Israel’s independence and sovereignty demand that both its leadership and people engage in this vital balance of learning from history while envisioning the future.
On Israel’s 77th Independence Day, we celebrate and reflect—internalizing the lessons of the past while looking forward with hope, expectation, and faith. Israel’s independence and sovereignty demand that both its leadership and people engage in this vital balance of learning from history while envisioning the future.
One of the key insights necessary for a secure and rightful future for the Jewish people, its independence and sovereignty, relates to a current issue facing both Israel and the Western world: the ongoing Arab deception that aims to mislead us all. If we do not open our eyes and take action, we risk falling once again into the traps and pitfalls of the past—errors that have already cost us dearly in blood.
The Palestinian Authority presents a façade to the world of a supposed transition of power to a new leadership appearing professional, civil, and concerned with the welfare of its citizens. But just like in the past, behind the suits, smiles, and ties lies a real and present danger to Israel’s security and future.
Hussein al-Sheikh, the leading candidate to succeed Mahmoud Abbas, showcases his role in civil affairs and security coordination with Israel to the West. In reality, he served 11 years in Israeli prison for his involvement in terrorist activities. He has never renounced his views and may soon command the 45,000 fighters currently being trained by the Palestinian Authority—forces that could ignite Judea and Samaria and launch waves of terror across the rest of Israel. The October 7th massacre may tragically prove to be just a prelude to the kind of assault al-Sheikh’s trained, armed forces could lead.
We must not forget: the Palestinian Authority and Hamas are ideological twins—both nationalist movements working toward a shared goal: the destruction of the State of Israel and the creation of an Arab state on its ruins. Their disagreements are minor and pertain only to the most effective methods to achieve this aim. This is evident from their continued efforts to form a unity government. The October 7th massacre did not prompt Fatah to denounce or distance itself from Hamas, nor did it prevent them from considering an alliance with such a murderous organization.
Their unity of purpose is clearly expressed in their founding documents:
The Palestinian National Charter (1968) states: "Armed struggle is the only way to liberate Palestine" (Article 9), and "Palestine with the boundaries it had during the British Mandate is an indivisible territorial unit" (Article 2).
The Hamas Charter (1988) states: "Palestine is an Islamic Waqf land consecrated for Muslim generations until Judgment Day" (Article 11) and "Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are all a waste of time and a futile game" (Article 13).These and many other similar passages show clearly that both groups reject any political solution, see violent struggle as the only path forward, and deny the right of Israel to exist.
And this isn’t just theoretical. The dangerous reality on the ground in Judea and Samaria confirms their intentions. Terror infrastructure is growing across the region: weapons smuggling, arms production labs, and armed militias are being established in Palestinian cities. Incitement is rampant, and the leadership is whipping up the masses. Every day that Israel’s control remains weak, the threat intensifies.
The October 7th attack in the Gaza border region claimed 1,200 lives across a 40 km stretch. In contrast, the separation line with Judea and Samaria stretches over 320 km—eight times longer! The implication: in the event of a similar attack, casualties could exceed 9,600 people, striking densely populated central Israel. Every citizen, every family could become a victim in such a future assault.
The winding separation line cannot be effectively defended. Only the full application of Israeli sovereignty and the establishment of a clear border along the Jordan River can ensure our security. Sovereignty will shatter Arab illusions, create deterrence, and transfer full security responsibility into Israeli hands—necessary steps to protect our citizens’ lives.
A unified and clear border on the Jordan would allow Israel to concentrate its forces and focus, rather than divide them between the Jordan Valley and the separation line. After sovereignty is applied, internal security responsibility would be transferred to the police and Border Patrol, as is standard in the rest of the country.
In the wake of the October 7th massacre, even the international community is beginning to awaken to the necessary security realities. U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for voluntary emigration of Gaza’s Arab population signals a pragmatic and informed direction. This approach should also be applied to Judea and Samaria.
Those who reject Israel’s sovereignty, challenge its right to the land, and act to destabilize the region through terrorism must leave. Arab and Western nations so concerned for their welfare must open their doors to these war-inciting, Israel-hating individuals. As for the Arab population that seeks peaceful, quiet lives, distances itself from terror, has no national aspirations and demonstrates loyalty to Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people—there are possible solutions that can be discussed. But above all, the guiding principle must be full and exclusive Israeli sovereignty over the entire area.
We must face the growing unrest across Judea and Samaria with open eyes—it signals the potential for a serious and dangerous escalation. Full sovereignty will deter, send a message of resolve, and prevent chaos. It will also provide Israel with a clear strategic victory—reinforcing our national and international standing.
To conclude in the spirit of Independence Day: As we celebrate 77 years of the State of Israel, we recall the complex path we’ve walked and all that we have achieved through faith, unity, and determination. This state, established by Divine promise and historical memory, now stands strong in the face of formidable challenges. Applying sovereignty to Judea and Samaria will be another step in fulfilling our national vision—a step that will secure the safety and well-being of all Israeli citizens.
We believe that the way to preserve Israel as a Jewish and democratic state lies in strengthening sovereignty, reinforcing borders, and deepening the Jewish presence in all parts of our land.
The challenges before us are many and complex, but we must move forward with faith and confidence. We must not forget Israel’s incredible and unprecedented achievements—miraculous, even. We must not forget our strength, our values, or the justice of our cause. With this spirit, and with G-d's help, we will continue to build and strengthen Israel, with faith that we are marching toward a future of a free and sovereign people in its land.
Happy Independence Day to us all!