Israel Country Profile

Political Profile

The government of Israel consists of a Parliamentary Democracy. Their government head is a Prime minister responsible for running the country and managing things like finance, regulating cabinet policy, and diplomatic relations within nations. The prime minister doesn’t have a term limit. There is also a president of the country, though this is primarily a ceremonial role. The president had a term limit of 7 years non -renewable. The current prime minister is Yair Lapid. He has been the government’s prime minister since July 1st, 2022, made under the coalition government. The current president of the country is Isaac Herzog. The government’s main legislative body is called the Knesset. Knesset is a sovereign body and thus has complete control over the government. The body consists of 120 members who do things like elect the president and the prime minister (the president ceremonially chooses the latter), approve the cabinet, and run the government. The Knesset can also eliminate the president and prime minister and dissolve itself. The term Knesset means great assembly. The assembly meets based on scheduling in things that are called plenums. These are to vote on bills and debate issues. There are also committee meetings to approve bills to be voted on and debate social issues. The government overall goes on 4-year terms and then has elections. The government also goes into elections if the yearly budget still
needs to be passed by June 23.

Economy

The economy of Israel is considered a technologically advanced free market economy. Consistently ranking 1st in available scientists and engineers, along with a high ranking of tech readiness, venture capital availability, and quality of research. Primary exports include cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals.
Despite the recent global financial crisis in 2009 causing a brief economic recession, prudent fiscal policies; regulations; robust banking sector allowed for a quick economic recovery.

National Security

Military and National Security Services consist of a wide variety of security forces such as the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), which enforces disciplinary, Ground Forces; the IAF (Israel Air Force) defends against battle threats from the air; and the Ministry of Public Security Border. Within all forces, Israel has one of the most extensive domestic/imported weapon systems, mainly guided missiles, air defense, and unmanned aerial systems. The UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) has operated to supervise within Israel and Syria since 1974 after the Arab- Israeli war; ever since then, the IDF has conducted multiple operations against terrorist groups like PIJ and Hamas.

Role in the United Nations

The State of Israel was admitted to the United Nations as the 59th member in 1949. Israel’s delegation has worked to promote peace, prosperity, and security through the UN institutions. Israel is also America’s top UN ally, siding with the US 91 % of the time in General Assemblies. Israel also held many sites of UNESCO (United Nations Organization for Education, Science, and Culture) world heritage, but after the U.S’s withdrawal, Israel followed shortly after. Israel also has many councils in the UN regarding security, and human rights, especially the UN Women’s agency, Relief, and Works Agency, etc.

Current Role in Climate Change Mitigation

Israel has signed the Paris climate accords to reduce emissions by 27% by 2030. The goal for 2050 is to reduce emissions by 85%. Change such as this is difficult to make and enforce due to a conservative government though attempts to maintain action persist. Issues with climate change are prevalent due to weapons used in war that affect the environment. Climate change issues are commonplace in Gaza and the West Bank due to using weapons causing toxic residue and erosion. Initiatives have begun to aid the betterment of the environment by disposing of weapons left over from past wars.