Israeli Settlements: Ultra-Orthodox Settlements in the West Bank

• Beitar Illit: Founded in 1985 west of Bethlehem, Beitar Illit is one of the largest settlements in the West Bank, and is one of only four settlements classified by Israel as a city. Population as of December 2009: 38,000.

• Modii’n Illit (Kiryat Sefer): This settlement, established in 1996, is about halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem east of the Green Line. Modi’in Illit also carries the classification by Israel as a city. The Modi’in Illit bloc consists of a population of that spreads across both sides of the Green Line. Population as of December 2009: 46,200.

• Tel Zion: Officially a neighborhood of the Kochav Ya’akov settlement north of Jerusalem, Tel Zion is considered as an autonomous settlement. Founded in 1997, Tel Zion has its own website, which says that the community plans to eventually house over 35,000 people. Population as of June 30, 2005: 4,600

• Immanuel: Immanuel is a medium-sized settlement a few miles southwest of Nablus. Established in 1983, its population numbers have been fluctuating since 2003. Population as of June 30, 2005: 2,600

• Mattityahu: Founded in 1981, Mattityahu is a small settlement close to the Green Line. Population as of late 2004: 1,386

• Ma’ale Amos: Established far beyond the Green Line in 1981 along the eastern ridge of the Jordan Valley, Ma’ale Amos’ population has been declining over the past several years. Population as of late 2004: 361

• Nahliel: Located northwest of Ramallah, Nahliel is a small settlement established in 1984. Population as of late 2004: 340

• Asfar (Metzad): Established in 1983 far from the Green Line, Asfar is a small settlement located south of Ma’ale Amos. Like some of the smaller ultra-Orthodox settlements, its population has been declining for several years. Population as of late 2004: 327

Sources: Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics; Americans for Peace Now