A bill that applies Israeli law to the occupied West Bank received preliminary approval from Israel’s parliament, a significant move that many view as a de facto annexation of land sought by Palestinians for a future state. The vote, which was the first of four required to pass the legislation, took place coincidentally during U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to the region. This comes after former President Donald Trump’s previous declaration that he would not permit Israel to annex the West Bank.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party did not back the proposal, which was brought forward by lawmakers outside his coalition. The bill passed narrowly with a vote of 25 to 24 among the 120 lawmakers. Notably, a different measure aimed at annexing the Maale Adumim settlement was approved by a wider margin of 31 to 9.
Members of Netanyahu’s coalition, particularly from the Jewish Power party and Religious Zionism faction, supported the controversial bill since they have long sought formal annexation of parts of the West Bank, citing historical ties. While Israel contends that territories captured during the 1967 war are not legally occupied, the majority of the international community, including the United Nations, disputes this claim, deeming them occupied.
In a landmark ruling in 2024, the U.N.’s highest court declared Israeli occupation and settlements in Palestinian territories illegal, urging for a withdrawal as soon as possible. The backdrop of these legislative moves coincides with significant challenges facing the Israeli government, including increased recognition of Palestinian statehood by Western allies in September. Initially contemplating annexation in response, the government seemed to retract after Trump’s objections.
The broader context of Israeli-Palestinian relations reveals a landscape marked by settlement expansions and military operations that have fueled tension and heightened humanitarian crises. The approval of new settlements, as discussed in related articles, has faced backlash from both Israeli human rights organizations and Palestinian authorities, who see it as a threat to peace prospects.
However, amid the prevailing challenges, there remains cautious optimism that renewed diplomatic efforts could pave the way for a peaceful resolution. The intricate dynamics of ongoing negotiations and international engagement signify a potential pathway towards stability and the protection of humanitarian interests in the region.
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