US Lawmakers Visit Samaria, Vow Action Against Sanctions
A delegation of US senators and representatives visited a farm in Samaria (West Bank) this week, pledging to legislate sanctions against countries that impose sanctions on the region. The visit, hosted by Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, comes amid threats of sanctions from Ireland and Spain against Israel. Dagan stated that the lawmakers "choose the right side of history."
The delegation is part of ongoing efforts by the National Association of State Legislators (NACL) to foster recognition of Judea and Samaria among US public officials and translate political support into practical measures. Jason Rapert, founder and president of NACL, expressed confidence in countering economic warfare against Israel and Judea and Samaria.
Several US states have already taken legislative action. Tennessee has mandated the use of "Judea and Samaria" in official documents, replacing "West Bank." Similar resolutions have passed in Arizona, with legislative processes advanced in West Virginia and Florida. Bills have also been formally introduced in Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, and Georgia.
Prominent members of the delegation included Senator Cathy Crisman, Representatives Sarah Vance, Josh Bonner, Mark Gidley, and Denise Crosswhite Hader, along with Senator Paul Utke and other officials from various US states. Dagan thanked the lawmakers for their initiative against sanctions, calling their actions a "loud voice for the world."
This visit occurred shortly after US Ambassador to Israel Mike Harkaby visited the Palestinian village of Turmus Ayya, near Ramallah. He met with Palestinian families, with Reuters reporting he referred to the area as the "occupied West Bank." According to village authorities, about 80% of residents hold American citizenship. Harkaby stated during his visit, "Crime is crime, terror is terror. Whoever commits it must bear severe consequences."
