Israeli Knesset Approves West Bank Sovereignty Resolution

The Israeli Knesset recently passed a non-binding resolution to assert Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, referred to by Israeli authorities as Judea and Samaria, marking a significant escalation towards annexation. The resolution, supported by a large majority including far-right and nationalist lawmakers, signals a firm intention by Israel's governing coalition to reshape the territorial and political landscape, undermining the prospects for a two-state solution. Palestinian leaders, including the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, condemned the move as a declaration of war and a direct assault on Palestinian rights, warning it could accelerate settlement expansion, home demolitions, and forced displacement. Israel defends the West Bank as disputed territory rather than occupied land, rejecting international legal definitions, while the international community largely views Israel as an occupying power. This annexation push follows Israel's long-standing control over the West Bank since 1967 and aligns with Zionist objectives to fully incorporate the area, further complicating peace efforts. Meanwhile, Britain’s planned recognition of a Palestinian state has angered Israel, which perceives it as rewarding terrorism and undermining its sovereignty claims, adding diplomatic tension to the ongoing conflict.