(JNS) Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who has been touring Israel since Sunday, paid a solidarity visit on Tuesday to Samaria at the invitation of local authorities.

During a visit to the “Balcony of Israel” observatory, which overlooks the Jewish state’s central region from the western Samaria town of Peduel, Haley delivered a message to the residents of Judea and Samaria.

“We are here today in this beautiful place to show solidarity with Israel, and I want to tell you not to listen to what the media says,” she said.

“Most of the American people support Israel. These words are directed at Israelis but also at Americans: We need a strong Israel.”

She went on to state that the only way Israel will be strong “is if the U.S. supports Israel completely and unapologetically,” adding, “There are two things we need to do—ensure the hostages return home quickly and make sure Israel is safe once and for all.”

The people of the United States “will always be friends of Israel. Be strong, stay hopeful, and keep the faith—and let’s continue to be partners together,” she said.

The tour was part of the public relations effort by Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan to combat the delegitimization of Israel in general and of its presence in Judea and Samaria in particular.