(WNY News Now) – Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) has proposed the RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act, aiming to mandate the use of the term “Judea and Samaria” in all official U.S. documents, sparking controversy amid ongoing tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a move that underscores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) has introduced the RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act. This legislation calls for the replacement of the term “West Bank” with “Judea and Samaria” in all official U.S. documents, reviving historical nomenclature tied to ancient Kingdoms of Judah and Samaria.

Tenney’s bill, co-sponsored by Representatives Randy Weber (TX-14) and Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), has ignited heated discussions both domestically and internationally. The proposed change is rooted in the historical context of the region, dating back to Israel’s reclamation of Judea and Samaria from Jordan in the aftermath of the Six-Day War in 1967.

“The Israeli people have an undeniable and indisputable historical and legal claim over Judea and Samaria, and at this critical moment in history, the United States must reaffirm this,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The misguided decision by the Biden administration to revoke the Pompeo Doctrine undermines our greatest ally in the Middle East. The RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act requires all U.S. legal documents to use the rightful term “Judea and Samaria” to refer to this territory instead of the “West Bank.” This bill reaffirms Israel’s rightful claim to its territory. I remain committed to defending the integrity of the Jewish state and fully supporting Israel’s sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.”

However, the timing of this legislative move is contentious, as the international community grapples with the aftermath of a tragic incident in Gaza. Over 100 Palestinians have lost their lives, and more than 750 are wounded, following clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians seeking essential supplies amidst a looming famine in the region. The Gaza Ministry of Health has labeled the incident as a “massacre,” prompting condemnation from the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The term “Judea and Samaria” holds deep historical significance for Israel, emphasizing its ancient ties to the land. Conversely, the use of “West Bank” is viewed by some as a deliberate effort to undermine Israel’s historical claim to the region. This linguistic dispute reflects the broader political and territorial complexities that define the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In 2019, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and Judea and Samaria. However, recent comments from Secretary of State Antony Blinken signal a shift in the Biden administration’s stance. Blinken expressed disappointment over Israel’s decision to expand settlements in the region, reversing the previous acknowledgment of Israeli sovereignty.

This change in tone by the Biden administration adds another layer to the ongoing discourse, particularly considering the Oslo Accords, where Israel was granted full military and civilian control over a significant portion of Judea and Samaria. The RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act, while seemingly focused on terminology, becomes a focal point in the broader debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the international community’s role in shaping its resolution.