Following World War II, the British withdrew from their mandate of Palestine, and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and Jewish states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Subsequently, the Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars without ending the deep tensions between the two sides. The territories Israel occupied since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country profile, unless otherwise noted. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. In keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, bilateral negotiations were conducted between Israel and Palestinian representatives and Syria to achieve a permanent settlement. Israel and Palestinian officials signed on 13 September 1993 a Declaration of Principles (also known as the "Oslo Accords") guiding an interim period of Palestinian self-rule. Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. In addition, on 25 May 2000, Israel withdrew unilaterally from southern Lebanon, which it had occupied since 1982. In April 2003, US President BUSH, working in conjunction with the EU, UN, and Russia - the "Quartet" - took the lead in laying out a roadmap to a final settlement of the conflict by 2005, based on reciprocal steps by the two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. However, progress toward a permanent status agreement was undermined by Israeli-Palestinian violence between September 2003 and February 2005. An Israeli-Palestinian agreement reached at Sharm al-Sheikh in February 2005, along with an internally-brokered Palestinian cease-fire, significantly reduced the violence. In the summer of 2005, Israel unilaterally disengaged from the Gaza Strip, evacuating settlers and its military while retaining control over most points of entry into the Gaza Strip. The election of HAMAS in January 2006 to head the Palestinian Legislative Council froze relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Ehud OLMERT became prime minister in March 2006; he shelved plans to unilaterally evacuate from most of the West Bank following an Israeli military operation in Gaza in June-July 2006 and a 34-day conflict with Hizballah in Lebanon in June-August 2006. OLMERT in June 2007 resumed talks with the PA after HAMAS seized control of the Gaza Strip and PA President Mahmoud ABBAS formed a new government without HAMAS. OLMERT in September 2008 resigned in the wake of several corruption allegations, but remained prime minister until the new coalition government under former Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU was completed in late March 2009, following the February general election.

Akko (Acre) — a fascinating historical city on the far north coast of Israel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a pilgrimage site for the Bahá'ís.

The Old Fortress has many layers of history.

The wall has a lot of history to offer, and if you're staying at Walid's Gate hostel it's just across the road.

Go to the Hall of the Crusader Knights at the Citadel.

Visit the Tunnel of the Templars.

Visit the synagogue of the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto)a Kabbalah master

Visit Ohr Torah, Tunisian synagogue, a maticulosly handcrafted specticle of stained glass and tile mossaic entirely unique to Akko

Beer Sheva — the capital of the Negev region.

Abraham's Well

Located at the edge of the Old Town and on the Wadi Beer Sheva, this small site contains the well where according to tradition Abraham made the oath with Abimeleh.

Israel Air Force Museum

Open every day except Saturday, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (Fridays until 1.00 pm). Located next to Kibbutz Hatserim 5 km to the West of Beer Sheva. The museum displays historical airplanes of the Israeli Air Force.

Negev Brigade Memorial

Located on a hill to the west of the city, this large monument made out of concrete, commemorates symbolically the different aspects of the Negev Brigade which conquered the Negev region in Israel's War of Independance. There is a superb view on the city and its surroundings from this site.

Negev Museum

Located in the residence of the Turkish governor in the Old Town, this small museum contains an art collection and has changing exhibits.

Municipal Zoological Garden

Located at the North-Western entrance to the city, this Zoo displays many indigenous animals.

Old Turkish Town (Old City)

The Old Town was planned by Turkish and German engineers at the end of the 19th century. Its streets form a grid (very uncommon in the region). Many buildings date from Turkish times and have secret gardens behind high walls. Rehabilitated Smilansky Street has the best preserved buildings. Additionally there is a wide array of cheap stores and excellent ethnic restaurants and bars.

British WWI Military Cemetery

Located just next the the Old Town, this cemetery is the resting place of British, Australian and New Zealand (ANZAC) soldiers which have fought against the Turks in the First World War.

Beduin Market

Located just outside of the city on the Road to Eilat, this market takes place every Thursday morning. Beduin merchandize can be found next to a wide array of other products.

Municipal Market

Located between the Old Town and the central bus station is a vibrant market for any kind of merchandize.

Tel Beer Sheva Archeological Park

Located outside the city to its east (next to Omer), this archeological park is a World Heritage Site and one of the top sites to explore how people have lived in Biblical times.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Located in the northern part of town on the road to Tel Aviv, this renowned university has a vibrant campus with many buildings designed by famous architects. There are two art galleries located in the Senate Building and in the Library, a small museum of medical history in the building of the Medical Faculty and many small exhibits in the buildings of the different faculties.

