Where is Israel Located?

Where is Israel located on the map? Israel is an independent nation located in Western Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Israel on maps.

Israel Location in World Map

Here you can see the position of Israel between Africa, Asia and Europe.

Location Information of Israel

Israel, located in the Middle East, is bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. To the west, it has a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Israel’s geographical position has made it a crossroads of cultures, religions, and civilizations for millennia. The country is often noted for its historical, religious, and strategic importance.

Latitude and Longitude

Israel lies between 29° 30′ N and 33° 30′ N latitude, and between 34° 15′ E and 35° 50′ E longitude. The coordinates of its capital, Jerusalem, are approximately 31.7683° N latitude and 35.2137° E longitude. The country’s eastern border with Jordan runs along the Jordan River, while its western border, along the Mediterranean Sea, extends from the coastal city of Haifa in the north to Eilat at the southern tip of the Red Sea.

Capital City and Major Cities

Jerusalem (Capital City)

Jerusalem is the capital and one of the most important cities in Israel. It holds immense religious significance for the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The city has a population of over 900,000 and is known for its ancient history, religious landmarks, and political importance. Jerusalem is home to sacred sites such as the Western Wall (the holiest site in Judaism), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus), and the Dome of the Rock (a significant Islamic shrine). The city is also the political and administrative center of Israel, housing government institutions and the Knesset (Israel’s parliament).

Tel Aviv

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv is Israel’s second-largest city with a population of around 450,000 in the city proper and over 3.8 million in the metropolitan area. It is Israel’s commercial and technological hub, often referred to as the Silicon Wadi due to its thriving tech industry. Tel Aviv is known for its vibrant nightlife, modern architecture, and cultural attractions. The city is also a popular tourist destination, offering beautiful beaches, a dynamic arts scene, and landmarks like the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and Neve Tzedek district. Jaffa, an ancient port city now part of Tel Aviv, adds historical depth to the modern city.

Haifa

Located on the northern coast, Haifa is Israel’s third-largest city, with a population of about 285,000. Haifa is a major industrial, port, and cultural center. The Port of Haifa is one of Israel’s largest commercial ports, handling substantial maritime trade. The city is also known for its mixed population of Jews and Arabs, its prominent university, and the Bahá’í World Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Haifa is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Carmel Mountains and Mediterranean beaches.

Eilat

Located at the southern tip of Israel, Eilat is Israel’s main resort city on the Red Sea. The city, with a population of about 53,000, is known for its warm climate, year-round sunshine, and underwater marine life. Eilat is a popular destination for tourists looking for beaches, water sports, and scuba diving. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve and the Underwater Observatory Marine Park are among its major attractions. Eilat is also strategically located near the borders of Jordan and Egypt, making it a convenient point for international travel.

Nazareth

Nazareth, located in the northern district of Israel, is a city of about 77,000 residents. It holds profound significance for Christians as the town where Jesus spent his childhood. The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth is one of the most important Christian sites in the world. Although the city’s economy is based on agriculture and small-scale industries, its religious and historical importance draws millions of pilgrims and tourists each year.

Time Zone

Israel operates on Israel Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +2 during the winter months. In the summer, Israel observes Israel Daylight Time (IDT), shifting the clocks to UTC +3. This time zone places Israel in the same time zone as many other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region, including Jordan and Lebanon. The country does observe Daylight Saving Time, moving the clock forward by one hour during the summer months to maximize daylight.

Climate

Israel experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, due to its diverse topography, the climate can vary significantly between regions.

Coastal Plain

Along the Mediterranean coast, including cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, the climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The average temperature during the summer months can reach around 30°C (86°F), with winter temperatures averaging around 10-15°C (50-59°F). Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, with the coastal areas receiving between 400-600 mm (16-24 inches) annually.

Central Israel and Jerusalem

The climate in Jerusalem and the central highlands is somewhat cooler than the coast. Summers are warm, but not as hot as the coastal regions, with temperatures averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F) in July and August. Winter temperatures can drop to 5-10°C (41-50°F), and snow is a rare but possible occurrence in Jerusalem and other higher-altitude areas.

