Israel’s parliament has narrowly passed a bill in its first reading to annex the occupied West Bank — a move widely condemned as illegal under international law and a major setback to the two-state solution.
The bill passed by just one vote (25–24) in the 120-member Knesset, sending it to the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee for further review. The legislation seeks to extend Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, referred to in the bill as “Judea and Samaria.”
The vote took place during U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Israel, as Washington continues efforts to maintain the Gaza ceasefire.
U.S. and global response
The annexation plan directly contradicts U.S. President Donald Trump’s position, as he recently stated that the U.S. would not support such a move. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned it could “threaten peace efforts” and harm ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party opposed the bill, calling it “a reckless provocation” that could damage ties with Washington. Still, key members of Netanyahu’s coalition — including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich — backed the measure.
Smotrich called the vote a “historic step” toward full Israeli sovereignty, while Likud member Yuli Edelstein defied Netanyahu by casting the deciding vote in favor of the bill.
A separate annexation proposal for the Maale Adumim settlement also passed its preliminary stage.
Regional and international backlash
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the vote as “a blatant violation of international law,” while Hamas accused Israel of pursuing “colonial ambitions.” Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan all issued strong condemnations, warning the move undermines the two-state solution and Palestinian rights.
Legal background
Over 700,000 Israeli settlers live in illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. In 2024, the UN’s top court ruled that Israel’s occupation and settlements violate international law and must end immediately.
Analysts say the annexation bill reflects deep divisions in Israeli politics, with right-wing lawmakers pushing back against U.S. influence and Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza ceasefire.
