Dutch opposition leader Geert Wilders, head of the Party for Freedom and a candidate for prime minister, toured Jewish communities in Samaria this week as a guest of Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. The visit occurred days after the Netherlands announced a ban on imports from Judea and Samaria.
Wilders began his visit in the community of Sa-Nur in northern Samaria. Following Shabbat, he dined at Dagan's home, held a private meeting with him, and walked through the community speaking with residents.
During the visit, Dagan presented Wilders with the "Reconnect Plan," Which proposes establishing 19 new Jewish communities in northern Samaria.
Wilders told Dagan: "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 responded: "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 emphasized the communities' security role, stating that rebuilding the homeland and building the future of Israel, Europe, and the world were interconnected priorities. He noted that after October 7, the communities in northern Samaria serve as "the security belt of the entire State of Israel."
Wilders concurred: "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 September 22, with potential penalties of up to six years in prison or substantial fines for intentional violations.
This is Wilders' second visit to the region in less than two years, both hosted by Dagan. His earlier visit 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.