Israel’s Claim to the West Bank: A Biblical Imperative for Action

This 2006 file photo shows a Palestinian woman walking along the wall that separates the West Bank from East Jerusalem. At the time, Israelis believed it to be one of their best defenses against Palestinian terrorists.

The West Bank, biblically known as Judea and Samaria, is not just a piece of land; it is central to Israel’s identity and its biblical covenant. The call for Israel to assert its sovereignty over this land is not merely a geopolitical or security issue — it is a biblical imperative that resonates deeply within the Jewish faith and historical consciousness.

This sacred territory has long been integral to Israel’s past, and its significance continues to guide the nation’s future. As Israel faces growing external challenges, the imperative to act upon its biblical right to the West Bank has never been clearer.

From the biblical narrative, the land of Judea and Samaria represents the heart of Israel’s ancient heritage. The promises God made to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob affirm the divine right of the Jewish people to inhabit and govern this land. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the centrality of Judea and Samaria to the Jewish people, with many key biblical events taking place in this very region. From the patriarchs’ sojourn in Hebron to the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel under King David, the land is intrinsically woven into the Jewish story.

The historic and religious connection to Judea and Samaria is not merely symbolic. It forms the spiritual foundation of Israel’s claim to this land. As such, the right to the West Bank is deeply rooted in the Scriptures and is not contingent upon current political realities or international negotiations. Israel’s sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is a fulfillment of the biblical promise, an act of returning to the land that God gave the Jewish people. For many in Israel, this is a matter of religious duty, not just national policy.

Geopolitical Importance

The call to assert sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is also a call to fulfill Israel’s sacred responsibility to safeguard the land entrusted to it. The Jewish people have faced centuries of exile, persecution, and displacement, but their return to the land of Israel is seen as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The reclamation of Judea and Samaria, along with the rest of the land, represents the culmination of a historic journey back to the land that is rightfully theirs.

To relinquish control over such a biblically significant area would be to deny the deep spiritual connection that has guided the Jewish people for millennia. For Israelis and Jews around the world, maintaining sovereignty over the West Bank is seen as a way of honoring this covenant and ensuring that the land remains in the hands of the Jewish people, just as it was in ancient times.

While the biblical claim to the West Bank is paramount, the region also holds critical geopolitical and security significance. The strategic value of Judea and Samaria cannot be overstated. It lies on the borders of Israel’s heartland, adjacent to Jerusalem and the major population centers along the coastal plain. The high terrain of the region offers a natural defensive advantage that is essential for Israel’s security.

When former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon unilaterally withdrew Israel from Gaza in 2005, it led to the rise of Hamas and a surge in rocket attacks on Israeli cities, serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by ceding territory to hostile forces. If Israel were to relinquish control of the West Bank now, the power vacuum could allow extremist factions to gain a foothold in the area, bringing about a similar threat to the one that Israel faces from Gaza.

Moreover, the West Bank’s proximity to Israel’s major cities makes it a critical element in the country’s defense strategy. The idea of allowing hostile entities to control such a strategically significant area is not only dangerous but would also undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself. The biblical imperative to protect the land aligns with Israel’s practical need to secure its borders and ensure the safety of its citizens.

The Petering Possibilities of a ‘Two-State’ Solution

For decades, the international community has pushed for a two-state solution, envisioning an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel. However, the increasing complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the shifting dynamics within the Middle East have made the viability of this solution questionable. The Palestinian leadership remains deeply divided, and the rejectionist policies of groups like Hamas have prevented meaningful negotiations. The instability in the region, coupled with the rise of Iranian influence and the increasing threat of terrorism, further complicates the situation.

In light of these challenges, Israel’s biblical claim to the West Bank offers an alternative vision for the future. Instead of pursuing a two-state solution that has repeatedly failed, Israel can focus on asserting its sovereignty over Judea and Samaria as part of its right to maintain a secure, united Jewish state. The increasing number of Arab nations willing to normalize relations with Israel, as seen with the Abraham Accords that President Donald Trump helped bring about in September 2020, signals a shift in regional priorities. Economic cooperation, security alliances, and shared opposition to Iranian expansion are now more pressing concerns for many Arab states than the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The Abraham Accords also highlight the fact that peace and stability in the region do not necessarily require a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the way that the international community has envisioned. Rather, these new alliances show that Israel can strengthen its position in the Middle East by focusing on strategic partnerships rather than adhering to outdated diplomatic frameworks.

Under the first Trump administration, U.S. policy took a decisive pro-Israel turn, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and acknowledging Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The question now is whether the United States will take the same approach toward Judea and Samaria. Such a policy shift would align with Israel’s long-standing biblical and security interests, offering a clear endorsement of Israel’s right to the land.

While some European allies and certain Arab states would oppose such a move, it would reflect a deeper understanding of the region’s shifting dynamics. Recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over Judea and Samaria would affirm the biblical and historical connection of the Jewish people to the land, while also serving as a strategic step toward securing Israel’s borders and strengthening its regional alliances.

As Israel faces new challenges on the geopolitical stage and to its efforts to secure its future, the imperative to act upon its biblical right to the West Bank remains clear. This is a moment for Israel to reaffirm its commitment to the land, to its history, and to its future. Sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is not just a right — it is an obligation, one that the Jewish people must honor as they continue their journey in this Promised Land.

Amine Ayoub, a Middle East Forum fellow, is a policy analyst and writer based in Morocco.