In a significant shift reflecting the new political landscape under President Donald J. Trump, right-wing lawmakers in the U.S. have initiated legislation targeting the terminology used to describe the West Bank. Unveiled on February 4, 2025, the proposed bills aim to replace "West Bank" with "Judea and Samaria," names steeped in historical and biblical significance that are favored by Israeli settlers and supporters.
The legislative move comes as Trump’s presidency reinstates a strong backing for Israeli annexation policies. Proponents of the term change view it as a reinforcement of the Jewish people’s ancient and legal rights to the territory, which was captured during the 1967 war. Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas emphasized that the U.S. should abandon "politically charged" terminology, a view echoed by Representative Claudia Tenney of New York, who also announced the formation of the "Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus."
While supporters assert that the terminology better reflects historical truths, opponents of annexation argue that the proposed language serves a political agenda that undermines Palestinian rights and aspirations for statehood. The escalating tension in the region is further exacerbated by recent Israeli military actions, which the government claims are necessary for counter-terrorism.
This push for linguistic change underscores the broader implications for U.S.-Israel relations and sets the scene for renewed debates over territorial integrity and the rights of indigenous populations in the West Bank, an area long contested but critical to any future peace negotiations. As the Biden administration navigates these challenges, the discourse surrounding the terminology is poised to play a significant role in shaping perceptions both domestically and internationally.
