The State of Israel is a sovereign parliamentary democracy and nation-state of the Jewish people in the Middle East, established in 1948 in the Southern Levant region of West Asia. Its national government, the central authority managing the state's executive, legislative, and judicial functions, is centered in Jerusalem, its proclaimed capital and seat of government. The government is led by the Prime Minister as head of government and the Knesset as the legislative body, operating under a multi-party system. It encompasses government institutions, executive branches, ministries, law enforcement, and judicial systems responsible for prosecuting violations of law. It is responsible for national policy, security, social services, domestic affairs, and international relations, including foreign policy, defense, diplomatic relations, intelligence operations, military, public administration, and cultural programs. This includes advocacy on issues like Iran, conducted through its diplomatic and intelligence apparatus—such as the embassy in Washington and agencies like Mossad—and managing domestic policies such as education, health, infrastructure, heritage, tourism, and urban development through various ministries. The government oversees innovation and economic development programs, funds religious and educational institutions like yeshivot and outreach programs promoting Jewish identity, and confers national awards such as the Israel Prize. It governs approximately 9.8 million people, with Jerusalem housing government offices and serving as a key religious and political center, while Tel Aviv functions as the economic hub. Israel has a high-tech driven economy with significant investments in defense, innovation, and exports, notably in tech and cybersecurity sectors, funded through taxation and international aid, notably from the U.S. It addresses ongoing conflicts with neighboring states and Palestinian territories, and it occupies the West Bank (including areas referred to as Judea and Samaria), Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights, overseeing policies in these occupied territories including settlement expansion, which has sparked international disputes and criticism, often viewed as violations of international law. Israel is a key U.S. ally in regional security and counterterrorism, maintaining strong security alliances, particularly with the United States, and exerts significant influence on U.S. Middle East policy through intelligence sharing, lobbying efforts, and advocacy. It has developed ties to conservative and pro-Israel networks in the U.S., including neoconservative networks, that influence policy through lobbying and endorsements, with active promotion of its interests by organizations such as the Walid Shoebat Foundation. Israel positions itself as a democratic outpost in the Middle East, fostering cooperation with allies like Greece and Cyprus on energy and security matters, while navigating regional tensions with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Its policies are focused on national security, counterterrorism, and strengthening alliances with the United States, and it plays a central role in regional geopolitics through its diplomatic apparatus promoting national interests abroad. This apparatus is specifically focused on advancing Israeli national interests in U.S. foreign policy. Israel has also been identified as a destination for laundered funds in certain criminal operations.