Arizona Joins Growing U.S. Movement to Recognize ‘Judea and Samaria’

Arizona state officials have formally announced a new policy to transition from the term "West Bank" to "Judea and Samaria" in all official government documents and correspondence. The move marks a significant diplomatic achievement for local Israeli leadership and reflects deepening ties between the state and the Samaria region.

The decision is a central component of an ongoing international advocacy campaign led by Yossi Dagan, Chairman of the Samaria Regional Council. Dagan has been working extensively with American lawmakers to promote the use of biblical terminology, arguing that the term "West Bank" fails to reflect the deep historical and religious connection of the Jewish people to the land.

Strategic Solidarity Over Constitutional Change

While the policy shift represents a significant political statement, officials emphasized that the move is a demonstration of local solidarity rather than a legally binding constitutional change. The resolution serves as a guideline for state departments, signaling Arizona’s recognition of the region’s historical context without altering federal U.S. foreign policy.

A Growing Trend Across the U.S.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by Dagan to secure similar recognition across dozens of American states. Arizona joins several other Republican-led states that have recently adopted similar measures.

"This is about historical justice," Dagan said during his recent advocacy mission to the United States. "By returning to the names Judea and Samaria, these states are acknowledging the cradle of Jewish civilization and rejecting terminology that seeks to erase our history."

Supporters of the move in the Arizona legislature noted that the change aligns the state’s official language with the terminology used in the Bible, further strengthening the "special relationship" between the Southwestern state and Israel.