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” and watch the video under “Resources” below.

2. For ISRAEL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What actions did Israeli officials take following a rocket attack by Hamas from Gaza into Israel? (for Israeli citizens and against Hamas?)
c) What actions did Hamas’ leadership take after the rocket attack on Israel?
d) What did the Israel military do prior to launching targeted attacks on Hamas’ military intelligence headquarters?
e) The Hamas surprise rocket attack destroyed a residential home in a farming community near Tel Aviv, wounding six members of a family, including two women, two children and an infant. The air raid sirens in Israel gave them just enough time to get to their shelter. What do the AP reporters suggest is a likely motive for the surprise attack?
f) Following Hamas’ attack on Israel, Hamas' leader Ismail Haniyeh issued a statement warning Israel against heavy retaliation. He said the Palestinian people “will not surrender” and its militant factions “will deter the enemy if it exceeds the red lines.” Also from the article: “In Beirut, the powerful Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah said its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, met Monday with a senior Hamas delegation. Hezbollah said they discussed the Gaza situation and ‘Israeli aggression.’” What is your reaction to the Hamas leaders’ statements?