US Congressman Marlin Stutzman Backs Sovereignty in Meeting With Yossi Dagan

US Congressman Marlin Stutzman expressed support for Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria during a visit to Israel, saying after a meeting with Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan that sovereignty is an important issue and that Israel should have the land under one national framework.

Stutzman, a veteran Republican lawmaker, arrived in Israel for a short diplomatic visit that included meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the foreign minister and Dagan.

In a joint statement after the meeting, Stutzman emphasized the strength of the US-Israel relationship.

“The partnership between the United States and Israel is like brothers,” he said. “We are so strong together. We want more people to join the peace and prosperity that we can all enjoy.”

Stutzman then addressed the question of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, describing the area as strategically important to Israel.

“One of the important things is sovereignty in Judea and Samaria here in Israel,” he said. “It is important for Israel to have these lands together, under one umbrella as a state.”

He also referred to recent political activity on the issue, saying a symbolic vote had taken place and that support exists for the move.

“We will continue moving forward and finding more support so that people can live here in peace and prosperity,” Stutzman said.

He added that there is broad support in the United States for Dagan and for the efforts being led in Israel.

Dagan thanked Stutzman for what he called his firm support for Israel and for the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.

“We feel what you are doing for the people of Israel, and especially for the pioneers in Judea and Samaria,” Dagan said. “We know that we are together.”

Dagan added that Israel and the United States share the same mission and face the same enemies.

“This is the same fight for justice and for the future of the entire world, of the United States and of Israel,” he said.

The meeting was part of Dagan’s ongoing effort to strengthen support in Washington for Judea and Samaria and to advance the application of Israeli sovereignty among US officials.