Eagle Wings / US states eye switch from ‘West Bank’ to ‘Judea & Samaria’
Eight American states are moving forward with bills mandating state agencies refer to territory occupied by Jordan from 1948 through 1967 by its historic and biblical name, highlighting Jewish ties to the area.
According to a report by Yedioth Ahronoth, state legislatures in Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah are poised to pass legislation requiring that all official state documents referencing the territory west of the Jordan River but east of the 1949 Armistice Line (the Green Line) be referred to as Judea and Samaria, rather than as the “West Bank.”
Captured by the Arab Legion in 1948 and occupied until 1967 by Jordan, the territory roughly matches the borders of the regions known in the Bible as Judea—representing much of what was once the holdings of the Tribe of Judah—and Samaria, the heartland of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, which split from the southern Jewish kingdom and established its capital in the city of Samaria.
In 1950, however, the Kingdom of Jordan annexed the territory captured in the 1948-49 war, renaming it the “West Bank.”
Signs of the Times
Trump officials blast Netanyahu as ‘madman’ who is ‘bombing everything’
Senior Trump administration officials have privately expressed outrage at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent military actions in the Middle East, branding him a “madman” whose aggression could jeopardize President Trump’s foreign policy agenda, according to a report from Axios.
The White House’s frustration reportedly reached new heights after Israel bombed targets in Syria last week, including a strike on a Syrian envoy attempting to quell violence between Bedouin tribes and the Druze minority in Suwayda.
The attacks continued despite U.S. calls for restraint and while Trump was seeking to rehabilitate relations with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa — a delicate endeavor given al-Sharaa’s past links to al-Qaeda.
“Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time,” an unnamed White House official fumed to Axios. “This could undermine what Trump is trying to do.”
During his second term, Trump has prioritized ending U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.
A key component of that strategy has been easing tensions with Syria, including efforts to lift longstanding U.S. sanctions.
Yet the Israeli strikes risk destabilizing the region further, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Syria was “weeks away from potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions.”
U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack reportedly pleaded with Israel to halt its attacks, but while Israel paused briefly, its forces soon resumed bombing, even hitting sites near the Syrian presidential palace.
While al-Sharaa opted not to retaliate, U.S. allies such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia lodged complaints with Washington over Israel’s conduct.
The bombing campaign followed Netanyahu’s U.S. visit, during which he received a warm welcome at the White House and even announced plans to nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
However, Trump administration insiders accused Netanyahu of pursuing military escalation for domestic political gain.
“The Israelis need to get their head out of their asses,” one official bluntly told Axios.
The situation in Syria isn’t the only source of friction. Another sore point emerged when Israeli shelling in Gaza struck the Strip’s only Catholic church, killing three and injuring 10.
Trump reportedly called Netanyahu directly to demand an explanation, after which Israel issued a statement expressing regret.
“The feeling is that every day there is something new. What the f–k?” one exasperated official told Axios.
Another likened Netanyahu’s behavior to “a child who just won’t behave.”
Israel’s strikes on Iran last month, launched during sensitive U.S. negotiations with Tehran, further aggravated the White House.
Trump, who initially appeared uneasy, later authorized bunker buster strikes on Iranian nuclear sites himself.
While past U.S. administrations under Barack Obama and Joe Biden also clashed with Netanyahu over his hawkish policies, Trump has publicly maintained friendly ties despite his own grievances.
This included Netanyahu’s acknowledgment of Biden’s 2020 election win and his last-minute withdrawal from assisting in the US assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani on Iraqi soil in January 2020.
Despite the growing frustration within Trump’s circle, the administration has thus far avoided publicly criticizing Netanyahu.
Gog and Magog Update
IDF paratroopers wrapped up a fierce mission in Khan Yunis, eliminating terrorists in close combat, wiping out Hamas infrastructure above and below ground, and are now shifting to tackle threats in Judea and Samaria.
IDF demolishes dozens of buildings in Khan Yunis
