1. For ISRAEL, give the following information:

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. the chief of state (and head of government if different) If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? – include name of heir apparent for monarch
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

NOTE: Before answering the following questions, read the info under “Background” below and watch the video under “Resources” below.

2. For ISRAEL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What is the Iron Dome?
c) Why is the laser beam meant to complement and not replace the Iron Dome?
d) How will the laser beam be cost effective, despite the price tag?
e) What are the 3 versions of the laser weapon, and how will each be used?
f) From the article: “Israel has for decades been working to develop a laser-based system to intercept incoming projectiles, but has failed to produce a viable option, due to cost issues and technological limitations.”
Why do you think the Ministry of Defense made the announcement about the breakthrough though it won’t be operational in the near future?
g) The goal of Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad are to destroy the state of Israel. Consider the size of Israel in the map of the Middle East. How important is it for Israel to show its enemies that it will be able to defend itself better than any attack waged against them? Do you think this could/would be a catalyst for peace? Explain your answers.