To strengthen, to fortify, to develop

The article examines the struggle over the geographical terminology of Judea and Samaria and the West Bank, highlighting the security and civilian implications of the Israel-Jordan border. The author argues that the new reality requires a civilian perception of the border, which includes strengthening communities, agriculture, education, and employment, not just a security aspect.

The article, by Tira-El Cohen, deals with the terminological struggle over the names of the region: 'the West Bank', 'Judea and Samaria', and 'the territories'. The author argues that each term carries a different political charge, and that the choice of terms affects how the public perceives the space. Alongside the terminological discussion, the article focuses on Israel's eastern border with Jordan, and describes renewed security threats, such as weapons smuggling. The author notes that in February 2025, a network that smuggled dozens of pistols and four long weapons from the Jordan border was exposed, and in early 2026, a smuggling attempt using a drone carrying 36 pistols was thwarted. The article calls for a change in perception: not just border security, but strengthening civilian presence, communities, agriculture, education, and employment along the border, as part of the resilience of the entire area.

To strengthen, to fortify, to develop