A Renewed Call for Israeli Sovereignty Over Judea and Samaria

In a bold move that has resonated deeply within both political and religious circles, a prominent group of American Christian leaders has publicly reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Jewish people’s right to Judea and Samaria, a region commonly referred to as the West Bank. This declaration, unveiled at the annual National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Dallas, is set to be signed by approximately 3,000 religious leaders before being presented to President Donald Trump. The initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as the Trump administration has hinted at an upcoming announcement regarding the potential annexation of the area. This development marks the latest chapter in a decades-long debate over the status of Judea and Samaria, a region steeped in biblical history and geopolitical significance.

For many evangelical Christians, the issue is not merely political but deeply theological. Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the 30-million-member strong Friends of Zion, emphasized that evangelicals support Israel because of their belief in the Bible’s promise of the land to the Jewish people. “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will always keep His word to the Children of Israel,” declared Pastor John Hagee, founder of Christians United for Israel. This theological stance has long been a cornerstone of evangelical support for Israel, with many viewing the Jewish people’s right to the land as non-negotiable.

The push for Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria has also gained momentum within certain political quarters. Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York, have urged President Trump to recognize the region as Israeli territory, framing it as a matter of shared Judeo-Christian heritage. Similarly, Israeli leaders such as Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana and Likud lawmaker Dan Illouz have argued that extending sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is essential for Israel’s security and long-term survival. Illouz pointed to the recent surge in terrorist activity, including the devastating October 7 massacre, as a stark reminder of the dangers of conceding territory to groups hostile to Israel’s existence.

However, not all voices in Israel or the international community support this move. Critics, including former Israeli lawmaker Yossi Beilin, who played a key role in crafting the 1993 Oslo Accords, warn that annexing Judea and Samaria would undermine Israel’s democratic character and Jewish majority. Beilin cautioned that such a step could lead to a situation where Israel governs a majority Palestinian population, rendering it “neither Jewish nor democratic.” Palestinian leaders have also vehemently opposed the idea, with Ahmad Fattouh of the Fatah faction denouncing annexation as a form of ethnic cleansing and a recipe for endless conflict.

Despite these criticisms, proponents of sovereignty argue that the region’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a retired IDF spokesperson, highlighted the critical role Judea and Samaria play in safeguarding Israel’s core infrastructure, including Ben-Gurion Airport and the densely populated coastal plain that drives the nation’s economy. With over 500,000 Israelis residing in the region, ensuring their security remains a paramount concern. Conricus noted that ceding control of the high grounds in Judea and Samaria could expose Israel to existential threats, echoing the fears of many who recall the consequences of past territorial withdrawals, such as the 2005 pullout from Gaza.

At the heart of this debate lies a profound connection to history and faith. Ze’ev Orenstein of the City of David Foundation underscored the Jewish people’s millennia-long tie to the Land of Israel, a bond that transcends modern political boundaries. For many, Judea and Samaria are not merely a geopolitical prize but a sacred inheritance, a land where the stories of the Bible unfolded and where Jewish identity was forged. As tensions escalate and the region teeters on the brink of further instability, the question of Judea and Samaria’s future remains as contentious as ever, with implications that extend far beyond the Middle East.