Arizona Lawmakers Vote to Shift How State References Middle East Land

The Arizona House of Representatives passed two resolutions on Monday that take a firm stance on one of the most debated pieces of land in the world -- the Middle East -- and on what the state should call it.

House Resolution 2002 and House Concurrent Resolution 2047 were pushed by State Representative David Livingston (R-AZ). Together, they declare Arizona's support for Israeli sovereignty over a territory that most of the world calls the “West Bank," and they require state officials to instead use the name "Judea and Samaria" in any official documents or communications.

"West Bank" has been the standard term used by governments and international bodies for decades. Rep. Livingston argues the name was essentially invented during Jordan's control of the area between 1948 and 1967, and that "Judea and Samaria" is the more historically rooted description.

"Judea and Samaria are not invented terms and they are not negotiable facts," Livingston said. "They are central to Jewish history, faith, and national identity."

The resolutions passed with bipartisan support.

Supporters also made a security case for the legislation, arguing that a strong Israeli presence in the territory helps prevent extremist groups from gaining power there, something they said serves American interests as well.

Israeli Consul General Israel Bachar publicly praised the outcome, calling Arizona a leader among U.S. states when it comes to legislative support for Israel.

“In formally rejecting the term “West Bank,” labeling it a modern political construct, and opting instead to use the indigenous terms “Judea and Samaria” in all official state communications, documents and references, the Arizona House of Representatives attests: the indigeneity of Judea and Samaria and their rightful place in the history of the Holy Land and modern-day Israel are eternal and undebatable,” the statement reads.  

HC 2002 is already in effect, while  HCR 2047 now moves to the Arizona Senate, where it will need additional approval to become official state policy.

"This vote shows that respect for history still matters," Livingston said. "Arizona stands with Israel, speaks plainly about the facts, and refuses to bend to political pressure."