Samaria
Samaria, or Shomron, is a central highland region of the Land of Israel, historically significant as the heartland of the northern Kingdom of Israel and currently a vital strategic and residential area for the State of Israel.
Samaria (Shomron) constitutes the northern part of the central mountain ridge of the Land of Israel. Bordered by Judea to the south and the Galilee to the north, the region is characterized by its rugged topography and deep historical roots, having served as the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. In modern administrative terms, it forms a major part of the Judea and Samaria Area, housing hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens alongside a significant Palestinian population. The region's strategic importance is derived from its elevation, which overlooks Israel's narrow coastal plain and the Gush Dan metropolitan area. In mid-2024, Samaria emerged as a primary target in direct escalations from the Iranian regime. During 'Operation True Promise 5,' the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missile salvos toward the region, causing structural damage to homes from interception debris. By July 2026, the security landscape in Samaria remains highly volatile. The region has faced a surge in 'arson terror' targeting grazing lands and Jewish communities, alongside persistent shooting attacks. Recent incidents include a fatal shooting at the Havat Gilad outpost and a multi-casualty attack near Salit. Strategically, the Israeli government has reinforced its commitment to the region, with the security cabinet approving the establishment of 34 new settlements in July 2026. Defense Minister Israel Katz has explicitly stated that the IDF will not withdraw from security zones in northern Samaria, viewing the region as a critical buffer against regional threats. Simultaneously, Samaria faces international political pressure, exemplified by the Netherlands' 2026 decision to ban imports from Jewish communities in the area.