Global Peace Index: Israel among least peaceful countries

Ma'an
The annual Global Peace Index ranked Israel 141 out of 144 countries on its commitment to peace, according to the organization's report released on Thursday.

The occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) was not ranked by the index, which was compiled by the Vision of Humanity organization.

The organization does not place blame on any particular side when ranking a country's overall peacefulness, but tallies nations based on an "absence of violence" criteria, where a lower score is considered more peaceful.

Israel's score, out of a combined 23 ranking indicators, was brought down by its human rights record, as well as its poor relations with neighboring countries, most of which it has no relations with whatsoever.

Israel scored high on civil liberties enjoyed by its citizens, funding UN missions and treating foreigners well.

This year's rankings were one spot worse than in 2008, when it was ranked the fifth most violent country on earth. In 2007, it was ranked third from the bottom.

The three countries considered less peaceful than Israel on the 2009 list were Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia.

Global Peace Index