The State of Israel is a parliamentary democracy with legislative, executive and judicial branches. Israel’s head of state is the president, whose duties are mostly ceremonial. The Knesset, or legislature, is a 120-member parliament. Its members are elected every four years in nationwide elections. The cabinet of ministers, headed by the prime minister, administers internal and foreign affairs.

All Israeli adults, regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity, are eligible to vote. Israel has many political parties, the two largest being Likud and Labor. A variety of smaller religious and ethnic groups are also represented in the Knesset and in local government.

Israel maintains diplomatic relations with more than 160 countries. However, most Arab and Muslim states have boycotted Israel politically and economically. These countries wield power because they control large amounts of the world’s oil. Since they tend to vote as a bloc in international bodies such as the United Nations, Israel is criticized unfairly in and excluded from global forums.

Israel’s national symbols are deeply rooted in the history and heritage of the Jewish people. Its blue-and-white flag, with the Star of David in its center, is based on the design of the Jewish prayer shawl (tallit).

Israel’s official emblem depicts two olive branches, representing its yearning for peace, and the candelabrum (menorah) that was lit in Jerusalem’s ancient Holy Temples.

Finally, Israel’s moving national anthem is “Hatikva” (The Hope). Hear it!