In a highly contentious move, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, has given its initial approval to an illegal bill aimed at annexing the occupied West Bank. The measure passed by a razor-thin margin of just one vote, with 25 members voting in favor and 24 against.
This development not only defies international law but also goes directly against the stated position of US President Trump, who has publicly warned that he will not permit Israel to proceed with such an annexation.
According to Israeli media, the vote has exposed deep divisions within the Israeli government itself. In a surprising turn, the bill was advanced despite the opposition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Reports indicate that most members of Netanyahu’s own Likud party were either absent from the Knesset or abstained from voting. However, in a significant act of defiance, one Likud member, Yuli Edelstein, broke ranks with the Prime Minister and cast a vote in favor of the bill, allowing it to pass to the next stage.