Eilat — the 'Goa of the Middle East', Israel's window on the Red Sea, a vibrant resort city.

Coral Beach

The best place for scuba diving and located here are some of the best dive clubs in Israel offering technical diving courses, rebreather, nitrox, tri-mix etc.. The whole coastal area is protected by the nature reserve authority and divers are expected to follow regulations. The south beach is a great place for snorkeling, windsurfing and kite-surfing plus it has fantastic views over the bay.

Underwater Observatory

One of Eilat's most popular attractions is a good way to view the Red Sea marine life without getting wet. It's white tower (Eilat's most famous landmark) offers great views above water and goes below the surface where the marine life is seen. In the marine parks aquariums are sharks, sting rays and turtles, plus lots of multi colored Red Sea fish. The huge glass windows allow visitors to get a great view the tanks occupants. The Oceanarium simulator is also a lot of fun for kids - a little scary for the smaller ones though. All in all it's a nice family morning out.

Dolphin Reef

South Beach (3 km south of town towards the Egyptian border), tel +972-8-637-1846. Entry fee: 42/28 NIS adults/children. Not just a tourist trap, the staff actually work to rehabilitate dolphins for life in the open sea - from whence they came. However in the past, the occasional release of the dolphins into the bay resulted in the immediate consumption of many of the nearby coral reef's inhabitants. The dolphin release project is since on hold. Various paid options are available for interacting with the dolphins, starting with snorkeling with the dolphins at NIS 227. It's a very nice beach with lots of small pools and rich shrubbery. It has a fantastic spa (relaxation pools) and is well worth a visit. For those who want to get up-close to a dolphin book your swim or dive as early in the morning as you can. The dolphins get weary of visitors as the day goes on. Piers leading out onto the water allow everyone to get as near to the dolphins - as the dolphins want.

"What's Up" The Observatory in Eilat

"What's Up" The Observatory in Eilat has begun a new show. With the addition of a special camera we can show you the deep sky as well as the moon and planets on a computer screen rather then through the eyepiece of the telescope. We can now collect photons in a way the eye could never do and see the wonders of the sky in living color. Watch the image build as the light is collected and hear tales about the personalities of the heavens as well as scientific explanation of what is going on up there. "What's Up" is suitable for all ages as well as being accessible to the handicapped although there are no toilet facilities at the site.

Kings City in Eilat

A biblical theme park in Eilat, which has been inaugurated in June 2006. Built over a 40,000 square feet area on three levels, the park resembles a king's palace. The palace has four sections: Journey to the Past, Cave of Illusions and Wisdom, Bible Cave and King salomon Falls.

Haifa — Israel's third largest city, main port and industrial city in the north of the country. Also world center of the Bahá'í Faith, home of the beautiful Shrine of the Báb and Terraces and home to an interesting German Quarter.

Bahá'í Gardens and World Center

Every day but Wednesday. The gardens and world centre on Mount Carmel's northern slope area a must-see for any visitor to Haifa. Comprising the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, terraced gardens and administrative buildings, the World Centre is the holiest site of pilgrimage for the members of the Bahá'í Faith, as well as the faith's central administrative center. The gardens are stunning and well worth visiting if you are in Haifa. Tours are Free but MUST be booked in advance.

Cave of Elijah

Elijah is considered a prophet by both Judaism and Islam. The Carmelites have a tradition that they were founded by Elijah at this time. According to tradition Elijah lived in a cave on Mt. Carmel during the reign of King Ahab. The site itself may disappoint many tourists. One enjoyable and scenic option for good walkers is to walk down to the cave from Stella Maris (monastery) at the top of Mt. Carmel.

Stella Maris

A French Carmelite church, monastery and hospice. This is the founding place of the Carmelite Order, a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. Located atop Mount Carmel, there is a hiking trail connecting it to the Cave of Elijah below.

German Colony

Centered around Ben Gurion Boulevard. All Hours. In 1868 members of German Templar Society (not to be confused with the Knights of the Templars) purchased land that was far from the city and set out to build the first planned agricultural community in the Holy Land. Many of the original templar houses have preserved and undergone restoration in the last decade of XX century. Now the main street of the former colony (Ben Gurion Boulevard) is a promenade, with many restaurants and coffee shops. Some example of good place in the German Colony are; Havana plus is a Hooka bar with a full service bar. Milagro is a restaurant that provides great beer on tap and live Music after 8PM and Isabella is one of the finer restaurants in the area. The City History Museum and the local Tourist Board are located here. Free.

