The Montana Department of Commerce, a state office, removed a reference on its website that appeared to recognize an independent Palestinian country after JNS sought comment from the state on Monday.
The U.S. government does not recognize a state of “Palestine.”
The Montana department stated that All American Pharmaceutical, of Billings, is to receive the 2025 Montana Exporter of the Year Award.
“All American Pharmaceutical is a significant employer in Billings, with 100 employees in the state and another 15 outside of Montana,” the state initially said on its website. “Last year, AAP exported over $5.4 million worth of products to Canada, Egypt, European Union, Japan, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.”
Mitch Staley, chief marketing officer for the Montana Department of Commerce, told JNS that the department “does not recognize Palestine as a country.”
“This list was provided by All American Pharmaceutical and is the company’s information,” Staley said.
The webpage now says that “All American Pharmaceutical is a significant employer in Billings, with 100 employees in the state and another 15 outside of Montana. Last year, AAP exported over $5.4 million worth of products.”
