With the escalation of conflicts and tensions in the region, Zionist efforts to settle and strengthen the Jewish presence in Palestine escalated. In 1947, the United Nations took a decision to divide Palestine into two states: a Jewish state and a Palestinian state.
The founding of the Israeli occupation state dates back to the Balfour Declaration, which the Zionist movement received in 1917, when it was officially approved to establish a national homeland for the Jews in Palestine. This promise, which gave the Zionists the legal basis for working to establish their state, was the beginning of a journey towards realizing the Zionist dream that appeared to the world with the founding of their state in 1948.
Founding of Israel
After centuries of dispersion, Zionist ideas began to infiltrate the minds of Jews in the nineteenth century. The Zionist movement sought to reunite the Jewish people and establish a national homeland for them in their historical land. The idea of settling Jews in ancient Palestine was not the only option, as other regions were suggested as potential locations for Jewish settlement, but with the passage of time, Palestine became the most likely option.
Zionist projects reached their peak in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when Zionist institutions and Jewish settlements were established in Palestine. In 1917, the Zionist movement received official support from the British government through the Balfour Declaration, which declared Britain's support for the establishment of a national home for the Jews in Palestine.
With the escalation of conflicts and tensions in the region, Zionist efforts to settle and strengthen the Jewish presence in Palestine escalated. In 1947, the United Nations took a decision to divide Palestine into two states: a Jewish state and a Palestinian state. In 1948, Israel declared its independence and established a sovereign state.
Naming Israel
The name of the State of Israel goes back to the historical and religious origins of the region. Israel is a name that dates back to the Old Testament and refers to the prophet Jacob (Israel), who is believed to have founded the Twelve Dynasties and is the ancestor of the ancient Israelites.
Historically, the holy books of Jews and Christians are an important source for inferring the naming of the State of Israel. In the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament, the Bible tells the story of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel after a battle he led with an angel of God. Since then, the term "Israel" has been used to refer to the Jewish people and the land in which they inhabit.
When the independence of the State of Israel was declared in 1948, the name “Israel” was chosen to be the official name of the new state, after “Land of Israel,” “Zion,” and “Judea” were among the proposals.
Israel Flag
As for the flag of Israel, it carries many symbols and meanings. The flag of Israel consists of a white background and two horizontal blue bands at the top and bottom. The color blue is a symbol of freedom and sky, while white symbolizes purity and peace (according to the description). In the center is the emblem of the State of Israel, which consists of a six-pointed Star of David in blue, which symbolizes Jewish identity.
Geography of Israel
Israel's political borders are among the most controversial matters in the world, as it has not fully declared its official borders since its establishment in 1948. But in general, Israel is located in Western Asia, and is located on the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern coast of the Red Sea. It has land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the east and west, respectively, and Egypt to the southwest. Israel's total area is about 22,072 square kilometers, making it among the smaller countries in the region.
Climate of Israel
Israel's climate is diverse and ranges from Mediterranean to desert. In coastal areas, winters are mild and summers are hot and dry. In contrast, the interior and desert areas of the Negev are characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters. The mountainous regions in the north are characterized by cold, rainy winters and mild summers.
As for the terrain of Israel, it is also diverse. The northern coast extends along the Mediterranean Sea and is characterized by low plains and hills. In the middle of the country are the fertile coastal plains known as the "Plains of Sharon". In the north, there are the Carmel Mountains and the Galilee Mountains.
Jaafar Abdul Karim Al Khabouri