A bipartisan delegation of U.S. state senators and representatives toured a new town in northern Samaria on Wednesday, marking what organizers called a political and advocacy turning point for the region. The lawmakers, guests of Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan, represent key states including Florida, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Alabama. The delegation consists of 8 Republicans and a single Democrat.
The visit coincided with commemorations of the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks. During the tour, the legislators examined the area’s strategic and historical significance, visited the “State Balcony” in Peduel overlooking the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, the newly established settlement of Evyatar founded last summer, and Joshua’s Altar and Joseph’s Lookout, which overlooks Joseph’s Tomb.
According to the Samaria Regional Council, delegation members said they plan to translate their visit into concrete action and legislation in their state legislatures. The planned legislation would require official documents to use only the historical name “Judea and Samaria” while eliminating use of the term “West Bank,” alongside toughening anti-boycott laws and banning state contracts with companies that boycott Israel.
Florida State Representative Chase Tramont (R) emphasized that using the original name restores Jewish heritage. Texas State Representative Tom Oliverson (R) added that the term is an artificial UN construct and declared a movement of 50 states to remove the inaccurate term.
Alabama State Senator Keith Kelly (R) said the field visit completely changed his perspective and made clear that the land belongs to the Jews and to Israel. Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan emphasized that the message crosses party lines in the U.S. and that the clear goal is applying sovereignty and expanding the circle of support for settlements. “Even the left in America will recognize our right to the land,” Dagan said.
The visit is part of extensive activity by the council’s foreign relations unit with about 16 U.S. states. Tennessee has already officially passed a law recognizing the term “Judea and Samaria,” Arizona passed a resolution, and advanced bills have been introduced in Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, and Georgia, with about 10 additional states expected to complete legislation over the coming year.