Knesset Advances West Bank Annexation Bills

Israel’s Knesset gave preliminary approval to two bills to apply Israeli law to parts of the occupied West Bank, including annexation of the Maale Adumim settlement — the votes were the first of four readings required for passage. The West Bank sovereignty bill passed narrowly, 25–24, while the Maale Adumim measure won about 31–32 to 9. Many Likud lawmakers abstained and the measures were backed by far‑right ministers and some coalition members, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party urged abstention. The votes coincided with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit and follow former President Donald Trump’s statement that he would not allow annexation, straining ties with Washington. Turkey, Jordan, Hamas and other actors condemned the steps as illegal, and the International Court of Justice has previously found Israeli settlement activity unlawful, warning annexation would undermine the two‑state solution. Critics say the bills amount to de facto annexation of territory Palestinians seek for a state, the legislation still needs further readings and committee review, and the moves have heightened tensions within Israel’s governing coalition.