A landmark move in the US state of Arizona formally replaces the term “West Bank” with “Judea and Samaria,” affirming Israel’s historic and biblical connection to the area.
Following an official visit in January by Israel’s Consul General to the Southwest, Israel Bachar, the Arizona House of Representatives passed Resolution HCR2047 adopting the change in terminology at the state level.
The resolution was advanced as part of an initiative led by Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. Under the measure, the Arizona House formally replaces what it describes as the political term “West Bank” with the historically rooted term “Judea and Samaria.”
Supporters of the resolution say it reflects recognition of the Jewish people’s historical, biblical and legal ties to the region, and affirms that Israel’s sovereignty claims there are not in doubt. The move is being described by backers as a significant diplomatic achievement at the state level in the US.