US Lawmakers Visit West Bank, Push for "Judea and Samaria" Recognition

A delegation of 20 U.S. lawmakers and senators visited the Shomron region in the West Bank on a special tour hosted by the regional council chairman, Yossi Dagan. The visiting officials, led by Jason Rapert, founder and president of the National Association of State Legislators, announced their intention to advance legislation in U.S. state legislatures to replace the term "West Bank" with "Judea and Samaria" in official documents. This initiative aims to recognize Israel's historical rights in the region amidst international pressure and threats of sanctions.

The delegation included senior representatives from states such as Alaska, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Montana, Minnesota, Alabama, and Missouri. During their visit to the settlement of Peduel, they viewed the region from the "State Balcony" observation point and visited a viewpoint named after former U.S. President Donald Trump. They received briefings on the area's strategic and historical importance and recent political developments.

Legislation to mandate the use of "Judea and Samaria" instead of "West Bank" has already been approved in Tennessee and is progressing in other states. Senator Paul Utke of Minnesota pledged to promote this legislation, expressing his support for the residents. Congresswoman Sarah Vance of Alaska stated her intention to introduce a bill declaring Judea and Samaria as the biblical and sovereign lands of Israel.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, thanked the delegation, emphasizing that recognition of Judea and Samaria and the application of sovereignty there are crucial for the security of Israel, the United States, and the entire Western world.