Haifa University

Located at the top of Carmel, the campus was originally designed by the architect of Brasilia and UN building in New York City, Oscar Niemeyer. Newer buildings were added later. The top 30th floor of the Eshkol Tower, provides an incredible view of almost the entire North of Israel. The campus is also a home of Hecht Museum with its rich archeology and art collections. Entry to both of these attraction is free.

Druze Villages

30min by sherut or longer by bus to the top of Mt. Carmel. The tourist-oriented bazaar has inexpensive shops and you can top off the visit in one of the excellent Mid-Eastern restaurants.

National Museum of Science

MadaTech, 12 Balfour Street. Established in 1984, MadaTech - the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space is housed in two historic landmark buildings in mid-town Haifa. Designed, at the turn of the century, by renowned German Jewish architect, Alexander Baerwald, these were home to the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Israel’s first institution of higher education.

National Maritime Museum

Haifa Museum of Art

Hecht Museum

Featuring large archaeological exhibits and an art wing with 19th and 20th century painting and sculpture, including works by Corot, Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Van-Gogh, Soutine and Modigliani. Free.

Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art

The museum was founded in the year 1959, at the joint initiative of Felix Tikotin, a known collector of Japanese art. The museum present rotating exhibitions of old and modern Japanese art.

Haifa Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Jerusalem — the political and spiritual capital of Israel, as well as city sacred for millennia to three religions: Jews (the site of the Temple), Christians (the scene of Christ's Passion), and Muslims (site of the al-Aqsa Mosque.). Containing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City.

The Israel Museum

The Israel Museum is the largest museum in Israel. The Museum contains the "shrine of the book" where the dead sea scrolls are kept. It also has a large scale model of Jerusalem in ancient times. Normally it has a large archeology and art section but because of major renovations these sections are closed until 2010. Entrance fee is 45 NIS.

Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is Israel's Holocaust museum. There is no fee to enter but tours can cost about 30 NIS. Children under ten are not allowed to enter the museum proper but they go to other areas.

The Museum on the Seam

The Museum on the Seam is a a socio-political contemporary art museum, located in Jerusalem. The Museum raises diverse issues for discussion with the goal of having an impact on public dialogue within a complex reality. The changing exhibitions shown at the Museum form a series of connected statements about human rights and reflect the thin line in human relationships between personal and national identity and social, ethnic and religious differences in their local and universal contexts.

In West Jerusalem

Be sure to visit the Israel Museum (home to the Dead Sea Scrolls and much more) and the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum.

Biblical Zoo

The Biblical Zoo is one of Israel's most popular tourist sites, in West Jerusalem

Visit the Belzer Rebbe's tish on Friday night in(men only!) Charedi Jerusalem

Old City

The atmospheric historical core of Jerusalem surrounded by Ottoman period walls, filled with sites of massive religious signficance and a bustling approach to life.

Temple Mount

The most important Jewish Holy Place is the Temple Mount (Har Habayit) and the Western Wall (Hakotel Hamaaravi) in the Old City, which is part of the outer retaining wall of the Temple, built 2000 years ago.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the termination point for the Via Dolorosa (Way of Pain) in the Old City.

The Noble Sanctuary

The Noble Sanctuary (which is the same site as the aforementioned Temple Mount) in the Muslim quarter of the old city is considered the third most important site in Islam

Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al-Aqsa Mosque (The Far Mosque) is the point from where the prophet of Islam, Mohammad, is believed to have ascended to heaven.

Qubbat Al-Sakhra (Dome of the Rock)

Located roughly in the middle of the sanctuary opposite of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, is probably the most known landmark of Jerusalem with its golden dome and octagonal blue walls that are adorned with Arabic calligraphy of Koranic verses.

Musalla Marwan

Musalla Marwan Just below the paved courtyard in the southeast corner of the Sanctuary lies the vast vaulted subterranean area referred to mistakenly as Solomon's Stables. The actual construction is Umayyad, dating back to the 8th century, its original purpose to level the courtyard above. Musalla Marwan now provides space for part of the overflow from the Al-Aqsa Mosque building of the thousands of worshipers who gather each week in the Noble Sanctuary for the Friday prayer.

