After US criticism: Israel suspends West Bank annexation process

(Patria) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his ruling coalition not to submit bills for the annexation of the occupied West Bank in the Knesset following criticism from the US.

Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz said Netanyahu had instructed him not to submit proposals regarding the application of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) until further notice, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported.

The Knesset yesterday approved two bills on the annexation of the West Bank and the Ma'ale Adumim settlement bloc in a preliminary reading. Both drafts would have to pass three additional readings to become law.

This move has drawn criticism from the US, and US President Donald Trump said he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank.

His Vice President JD Vance, who today concluded a three-day visit to Israel, also called the Knesset vote a foolish political stunt.

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JD Vance and Rubio against Israeli plan for West Bank annexation: 'Endangers peace deal'

(Patria) - US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have sharply criticized the Israeli parliament's move that symbolically initiated the process of annexing the occupied West Bank, BBC reports. Far-right Knesset members

Netanyahu called the vote on the West Bank annexation bills an intentional political provocation by the opposition to sow discord during JD Vance's visit to Israel.

In a statement from his office, Netanyahu said the two bills were sponsored by opposition members of the Knesset.

- The Likud party and religious parties (main coalition members) did not vote for these laws, except for one disgruntled Likud member who was recently dismissed from his position as chairman of the Knesset committee. Without Likud's support, it is unlikely these laws will achieve anything - Netanyahu said.

The annexation of the West Bank would effectively end the possibility of implementing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as stated in UN resolutions.

The International Court of Justice stated in its opinion that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.