This paper provides a sociolinguistic discussion of the language situation in Israel, based on relevant linguistic and Hebraic literature and on the author's two year visit to the area. The author discusses the background and use of the many different languages spoken in the country; the function of each language is described. Characteristics of Hebrew as it is spoken in Israel are noted; four main varieties are mentioned. One portion of the paper reports on current research and suggests areas for future sociolinguistic study. An appendix provides examples of the multilingual situations that arise in specific Israeli homes, characteristics of mulitlingual situations throughout the Israeli population. (VM)