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Tennessee Lawmakers Vote to Replace 'West Bank' With 'Judea and Samaria' in State Materials

The proposal signals how state policy is being used to advance contested language in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Overview

  • The General Assembly passed HB1446/SB1663 directing state agencies to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank” in official materials.
  • The measure awaits Governor Bill Lee’s signature before it can become law.
  • Sen. Mark Pody and Rep. Chris Todd led the push after lobbying by Jewish and evangelical advocates.
  • Evangelical activist Laurie Cardoza-Moore testified for the bill and sits on Tennessee’s textbook commission.
  • The change affects only state documents and supporters’ historical and legal claims for the terminology are disputed in the coverage.