Judea and Samaria, located on the west bank of the Jordan River, provide Israel with essential security. The 1949 Armistice lines left only 9 miles between the eastern border and the Mediterranean Sea. (This is roughly the distance from La Guardia airport to downtown Manhattan). Over half of Israel's population live in this narrow and vulnerable stretch of land. In addition, much of Israel's industry and economic infrastructure is concentrated there, including its energy and power installations.