The historical divergence between the Samaritan and Jewish communities remains a complex topic in religious and archaeological studies. While both groups share common roots in the traditions of the ancient Israelites, they developed distinct religious identities and centers of worship. The Samaritans maintain their sacred site on Mount Gerizim, while the Jewish tradition centers on Jerusalem.

Scholars and historians continue to debate the exact nature of the 'split.' One perspective suggests that the groups were once a unified entity that underwent a gradual process of alienation, potentially accelerated by political and religious reforms during the Second Temple period. Another viewpoint examines whether the Samaritans represent a distinct branch that maintained older traditions, or if they emerged as a separate sect following specific historical events, such as the return from the Babylonian exile.

Because the provided source material is limited to a headline and brief summary, there is currently no consensus presented on the specific 'who split from whom' question. The narrative is often framed through the lens of archaeological findings and ancient texts, which are subject to varying interpretations. While the Jewish narrative is well-documented in rabbinic literature, the Samaritan perspective offers a different historical account that challenges traditional Jewish historiography. The lack of comprehensive evidence means that the exact moment of division remains a subject of ongoing academic investigation rather than a settled historical fact.