@Freeman15,
Freeman15;42055 wrote:Israel produces nothing of value for the US and are a strategic liability to us. They have a technologically advanced army, nuclear weapons, and money. They can defend themselves.
Here's a fun thought. If God intended the Jews to inherit the land that is Israel, why not let the Arabs and Jews fight it out and see who wins? If the Israelis are truly granted the land by spiritual decree, surely God will intervene on their behalf if they begin to lose.
Gotta call you on this one Freeman15.
ISRAEL
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Capital City: Jerusalem (Sit of the Government); Tel Aviv (Economic capital)
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It is 01:13 AM in Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem
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Economic trends
Israel has a diversified and technologically advanced economy with substantial but decreasing government ownership. After experiencing two years of recession in 2001 and 2002 due to the global economic slowdown, IT crisis, and inner security problems, the Israeli economy has recovered since 2003. The GDP growth rate was 4.8% in 2004, 5.2% in 2005 and is estimated at 4.1% in 2006. High technology sector is the main driving force and foreign investments are picking up once again. IMF forecasts a growth of 4.4% in 2007. A high rate of unemployment (above 10% of the active population) is a cause of concern, though inflation is under control (around 2.5%). Despite the slight slowdown that followed the war in Lebanon in July-Aug?2006, the current-account will stay in surplus due to Israel?s strong economic fundamentals. A wave of highly educated & skilled Jewish immigrants from former USSR (now constituting around 13% of the population ) are playing a key role in the ongoing development of Israel's high-tech sector.
Main branches of industry
The agriculture sector employs 2% of the population. The country's main crops are fruits and vegetables, cereals, wine, and breeding. Israeli companies, particularly in the high-tech area, have enjoyed considerable success in raising money in the Wall Street and other world financial markets; Israel ranks second to Canada among foreign countries in the number of its companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges. High tech industries represent 40% of the GDP. Israel's other important activity sectors are diamonds cutting, textile and tourism. Tourism has still sustained, despite the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The pharmaceutical sector has been registering good results since Israel is specialized in generic medicines.
International trade
The Israeli economy is very open to international trade: the country has signed free trade agreements with both the USA and EU. The share of foreign trade in country?s GDP reached more than 97% in 2005. The top three export partners are: the U.S.A., Belgium and China. Israel mainly exports precious stone (diamonds, cultured pearls...represent 37.3% of its exports), high-tech products, and pharmaceuticals. Its top three import partners are: the U.S.A., Belgium and Germany. The country largely imports natural or cultured pearls, precious & semi-precious stones, mineral fuels & oils, and vehicles. The United States is Israel's largest trading partner.
Israel Information, Income Tax Israel, Agriculture Israel, Israel Import, Israel Export & Israel Employment Information
A simple google serch would have avoided this.