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Legislative bills

Israel's Knesset Approves Controversial Bill to Annex Occupied West Bank

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Despite international criticism and opposition from US President Donald Trump, Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has approved a bill to annex the occupied West Bank and impose Israeli sovereignty over the territory. The decision, which was made on Wednesday, October 22, was met with condemnation from Arab countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who rejected the move as a "blatant assault on the historical rights of the Palestinian people" and a "clear violation of international law and UN resolutions." The Knesset's vote came as US Vice President JD Vance visited Israel, underscoring heightened American concern over the legislation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Knesset approved a bill to annex the occupied West Bank and impose Israeli sovereignty over the territory, despite opposition from US President Donald Trump and international condemnation.
  • The bill was introduced by Avi Maoz, leader of the far-right Noam party, and passed by a narrow margin of 25 votes in favour and 24 against.
  • A separate proposal, tabled by Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman, to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Ma'ale Adumim settlement bloc near Jerusalem, was also approved in its preliminary stage with 32 votes in favour and nine opposed.
  • The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs labelled the move "a dangerous escalation and a direct attempt to legitimise occupation," asserting that sovereignty over Palestinian land "belongs exclusively to the Palestinian people under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organisation."
  • The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the bills as "a blatant assault on the historical rights of the Palestinian people and a clear violation of international law and UN resolutions."
  • The Saudi Foreign Ministry rejected the annexation efforts, denouncing "all settlement and expansionist violations carried out by the Israeli occupation authorities."

Statistics:

  • 25 votes: The number of votes in favour of the bill to annex the occupied West Bank.
  • 24 votes: The number of votes against the bill to annex the occupied West Bank.
  • 32 votes: The number of votes in favour of the proposal to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Ma'ale Adumim settlement bloc.
  • 9 votes: The number of votes against the proposal to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Ma'ale Adumim settlement bloc.
  • 3: The number of further readings required for the legislation to be approved.

Sources:

  • Wafa News Agency
  • Yedioth Ahronoth
  • Qatari Foreign Ministry
  • Saudi Foreign Ministry
  • Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Siasat Daily

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