The Israeli parliament approved a bill on the annexation of the West Bank.

The Israeli parliament has taken the first step towards extending its legislation to the West Bank of the Jordan River. This step could mean the de facto annexation of Palestinian territories.

The vote on October 22, 2025, was the first of four required for the final adoption of the law. It took place against the backdrop of a visit by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and following a statement by Donald Trump on the inadmissibility of annexation.

The bill was supported by 25 deputies, with 24 opposing it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party did not support the initiative.

International Reaction and Historical Context

Members of Netanyahu’s coalition have long advocated for the annexation of parts of the West Bank, citing biblical and historical ties. Israel considers the territories captured in 1967 as disputed rather than occupied. However, the UN and most countries recognize them as occupied.

In 2024, the UN Supreme Court confirmed the illegality of the occupation and called on Israel to end it.

Palestine’s Position and International Law

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Knesset’s decision, stating that Israel has no sovereignty over Palestinian land. Hamas called the vote an act of “colonial occupation” and declared the annexation illegal.

The issues of annexing the West Bank remain among the most sensitive in the Middle East conflict. The international community views potential annexation as a violation of international law and a risk of escalating violence.