Knesset to Vote on Landmark Sovereignty Bid for Judea and Samaria, Defying Palestinian Statehood Amidst “Historic” Consensus the eve of its summer recess, the Knesset is poised for a pivotal vote on a proposal to extend Israeli sovereignty over Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley, a move framed as a “strategic, moral, and security” imperative and a rejection of a Palestinian state following the October 7 events.
In a move set to reverberate globally, the Knesset plenum is scheduled to vote tomorrow (Wednesday), just before the summer recess, on a highly contentious and significant proposal to support the application of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.
The proposal, spearheaded by Members of Knesset Dan Illouz, Simcha Rothman, and Oded Forer, received approval from the Knesset Presidium yesterday, setting the stage for a critical legislative showdown.
The explanatory note accompanying the proposal lays bare its foundational rationale: “The territories of Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley are an inseparable part of the historic homeland of the Jewish people.” It explicitly links the timing and urgency of the measure to recent events, stating, “In light of the events of October 7 and the broad national consensus opposing the idea of establishing a Palestinian state, there is a growing understanding that a strategic, moral, and security move is necessary to ensure our future in this land.”
Proponents argue that “The application of Israeli sovereignty over these areas will symbolize the State of Israel’s commitment to the Zionist vision, to strengthening the Jewish hold on these parts of the homeland, and to the defense of its citizens.” Furthermore, the proposal aims to send an unmistakable message to the international community: “This move will make it clear to the world that Israel will not agree to solutions that include dangerous territorial concessions, and that it is committed to its future as a Jewish and secure state.”
The proposal has garnered significant political backing. Minister Yariv Levin, a prominent figure in the Israeli government, affirmed his support this evening on his X account, declaring: “Tomorrow the Knesset will vote on a historic decision in favor of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. I will be there and vote in favor.” The Religious Zionism party echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Religious Zionism faction will vote tomorrow in favor of the proposal by MK Simcha Rothman – the historic decision supporting the application of Israeli law in Judea and Samaria.”
This impending vote signals a hardening of Israel’s stance on the future of these territories, directly challenging international efforts toward a two-state solution and potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.
