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Senator Tom Cotton Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Federal Use of the Term “West Bank”
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a significant move to realign U.S. policy language with historical and cultural truths, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) on Thursday introduced the Retiring the Egregious Confusion Over the Genuine Name of Israel’s Zone of Influence by Necessitating Government-use of Judea and Samaria (RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria) Act. This legislation, supported in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-New York), mandates the use of the historically and biblically accurate term “Judea and Samaria” in all official U.S. documents and communications, replacing the politically charged and ambiguous term “West Bank.”
This initiative represents a powerful step in affirming the Jewish people’s historical and legal connection to their ancestral homeland and shines a proverbial spotlight on the importance of truth in geopolitical discourse.
The term “Judea and Samaria” is rooted in millennia of history, serving as the geographical and spiritual heartland of the Jewish people. References to these regions appear throughout the Bible and Jewish historical texts, cementing their significance in the cultural and religious identity of the Jewish nation. Senator Cotton aptly emphasized this connection, stating, “The Jewish people’s legal and historic rights to Judea and Samaria go back thousands of years. The U.S. should stop using the politically charged term West Bank to refer to the biblical heartland of Israel.”
US Senator Tom Cotton:
“Referring to Judea and Samaria as the ‘West Bank’ is a slap in the face to historical truth.
It’s time to call this region by its rightful name and stop playing into anti-Israel propaganda.” pic.twitter.com/qEW9Ucnp1Q
— Nick 🇮🇱 (@nspiass) December 6, 2024
The term “West Bank,” on the other hand, emerged only in the mid-20th century as a geopolitical label imposed during Jordan’s occupation of the territory from 1948 to 1967. Its use obscures the region’s profound historical and cultural ties to the Jewish people, favoring a narrative detached from historical reality. By embracing the term “Judea and Samaria,” the U.S. would not only honor the historical truth but also bolster its longstanding alliance with Israel, a key democratic ally in the Middle East.
Language matters in international diplomacy, as it shapes perceptions and policies. The use of “Judea and Samaria” aligns with the United States’ commitment to Israel’s sovereignty and reflects the historical and legal realities of the region. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney called attention to this point, stating, “The Israeli people have an undeniable and indisputable historical and legal claim over Judea and Samaria, and at this critical moment in history, the United States must reaffirm this.”
The RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act would mark a departure from terminology influenced by political agendas and instead reflect an objective recognition of historical geography. This change is not merely semantic—it is a reaffirmation of the U.S. commitment to truth and to Israel’s enduring sovereignty over its ancestral lands.
The timing of this legislation is critical, as Israel continues to face diplomatic and political pressures questioning its sovereignty and historical rights in Judea and Samaria. By adopting accurate terminology, the U.S. would send a clear message of unwavering support for Israel’s sovereignty, countering efforts to delegitimize its claims to these regions.
Furthermore, this legislation strengthens the U.S.-Israel alliance, fostering greater understanding and cooperation. The United States has long been a staunch supporter of Israel’s right to self-determination and territorial integrity, and the RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act builds upon this legacy.
Critics of Israel often exploit ambiguous terminology such as “West Bank” to promote narratives that undermine Israel’s historical and legal claims to Judea and Samaria. This legislation confronts such biases head-on by restoring accurate language that reflects the region’s Jewish heritage. It challenges efforts to delegitimize Israel by reframing the conversation in terms of historical facts rather than political propaganda.
As Congresswoman Tenney eloquently stated, “This bill reaffirms Israel’s rightful claim to its territory. I remain committed to defending the integrity of the Jewish state and fully supporting Israel’s sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.” The RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act is a necessary measure to uphold justice and historical accuracy, reaffirming the Jewish people’s unbroken connection to their homeland.
This legislation is not merely a symbolic gesture—it is a vital step in combating historical revisionism and ensuring that U.S. policy reflects the truth. By recognizing the significance of Judea and Samaria, the United States reinforces its role as a steadfast ally of Israel and a champion of historical integrity.
This legislation deserves broad bipartisan support as a testament to the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel and as a rejection of the distortions that have clouded the discourse surrounding Judea and Samaria.
The term “West Bank,” which only came about as result of Jordan’s imperialist effort to expand its borders at the cost of the Jewish State, is only as old as the State of Israel. Before the Jordanian invasion, this region was always called Judea and Samaria.