Understanding Judea & Samaria: Historical, Strategic, and Political Dynamics in US-Israel Relations
House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and International Terrorism
2025-12-10
Loading video...
Source: Congress.gov
Summary
No summary available.
Participants
Transcript
D
Dr. Jon Alterman
The subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa will come to order. The purpose of this hearing is to examine the historical, political and strategic context of Judea and Samaria. I now recognize myself for an opening statement. I want to begin by thanking my colleagues for being here today and our witnesses for taking the time to share their expertise with the committee. Your perspectives are invaluable as we continue examining one of the most complex issues in U.S.-Israel relations. In September, this subcommittee held a roundtable with Ambassador Huckabee to hear directly from the administration about its current efforts in Israel and its perspective on the evolving landscape in Judea and Samaria. That discussion provided valuable context on the policy challenges before us. Today's hearing builds on that foundation by taking a step back and focusing on the historical, legal, and strategic dynamics that shaped this issue. Judea and Samaria remain central to decades of diplomatic debate, negotiations, and regional tension. The region's modern history, from its role in the British Mandate to the unresolved sovereignty questions in 1948, to the Jordanian occupation from 1948 to 1967, including the displacement of Jewish communities during that period, continues to shape legal interpretations, security considerations, and international discourse today. In recent months, international discussions about the future of these territories have accelerated. To understand this, we must also understand the historical context That led us to this point. Understanding the daily realities for communities in these areas, the security challenges they face, and the implications for Israel's broader defense posture, is essential to evaluating U.S. engagement and future policy discussions. Our witnesses today bring deep historical, legal, and strategic knowledge.
D
Dr. Jon Alterman
Their testimony will help clarify key facts, illuminate long-standing debates, and provide members with the nuanced understanding needed to assess U.S. policy moving forward. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that American policy is rooted in facts, strengthen our relationship with Israel, and support long-term stability and security across the Middle East. I now recognize the ranking member from California, Representative Sherman, for an opening statement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I should explain that I am the acting ranking member. until the gentlelady from Florida deals with some issues. Those of you on the committee know that I've been here for 29 years. I've been chair of ranking member of a variety of different subcommittees, and I look forward to filling in in this role. As to this hearing, we can start with a map of Judea and Samaria. And we will see that during most of our history, the Jewish people were an inland people. Yes, indeed, Hebron was part of the kingdom of Judea. But Tel Aviv wasn't, except when Israel or Judea reached its maximum extent, as it did at various times in its history.
Sign up for free to see the full transcript
Accounts help us prevent bots from abusing our site. Accounts are free and will allow you to access the full transcript.