Dome of the Miraj

Dome of the Miraj Commemorating the Prophet's ascension. Restored in 1200AD.

Nazareth — the hometown of Jesus, now the largest Arab city in Israel. Nazareth lays in the lower Galilee and not far from the lake of the Sea of Galilee, is a small city of mainly modern appearance. Nazareth is a mix of races and religions.

Basilica of the Annunciation

The Basilica of the Annunciation is built above the sunken grotto which according to the Roman Catholic faith was the home of the Virgin Mary and the place where she received the Annunciation (the announcement of the imminent birth of Jesus). The large and impressive modern-day church is built above the remains of churches dating back to Crusader and Byzantine times, still visible on the lower level. The church boasts dozens of pictures donated by Christian communities around the world. The Largest Church in the Middle East and one of Christianity’s Holiest shrines, its imposing dome dominates the Nazareth skyline and is an ideal landmark and starting point for visiting Other churches. It marks the spot where the Archangel Gabriel Informed the Virgin Mary that God had chosen her to bear his son; there is also a tradition that Mary lived in a house on this site. The complex of the modern Basilica is built on two levels. The lower one,Making the traditional Roman Catholic site of the Annunciation, contains ancient remains of churches from the Byzantiane and Crusader eras. During archaeological excavations, relics were found dating back to the Canaanite settlement of Nazareth, Though the most interesting find was of a typical Nazarene house, hewn out of the rock, from the Roman Period. The upper level, built between 1959 and 1969 on the site of an 18th-century church, is in strikingly modern architectural style. With its stained- glass windows highlighted against bare stone.A garden and courtyard connect the Basilica to St. Joseph’s Church and Workshop. Admission to the Basilica is free. Hours: M-Sa 8:30AM-11:45AM & 2PM-5:50PM; Sun. and feasts 2PM-5:30PM. Winter, M-Sa 9AM-11:45AM & 2PM-4:30PM; Su and feasts 2PM-4:30PM.

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation is built above a spring believed to be the source of a well where Mary drew water each day. This is the site where the Greek Orthodox tradition maintains that the Angel Gabriel revealed to Mary knowledge of the impending birth of Jesus. The church houses many interesting icons and wall paintings, as well as the holy spring. The church is open daily from 8AM-12PM and from 1PM-6PM. Shorts are not allowed. Contributions are expected. The Orthodox Museum is adjacent to the church. Entrance is currently free and the collection though small is quite spectacular. Those working at the church are temperamental, and have been known to arbitrarily shout at or remove pilgrims from the church.

St. Joseph’s Church

St. Joseph’s Church, next to the Basilica of the Annunciation. Also known as Church of the Nutrition and Joseph’s Workshop, because it is believed that the cavern in the basement was Joseph’s carpentry shop, Built in 1914, on the foundations of a Crusader church, with Romanesque influences. Hours: Daily 9AM-11:45AM & 2PM-5:30PM.

Mary’s Well

Mary’s Well and the Ancient Bath House. The structure surrounding Mary’s Well (known as el-Sabil in Arabic) was recently renovated and restored to its original form. Mary’s Well is the symbol of Nazareth Municipality. Next to Mary’s Well is a pleasant souvenir shop named Cactus, belonging to Elias and Martina Shama. After buying the shop in the 1990s, the Shamas discovered that beneath it was concealed one of the most exciting and important discoveries in Nazareth in recent history: a network of beautifully preserved ancient stones arches that once supported a giant bath house. It is believed the exposed remains beneath the shop may date back to the ancient Roman era – that is, to the time of Jesus – and have been fed by the same water that supplied Mary’s Well­. There is an entrance fee to the site, but no advance reservation is necessary and guided explanations and hot and cold drinks are available to visitors.

El-Babour

The Mill of the Galilee, middle of Bishara street. Go in through a little door on the right of the street following the aromas to a large shop that opened more than a hundred years ago as a flour mill and which today offers an array of fresh oils and spices which are a celebration to the eye the ear and the nose.

