Yossi Dagan, the dynamic Regional Council leader of Samaria and a staunch advocate for Israel’s heartland, recently met with Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas and the incoming U.S. Ambassador to Israel, in a high-profile meeting in New York City. The two leaders, whose camaraderie spans years of shared vision and cooperation, used the occasion to reinforce their mutual commitment to deepening the ties between the United States and Israel—specifically, the vital regions of Judea and Samaria.

A Friendship Forged in Advocacy

Dagan and Huckabee’s friendship is no ordinary political alliance; it is rooted in a shared passion for the land and people of Israel. Over the years, Dagan has hosted Huckabee on numerous landmark tours of Samaria. These visits have included key sites such as Joseph’s Tomb, a historic location that resonates deeply with Jewish and Christian communities worldwide and has frequently garnered international media coverage.

Future Ambassador to @Israel , @GovMikeHuckabee , delivered a powerful speech at the Colel Chabad dinner, reflecting on his first visit to Israel in July of 1973—52 years ago.

He spoke passionately about God giving a "Chosen Land" to the Jewish people, citing scripture as a… pic.twitter.com/4hmtjC6RbT

— Yaacov Behrman (@ChabadLubavitch) January 13, 2025

Huckabee’s engagement with Samaria has gone beyond ceremonial visits. As part of the foreign relations efforts led by Dagan and the Samaria Council, Huckabee has participated in high-profile delegations involving U.S. government officials, evangelical leaders, members of Congress, and influential figures from global parliaments. Simultaneously, advocacy missions organized by the Samaria Council have traveled to the United States, leaving an indelible impression on policymakers and faith leaders alike. Many of these individuals now hold key roles within the incoming Trump administration, a testament to the far-reaching impact of these efforts.

A Momentous Meeting

The New York meeting marked the first encounter between Dagan and Huckabee following President Donald Trump’s announcement of his intent to appoint Huckabee as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Their reunion was not just a celebration of past successes but a moment to chart the course for future cooperation.

🚨BREAKING: TRUMP'S ISRAEL AMBASSADOR SAYS TRUMP'S MAXIMUM PRESSURE COULD LEAD TO COLLAPSE OF IRANIAN REGIME🚨

Huckabee said, "Their days of getting to do whatever they want to do while the Biden administration looks the other way. Those days are gone." pic.twitter.com/JatvpojDD5

— Shelley G (@ShelleyGldschmt) November 15, 2024

Standing before the cameras, Dagan warmly addressed Huckabee: “We are eagerly awaiting your arrival in Judea and Samaria, in the State of Israel. You are not just a friend but a steadfast partner of the Jewish pioneers who are building and thriving in these regions. Your support has been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Huckabee, ever the statesman and friend of Israel, responded with characteristic humility and conviction: “While I am not yet officially the ambassador, I earnestly hope to serve in that capacity very soon. I am deeply honored to continue my connection with Judea and Samaria—a land of profound spiritual and historical significance. It is truly a blessing to stand with the people of this remarkable land, and I look forward to visiting again.”

A Groundbreaking Initiative

Dagan’s week in the U.S. is not limited to this pivotal meeting. On Wednesday, he is set to spearhead the official launch of the Judea and Samaria Caucus in the U.S. Congress alongside Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. This groundbreaking caucus, the first of its kind, aims to strengthen the American-Israeli partnership with a special focus on Judea and Samaria. By bringing together a diverse coalition of congressional members, this initiative seeks to fortify ties with Israel and deepen public awareness in the U.S. about the importance of these regions.

“Establishing this caucus is an unprecedented milestone,” Dagan remarked. “It will create a vital platform for advocacy, education, and collaboration, ensuring that Judea and Samaria remain at the forefront of U.S.-Israel relations.”

A Historic Inauguration

Dagan’s mission in the U.S. will culminate next week with his attendance at President Trump’s inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C. He will join a distinguished delegation from the Yesha Council, including Binyamin Governor Israel Ganz, Oranit Local Council Head Or Peron Zomer, Yesha Council CEO Omer Rahamim, and key members of the Samaria Council’s foreign relations team.

The head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, on Tuesday evening congratulated Mike Huckabee on his appointment as the next US Ambassador to Israel.

Huckabee is an ardent supporter of the communities in Judea and Samaria and a long-time friend of Dagan, who hosted him… pic.twitter.com/W8DL3T6qT8

— Netanel Worthy - נתנאל וורתי (@NetanelWorthy) November 12, 2024

This moment signifies not only a new chapter in U.S.-Israel relations but also a recognition of the crucial role that Judea and Samaria play in the shared destiny of these two nations. As the world watches, leaders like Yossi Dagan and Mike Huckabee continue to pave the way for a stronger, more united future.