Previous Year Question
Which of the following groups of countries share the border with Israel?
Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt
Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Cyprus
Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Jordan
Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Yemen
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
In the conventional geographical framing, Lebanon lies to the north of Israel, Syria to the north-east, Jordan to the east and Egypt to the south-west. A U.S. State Department regional map likewise shows Israel adjacent to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.
Israel and Jordan concluded a peace treaty in 1994, while the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt dates from 1979. Recognized international border crossings currently operate with both countries.
None of Turkey, Cyprus, Iraq or Yemen shares a direct land border with Israel. Cyprus is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea, while Turkey, Iraq and Yemen are geographically separated from Israel by other countries or maritime areas.
One geographical-political nuance is important: the frontier with Syria is complicated by the status of the Golan Heights. The United Nations refers to the Golan Heights as Syrian territory under Israeli occupation; therefore, the territorial-status issue should be distinguished from the conventional neighbouring-country geography used in this UPPSC question.