Israel Explained

Judea and Samaria / the West Bank

One territory, two names: the biblical heartland, its modern history since 1948 and 1967, and the legal and political positions around it.

What is established

Biblical heartland

Hebron, Bethel, Shiloh and Shechem — central places in the stories of Abraham, Jacob, Joshua and Samuel — lie in this area. 'Judea' and 'Samaria' are the biblical and historic names; 'West Bank' refers to its position west of the Jordan River.

Modern history

Jordan captured the area in the 1948–49 war and annexed it in 1950, a step recognised by very few states. Israel took control in the Six-Day War of 1967. Under the Oslo Accords (1993–95) the area was divided into Areas A, B and C with differing Palestinian and Israeli control.

Population

Around three million Palestinians live in the area, and roughly half a million Israelis in settlements (not counting East Jerusalem). Exact figures vary by source.

Where people differ

  • Most states, the UN and the International Court of Justice (advisory opinion, July 2024) regard the area as occupied territory and Israeli settlements as contrary to international law. This is also the position of the Dutch government.
  • Israel's government calls the area 'disputed', arguing it was never lawful sovereign territory of another state and pointing to historic Jewish ties and security needs.
  • Christians differ too: some see Jewish presence as covenant fulfilment; others stress justice for Palestinians, including Palestinian Christians living there.

Biblical reflection

The land promises are real in Scripture, but so is the command to love the stranger and do justice (Leviticus 19:33–34; Micah 6:8). A biblical view of this land holds both — and refuses to make any neighbour invisible.

Scripture: Genesis 13:14–17; Joshua 24:1; Leviticus 19:33–34; Micah 6:8

Questions readers ask

Is Judea and Samaria the same as the West Bank?

Largely yes. The terms refer to the same area; the choice of name often signals a political or historical perspective.

Are settlements legal?

The ICJ and most states say no; Israel disputes this. GOD News reports both positions and does not treat either as settled by theology.

Sources

Related explainers

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: a timelinePalestinian ChristiansJerusalem in the Bible and historyAll explainers