President Donald Trump’s second term is giving impetus to Republican efforts that push for the renaming of the West Bank as “Judea and Samaria.” This move aims to reinforce Israel's historical claims to the territory, enhancing support from pro-annexation lawmakers in both Israel and the U.S.
On February 3, Republican leaders introduced bills to replace "West Bank" in U.S. government documents with the biblical names used in Israel. Senator Tom Cotton argued that the term "West Bank" carries political implications that align with opposition to Israeli sovereignty. Meanwhile, Representative Claudia Tenney announced the formation of the Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus to promote policies endorsing Israeli claims to the land.
This legislative push marks a significant change in the U.S. political climate, especially with the Republican Party gaining control of Congress. Trump’s solid support for Israel has invigorated these discussions, reflecting a broader aim to affirm Israel's territorial claims in a region of ongoing conflict.
