With a majority of one vote, the Knesset on Wednesday approved, in a preliminary reading, a bill proposed by Noam Party Chairman MK Avi Maoz to apply Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.
In addition, a bill proposed by Yisrael Beytenu Chairman MK Avigdor Liberman to apply sovereignty over the city of Maale Adumim passed 32-9.
Today, the Prime Minister’s Office published an unusually harsh statement regarding the vote in the Knesset to apply sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu stated, “The Knesset vote on annexation was a deliberate political provocation by the opposition to sow discord during Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Israel.”
Advancing the application of sovereignty over Judea and Samaria has successfully undergone a preliminary reading, which is a significant achievement and a positive step forward. On the flip side, the necessity for this matter to be discussed and voted on incrementally prolongs the process regarding issues that should not require debate to start with. Until a time arrives when there is no doubt or internal contention regarding Israel’s legal rights to Judea and Samaria, political circumstances compel Israel to endure what so far seems like an endless dress rehearsal.
Until a conclusive “yes” vote regarding the application of sovereignty is achieved, it is regrettably accurate to say that Netanyahu’s statement holds truth, while simultaneously it is exasperating that he refrains from officially declaring sovereignty.