A bill that allows the application of Israeli legislation in the West Bank has been approved in the Knesset, sparking international controversy.

The Israeli parliament approved on Wednesday, in a preliminary reading, a bill that allows the application of Israeli state legislation in the occupied West Bank, a measure that would equate to the annexation of the territory desired by Palestinians for their own state. The vote was tight, with 25 votes in favor and 24 against, and coincided with the visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Israel.

Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party did not support the bill, it was backed by members of the governing coalition. Another bill, which provides for the annexation of the Maale Adumim settlement, was approved with 31 votes in favor. Netanyahu urged lawmakers to abstain from voting, believing that these initiatives could harm relations with the United States. Critics of the bill warn that the annexation of the West Bank would hinder the creation of a Palestinian state, and the United Arab Emirates stated that this step constitutes a red line.