Israel's Knesset has advanced a controversial bill aimed at applying Israeli sovereignty to settlements in the West Bank, a move that coincides with a high-profile visit from US Vice President JD Vance. The legislative action underscores Israel's determination to assert its control over the disputed territories, even as discussions with international partners, including the United States, continue regarding regional stability and the future of Gaza.
On Wednesday, the Knesset narrowly passed the "Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025" bill, initiated by MK Avi Maoz (Noam), with a vote of 25-24. The proposed legislation stipulates that "the laws, judicial system, administration, and sovereignty of the State of Israel shall apply to all areas of settlement in Judea and Samaria." This move, if fully enacted, would significantly alter the legal status of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are largely considered illegal under international law by a majority of international organizations.
MK Maoz emphasized the historical imperative behind the bill, stating, "By applying sovereignty to Judea and Samaria, we are correcting a historical wrong that is long overdue." He notably proceeded with the vote despite a request from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone the discussion, highlighting the internal political momentum behind the initiative. The bill now moves to the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for further review and subsequent votes.
The timing of this legislative push is particularly salient given US Vice President JD Vance's visit to Israel. Vance met with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday morning, engaging in discussions that reportedly focused on disarming Hamas, rebuilding Gaza, and expanding the Abraham Accords to foster long-term regional stability.
During his visit, Vance reiterated the US commitment to Israel's security while also emphasizing a desire for the US to have "less interest in the Middle East." This sentiment was echoed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who firmly stated, "We are not an American protectorate. Israel will have the final say regarding her security." Vance responded, "We don't want a protectorate," affirming a relationship built on alliance rather than dependency.
The Israeli government, particularly right-wing ministers, has consistently advocated for Israeli sovereignty over the entire West Bank, a stance that has drawn considerable international criticism. The United Arab Emirates, for instance, warned in September that any annexation of the West Bank would severely undermine the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations.
The legal status of the West Bank has long been a contentious issue. According to Israeli law, the territories captured from Jordan in the Six-Day War, excluding East Jerusalem, are under a "temporary belligerent occupation," with the IDF Central Command's commanding officer serving as the legal governor. The Oslo Accords further divided these territories into Area A (Palestinian control), Area B (shared control), and Area C (Israeli security and civilian control), where approximately 500,000 Israeli settlers reside.
While Israel considers many of its settlements legal under domestic law, international bodies often view them as a violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits settling civilians in occupied territory. Israel counters that its citizens were not forcibly moved and that the territory was not under a recognized sovereign prior to 1967. However, an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice in 2024 deemed Israel's presence in the West Bank unlawful under international law.
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