The Dutch opposition leader and prime minister candidate, Geert Wilders, began his visit to Israel this week with a tour of the renewed community of Shavei Shomron in northern Samaria, hosted by Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council. The visit came amid the Dutch government’s decision to ban imports from Judea and Samaria, and during it Wilders expressed support for renewed Israeli communities in the region.
3+Wilders, who nearly became prime minister two years ago and is considered a leading candidate in the next elections, was shown a tour map of the “Connection Plan” to establish 19 new communities in northern Samaria, of which Shavei Shomron is one.
“Yossi, I am very proud to be here with ‘the Lion of Samaria,'” Wilders told Dagan. “Twenty-one years ago you were expelled from here, and now you’re coming back with a huge plan to resettle all of Samaria. I’m very proud of you—this is the only way. This is your land, your country, your history, and your religion. You are a very brave man.”
3+Dagan thanked the Dutch leader for his consistent support: “I’m moved to host you in Shavei Shomron, in my home, in the heart of the Land of Israel. You are a brave leader, and I know what you’re doing for the future of Europe, the Netherlands, and Israel. You’re the first leader who understood and educated people that we must stand together and fight together.”
Dagan emphasized the security significance of the Israeli communities in the area: “What we’re doing together is first of all rebuilding our homeland, the land from the Bible. We’re building together the future of Israel, of Europe, and of the world. After October 7, it’s clearer than ever that our settlements in northern Samaria are the security belt of the entire State of Israel.”
3+Wilders agreed and added: “That’s true, and it affects the security of Europe and the security of the Netherlands. Everything is connected, and that’s why we’re working together, and we’ll win together.”
This is Wilders’ second visit to Israel in less than two years, and during his previous visit he was also hosted by Dagan. His previous visit sparked controversy in the Netherlands and was even the focus of parliamentary debates due to his decision to visit Judea and Samaria.
3+This visit is also expected to generate reactions, especially in light of the Dutch government’s recent decision to boycott products from Judea and Samaria. In the coming days, Wilders is expected to continue his tours in Samaria and the Jordan Valley and to meet with senior Israeli government officials.