Tel Aviv (Web Desk): The Israeli Parliament (Knesset) has approved, in its first stage, a controversial bill seeking to annex the occupied West Bank into Israel.
The motion narrowly passed with 25 votes in favour and 24 against, after which it was referred to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for further review.
The move has sparked a strong international backlash. Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s expansionist and settlement policies, declaring that it rejects any attempt to annex occupied Palestinian territories.
Qatar also denounced the measure as a blatant violation of Palestinian rights, reaffirming its support for a two-state solution and urging the United Nations to intervene and prevent Israel from pursuing such expansionist plans.
The vote came as US Vice President JD Vance is visiting Israel to strengthen the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that annexation of the West Bank and the growing violence by Israeli settlers could jeopardize ongoing peace efforts in Gaza.
He reminded that former President Trump had also opposed such unilateral actions and stressed the need for Israel to refrain from policies that could undermine regional stability.