Gush Etzion is a group of Israeli settlements between Bethlehem and Hebron, about 950 meters above the sea level. It has a rich history dating back from the 1920s and 30s to recent times. An area full of natural springs, green hills, desert views, amazing landscapes and unforgettable sunsets, besides a small population and an even smaller number of tourists.Some attempts were made between 1927-1947 to settle in the area, but during the Israeli independence war all the settlements were abandoned or destroyed. The renaissance began after the Six Day War in 1967, when the Israelis gained back the control over the area.
Nowadays, the area has 4 major areas: The main block, where lies the settlements of Bat Ayin, Alon Shevut, Kfar Etzion, Rosh Zurim, Elazar, Migdal Oz and Neve Daniel. Besides it lies the regional council of Efrat, an American suburb-style settlement full of both immigrant and native born Israelis.
