The Israelites (; ) were a confederation of Iron Age Semitic-speaking tribes of the ancient Near East, who inhabited a part of Canaan during the tribal and monarchic periods. Two related Israelite kingdoms, Israel and Judah, emerged during the monarchic period. The northern Kingdom of Israel, with its capital in Samaria, was destroyed around 720 BCE, when it was conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire; The Kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, was destroyed in 587 BCE following the destruction of the city by the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Modern Jews and Samaritans are both descended from the Israelites. Overview In the Hebrew Bible, the term Israelites is used interchangeably with the term Twelve Tribes of Israel. Although related, the terms "Hebrews", "Israelites", and "Jews" are not interchangeable in all instances. "Israelites" (Yisraelim) refers to the people whom the Hebrew Bible describes specifically as
Los israelitas (; ) fueron una confederación de tribus semíticas de habla de la Edad de Hierro del antiguo Medio Oriente, que habitó una parte de Canaán durante los períodos tribal y monárquico. Dos reinos israelitas relacionados, Israel y Judá, surgieron durante el período monárquico. El Reino norte de Israel, con su capital en Samaria, fue destruido alrededor de 720 A.C., cuando fue conquistado por el Imperio Neo-Asirio; El Reino de Judá, con su capital en Jerusalén, fue destruido en 587 A.C., después de la destrucción de la ciudad por el Imperio Neo-Babilónico. Los judíos modernos y los samaritanos no son intercambiables en todos los israelitas.