27.02.2025 00:31
The Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast, instructed committee staff to use the term 'Judea and Samaria' for the West Bank.
Brian Mast, the Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, instructed committee staff to use the Hebrew name "Judea and Samaria" for the West Bank under Israeli occupation.
According to a document obtained by the American Axios news platform from a source with direct knowledge of Mast's instruction, the directive was sent to 50 Republican staff members working in the committee.
CONTROVERSIAL INSTRUCTION
In a non-binding directive for the Democratic staff in the committee, Mast stated, "With the awareness of the unbreakable bond between us and Israel and the natural right of the Jewish people over their ancient homeland, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will henceforth refer to the West Bank as 'Judea and Samaria' in official correspondence, communications, and documents."
"WE MUST DO OUR PART"
Mast included in the directive that the Jewish roots of this region date back centuries, asserting, "As representatives of the American people, we must do our part to stop the wave of antisemitism that must be condemned and to recognize Israel's rightful claim over the cradle of Jewish civilization."
WHAT HAPPENED?
Mast, a Republican member of the House from Florida known for his pro-Israel statements, had come to Congress last year wearing an Israeli military uniform in support of Israel's attacks on Gaza. In recent months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers in his cabinet have openly expressed their intentions to annex the West Bank, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.
The Israeli parliament also accepted a proposal earlier this month to change the name of the occupied West Bank to "Judea and Samaria."