Why Israel has an impossible geography

Israel is a small country in the Middle East, about the size of New Jersey, located on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and bordered by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It has a population of more than 9 million people, most of them Jewish, and a complex history with periods of peace and conflict. But why is Israel’s geography so impossible? What are the challenges and opportunities that Israel faces in its region? And how does Israel cope with its precarious situation?

Israel’s geography is impossible for several reasons. First, Israel is surrounded by hostile neighbors who have waged war against it several times since its establishment in 1948. Israel has fought wars with Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran, as well as Palestinian groups such as Hamas and Fatah. Some of these countries and groups still do not recognize Israel’s right to exist, and some seek its destruction. Israel has to maintain a strong military and security apparatus to defend itself from external and internal threats, which consumes a large portion of its budget and resources.

Second, Israel is located in a volatile and unstable region, where conflicts, revolutions, terrorism and humanitarian crises are common. Israel has to deal with the spillover effects of these events, such as refugees, violence, radicalization and instability. Israel also has to balance its relations with regional and global powers, such as the United States, Russia, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran, who have different interests and agendas in the Middle East. Israel has to navigate the complex and shifting dynamics of these actors, while pursuing its own national interests and security.

Third, Israel is a diverse and divided society, where different ethnic, religious, cultural and political groups coexist, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in conflict. Israel is home to Jews from various backgrounds and origins, such as Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, Ethiopian and Russian. Israel also has a sizable Arab minority, who are mostly Muslim, but also include Christians and Druze. The country has other minorities, such as Bedouins, Circassians, Armenians and Baha’is. Israel’s society is also split along ideological lines, such as secular vs religious, left vs right, Zionist vs anti-Zionist, etc. Israel has to manage the social and political challenges that arise from its diversity and division, while maintaining its identity and cohesion as a Jewish and democratic state.

However, Israel’s geography is not only impossible, but also remarkable. Israel has also managed to turn some of its geographic disadvantages into advantages, and to create opportunities for itself in its region and beyond. For example:

• Israel has developed a vibrant and innovative economy, based on high-tech, agriculture, tourism and trade. Israel is a global leader in fields such as cybersecurity, biotechnology, nanotechnology, renewable energy, water management and space exploration. Israel has also attracted foreign investment and established diplomatic and economic ties with many countries around the world, including some of its former enemies, such as Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
• Israel has cultivated a resilient and creative culture, based on its history, values and diversity. Israel is a hub for arts, literature, music, film, sports and cuisine. Israel is also a source of inspiration and innovation for many people and movements, such as feminism, environmentalism, human rights and social justice. It has also contributed to the advancement of science, medicine, education and humanitarian aid.
• Israel has maintained a strong and loyal alliance with the United States, which is its main strategic partner and supporter. Israel and the United States share common values, interests and threats, and cooperate on various levels, such as military, intelligence, technology, trade and culture. It also benefits from the support of the American Jewish community, which is influential and active in the American politics and society.

In conclusion, Israel has an impossible geography, but also a remarkable one. Israel faces many challenges and risks, but also opportunities and achievements. Israel has to cope with its precarious situation, but also to thrive and prosper. Israel is a paradox, a miracle and a mystery.