Arizona State Rep. David Alan Livingston said on May 1 that lawmakers have a duty to “stand with our allies and speak plainly about the facts.” The statement follows Livingston’s receipt of an award from the Consulate General of Israel recognizing his legislative leadership on measures affirming Israel’s historical ties to Judea and Samaria.
According to the Arizona House GOP press release, Rep. Livingston was honored on April 30 by the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles during a celebration of Israel’s 78th Independence Day attended by more than 1,000 guests. The award recognized his work on legislation affirming Israel’s sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, a measure that drew national attention and influenced similar proposals in other states. Consul General Israel Bachar presented the honor.
“Israel is one of America’s closest allies, and that alliance deserves clear and consistent support. I’m honored by this recognition, but the credit belongs to everyone who has stood firm with Israel and the truth about its history,” Livingston said. “Arizona took a strong position, and I’m proud to have helped lead that effort. As lawmakers, we have a duty to stand with our allies and speak plainly about the facts. I will continue to support Israel and advance policies that strengthen the U.S.–Israel partnership.”
Arizona House Concurrent Resolution 2047, sponsored by Livingston, passed both chambers of the Legislature, affirming the historical, biblical, and legal legitimacy of Judea and Samaria, while directing state agencies to use those terms instead of the modern political term West Bank. The resolution highlights the area’s central role in Jewish history and faith spanning thousands of years and formally rejects terminology imposed during a prior occupation, according to official legislative documents.
The United States has provided more than $300 billion in foreign aid to Israel since its founding, adjusted for inflation. Current military assistance stands at about $3.8 billion under a 10-year memorandum of understanding. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and joint development of advanced defense technologies, such as the Iron Dome missile defense system. Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeds $50 billion annually, with the United States serving as Israel’s largest trading partner under their 1985 free trade agreement, according to information from the U.S. Department of State.
Livingston, a Republican, has represented Arizona House District 28 since 2023. He previously served in both the House and Senate. A financial advisor, Livingston graduated from Arizona State University and has been involved in community organizations, including the Glendale and Peoria Chambers of Commerce, according to his official biography. He was elected to replace previous state representative, Kelli Butler.
