Dutch opposition leader and prime ministerial candidate Geert Wilders traveled to Israel this week in a show of support for the Jewish communities of Judea and Samaria, declaring that their presence strengthens not only Israel’s security but also that of Europe and the Netherlands. The visit comes shortly after the Dutch government imposed a ban on imports from Judea and Samaria.

Wilders arrived in Israel as the guest of Samaria Regional Council chairman Yossi Dagan, beginning his visit against the backdrop of growing diplomatic tensions between Jerusalem and The Hague following the Dutch government’s decision to prohibit imports from communities in Judea and Samaria.

His first stop was the renewed community of Sa-Nur in northern Shomron. After Shabbos, Wilders joined Dagan at his home for dinner and a lengthy private meeting before touring the community and speaking with local residents.

During the visit, Dagan presented Wilders with the “Reconnect Plan,” an initiative calling for the establishment of 19 new Jewish communities across northern Shomron.

Praising his host, Wilders said: “Yossi, I am very proud to be here with the ‘Lion of Samaria.’ Twenty-one years ago, you were expelled from here, and now you are returning with a major plan to resettle all of Samaria. I am very proud of you. This is the only way-this is your land, your country, your history, and your religion. You are a very courageous man.”

Dagan thanked Wilders for his longstanding support of Israel and his outspoken advocacy on behalf of the Jewish state.

“I am honored to host you here in Sa-Nur, in my home, in the heart of the Land of Israel. You are a courageous leader, and I know what you are doing for the future of Europe, the Netherlands, and Israel. You were the first leader to understand and teach that we must stand together and fight together.”

Dagan also stressed what he views as the strategic importance of Jewish communities in northern Shomron, particularly in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack.

“What we are doing together is, first and foremost, rebuilding our homeland-the land of the Bible. Together we are building the future of Israel, Europe, and the world. After October 7, it is clearer than ever that our communities in northern Samaria are the security belt of the entire State of Israel.”

Wilders echoed that message, arguing that Israel’s security and Europe’s security are inseparable.

“That’s true, and it affects the security of Europe and the security of the Netherlands. Everything is connected, so we are working together, and we will win together.”

The trip marks Wilders’ second visit to Israel in less than two years, with Dagan hosting him on both occasions. His previous visit to Judea and Samaria drew sharp criticism in the Netherlands and sparked debate in the Dutch parliament.

His latest visit is likewise expected to generate political controversy, particularly because it comes so soon after the Dutch government’s decision to ban imports from Judea and Samaria. Wilders is scheduled to continue touring Shomron and the Jordan Valley in the coming days and is expected to meet with senior Israeli government officials.

{Matzav.com}