Khaberni - The head of the ruling Israeli coalition, Ofir Katz, announced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive not to submit proposals regarding the imposition of sovereignty in the West Bank until further notice.
He explained that the decision was made after "members of the coalition violated its rules and voted yesterday in favor of the bill for the application of sovereignty over Judea and Samaria."
This announcement also follows criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated in an interview with "Time" magazine that he would not allow Israel to annex Judea and Samaria, and after his vice president, JD Vance, said "the voting was bizarre. If it was a political maneuver, it was a stupid political maneuver, and it annoyed me."
The general assembly of the Knesset passed in the preliminary reading the proposal for the application of Israeli sovereignty over territories in the West Bank, which was submitted by MK Avi Maoz, after 25 members voted in favor against 24 opposed.
Despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directives to the members of the ruling coalition to vote against the proposal, Knesset member Yuli Edelstein from the "Likud" party voted in its favor. The proposal will be referred to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for further discussion.
In contrast, the Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir welcomed the preliminary approval and said: "I am proud of the (Jewish Power) party's vote in favor of sovereignty. I understand the international pressures, but the right-wing government is doing what is right for the people of the State of Israel, and what is right now is sovereignty."
Simultaneously, U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed his severe displeasure with the Knesset's vote, saying he felt "deceived" after being told that the move was "only symbolic."
Vance added in press statements: "It was very strange, and I was extremely perplexed. I was repeatedly told that the vote was symbolic and merely meant to score domestic political points. If that’s true, then it’s a really stupid act, and I’m upset about it."
