Israeli Knesset passes symbolic motion on West Bank annexation, Muslim countries react strongly

At least nine countries, including members of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have strongly rejected the Israeli Knesset’s non-binding approval of the annexation of the occupied West Bank.

In a joint statement, the countries condemned the Israeli move as a “flagrant breach” of international law and criticised US positions that seek to legitimise the illegal occupation. They described the Knesset’s decision as a null and void measure under international law.

Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories have continued since 1967, despite widespread international condemnation. The territory is now estimated to be home to more than 500,000 Israeli settlers.

Condemning what they called a conspiracy to confiscate Palestinian land, the Arab League, along with Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Nigeria, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reiterated that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories.

Read: Israeli settlers bulldoze Palestinians' farmland in occupied West Bank

The statement emphasised that Israel has no right to unilaterally determine the legal status of the occupied land, warning that such actions “only fuel the growing tensions in the region.”

The countries called on the international community to take urgent action to halt Israel’s illegal policies, which they said are undermining the prospects for a just and lasting peace in the region.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Motion approved by 71-31 votes

On Wednesday, the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, approved a non-binding motion in favour of annexing the West Bank.

The motion approved by the majority of 71-13 votes demands Israeli sovereignty over Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley. 

Israel believes the annexation will “strengthen the state of Israel, its security and prevent any questioning of the fundamental right of the Jewish people to peace and security in their homeland”.

It was proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, is symbolic in nature and carries no immediate legal consequences. However, it could prompt future parliamentary discussions on the topic of annexation.

The proposal was originally introduced last year by Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich. 

Read: Israeli forces led by Netanyahu raid Palestinian home in occupied West Bank

Smotrich, who resides in an unauthorised Israeli settlement, also holds a role in the Ministry of Defence, where he is responsible for overseeing West Bank affairs and the administration of Israeli settlements there.

“This is our land. This is our home. The Land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel,” Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said after the vote,” said Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said after the vote the moment that was a part to capture the Palestinian land. 

He stated, “In 1967, the occupation did not begin; it ended, and our homeland was returned to its rightful owners. 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.”