foreign relations
Abraham Accords 2020The agreements that opened Israel’s relations with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, alongside Sudan’s unfinished normalization process.Saudi-Israel NormalizationThe proposed Saudi-Israel opening links regional diplomacy to statehood, U.S. security commitments, nuclear safeguards, and trade.US-Israel Strategic PartnershipHow U.S.-Israel ties grew through diplomacy, defense, trade, research and regional security cooperation.European Union-Israel RelationsUnderstand the treaties, trade, research ties and policy differences shaping EU-Israel relations.Russia-Israel Complex RelationshipFact-checked pages on Israel’s diplomatic, security, social and economic ties with Russia.Arab States and the Arab Settler CauseCountry-by-country evidence on Arab governments’ stated positions, refugee policies, regional diplomacy, and funding.Iran's Regional StrategyHow Iran uses the IRGC, allied armed groups, weapons transfers and regional partnerships to extend its influence and challenge Israel and neighboring states.Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy and the Gulf StatesExplainers on Saudi Arabia’s diplomacy, security relationships, and regional policy.Egypt-Israel RelationsHow the 1979 treaty shapes Egypt-Israel security, trade, energy ties, and diplomacy.Jordan-Israel RelationsExplainers on the 1994 Israel-Jordan treaty and the agreements, cooperation, and strains shaping relations today.
Society and communities
Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) CommunityLegal rules, IDF service frameworks, and civilian and economic dimensions of Haredi service in Israel.Druze Community in IsraelExplainers on Druze military service, religious institutions, and roles in Israel’s security forces.Bedouin Community in IsraelGuides to Bedouin communities in Israel, their regional histories, public services, culture and social change.Ethiopian JewsHistory, religious traditions, rescue operations, and contemporary life of Ethiopian Jews in Israel.Arab Citizens of IsraelLegal rights, political participation, public services, and policy affecting Arab citizens of Israel.Russian-Speaking JewsHow Soviet Jewish emigration and post-Soviet immigration reshaped Israel’s society, politics, economy and culture.Circassian Community in IsraelLearn how Circassians came to the Galilee and how their communities preserve language, heritage, and civic life in Israel.SamaritansA guide to Samaritan faith, history, and community life in Israel.LGBTQ+ Rights in Israel vs Neighboring Arab CountriesA sourced guide to LGBTQ legal protections, family rights, military service, healthcare, and public life in Israel.Mixed Cities in IsraelA guide to Israel’s mixed cities, their changing populations, shared institutions, local inequalities and public safety.NazarethExplore Nazareth’s Christian pilgrimage sites, Arab-Israeli civic life, archaeology, historic market, and changing economy.Israel's Healthcare System and Medical ResearchExplainers on Israel’s public health coverage, medical research, emergency response, and health technology.Tel AvivHow Tel Aviv grew from a 1909 neighborhood into Israel’s cultural, economic and coastal center.
Religion and holy places
Western Wall (Kotel)Learn how the Western Wall was built, why Jews pray there, and how access and the plaza changed from the Second Temple era to today.Mount of OlivesExplore the Mount of Olives’ place in Jewish scripture, ritual, burial history, and Jerusalem’s modern story.Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa MosqueUnderstand the Temple Mount’s Jewish and Muslim significance, the origins of its Islamic shrines, and how access and administration work today.Bahá'í World Centre in HaifaLearn how exile brought the Bahá’í holy places to Haifa and Acre and what the World Centre does today.City of David Archaeological ParkRead about City of David excavations, ancient water systems, pilgrimage routes, Silwan’s history, and planning disputes.Dead Sea ScrollsGuides to the discovery, manuscripts, historical context, and preservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls.Israel and the Christian WorldIsrael’s ties with Christian institutions, communities, advocates, and pilgrimage sites.
Science, technology and economy
Israeli Technology & InnovationLearn how Israel’s technology economy developed and how its sectors, institutions, and global business ties operate.Israeli Cybersecurity IndustryExplore the Israeli companies, researchers, and public agencies developing cybersecurity products and expertise.Israeli Natural GasHow Israel's offshore gas fields supply the domestic grid, support regional exports, and generate public revenue.Israeli Semiconductor IndustryHow Israeli teams design chips, build AI networks, inspect wafers and manufacture silicon for global technology companies.Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and Israeli Capital MarketsHow Israel’s exchange, regulators, pension funds, companies and government connect through the capital markets.Israeli Pharmaceutical IndustryExplore Teva's origins and global growth alongside Israeli drug research, manufacturing, regulation and pharmaceutical exports.Ben Gurion AirportExplore Ben Gurion Airport's history, passenger security, public transport links, and role in Israel's aviation system.Israeli Renewable Energy and Cleantech SectorIsrael’s cleantech sector develops renewable power, water reuse, energy storage and technologies for lower-waste industry.Israeli Nobel Prize Winners in ScienceIsraeli and Israel-linked Nobel-winning research in science, economics, and the institutions behind it.Weizmann Institute of ScienceExplore the Weizmann Institute’s history, graduate training, research discoveries, and routes from laboratory science to public use.Technion — Israel Institute of TechnologyHow the Technion, its researchers and its industry links contributed to the growth of Israel’s technology sector.Hebrew University of JerusalemA sourced guide to Nobel laureates who studied or worked at Hebrew University and the research recognized by their prizes.Israeli Medical InnovationsLearn how Israeli companies developed PillCam and OrCam devices, what they do, and how medical research reaches the market.Israeli Agricultural TechnologyHow Israeli engineers and farmers developed drip irrigation and adapted it for diverse crops and water conditions.Israeli Water TechnologyHow Israel desalinated seawater, moved it through the national grid, and managed the system’s costs and trade-offs.Israel Space ProgramExplore Israel’s civilian space agency, Beresheet lunar missions, satellite systems, research, and student programs.Israeli AI and Machine Learning IndustryExplore Israel’s AI ecosystem through its research institutions, companies, computing infrastructure and applications.
Culture, sport and travel
Israel at EurovisionIsrael’s Eurovision eligibility, four winning entries, three hostings, and the artists and disputes that shaped its record.Israel National Football TeamIsrael football from its pre-state origins and changing confederations to landmark matches, players, coaches, and youth development.Israel Tourism & Holy SitesPlan visits to Israel’s major religious sites and heritage destinations with historical context and practical access guidance.Israeli Cuisine and Food CultureGuides to the Jewish traditions, regional ingredients and restaurant practices that shape food in Israel.Israeli Music and ArtistsExplore the composers, scenes, and artists behind Israeli music, from Hebrew song and Mizrahi sounds to hip-hop and indie.Israeli Cinema and TelevisionIsraeli films and television series recognized abroad through awards, adaptations and international distribution.Israeli LiteratureRead how three major Hebrew novelists used fiction to examine private life, Jewish memory, and Israel’s public debates.Israeli DanceExplore the dances, choreographers, festivals, and companies that shaped Israeli folk and contemporary dance.Israeli Sports AchievementsProfiles Israeli Olympic medal milestones and the basketball and tennis players who broke new ground internationally.Dead Sea and Israel's Natural WondersExplore Israel’s distinctive landscapes, from Dead Sea geology and desert oases to wetlands, mountain habitats, and coral reefs.