Israel: Background and Relations with the United States
Abstract
On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel declared its independence and was immediately engaged in a war with all of its neighbors. Armed conflict has marked every decade of Israel's existence. Despite its unstable regional environment, Israel has developed a vibrant parliamentary democracy, albeit with relatively fragile governments. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon formed a three-party coalition in January 2005 to secure support for withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and four small settlements in the West Bank. In November, however, new Labor party leader Amir Peretz withdrew his party from the government and called for early elections. Sharon then resigned from his Likud party to form a new party, Kadima. On January 4, 2006, Sharon suffered an incapacitating stroke, Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert succeeded Sharon. Kadima placed first in the March 28, 2006, Knesset (parliament) election, and Olmert formed a four-party coalition government. Israel has an advanced industrial, market economy in which the government plays a substantial role. The economy is now doing very well, and increased social spending is expected.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA478257
Entities
People
- Carol Migdalovitz
Organizations
- Library of Congress