US Lawmakers Visit Samaria, Vow to Advance Recognition of Judea and Samaria

A delegation of approximately 20 U.S. lawmakers, including senators and representatives from various states, visited the Samaria region as guests of local council head Yossi Dagan. The visiting legislators announced their intention to promote legislation that would officially recognize the term "Judea and Samaria" instead of "West Bank" in official documents.

The delegation, led by Jason Rapert, president of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, included elected officials from states such as Alaska, Georgia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. During their visit, they toured sites like the "Balcony of the State" in Kedumim and a lookout point named after former U.S. President Donald Trump, where they received briefings on the history, strategic importance, and political developments concerning the region.

This initiative aims to advance legislation within U.S. states to adopt "Judea and Samaria" in official capacities. Several lawmakers expressed their commitment, with Senator Paul Utke of Minnesota stating he would work with colleagues to advance the measure. Alaska Representative Sarah Vance declared her intent to introduce a bill affirming Judea and Samaria as the "sovereign biblical lands of the State of Israel," while Georgia Representative Josh Bonner pledged the Georgia legislature's full support for this recognition.

Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan welcomed the delegation, emphasizing that recognition of and sovereignty over Judea and Samaria contribute to the security of both Israel and the United States. He stated, "Recognition of Judea and Samaria and sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is security for Israel, the United States, and all of Western culture."

The movement has already seen legislative success in some U.S. states, with Tennessee passing a law mandating the use of "Judea and Samaria" in official documents and Arizona passing a resolution on the matter. Similar legislative efforts are underway in states including Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, and Georgia, with organizers anticipating similar legislation in about ten additional states within the year.