Committee approves resolution urging use of 'Judea and Samaria' instead of 'West Bank'

The Senate Federalism and Law Committee advanced HCR 2047 on March 12, a resolution that recognizes "the historical, biblical, and legal legitimacy of the regions of Judea and Samaria" and rejects the term "West Bank" in official state communications.

Representative David Livingston, sponsor of the resolution, described his travel to Israel and cited biblical references to argue that the terms "Judea and Samaria" are historically accurate. Rabbi Pinchas Salush of Congregation Beth Tfiloh in Scottsdale testified in support, saying the names appear in ancient scripture and should be used in public statements.

Opposition witnesses, including Martin Quezada of the Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR), urged a no vote. Quezada warned the resolution risks turning a contested international dispute into a political statement by a state legislature and said it could be used to stigmatize Muslim Americans. He also raised First Amendment concerns about the legislature "endorsing" a religious text as authoritative public policy.

Committee members debated whether the matter is a mapping/historical question or an inappropriate state intrusion into international politics. After explanations of individual votes the chair announced the measure passed by a vote of 4 ayes and 3 nays.

Provenance: HCR 2047 introduction and testimony begin at SEG 603 and the final roll call appears through SEG 1050.