Political Structure

Israel is a parliamentary democracy consisting of legislative, executive and judicial branches. Its institutions are the presidency, the Knesset (parliament), the government (cabinet of ministers) and the judiciary.

The system is based on the principle of separation of powers, in which the executive branch (the government) is subject to the confidence of the legislative branch (the Knesset) and the independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by law.

Administrative Hirarchy

Introduction

Israel is an old-new country, small in size, but with a culturally active, heterogeneous population. Four thousand years of Jewish heritage, over a century of Zionism, and more than half a century of modern statehood have contributed to a culture which has already created an identity of its own, while preserving the uniqueness of 70 different communities.

A largely immigrant society, Israel's creative expression has absorbed many different cultural and social influences, as it blends tradition and innovation, and strives to steer a course between Israeli particularism and universalism.

The constant search for cultural identity is expressed through creativity in a broad range of art forms, appreciated and enjoyed by a great many people as part of daily life.

Israel's international cultural ties

World-wide culture ties focus on cooperation in a broad range of fields, including language, literature, the arts, science, media and sports. Based on cultural agreements with more than 70 countries, in addition to links with many others, activities range from student and academic exchange programs and reciprocal tours by dance troupes, theater companies, art exhibits, musicians and orchestras, to participation in book fairs, film festivals and sports competitions as well as the teaching of the language and cultural traditions of both countries.the end

National Emblem

The official emblem of the State of Israel is a candelabrum, whose shape is said to be derived from the seven-branched moriah, a plant know since antiquity. The olive branches on either side represent Israel's yearning for peace.

National Flag

The flag of the State of Israel is based on the design of the Jewish proyer shawl, with a blue Shield of David.

Rapid population growth and steady expansion of agriculture and industy have contributed to environmental deterioration, especially in the coastal area where more than half of Israel's population and most of its industry are concentrated. To combat pollution of the Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines, Israel has adopted a multifaceted program of inspection, legislation, enforcement, shore clean-ups and international cooperation, primarily within the framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan.

Under conditions of water scarcity and intensive development, the degradation of water quality is a critical problem. The main causes of groundwater pollution are chemical fertilizers, pesticides, seawater intrusion and domestic and industrial wastewater. High priority has been given to wastewater treatment to safeguard its effects on the environment and public health and to develop an additional water source for agricultural irrigation. A recently approved plan for water management stipulates seawater and brackish water desalination, improved wastewater treatment for reuse purposes, efficient water production and water conservation. A rehabilitation program for polluted streams has been initiated with the aim of transforming them into freshwater resources with ecological and recreational value. The quality of drinking water is strictly supervised.

Factors affecting air quality include energy production, transportation and industry - and all three have increased dramatically in recent years. The use of low sulfur fuel for energy production has helped reduce concentrations of sulfur dioxide considerably, but pollutant emissions linked to increased vehicular traffic have risen significantly. Lead-free gasoline, catalytic converters and lower sulfur content in diesel fuel have been introduced to mitigate the problem. A nationwide monitoring system is providing updated information on air quality throughout the country. Israel also complies with international resolutions on ozone depletion and climate change.

Rapid growth in population, standard of living and consumption have led to significant increases in solid waste in the order of 4%-5% annually. Most of the country's illegal garbage dumps have been shut down in recent years and replaced with environmentally-safe landfills. Efforts are being made towards integrated solid waste management which will include reduction, recycling, recovery and incineration. Recent recycling regulations should facilitate the shift to low- and non-waste technology.

"Cradle to grave" management of hazardous substances is based on licensing, regulation and supervision over all aspects of their production, use, disposal and treatment. Enforcement of legislation, implementation of a national contingency plan for integrated emergency response to accidents, and remediation and upgrading of the national site for hazardous waste should minimize potential dangers to health and the environment.

Enforcement of environmental legislation is a top priority alongside environmental education, from kindergarten to university. The public takes part in environmental law enforcement as anti-litter trustees and animal welfare trustees empowered to report on violations of the respective laws. Economic tools are increasingly used to promote environmental improvement, both in the form of financial grants to industries which invest in pollution prevention and in the form of taxes and levies on polluters. In line with the principles of sustainable development, efforts are directed at resource conservation and prevention of pollution in all economic sectors.