Knesset set to vote on symbolic motion calling for Israeli annexation of West Bank

Israel’s Knesset will vote on a motion calling for the annexation of the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, the latest move in an ongoing campaign to strengthen Israel's hold on the occupied Palestinian territory.

The proposal is non-binding and serves largely as a symbolic gesture that will not affect the legal status of the West Bank but will help build momentum towards a possible move on the territory, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967.

“This move would make it clear to the world that Israel will not accept solutions that involve dangerous territorial concessions, and that it is committed to its future as a secure Jewish state,” the proposal says.

Submitted by a cross-party group of MKs, the motion is supported by Likud member Dan Illouz and Minister for Settlements Orit Strook, a member of the National Religious Party–Religious Zionism bloc, a Likud coalition partner.

Strook’s party colleague Simcha Rothman and Yisrael Beiteinu MK Oded Forer are also co-sponsoring the motion.

Likud ministers Yariv Levin and Shlomo Karhi have both said they will be voting in favour of the motion.

The ultra-orthodox Shas party, which is part of Likud’s electoral coalition and have long played kingmaker in the Knesset, have also stated that they will support the motion.

Last year a similar motion rejecting Palestinian statehood received emphatic cross-party support, passing 68-9. 

Read more: Knesset set to vote on symbolic motion calling for Israeli annexation of West Bank