Israel's Capital: Jerusalem Is Central, Not Southern

Israel has one internationally recognized capital: Jerusalem. It is located in the central part of the country, in the Judean Mountains, roughly equidistant from the Mediterranean Sea (west) and the Dead Sea (east).

There is no capital city in southern Israel. Major southern cities include:

• Beersheba – "Capital of the Negev," administrative center of the Southern District.
• Eilat – Red Sea port and resort city at the southern tip.
• Dimona, Arad, Netivot, Sderot – Negev development towns.

Tel Aviv** is Israel's economic and technological hub and the center of the largest metropolitan area (Gush Dan). While it hosts most foreign embassies (due to Jerusalem's disputed status), it is not the capital.