Ambassador Mike Huckabee, his wife, and their daughter AR Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Gov. Sanders' husband, and their children spent their Christmas holidays touring archeological digs in Na’aleh — a historically Jewish settlement in Samaria — an area Arabs have erroneously claimed as their own, calling it “the West Bank” for 78 years.

The tour was led by Bar-Ilan University archaeologist Dr. Dvir Raviv.

"In the first cave, which is known to area residents, we found a fragment of a jar from the second century CE," Dr. Raviv recounted. "This is proof that the cave served refugees during the Bar Kokhba Revolt."

The Bar Kokhba Revolt refers to the Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire in 132-136 AD, approximately 70 years after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple.

In another cave, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ children found ancient coins dating back to the second century AD. The coins were Hebrew, not Arab or “Palestinian” (a class of people that did not exist until the 1960s), further substantiating Israel’s rightful claim as the indigenous people of Judea and Samaria.

“The caves where the Huckabee family members toured and the findings they discovered in them are the best evidence of all for our historical right to all parts of the Land of Israel,” said Israel Gantz, the head of the Benjamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council.

At the tour's peak, the family members gathered for a joint prayer in Shiloh, facing the tabernacle site. "It's amazing to arrive at this place, which proves that miracles can happen, 3,000 years ago and also today," Ambassador Mike Huckabee said at the time.

“It was remarkable to see such a senior figure so eager to connect to the land together with his family,” said Y-Israel project founder Ruti Lieberman.

The term “the West Bank” was invented by the Arabs of Jordan in 1948 when the Arab nation attacked the barely 1-year-old modern state of Israel and occupied the ancient Jewish areas of Judea and Samaria.

Even the Jordanian-invented name hints at the ruse, as "West Bank” distinguishes the land across the river (on the west side) from the nation of Jordan's own lands on the east of the river.

The United States government began using the Arab moniker “West Bank” in 1967, after Jordan and other Arab nations attacked Israel a second time, in their quest to eradicate Jews and steal their land.

The science is clear — Judea and Samaria have ALWAYS been Jewish lands. It’s time our government stop repeating Arab lies. Please join me in demanding Congress VOTE YES on HR 902 & S 384, the Recognizing Judea and Samaria Act!

God at work...

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that an Israel-loving Christian ambassador and his family were the ones to find definitive proof of Israel’s claim on the ancient lands of Samaria. In fact, I believe it further emphasizes the great need for American Christians to defend the world’s one and only Jewish state. Genesis 12:3 makes our duty as Christians crystal clear.

Your much-needed gift now will help make our pro-Israel voice even louder across America and on Capitol Hill. Your support enables Covenant Journey to take college-age Christian leaders to Israel to strengthen their faith and equip them to be goodwill ambassadors for Israel.

You are making a difference as you give! Please give generously to bless and defend Israel!

Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel

P.S. Join me in Israel for a life-changing tour! Discover the wonders of the Holy Land and literally walk where Jesus walked. Our spring trip is for people of all ages! Our specially curated itinerary will make your experience an unforgettable one, bringing the Bible to life and strengthening your Christian faith. Learn more at cjtravel.org/grouptour-Israel.

SOURCES:

Deshe, Yotam. “Huckabee’s Grandchildren Discover Coins on Samaria Hike.” Israel Hayom, January 6, 2026. Israelhayom.com/2026/01/06/huckabee-grandchildren-discover-ancient-coins-samaria/.

Genn, James. “‘Grandpa, look what we found’: Huckabee family uncovers ancient coins in West Bank caves.” The Jerusalem Post, January 6, 2026. JPost.com/archaeology/article-882466.