SAMARIA (VINnews) – Dutch opposition leader Geert Wilders toured Jewish communities in Samaria this week as the guest of Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, days after the Netherlands announced a ban on imports from Judea and Samaria.

Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom and a candidate for prime minister, began his visit in the renewed community of Sa-Nur in northern Samaria. After Shabbat, he dined at Dagan’s home, held an extended private meeting with him, and then walked through the community, speaking with residents.

During the visit, Dagan presented Wilders with the “Reconnect Plan,” which calls for establishing 19 new Jewish communities in northern Samaria.

Addressing Dagan, 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. “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 stressed the security role of the communities. “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 agreed. “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 Dutch government announced July 22 that a ban on imports of goods produced in Judea, Samaria and the Golan Heights would take effect Sept. 22. Intentional violations could bring up to six years in prison or substantial fines.

Wilders’ visit marks his second trip to Israel in less than two years, both hosted by Dagan. His earlier visit to Judea and Samaria sparked controversy and parliamentary debate in the Netherlands. He is expected to continue touring Samaria and the Jordan Valley and meet with senior Israeli officials in the coming days.