The Israelites are traditionally believed to be descendants of the biblical patriarch Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with an angel, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible. This lineage connects the Israelites to the twelve tribes of Israel, each descended from one of Jacob's sons. The historical roots of the Israelites are situated in the ancient Near East, particularly in the region known as Canaan, which encompasses parts of modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. Over time, the Israelites established a distinct cultural and religious identity, characterized by their monotheistic worship of Yahweh, laws given to them, and their historical narratives documented in texts such as the Torah. Their journey through Egypt, the Exodus, and the eventual settlement in Canaan are central themes in Jewish history, shaping their cultural heritage and religious practices. The Israelites' historical trajectory is marked by periods of conquest, exile, and return, which have significantly influenced their identity and relationship with the land over millennia. Today, the descendants of the Israelites contribute to the diverse cultural tapestry of modern Israel and Jewish communities around the world.