US House Speaker Mike Johnson has praised Israel's decision to designate Highway 60 as the "Biblical Highway," describing the historic road as a powerful symbol of the Jewish people's ancient connection to the Land of Israel.
"This sacred link to the biblical heroes of our faith serves as a testament to the Jewish people's ancient heritage in the land of the Bible, hearkening back to the stories that helped shape the Judeo-Christian tradition and our shared values of faith, freedom, and hope," he said in a letter sent by his office.
In the letter, Johnson said, "Just as Route 66 in the US tells the story of America's rugged and pioneering spirit, so too will the Biblical Highway remind people of faith around the world of the truly miraculous journey of the children of Israel," he wrote.
The letter comes several months after the Israeli government approved the initiative to give Highway 60 the official name "Derech HaTanach" (the Biblical Highway), as part of a broader effort to develop the road as an international tourism, heritage, and educational destination.
The decision was advanced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Miri Regev. A ceremony marking the designation was held in June, attended by Netanyahu, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Regev, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, and other officials.
Highway 60 Israel's major north-south artery, connects biblical sites
Highway 60 is one of Israel's major north-south transportation arteries, running along the West Bank and connecting a series of locations central to biblical history and Jewish heritage.
The highway passes through or near Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethlehem, Beit El, Shiloh, and other historically significant locations associated with the biblical accounts of the patriarchs, the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and the history of the Jewish people.
The Israeli government's initiative seeks to transform the highway from a transportation corridor into a broader heritage highway, with an emphasis on archaeological preservation, tourism infrastructure, historical interpretation, and international promotion.
Under the government's decision, ministries were instructed to advance the development and preservation of biblical, historical, and archaeological sites along the highway, while transportation authorities were tasked with updating road signage. The government also allocated funding for the signage changes.
Project aimed at attracting international tourism
The project is intended to attract international visitors, particularly Christian tourists and students of the Bible, while highlighting the historical and geographical connections between biblical narratives and the locations in which they unfolded.
Johnson's endorsement adds a significant voice from the US political leadership to the initiative. As Speaker of the House of Representatives, he is one of the most senior figures in the American political system and has consistently expressed support for Israel and its historical and religious ties to the region.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also recently addressed the initiative.
“I remember when we were at the dedication of the Biblical Highway, Highway 60, and I still think it is one of the most brilliant ideas,” Huckabee said.
“Take credit for it. I’m not smart enough to come up with an idea like that, but I’m smart enough to recognize the genius in it," he added.
“The Biblical Highway connects the Jewish people to the central route along which most of the events of the Bible took place, bringing the biblical narrative together with the living reality of Highway 60 today," Efrat Municipal Councilmember Yishai Fleisher said.
“God willing, this road will become a major tourism destination for Bible lovers from around the world. In the future, scenic overlooks and information stations will be established along the route, and activities will be developed to transform a drive along Highway 60 into a fascinating experience that connects visitors to the Land of Israel and its historical and biblical heritage,” Fleisher added.