US Lawmakers Tour Samaria, Pledge Counter-Sanctions as Ambassador Huckabee Visits Ramallah Area

US Lawmakers Pledge Counter-Sanctions

Amid growing scrutiny over Israeli policies in Judea and Samaria, including recent critical remarks from US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, a delegation of US state senators and representatives toured agricultural outposts in Samaria. During the tour, the delegation informed Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan that they will actively promote legislation to impose counter-sanctions on countries that target Judea and Samaria.

Yossi Dagan welcomed the delegation, which arrived as his guests following recent threats of sanctions against Israeli entities by Ireland and Spain. The visit was organized as part of Dagan's ongoing collaboration with the National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL) and its leadership.

The delegation was hosted at the Nof Avi outpost by farmer Israel Rappaport, who briefed the lawmakers on the security and agricultural realities of the region. Jason Rapert, founder and president of the NACL, stated:

"Just as we are winning the first battle of recognizing Judea and Samaria, we are going to win the second battle—stopping the economic warfare against Israel, and specifically against Judea and Samaria. We stand with you, and together, with God's help, we will win."

Legislative Shifts Across US States

The delegation highlighted a series of legislative initiatives across several US states aimed at solidifying support for the region:

• Tennessee has passed a law requiring official state documents to use the term "Judea and Samaria" instead of the "West Bank."

• Arizona has passed a similar resolution.

• West Virginia and Florida are in advanced stages of passing similar legislation.

• Alabama, Oklahoma, and Georgia have officially introduced bills to the same effect.

This legislative push is part of a broader effort by the NACL and other US legislative organizations to translate political support into concrete policy, including counter-measures against entities that boycott residents of Judea and Samaria.

Yossi Dagan thanked the lawmakers for their initiative, stating:

"What you are doing together is like a Shofar—a strong voice for the world. What happens here in Judea and Samaria is part of history and the Bible, and it is relevant to the entire world. You are standing on the right side of history."

Prominent members of the delegation included Senator Kathy Chism, Representative Sarah Vance of Alaska, Representative Josh Bonner, Representative Mark Gidley of Alabama, Representative Denise Crosswhite Hader of Oklahoma, and Senator Paul Utke of Minnesota.

Ambassador Huckabee's Visit to Turmus Ayya

The delegation's visit coincided with a highly publicized visit by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee to the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya near Ramallah.

According to local authorities, approximately 80% of the town's residents hold US citizenship. Huckabee met with Palestinian-Americans whose family members were reportedly attacked or killed by extremist Jewish settlers.

During his visit, Ambassador Huckabee emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward violence, stating:

"A crime is a crime, and terror is terror. Whoever commits it must face the gravest consequences."