A major gathering of U.S. state legislators reaffirmed strong support for Israel this week, as the National Association of Christian Lawmakers held its 2026 National Policy Conference at Liberty University in Virginia, with hundreds in attendance over three days. The conference devoted substantial attention to US-Israel relations, with a dedicated committee examining state-level recognition of Judea and Samaria, development in the Galilee region, and opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Growing momentum in U.S. state-level movement to recognize Judea and Samaria
Arkansas, Tennessee, and Arizona have each moved to formalize the use of “Judea and Samaria” in official state government communications, part of a broader push among US state legislatures to align their language with what proponents describe as the historically and biblically accurate designation for the region incorrectly termed the ‘West Bank.’
The legislation in each state requires government agencies to use the term in official documents and communications, a shift that supporters say reflects the region’s deep roots in Jewish history and its centrality to Israel’s strategic and cultural identity. NACL spearheads developing model legislation on the issue for states to adopt, and at the conference, announced that 20 U.S. states are advancing legislation to recognize Judea and Samaria.
The Committee on America–Israel Relations, chaired by Michigan Senator Lana Theis and vice-chaired by Alabama Representative Mark Gidley addressed current developments in Israel, the growing movement among states to recognize Judea and Samaria in official government communications, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Israel.
Representative Gidley, Vice Chair of the Committee on America–Israel Relations, highlighted the significance of the growing state-level movement to recognize Judea and Samaria.
“Across America, lawmakers are increasingly recognizing the importance of historical accuracy when discussing Israel and the Jewish people’s ancestral homeland,” said Rep. Gidley. “The efforts highlighted during our conference demonstrate that support for Israel continues to be strong in state legislatures. By educating lawmakers, advancing sound public policy, and building relationships with Israeli leaders, NACL is helping strengthen one of the most important alliances in the world.”
Three American state legislators received the inaugural NACL America-Israel Leadership Award alongside Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan, of Israel. Arkansas Representative Mindy McAlindon was honored for sponsoring legislation requiring state agencies to use the term “Judea and Samaria” in official communications. Tennessee Representative Chris Todd was recognized for leading similar efforts in his state and for his advocacy following the October 7 terror attacks. Arizona Representative David Livingston received the award for sponsoring legislation affirming Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and promoting historically accurate terminology in state government communications.
NACL adopts resolution to combat antisemitism
The conference also adopted a resolution condemning antisemitism in all its forms and reaffirming NACL’s support for Israel and the Jewish people. The resolution strongly condemns antisemitism in all its forms, calls upon leaders across society to reject and confront antisemitic rhetoric and conduct, and reaffirms NACL’s commitment to standing with Israel and the Jewish people.
“NACL’s support for Israel is not rooted in politics. It is rooted in our Biblical convictions, our shared commitment to freedom, and our recognition that Israel remains one of America’s strongest allies in a dangerous world,” said NACL Founder and President Jason Rapert.
Rapert continued, “At a time when antisemitism is rising around the globe and some public figures are willing to excuse or even embrace anti-Jewish rhetoric, Christian lawmakers must speak clearly and stand courageously with Israel and the Jewish people.”
Senator Theis, Chair of the NACL Committee on America–Israel Relations and co-sponsor of the antisemitism resolution, emphasized the importance of moral clarity in confronting hatred. “Antisemitism is not merely a political issue; it is a moral issue,” said Sen. Theis. “History teaches us that hatred flourishes when good people remain silent. NACL’s lawmakers are committed to standing against antisemitism wherever it appears and strengthening the enduring friendship between the United States and Israel. Our committee’s work reflects both our Biblical convictions and our commitment to truth, freedom, and human dignity.”
The association, described as the first formal national organization of Christian lawmakers in US history, brings together federal, state, and local legislators committed to advancing biblical principles in public policy.