It’s always been a contentious issue – and it’s only becoming more so.

We’re talking about the controversial Jewish settlements that are dividing the U.S. and Israel.

The recent visits of Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to Washington have put the issue front and center for the Obama administration.

We’re looking at different perspectives on the story from the Independent, Haaretz, JewSchool, PressTV and the Los Angeles Times.

The Independent goes back to basics with its explanation and graphic of just what the settlements are and why they’ve become a point of contention.

“Why are we asking this now? Because the US administration appears to be serious about getting Israel to freeze Jewish settlement construction in the West Bank. Previous US administrations said they wanted a freeze but in practice allowed Israel to continue with at least some building.”

But, Israel’s Haaretz newspaper criticized Obama for focusing on the settlements when there are other international crises – like the genocide in Darfur – going on.

“Not the North Koreans' insult to America with its nuclear and missile experiments, or even Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's  disdain for Obama's words of rapprochement. And also not the falling apart of nuclear Pakistan, with all that implies for Asia and the Middle East.”

On the other hand, the JewSchool blog praised Obama for his stance, saying “We’ve got your back, Mr. President”

“We’ve been waiting for an American government with the balls to take decisive, fair-handed steps towards getting concessions out of both sides.”

Iran’s PressTV takes the Arab perspective, calling them “illegal settlements on Palestinian land.”

The outlet focused on Israeli statements saying it planned to ignore the call to freeze construction.

“Israel thumbs its nose at US calls for a halt in settlement work, saying that it has every intention to expand its settlements on occupied Palestinian land."

The Los Angeles Times believes it’s the very public rift between the U.S. and Israel that’s notable:

“Most U.S. presidents, aware of the political sensitivity, have worked hard to keep disagreements out of sight, when they existed.”

Is there a solution to the settlement issue? Do you think Obama can succeed where other administrations have failed?

Check out our sources and let us know what you thin.