Lawmakers in the US state of Arizona have approved a resolution calling on state institutions to use the term “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank” in official documents, in a move that has drawn political attention.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the measure was recently passed by the Arizona Senate after earlier approval by the state’s House of Representatives, with broad backing in both chambers.
The report said the initiative followed lobbying efforts led by Yossi Dagan, in coordination with the council’s foreign relations unit.
The legislation was introduced by David Livingston, who promoted the measure after visiting settlements in the occupied West Bank as a guest of Dagan. During legislative discussions, Livingston cited what he described as ideological and historical motivations, saying his visit had reinforced his view of the area.
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Dagan welcomed the decision, describing it as part of a broader effort to shape international discourse, and claimed that more US states are adopting similar positions.
According to the Arizona Daily Star, the text of Resolution HCR 2047 closely mirrors a draft produced by the National Christian Legislators’ Union. Livingston, who serves as the organisation’s president in Arizona, said the group had funded a previous visit to Israel.
The term “Judea and Samaria” is commonly used in Israeli political and historical contexts to refer to the West Bank, while the area is internationally recognised as occupied Palestinian territory under international law.
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