Israel approves West Bank bill - Parliament's decision

Israel’s parliament narrowly approved in a preliminary vote a bill to apply Israeli law to the occupied West Bank, marking a new step toward expanding the country’s control over the territory.

The measure passed 25–24 in the 120-seat Knesset, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party did not back the initiative. A separate opposition-backed proposal concerning the Maale Adumim settlement passed by 31 votes to 9. Both bills will require several further readings before becoming law.

Coalition divisions and context

Some members of Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, including lawmakers from Jewish Power and Religious Zionism, supported both bills. Their push reflects a long-standing call within Israel’s right wing to annex parts of the West Bank, citing historical and religious claims.

Israel considers the territories captured in 1967 "disputed," while the UN and most of the international community recognize them as occupied. In 2024, the International Court of Justice reaffirmed the illegality of the occupation and called for its end.

Palestinian response and international fallout

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

The militant group Hamas denounced the Knesset vote as an act of "colonial annexation," declaring it null and void under international law.

The development comes amid renewed tensions along the Gaza border, where Israel recently reimposed a ceasefire following retaliatory strikes on Hamas positions after the killing of two Israeli soldiers.

Meanwhile, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt remains closed, with Netanyahu stating it will reopen only after Hamas returns the bodies of Israeli hostages, underscoring the growing humanitarian and diplomatic strain surrounding the conflict.