Israeli settlements are primarily located in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, regions that are considered occupied territories under international law. The establishment of settlements began after the 1967 Six-Day War when Israel captured these territories from Jordan and Egypt. Since then, the Israeli government has facilitated the growth of settlements, which are communities built to accommodate Israeli citizens in these areas. The settlements vary in size and can range from small outposts to larger urban developments. The international community, including the United Nations, has widely criticized the expansion of Israeli settlements, viewing them as a significant obstacle to the peace process and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The presence of these settlements has led to increasing tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents, often resulting in clashes over land, resources, and access. The legal status of the settlements is contentious, with Israeli authorities asserting their legitimacy while Palestinians and many international bodies view them as violations of international law. The issue of settlements remains a central theme in discussions about the future of the region, peace negotiations, and the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.