West Bank

The West Bank is a contested region in the Middle East largely under Israeli control. Also known as Judea and Samaria, the name "West Bank" specifically refers to it being along the western bank of the Jordan River. 

Israel took control of the area from Jordan in 1967 following the Six Day War, but has not annexed it. While home to hundreds of thousands of Israeli settlers living in different settlements, the West Bank also has a huge Palestinian population and is the bulk of what most people envision as a future Palestinian state. 

The status of Israeli settlements is highly controversial and while they are defended by Israel and the US, most of the international community sees them as illegal.

Court charges Jewish father, son with breaking in, assaulting Palestinian family in West Bank

According to the indictment, Gad Luski threatened the Palestinians with his gun while his son Shem Tov slammed one to the ground, punching and kicking him.

 Jewish settlers at the illegal West Bank settlement outpost of Ramat Migron, on September 8, 2023.
 The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) calls for a demonstration at Ha'penny Bridge under the banner 'Shamrocks for Palestine' to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza in Dublin, Ireland on March 15, 2025.

Ireland burns political capital to block just €214k in settlement dates and olives

 Jewish settlers set up tents and Israeli flags outside the village of Bruqin, west of Salfit, in the northern West Bank, May 23, 2025.

Likud ministers call on Netanyahu to apply Israeli sovereignty over W. Bank ahead of Trump visit

People hold a banner with images of Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Simon Harris and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza, in Dublin, Ireland, May 17, 2025.

Irish lawmakers begin vetting West Bank-goods ban, intensifying rift with Jerusalem


Mamdani sponsors bill that would ban Jewish nonprofits from raising money for ZAKA, Hatzalah

Mamdani introduced a bill to fine NY nonprofits for funding groups like ZAKA and Hatzalah linked to Israeli settlements.

NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani against backdrop of pro-Palestinian protest in New York. (illustration)

Katz: Those engaged in violence against IDF soldiers must be 'dealt with severely'

The defense minister said that a joint enforcement body headed by police and including the IDF and Shin Bet will be established to coordinate efforts related to these incidents.

 Defense Minister Israel Katz at a session with military officials to discuss the issue of far Right settler violence against the IDF, July 1, 2025.

The growing cancer of lawbreakers in West Bank must be cut out, before its too late - editorial

The focus of our security forces has rightfully been on the survival of the Jewish state, as the country has fought enemies on seven fronts. But the enemy from within needs to be addressed now.

 A Palestinian man stands next to a burnt car after an attack by Israeli settlers in Kafr Malik, in the West Bank, June 26, 2025.

Trump claims Israel agrees to Gaza ceasefire terms, IDF intercepts Houthi missile

IDF issues evacuation warning in Gaza's Khan Yunis • Witkoff to present Dermer with US post-war proposal plans • Gazans testify that Hamas terrorizes aid sites

  US PRESIDENT Donald Trump meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office in April 2025.

IDF soldiers recieve death threats, called Nazis during Binyamin riots

The riot in Binyamin marks the second time in a week that Jewish extremists targeted IDF soldiers in the West Bank.

 Israeli security forces guard as Jews tour in the West Bank city of Hebron, June 28, 2025.

Is West Bank terror threat reduced or concealed? - analysis

The main challenge for the IDF in the West Bank is whether it's maintaining peace by preventing Israeli extremist attacks on Palestinians, or if the terror threat has just been hidden.

 Israeli security forces raid the Balata refugee camp east of Nablus in the West Bank, June 18, 2025.

Israeli settler and West Bank aid group file first court bid to overturn UK sanctions

“The UK’s decision reflects a misunderstanding of the reality on the ground. We are confident the legal process will correct this injustice," said a spokesman for Hashomer Yosh.

 Jewish settlers at the illegal West Bank settlement outpost of Ramat Migron, on September 8, 2023.

Three Israelis arrested for espionage, plot to assassinate officials on Iran's direction

The task force will be under the command of Israel Police's Samaria region commander.

 Palestinians stand next to a burnt car after an attack by Israeli settlers in Kafr Malik, in the West Bank, June 26, 2025.

Editor's Notes: I raise my family on these hilltops, yet I refuse to justify extremists - comment

The perfectly normal rhythms of life in Judea and Samaria have been drowned out this week by the crack of gunfire and the smell of burning tires.

 A Palestinian man stands next to a burnt car after an attack by Israeli settlers in Kafr Malik, in the West Bank, June 26, 2025.

'Jewish terrorism': Israeli officials denounce far Right West Bank violence

The far Right violence against the IDF in the West Bank was denounced by current and former government ministers, including former defense ministers and IDF chief of staffs.

 Far Right Jewish activists set fire to security facility in the West Bank, June 29, 2025.

Far Right settlers damage IDF facility worth millions, meant to protect Jewish residents

A KAN report noted that millions of shekels had been invested in the facility to defend Jewish West Bank residents, including cameras and monitoring systems.

 Far Right Jewish activists set fire to security facility in the West Bank, June 29, 2025.