Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Kings 12:17

"But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them." — 1 Kings 12:17 (ASV)

Israel ... - The Israelites proper, or members of the other tribes, who happened to be settled within the limits of the land of Judah. These Israelites quietly submitted to Rehoboam. In this chapter, and throughout the rest of Kings, “Israel” ordinarily designates “the ten tribes” and is antithetical to “Judah.”