The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong rebuke of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s official trip to Ariel on Monday, criticizing the stop as part of a wider agenda to normalize what they consider illegitimate Israeli presence in disputed territory.
In their response, the PA characterized Ariel as a “colony established on the lands of residents in the heart of the occupied West Bank,” framing the city as emblematic of what they see as unlawful encroachment.
Johnson’s visit marked a significant moment diplomatically, as he is the most senior U.S. official yet to make an official stop in Judea and Samaria. Traveling as part of a high-level Trump administration delegation, Johnson’s presence underscored American support for Israel’s ties to the area. The Constitution ranks the Speaker of the House as third in line to lead the country.
The Palestinian Authority’s official statement slammed the visit, calling it “a blatant violation of international law and legitimate international resolutions.” They added that Johnson’s public endorsements of the Jewish presence in the region were “a blatant provocation to efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire.”
In his remarks at the site, Johnson stated, “Every corner of this land is important to us. Being here, in the place where our faith began — this has great significance. The Bible teaches that Judea and Samaria were promised to the Jewish people, and they belong to you by right. The world may not see it this way, but we do.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Very soon the Gaza strip will officially be annexed to Israel – as Smotrich declared – and ends being disputed.