The Israeli Knesset on Wednesday passed a non-binding resolution that calls for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, a symbolic show of support for the total takeover of the Palestinian territory.
The motion passed in a vote of 71-13, with two opposition parties in the 120-seat Knesset boycotting the vote. The resolution received the support of all 60 lawmakers who are part of the current government, as well as members of the United Torah Judaism, Noam, and Yisrael Beiteinu parties.
The resolution states that the declaration 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.” It says that Judea and Samaria, the Biblical name for the West Bank, is “an inseparable part of the historical homeland of the Jewish people.”
Following the vote, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, claimed that Jews cannot be considered “occupiers” of the Palestinian territory.
“This is our land. This is our home. The Land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel. In 1967, the occupation did not begin; it ended, and our homeland was returned to its rightful owners,” Ohana said. “We are the original first natives of this piece of land. Jews cannot be the ‘occupier’ of a land that for 3,000 years has been called Judea.”
While the resolution is symbolic, it comes as the Israeli government has been working to advance settlements in the West Bank and as Jewish settlers have been increasing violent attacks against Palestinians with the goal of driving them from their land. The current Israeli government has prioritized the expansion of settlements since it came into power at the end of December 2022.
Earlier this month, all the Likud ministers in the government urged Netanyahu to annex the territory, citing support from the Trump administration. “The strategic partnership, backing, and support of the US and President Donald Trump have made it a propitious time to move forward with it now, and ensure Israel’s security for generations,” the ministers said.
