Hi Gwynn,
Israel's long form in French is 'l'Etat d' Israel’ which is a bit long so that may be the reason for shortening to Israël!
Islands and groups of islands don't have an article either...
e.g. Cuba, Haïti, Chypre (Cyprus)
Hope this helps!
Why is Israel in effect neutral gender?
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Gwynn E.Kwiziq community member
Why is Israel in effect neutral gender?
This question relates to:French lesson "Using le, la, l', les with continents, countries & regions names (definite articles)"
Asked 6 years ago
Chris W. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
You mean, why it doesn't take an article? Good question. I am also waiting for Aurélies answer. But I'm afraid that there probably isn't a good reason except for "that's how it is".
-- Chris (not a native speaker).
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