Judea and Samaria
Judea and Samaria, historically the heartland of the Jewish people, is a central highland region of the Land of Israel. Today, it serves as a critical strategic depth for the State of Israel and is home to hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens. In mid-2026, the region is a primary theater of security operations against Iranian-backed terror cells and a focal point of national resilience.
Judea and Samaria comprise the central mountain range of the Land of Israel, stretching from the Jezreel Valley in the north to the Negev in the south. Historically, these areas formed the core of the ancient Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Since 1967, the region has been under Israeli control, with civil and security administration divided under the framework of the Oslo Accords, though Israel maintains overall security responsibility. For the State of Israel, the region provides essential topographic dominance over the densely populated coastal plain and the Dan region. In June 2026, Judea and Samaria faced a significant escalation in security challenges. This includes "rolling" multi-scene terror attacks, such as the June 7 incident where an assailant from Tayibe conducted a drive-by shooting spree through Kochav Yair, Tzur Yitzhak, and the Samarian community of Sal'it. Furthermore, the region has seen a rise in strategic arson attacks aimed at Jewish grazing lands and settlements, which local leaders describe as a deliberate weapon requiring a full military response. Simultaneously, the region has become a direct target for external threats. During a massive missile barrage from Iran and Yemen on June 8, 2026, alerts were triggered in dozens of communities across Judea and Samaria as part of a broad attack on over 145 locations in Israel. Interceptions were specifically reported over the settlement of Tekoa. The IDF Central Command, led by Major General Avi Blout, continues intensive counter-terrorism operations to dismantle infrastructure and prevent the region from becoming a launchpad for further Iranian-backed aggression. Despite these challenges, the region remains a vital pillar of Israeli national life and strategic defense.