Rep. Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has instructed Republican staff to refer to the West Bank as Judea and Samaria, emphasizing Israel's claims over the territory in a recent memo. This directive, which was not extended to Democratic staffers, aims to reflect a strong pro-Israel stance amidst rising tensions in the region. The memo highlights the purported historical significance of the land to the Jewish people and is set against a backdrop of major Israeli military actions that have displaced many Palestinians.
In recognition of our unbreakable bond with Israel and the inherent right of the Jewish people to their ancient homeland, the House Foreign Affairs committee will, from here forward, refer to the West Bank as Judea and Samaria in formal correspondence, communication and documentation.
Mast's language change push comes amid a major Israeli offensive on the West Bank, where about 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced in the last month, and a shaky ceasefire in Gaza.
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