Knesset Gives Preliminary Approval to West Bank Annexation Bills; MK Yuli Edelstein Removed from Committee

Knesset Advances West Bank Sovereignty Legislation

The Israeli Knesset on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, gave preliminary approval to two contentious bills that seek to apply Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank. This legislative move has ignited significant political debate within Israel and drawn strong reactions internationally. The votes took place during a visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Israel.

One bill, proposed by MK Avi Maoz of the far-right Noam party, aims to apply Israeli law and administration to all settlements in the West Bank. This broader annexation bill passed its preliminary reading with a narrow margin of 25 votes in favor to 24 against. A second, more limited bill, introduced by Avigdor Lieberman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, proposed annexing the Ma'ale Adumim settlement. This bill also cleared its initial hurdle, passing with 32 votes in favor and 9 against. These bills must undergo three additional readings in the plenum and further deliberation by the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee before they can become law.

Political Fallout and Yuli Edelstein's Removal

The preliminary approval of the annexation bills occurred despite opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the majority of his Likud party, who had urged their withdrawal. Most Likud lawmakers boycotted the votes. However, MK Yuli Edelstein, a member of Likud, broke ranks to vote in favor of the broader annexation bill, casting what proved to be a decisive vote. Following his defiance, the Likud party decided to remove Edelstein from his position on the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. A spokesperson for Edelstein confirmed his removal. Edelstein stated his support for the measure, asserting that 'Israeli sovereignty in all parts of our homeland is the order of the day.' Likud officials criticized the votes as 'an irresponsible political stunt by the opposition aimed at harming our relations with the United States.'

International Condemnation and Diplomatic Implications

The Knesset's actions have been met with widespread international condemnation. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry, Hamas, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia all decried the preliminary approvals. These entities characterized the move as a 'blatant violation of international law' and a significant blow to the prospects of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The votes also occurred while US Vice President JD Vance was visiting Israel, and come after US President Donald Trump had previously indicated his opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank, suggesting potential friction with the Trump administration.

Uncertain Future for the Legislation

Despite the preliminary approvals, the path for these bills to become law remains uncertain. They require several more stages of legislative approval, and it is considered unlikely that Prime Minister Netanyahu will allow them to pass into law, given his stated opposition to such a move at this time and concerns about international repercussions.