Israel, a country steeped in rich history and cultural significance, is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is recognized as the birthplace of Jewish culture and Judaism, which also played a pivotal role in the creation of Christianity and Islam. The nation is unique for being the only state in the world with a majority Jewish population, making it a significant homeland for Jews scattered globally.
Covering an area of 8550 square miles, roughly the size of New Jersey, Israel boasts a diverse topography. It features a lengthy coastal plain, highlands in the north and central regions, and the Negev desert in the south. The Great Rift Valley runs along its eastern border from north to south, marking the northern terminus of this geographical marvel.
Israel is bordered by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It also shares maritime borders with Cyprus. Despite its small size, Israel has more museums per capita than any other country in the world, reflecting its deep appreciation for art and culture. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, is another notable feature of the country.
The official languages of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic, although many Israelis also speak English, Russian, and French. About three-quarters of the population is Jewish. The country operates as a liberal democracy, the only one in the Middle East.
Israel's history is marked by conflict with its Arab neighbors and the Palestinians over land considered holy by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Despite these challenges, Israel has evolved into a hi-tech economy, absorbing Jewish immigrants from various parts of the world. However, the conflict with the Palestinians remains a major factor in its foreign and security policy.
Today, Israel continues to be a focal point of global attention due to its unique cultural, religious, and geopolitical significance.
The Congress party has selected VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, following the United Democratic Front's assembly election victory. The six-time MLA will take the oath of office on May 18.
The edition of India First covers significant global and domestic developments. At the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised the necessity of unimpeded maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz and criticised unilateral sanctions.
In this edition of India Today Global, watch Geeta Mohan's ground report from Behesht-e Zahra cemetery where Iranians gathered to pay their respects to fallen commanders and the eighty-seven sailors who died when an American torpedo sank an Iranian ship off the Sri Lankan coast.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, discussed Tehran's response to US President Donald Trump's threats. He detailed the history of Tehran's diplomatic engagement with Washington, highlighting the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and the assassination of IRGC Commander Qassem Soleimani. He explained Iran's recent proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which the US rejected. Baghaei stated, "Blockade itself is a declaration of an act of war," attributing the current international maritime and energy crises, including those affecting India, to actions by the US and Israel. He also questioned why the disarmament of Israel's nuclear weapons is not part of global demands, noting Iran's compliance with the NPT. Addressing the possibility of a ground invasion by the US, Baghaei affirmed Iran's military readiness, warning, "We have no other choice other than fighting back ferociously." He emphasised that Iran is defending its homeland and international law against aggression.
In this edition of India Today Global, watch Geeta Mohan's exclusive ground report from Iran as Sikh community living in Tehran speaks about life amid war and how Iranians are slowly rebuilding their homes that were destroyed in the US-Israeli strikes.
An India Today ground report from Tehran details the ongoing conflict, its impact on the city's infrastructure and how Iranians have gathered at Enghelab Square to demonstrate solidarity and unity amid war.
Watch as India Today's Geeta Mohan brings this exclusive ground report from Iran's fourteenth-century Golestan Palace, which was damaged during the US-Israel airstrikes on Tehran.
The latest episode of Statecraft examines the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran as the sixty-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution expires.
The big talking point of this episode of News Today is the merger of seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The United States has initiated its largest military build-up in West Asia since the Iraq War, deploying three aircraft carrier strike groups, nuclear submarines, and destroyers near the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States blockade of the Strait of Hormuz faces challenges. Despite efforts to choke Iranian oil revenues, reports indicate that numerous tankers continue to bypass restrictions, moving nearly a billion dollars worth of oil.
The latest episode of India Today Global covers the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a ten-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Mera and Ahed’s video from a displacement camp in Gaza has gone viral, offering a glimpse into daily life amid ongoing war.
US President Donald Trump has announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, inviting the Israeli Prime Minister and the Lebanese President to the White House for high-level talks.
A massive political showdown erupted in Parliament on Thursday over women's reservation and its linkage to the upcoming census and delimitation exercise.
The United States has threatened to resume bombing campaigns against Iranian targets if peace negotiations fail, escalating its strategy from a maritime blockade at the Strait of Hormuz to a broader military offensive.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel discusses the escalating tensions in West Asia, US-Iran peace talks and much more.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a forty-minute phone conversation regarding the West Asia crisis and the necessity of a ceasefire.
This action counters Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global energy supplies and oil exports. Naval forces are deployed to navigate mined waters as Israel prepares for renewed conflict.
The military manoeuvre aims to restrict maritime movement and cut off revenue streams, threatening global energy supplies and vital oil shipments to Asian markets, including India.
