JERUSALEM – October 24, 2025 – Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has taken a significant and controversial step towards formally annexing the occupied West Bank, giving preliminary approval to a bill that seeks to impose Israeli sovereignty over the territory. The proposed legislation, widely seen as a de facto annexation of Palestinian land, passed its initial reading on October 22 with a narrow vote of 25-24, despite notable opposition, including from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The move has immediately triggered a wave of condemnation from Palestinian leadership and raised alarms across the international community, threatening to ignite further instability in an already volatile region and potentially derailing any prospects for a two-state solution.

The Vote and Legislative Path

The bill, sponsored by right-wing factions within the Knesset, requires three additional votes in the parliament to become law. Its preliminary passage signals a strong push by hardline elements within Israel's governing coalition to assert permanent control over the West Bank, a territory that Israel occupied in the 1967 Middle East war and which Palestinians envision as the heartland of their future independent state.

While the vote reflects the significant political power of nationalist and religious-Zionist parties in Israel, the slim margin and opposition from within the governing coalition highlight the deep divisions within Israeli politics regarding the future of the West Bank. The bill's proponents argue that imposing Israeli law on the territory is a necessary step to secure Israel's borders and ensure the safety of Jewish settlements.

A Move Towards Annexation

International law largely considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, and the annexation of occupied territory is prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Should this bill pass into law, it would effectively formalize Israel's control over large swaths of the West Bank, a move long opposed by most of the international community. Critics argue that such a step would unilaterally alter the status of the territory, undermine the possibility of a viable Palestinian state, and could lead to renewed violence.

The West Bank is home to approximately 3 million Palestinians and over 400,000 Israeli settlers living in communities that Israel has expanded over decades. The Palestinian Authority, which has limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank, views any annexation as a direct assault on its aspirations for statehood and a violation of international agreements.

Internal Israeli Divisions and International Reaction

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reported opposition to the bill, despite his coalition's reliance on the very parties pushing it, underscores the complex political calculations at play. Sources close to the Prime Minister indicate his concerns may stem from the potential for severe international backlash, particularly from key allies such as the United States and European Union, who have consistently advocated for a negotiated two-state solution. Netanyahu's government has previously committed to not pursuing unilateral annexation following the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations with several Arab nations.

However, nationalist factions within his coalition remain resolute. Gideon Sa'ar, a prominent member of the New Hope party and a supporter of the bill, stated, "It is time for Israel to apply its sovereignty. This is our land, and we have waited long enough."

Palestinian officials have condemned the vote as a "declaration of war on peace." Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, warned that the move would have "catastrophic consequences" for regional stability and urged the international community to intervene decisively. The United Nations Secretary-General's office issued a statement reiterating its call for all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could jeopardize the two-state solution.

Geopolitical Implications

The potential annexation carries profound geopolitical implications. It would likely strain Israel's relationships with its Arab peace partners, who have largely conditioned their recognition of Israel on the prospect of a Palestinian state. It could also force the Biden administration in the United States to reconsider its diplomatic approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially leading to sanctions or a reevaluation of aid.

As the bill progresses through the Knesset, the world will be watching closely. Its final passage would represent a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, cementing Israel's control over occupied territories and significantly diminishing the hope for an independent Palestinian state.