Hananya Naftali
Mar 22, 2023
Israel’s Geographic Location
The Short Answer
Israel is in Asia. It sits in the Middle East, in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Israel borders Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east and Egypt to the southwest, and it touches the Red Sea at the port city of Eilat.
Where Asia, Africa and Europe Meet
Israel lies at the crossroads of three continents. For thousands of years armies, traders and pilgrims passed through the land on their way between Africa, Asia and Europe, which is one reason it has so much history.
Why Israel Is Often Grouped With Europe
Although Israel is in Asia, it plays football in UEFA, the European federation, and competes in the Eurovision Song Contest. That is because Arab and Muslim countries pushed Israel out of Asian sports bodies in the 1970s. Read more: Is Israel in the World Cup?
Culturally and economically, Israel is closely tied to both Europe and the United States, while its history and geography are rooted in the Middle East.
Key Facts
Israel is in Western Asia, in the Middle East.
It borders Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.
It has coastlines on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
Israel competes in European sports and Eurovision.