Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Lawler Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on Understanding Judea and Samaria
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Michael Lawler delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled "Understanding Judea and Samaria: Historical, Strategic, and Political Dynamics in U.S.–Israel Relations."
In September, this Subcommittee held a roundtable with Ambassador Huckabee to hear directly from the administration about its current efforts in Israel and its perspective on the evolving landscape in Judea and Samaria. That discussion provided valuable context on the policy challenges before us. Today's hearing builds on that foundation by taking a step back and focusing on the historical, legal and strategic dynamics that shape this issue.
Judea and Samaria remains central to decades of diplomatic debate, negotiations, and regional tension. The region's modern history, from its role in the British mandate to the unresolved sovereignty questions in 1948, to the Jordanian occupation from 1948 to 1967, including the displacement of Jewish communities during that period, continues to shape legal interpretations, security considerations, and international discourse today.
In recent months, international discussions about the future of these territories have accelerated. To understand this, we must also understand the historical context that led us to this point. Understanding the daily realities for communities in these areas, the security challenges they face, and the implications for Israel's broader defense posture is essential to evaluating US engagement and future policy discussions.
Our witnesses today bring deep historical, legal and strategic knowledge. Their testimony will help clarify key facts, illuminate longstanding debates, and provide members with the nuanced understanding needed to assess us policy moving forward. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that American policy is rooted in facts, strengthen our relationship with Israel, and support long term stability and security across the Middle East.