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West Bank

The West Bank is a landlocked territory west of the Jordan River in the Levant, and one of the two main Palestinian territories.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The West Bank is a landlocked territory west of the Jordan River in the Levant, and one of the two main Palestinian territories. Since 1967, it has been occupied by Israel, while its final status remains disputed between Israelis and Palestinians. The territory includes major cities such as Nablus, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jericho.

Geography

The West Bank is a landlocked territory on the western side of the Jordan River, bordered by Israel and Jordan. It is roughly 90 miles long and around 30 miles wide, though its width varies considerably.

History

The area was part of the British Mandate of Palestine, came under Jordanian control after the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, and was captured by Israel in 1967. Since then, its status has been one of the central issues in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Political status and administration

The West Bank is widely described as occupied territory, but its legal and political status is disputed. Parts of it are administered by the Palestinian Authority under interim arrangements, while Israel retains varying levels of control across the territory.

Population and settlements

The population is predominantly Palestinian Arab, with Israeli settlements also present in the territory. Population estimates vary by source and year, and settlement numbers have changed over time.

Cities and religious significance

Major West Bank cities include Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jericho. The territory contains sites of major religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Key facts

  • The West Bank is a landlocked territory west of the Jordan River and one of the two main Palestinian territories.
  • Israel has occupied the territory since the 1967 Six-Day War.
  • The territory’s political status is disputed and remains unresolved in peace negotiations.
  • The West Bank includes East Jerusalem in some broader political definitions, though Israeli administrative usage often excludes it.
  • The area contains important religious and historic sites significant to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
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Canadian context

Canada is among the countries that treat the West Bank as occupied territory in its foreign policy and diplomacy, so the region is relevant to Canadian reporting on the Middle East peace process.

Frequently asked questions

What is the West Bank?
The West Bank is a landlocked territory west of the Jordan River and one of the two main Palestinian territories.
Why is the West Bank disputed?
Israelis and Palestinians disagree over sovereignty, borders, settlements, and the territory’s final political status.
When did Israel occupy the West Bank?
Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War and has occupied it since then.
Does the West Bank include East Jerusalem?
Some broader political definitions include East Jerusalem, but Israeli administrative usage often distinguishes it from the West Bank.
What are the main cities in the West Bank?
Major cities include Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jericho.
How large is the West Bank?
Its area is commonly given as about 5,660 to 5,880 square kilometres, depending on the source and whether East Jerusalem is included.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/West-Bank
    Supports: Geographic location, historical background, and disputed status
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/West-Bank
    Supports: Area, population estimate, major cities, and general overview
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/asia/west-bank-and-gaza-political-geography/west-bank
    Supports: Territory description, boundaries, and approximate area
  4. CIA World Factbook — https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2022/countries/west-bank
    Supports: West Bank as a Palestinian territory and population estimate