Current:Home > ScamsHow Israel's geography, size put it in the center of decades of conflict -MoneyMatrix
How Israel's geography, size put it in the center of decades of conflict
View
Date:2025-04-16 10:54:03
Israel's geography and relatively small size have been some of the major factors behind the decades of conflict between it and surrounding nations, according to an expert.
A special edition of "20/20" at 10 p.m., Wed., Oct. 11, on ABC looks at life under threat in Israel and Gaza and how this attack is different from what we’ve seen in this region in the past.
The country sits in the eastern Mediterranean section of the Middle East, bordering Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. All of these nations have had military battles against Israel since it declared its independence in 1948.
Steven E. Zipperstein, an assistant adjunct professor at UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs who has taught in Israel, said Israel's geography and relatively small size are "double-edged swords" when it comes to defense and vulnerability.
On one hand, Israel has all of its resources, from military bases and personnel to short-range rockets, ready to go on a moment's notice because of its density, he said. But at the same time, Zipperstein said the country's size and proximity to its enemies make its people and infrastructure "sitting ducks."
Israel's geography is most comparable to New Jersey, according to Zipperstein.
"Imagine you're living in Newark and someone is firing rockets from the other side of the Hudson River," Zipperstein told ABC News. "How much time would you be able to prepare and get to safety?"
Israel has a total area of roughly 8,469 square miles and a population of about 9.3 million people, according to U.S. Census data, with roughly 1,098 people per square mile.
The total area of the United States, by comparison, is roughly 3.8 million square miles with an estimated population of 333 million people, and a density of 87 people per square mile.
MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates
The Northeast state also has a population of about 9.3 million people and encompasses 8,722 square miles, according to the U.S. Census. Its density is 1,263 people per square mile.
Zipperstein said this weekend's rocket attack by Hamas terrorists exemplified the dangers of Israel's small size. The rocket fire from Gaza moved quickly into bordering cities such as Ashkelon and did more damage compared to locations farther away and less densely populated, according to Zipperstein.
"When the siren goes off and you're out and about, you have 12 to 15 seconds to make it to safety," he said. "This is the reality of living in a tiny country with your enemies literally outside the front door."
Zipperstein said that Israel has adapted to its geographic situation with other strategies such as the Iron Dome air defense system, cyberwarfare and other technology.
"But we have to note, as we saw last weekend, Israel's enemies have been able to adapt to Israel's small size and density," he said.
veryGood! (2628)
Related
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Blake Lively Channels Husband Ryan Reynolds During Rare Red Carpet Date Night at Deadpool Premiere
- Radical British preacher Anjem Choudary convicted of directing a terrorist group
- Emma Hayes realistic about USWNT work needed to get back on top of world. What she said
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- Gigi Hadid Gives Her Honest Review of Blake Lively’s Movie It Ends With Us
- Blake Lively Channels Husband Ryan Reynolds During Rare Red Carpet Date Night at Deadpool Premiere
- Sam Smith couldn't walk for a month after a skiing accident: 'I was an idiot'
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Israel's Netanyahu in Washington for high-stakes visit as death toll in Gaza war nears 40,000
Ranking
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Fourth Wing TV Show Reveals New Details That Will Have You Flying High
- As hurricane season begins, here’s how small businesses can prepare in advance of a storm
- With US vehicle prices averaging near $50K, General Motors sees 2nd-quarter profits rise 15%
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Who can challenge U.S. men's basketball at Paris Olympics? Power rankings for all 12 teams
- Iowa law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy to take effect Monday
- Rapper Snoop Dogg to carry Olympic torch ahead of Paris opening ceremony
Recommendation
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
How Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas Will Celebrate 2nd Wedding Anniversary
Rushed railcar inspections and ‘stagnated’ safety record reinforce concerns after fiery Ohio crash
How Benny Blanco Celebrated Hottest Chick Selena Gomez on 32nd Birthday
Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
2022 model Jeep and Ram vehicles under investigation by feds after multiple safety complaints
Silicon Valley-backed voter plan for a new California city won’t be on the November ballot after all
Tyson Campbell, Jaguars agree to four-year, $76.5 million contract extension, per report