Knesset approves motion to apply Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank

The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, approved on Wednesday the referral of a draft law that would apply Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, reports the Jerusalem Post.

The bill, titled “Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025,” was initiated by MK Avi Maoz of the far-right Noam party. The vote was close, 25 to 24, and the proposal will now be sent to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for further review.

Maoz emphasized that he was acting despite a request from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone the debate. The law would extend Israeli laws, administration, and jurisdiction to all settlements in the region. The move has drawn international criticism, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, which warned that it could jeopardize the Abraham Accords.

The legal status of the territory remains “temporarily occupied” under Israeli law, although the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled in 2024 that the Israeli presence was illegal and a permanent occupation.

(mja)