The Bilateral Relations between the State of Israel and the U.S. Southwest region compresses the states of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
The relationship between the two regions remains robust, with ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation and foster shared values and prosperity. The following series of events demonstrate the evolving nature of the region’s relationship with Israel, reflecting a commitment to mutual understanding and a demonstrated strong support for Israel, both politically and economically:
Israel’s independence, leading to the Arab-Israeli War. Many Jewish immigrants from the United States, including those from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, were involved in supporting Israel during these years.
1960s-1970s: US Southwest region - Israel relations begin to formalize with the establishment of trade ties and cultural exchanges. Agriculture, technology, and energy sectors, particularly oil and gas, played a significant role in fostering economic cooperation.
Texas Governor Bill Clements led the first trade mission to Israel, aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two regions. This visit laid the groundwork for increased collaboration in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and healthcare.
Texas Governor Ann Richards, issued a proclamation, making Texas the first state in the United States to officially recognize May as Jewish American Heritage Month. This was a significant early recognition of the contributions of Jewish Americans to the state and the nation.
Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, who later became U.S. President, expressed support for Israel during his tenure as governor of Arkansas. This period saw increased dialogue and cooperation between Arkansas and Israel in various fields, including agriculture, healthcare, and education.
The Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce was established to promote trade and investment between the two regions.
Louisiana leads a trade mission to Israel, aiming to strengthen economic ties and promote both U.S. States as attractive destinations for Israeli businesses. Several agreements were signed to facilitate trade and investment between the regions.
Arkansas legislators passed Act 710 , which was one of many pieces of state legislation collectively dubbed “anti-BDS” (boycotts, divestment, and sanctions) laws, specifically prohibiting boycotts against Israel.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 89, known as the Anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions) bill, which prohibits all state agencies from contracting with, and certain public funds from investing in, companies that boycott Israel. It is one of the strongest anti-BDS laws in the nation.
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin led a trade mission to Israel, aiming to strengthen economic ties and promote Oklahoma as an attractive destination for Israeli businesses. Several agreements were signed to facilitate trade and investment between the two regions.
Louisiana Governor John Edwards issued an executive order on May 22, prohibiting the Louisiana state government from entering contracts to do business with entities that boycott Israel. The order directs the state’s Commissioner of Administration to terminate any existing state contracts with companies that engage in boycotts of Israel. The prohibition will not be applied to companies with contracts with the state that total less than $100,000 or fewer than five employees.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards made his first visit to Israel since assuming office. The visit included a delegation of business people and government officials to discuss cooperation in cybersecurity, energy, water, trade and other areas.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry, Eli Cohen, aimed at fostering economic cooperation and innovation between the two regions. The MOU focused on technology, agriculture, and water management.
Oklahoma became the 30th state to enact a measure to combat the anti-Israel BDS movement, and signed it into law on May 22. It declares that Israel is one of Oklahoma’s largest trading partner and is a staunch U.S. ally and it prohibits the state government from entering into contracts with entities that boycott the Jewish state. The law requires the contractor to submit written verification that it is not partaking in the boycott.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott lead an economic development mission to Israel. The delegation held meetings with public officials and executives. Is worth mentioning that, Texas in 2018 ranked fourth among other states in exports to Israel, with 953.5 million dollars.
Texas Becomes First State to Adopt IHRA Definition of Antisemitism The governor of Texas signed into state law the establishment of a state commission to monitor antisemitism, using the definition of antisemitism drawn up by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance organization.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson reaffirmed his support for Israel's security and right to self-defense amid regional conflicts and tensions, and signs an MOU to exchange research and innovation, especially for agriculture, expanding a relationship much closer trade with Israel.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, signed an executive order establishing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism as the state’s legal standard for determining when unlawful discriminatory conduct is motivated by antisemitism, becoming the first state to integrate the IHRA definition into law via executive order, and the sixth state overall to incorporate it into law.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, issued a proclamation in January 2022 reaffirming the promise to never forget the horrific events of the Holocaust and raise awareness of rising antisemitism in America on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The proclamation also adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law a bill making the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism the state’s official definition of anti-Jewish bias and discrimination.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt &, Texas Governor Greg Abbott traveled to Israel in solidarity. They met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials amid the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.