JERUSALEM – In a significant and highly contentious legislative move, the Israeli Knesset has voted to advance a bill that seeks to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank territories, a development that many international observers view as a de facto annexation of the area. The preliminary vote, which occurred on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, passed by a narrow margin of 25 to 24, signaling deep divisions even within the governing coalition on the matter.
The bill, formally titled by its proponents to "apply the sovereignty of the State of Israel to the territories of Judea and Samaria (West Bank)," now moves forward for further deliberation in the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee before it can become law, requiring three more successful readings. This legislative push is viewed by critics, including many international bodies, as a blatant violation of international law governing occupied territories.
Internal Opposition and Decisive Vote
The advancement of the annexation bill is particularly notable because it reportedly faced opposition from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party. Despite this internal resistance, the final tally was secured by the support of lawmakers who defied the Prime Minister’s stated position. A key moment in the vote involved Yuli Edelstein, a Likud member, who cast the decisive vote in favor of the bill, proclaiming afterward that "Israeli sovereignty throughout our homeland is the order of the day."
The legislation was introduced by Avi Maoz, the leader of the far-right Noam party, which is not a member of the current governing coalition, highlighting the influence of fringe elements on the legislative agenda. Adding to the legislative activity, a second, separate bill proposing the annexation of the Maale Adumim settlement also reportedly passed its initial reading.
International Context and Diplomatic Tensions
The timing of this preliminary vote is fraught with geopolitical significance. It occurred shortly after a visit by United States Vice President JD Vance, who was in Israel to help solidify a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza region. This legislative action comes approximately one month after United States President Donald Trump had reportedly stated he would not endorse or allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank.
The global reaction to such a move is expected to be one of significant condemnation, as the annexation of occupied land is a central point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is widely seen as undermining the prospects for a two-state solution. For international politics, this legislative step represents a major escalation in the territorial dispute, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts across the Middle East.
Broader Political Landscape
While the focus remains heavily on this sovereignty bill, the broader political climate in the region is complex. The development occurs against a backdrop of ongoing security concerns and a fragile ceasefire. Furthermore, in Washington D.C., legislative matters related to the U.S. federal budget and government funding have dominated recent headlines, including failed attempts to pass continuing resolutions amid a government shutdown, which has implications for various federal agencies and programs.
The advancement of the West Bank annexation bill through the Knesset, even at this preliminary stage, places a significant strain on Israel's international standing and its relationships with key global partners who adhere to international norms regarding occupied territories. The world watches closely as this legislation progresses through the remaining required readings, aware that its final passage would represent a profound and potentially irreversible shift in the political reality of the region.