Adapted from the Hebrew article by Judea and Samaria Correspondent Eliya Aviv
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed historic legislation recognizing Judea and Samaria, making the state the third in the United States to drop the 1950-era contrived Jordanian term “West Bank” from official documents.
The term “West Bank” refers to the area west of the Jordan river, and prior to Jordanian annexation, the area was known as Judea and Samaria for thousands of years, including in the Bible.
The bill, which passed both chambers of the state legislature by overwhelming margins, mandates that Tennessee use only the biblical names Judea and Samaria in all official state documents. The move follows similar legislation in Arkansas and Arizona, deepening American recognition of Israel’s historical claims to the heartland.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) became the first governor to sign such legislation. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) has yet to sign the bill passed by her state’s House of Representatives.
Tennessee State Representative Chris Todd, who toured the territory and championed the bill, issued a forceful declaration of support: “I am ready and able to do everything in my power to support the people of Israel. This land was given to you by God by right and must be defended, and it should all be under the control of the people of Israel.”
The law’s key provisions include:
Eliminating ‘West Bank’: Mandatory replacement of the term in all official state documents with “Judea and Samaria.”
Recognizing Jewish rights: A formal declaration of Israel’s historical and biblical connection to the territory.
Bipartisan support: The measure was advanced by Representative Todd and won broad backing in both legislative chambers.
Yesha Council diplomacy: The law is the fruit of diplomatic efforts by Yesha Council Chairman Yisrael Ganz, who held working meetings with the governor and state legislators.
The Tennessee victory comes alongside a similar resolution in Arizona, where State Representative David Livingston led the effort. “It’s clear this is Israel—the people, the culture, and the history. It’s biblical,” Livingston said during the Senate debate.
The Tennessee move is just the first in a much broader wave: 17 additional U.S. states are at various stages of advancing similar legislation and resolutions, fortifying the status of settlement in Judea and Samaria against international pressure.
“We’re seeing a strategic shift in the United States,” the Yesha Council stated optimistically. “The historical truth and moral justice of the people of Israel in Judea and Samaria are defeating the false narratives.”