Diwan El Lajun

Multi cultural center for the Stage Arts. In a beautiful space rich with arches is Café-Theater Diwan El Lajun which houses cultural and multi cultural activities in the stage arts and the traditional artisan work. Diwan El Lajun produces shows in Arabic, English, Hebrew and bi-lingual shows, folklore music concerts, literature, poetry and dance evenings, storey telling shows and circus shows from Israel and abroad. Arab-Jews meetings of adults and adolescents are taking place as well. Workshops in theater, storey telling, belly dancing circus and traditional crafts are being offered as well as well as Palestinian brocading. Location Sibat El Kaawer Alley (6098 near the suk)

El Mas-jad El Abiad

The white mosque. The white mosque, the first mosque in the city was built by Abdalla El Nini, two hundred years ago. El Nini was a well respected judge and the first of the El Fahum tribe (El Fahum means the wisest of man). He set forth a policy that preaches for love and respect. In order to make sure his policy will continue after his death, he wrote in his will that the responsibility on the mosque will be given to the wisest of his sons or daughters or to the Ka-a-bee in Mecca so that the mosque will not be governed under any rule. Till today, the person responsible for the mosque (Ateph El Fahum reads all the sermons before they are preached to make sure they are fit and in honor of holidays of other religions sermons are being addressed in their honor. Opening hours: All light hours except praying hours and without pre arrangement.

Tel Aviv — first new Jewish city in 2000 years and one of the three largest, the most vibrant city in the country, a mere century old but incorporating the ancient port city of Jaffa and a sprawling metropolis along the coastal plain - includes the White City cultural UNESCO World Heritage site of Bauhaus architecture.

Old Jaffa

Located in Jaffa is a must see for any visitor to Tel Aviv. This is the reputed point where Jonah boarded a ship and was later swallowed by a whale. It is also likely one of the oldest ports in the world.

Rabin Square

The biggest public square in Israel and site of PM Rabin's assassination in 1995 is in Central Tel Aviv

Azriely Lookout

Watch the entire Tel Aviv area from 200 meters high in Central Tel Aviv

Eretz-Israel Museum

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Museum of the Jewish Diaspora

Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv

Tiberias — located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, a modern resort town with an ancient background.

Hamath Tiberias National Park

Galilee Experience

The Jordan river baptismal site

A holy site not to be missed. Bring swim wear and a robe for the baptismal. An excellent restaurant is on premises "tmarim" palms fusing French cooking techniques with local Cannanite ingredients. Wonderful!

Safed (Tzfat) — In the Northern part of Israel, this fascinating city is filled with artists and mystics, boasting home to ARI, who essentially established what is known today as (Lurianic) Kaballah.

Synagogues

There are a number of old, beautiful, and unique synagogues in Tsfat, some of them rather famous world-wide among the Jewish community.

The Ari Ashkenaz

The Ari Ashkenaz and the Ari Sephard synagogues both in memory of Rabbi Isaac Luria. The Ari Ashkenaz is normally open for visitors on weekdays and boasts an ornate ark. The Ari Sephard synagogue is only open for prayers on the Sabbath.

The "Abuhav" synagogue is probably the most unique, most beautiful, and most famous. It was built in the 1490's according to Kabbalistic architectural and spiritual beliefs.

The "Caro" synagogue is another popular landmark, established in the 16th century on the site of a yeshiva run by one of the chief rabbis of Tsfat, and a compiler of the Shulchan Aruch, a book of Jewish law.

The Ancient Cemetery

The Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria), the famous kabbalist of the 16th century.

Rabbi Joseph Karo, the author of the Shulchan Aruch, the definitive code of Jewish Law.

Rabbi Moshe Cordevero (the Ramak), a famous kabbalist redating the Arizal.

Chana and her seven sons, the martyred family from the time of the Temple.

Tzaddik Educational Visitor's Center featuring the Third Temple Model Exhibit and Multi-Media Presentation

Great Breslov Synagogue

Meiri Museum for Safed History

Printing Press Museum

Artist colony in the Old City

Biblical Museum in the Fortress Garden

Statue Garden and the Gallery of sculptor Moshe Ziffer

The sephardic Ari Synagogue

The Ari mikve

The city also boasts a growing number of small, private art galleries, many of which have little cafes or tourist shops attached, selling postcards, t-shirts, and other basic tourist goods.

Livnot U'Lehibanot

Rehov Alkabetz 17. Most tourists try to stop in the Tzfat Tourist Information Center for their first overview of Tzfat. The Center provides maps and guidebooks as well as information about tour guides, accommodations, and other information for Tzfat. There is a 10-minute movie that gives an overview of the History of Tzfat, as well as 800-year-old antiquities which, now uncovered, offer visitors an opportunity to see the original rooms and buildings of Tzfat of the 1300s and 1400s, which have been excavated by the Livnot U'Lehibanot Israel Experience Program.