Desert Regions (Negev and Arava)

In the Negev Desert and the Arava Valley, temperatures can soar during the summer, reaching 40-45°C (104-113°F), with winters being milder. The desert regions receive very little rainfall, typically less than 100 mm (4 inches) annually. Eilat, located near the Red Sea, has a desert climate with high summer temperatures and very low humidity.

Economic Status

Israel boasts a high-income economy and is considered one of the world’s most developed nations. Despite its small size, the country has a highly diverse and advanced economy, with notable sectors including high technology, defense, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and tourism.

Key Economic Sectors

• High-Tech and Startups: Israel is a global leader in technology innovation, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and software development. The Silicon Wadi in Tel Aviv has become a prominent tech hub, attracting investment from international companies and venture capitalists. Some of Israel’s notable tech companies include Check Point, Wix, and Mobileye.
• Agriculture: Israel’s agricultural sector is highly advanced, despite the country’s small size and arid climate. Innovations in drip irrigation and desalination technologies have helped Israel become a leader in agricultural production. The country exports products such as citrus fruits, vegetables, flowers, and dairy products.
• Pharmaceuticals: Israel is home to some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, including Teva Pharmaceuticals. The country’s research and development efforts have made it a major player in the production of generic drugs, medical devices, and biotechnology.
• Tourism: Tourism is an important sector for Israel’s economy, attracting millions of visitors each year. Major attractions include Jerusalem, Dead Sea resorts, Tel Aviv beaches, and religious pilgrimage sites. The country’s religious and historical significance draws tourists from around the world.

Challenges

Israel faces several economic challenges, including high income inequality, ongoing security concerns, and the impact of regional instability. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and geopolitical tensions with neighboring countries affect trade and regional cooperation. Additionally, the country’s dependence on energy imports remains a key vulnerability.

Tourist Attractions

Israel’s historical, religious, and natural attractions make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is perhaps the most significant city for religious tourism in the world. Major sites include:

• Western Wall: The holiest site in Judaism.
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Revered by Christians as the site of Christ’s crucifixion and burial.
• Dome of the Rock: An important Islamic site located on the Temple Mount.
• Yad Vashem: Israel’s Holocaust Memorial and Museum.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv offers a vibrant mix of culture, modernity, and history:

• Beaches: Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean coastline is known for its beautiful beaches and lively waterfront promenade.
• Jaffa: A historic district with ancient buildings, galleries, and a bustling flea market.
• Tel Aviv Museum of Art: One of the leading art museums in the region.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, located along Israel’s eastern border, is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. Visitors come to float in its mineral-rich waters and experience the therapeutic mud.

Masada

Masada, an ancient fortress near the Dead Sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Jewish resistance against Roman rule.

Eilat

Eilat is famous for its underwater attractions:

• Coral Beach Nature Reserve: A popular site for snorkeling and diving.
• Underwater Observatory Marine Park: Featuring marine life and coral reefs.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens traveling to Israel for tourism do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, they must have a valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond the planned date of departure. U.S. travelers are allowed to enter Israel on a tourist visa exemption, and upon entry, they will receive a stamp or an electronic entry authorization for up to 90 days.

For longer stays or other purposes (such as employment, study, or immigration), a visa is required, which can be obtained from an Israeli consulate.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

• From New York City to Tel Aviv: The distance between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is approximately 5,700 miles (9,200 kilometers). A direct flight typically takes around 10-11 hours.
• From Los Angeles to Tel Aviv: The distance between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Tel Aviv is approximately 7,300 miles (11,750 kilometers). Flights typically take about 12-13 hours, depending on the route and layovers.

Israel Facts

Size	22,380 km² (from an Israeli perspective)
Residents	9.1 million
Language	Hebrew and Arabic
Capital	Jerusalem (seat of government and parliament)
Longest river	Jordan (320 km)
Highest mountain	Hare Meron (1,208 m)
Currency	Shekel