For years, Israel has been strengthening its control over the West Bank through settlement construction, military expansion and infrastructure integration. While no formal annexation had taken place until now, the authorities have steadily pursued a policy that leaves little room for an independent Palestinian state.
Today’s Knesset vote marks the first step in codifying that policy into law.
On July 23, Israel’s Knesset passed a resolution extending Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank, including Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley.
The resolution declares these territories to be an inseparable part of the historical, cultural and spiritual homeland of the Jewish people. Seventy-one members of parliament voted in favor.
Under UN Security Council Resolution 1947, the West Bank—including East Jerusalem—was designated as part of an Arab Palestinian state. From 1948 to 1967, the area was administered by Jordan; since 1967, it has been under Israeli control.
With this vote, the Knesset proclaimed the extension of Israeli sovereignty to Judea and Samaria, as well as to the Jordan Valley—territories currently administered by the Palestinian Authority. While many countries have expressed readiness to recognize the PA as an independent Palestinian state, Israel remains firmly opposed.
Might Over Right
Israel Consolidates Control Over the West Bank Through Administrative, Demographic, and Military Measures
De Facto Annexation Is Becoming Official Policy
