The Presidium of the Israeli Knesset has decided to hold a debate next Wednesday on two legislative proposals aimed at annexing the West Bank and extending Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
The first bill was introduced by Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu. The second was submitted by the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, from within the governing coalition.
Lieberman’s proposal is widely viewed as an attempt to embarrass Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and create diplomatic tension with US President Donald Trump, who last month warned Netanyahu against unilateral annexation. Trump reportedly cautioned that such a move could jeopardize efforts to expand the Abraham Accords and damage existing agreements with Arab countries. The Israeli premier had previously planned to advance a similar initiative, but strong Arab opposition forced him to withdraw it.
The two bills will face a preliminary reading. If either is approved, it will be referred to the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee for further discussion, before returning to the plenary for first, second, and third readings. Although the legislative process is lengthy, the debate itself is already seen as a politically charged move that could spark major international confrontations.
The proposals pose a two-pronged challenge for Netanyahu: passing either bill would strain relations with Trump and the international community, while rejecting or stalling them would anger right-wing factions and settler groups. These groups account for about 40 percent of his voter base and were promised annexation in past campaigns.
Last month, Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly supported extending sovereignty during a visit to the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, while stressing the importance of timing and strategy. His comments came just before Trump made clear his opposition to annexation.
In August, the Knesset voted by a majority of 71 to demand the government impose sovereignty over Areas A and B of the West Bank — about 60 percent of the territory. Security officials warned of a potential escalation, but far-right ministers dismissed these concerns and called for faster annexation.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich later reaffirmed that Netanyahu’s commitment to annexation remains a central condition for his party’s participation in the coalition. In an interview with Channel 12, he restated his vision of expanding settlements in Gaza and the West Bank and asserted that full sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is non-negotiable.
