Thursday, October 23, 2025-Israel’s parliament has advanced a controversial bill that would formally annex large parts of the occupied West Bank, marking one of the most consequential steps in decades of conflict over Palestinian territory. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, passed its first reading after a tense session in the Knesset.
Supporters claim the measure would strengthen Israel’s security and legalize existing settlements, while opponents including members of Israel’s opposition and international leaders warn it would effectively end prospects for a two-state solution.
The vote has ignited a wave of backlash both inside and outside Israel. Palestinians called the move a “declaration of apartheid,” with protests erupting across Ramallah, Hebron, and Gaza. The United Nations, the European Union, and several Arab states have condemned the bill, urging Israel to halt any unilateral actions that violate international law.
In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, thousands of Israelis also took to the streets, accusing their government of dragging the country toward isolation and permanent conflict. Social media has been flooded with messages of solidarity for Palestinians and calls for sanctions against Israel.
Analysts warn that the annexation bill could trigger far-reaching geopolitical consequences, destabilizing the region and jeopardizing existing peace accords with neighboring Arab nations. U.S. officials have yet to issue a formal statement, though internal sources suggest the administration is monitoring the situation closely.
If the measure becomes law, it would mark a historic and irreversible shift in the Middle East, one that could redraw borders, deepen divisions, and reshape the global debate over occupation and sovereignty.
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