The Full Text of the Knesset Declaration that Israel Has "Complete Rights" in the West Bank and Jordan Valley

SadaNews Translation: The Israeli Knesset plenum voted today (Wednesday) by a majority to approve a declaration stating that the State of Israel has a natural, historical, and legal right over all the lands of the West Bank and Jordan Valley, calling on the government to extend complete Israeli sovereignty over the Jewish settlements in these areas.

The decision, according to SadaNews translation, includes a comprehensive preamble affirming the close connection between the Jewish people and these areas, citing major cities like Hebron, Nablus, and the settlements of Shiloh and Bet El, which were described as "a living expression of the continuity of Jewish existence in this land."

Within the framework of the declaration, the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, was also mentioned as a turning point in political thought: "The attack proved that the establishment of a Palestinian state poses an existential threat to Israel and its citizens and the entire region," as stated in the Israeli resolution.

The resolution also states that the Knesset opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River, considering such an initiative would "perpetuate conflict and undermine regional stability," according to SadaNews translation. It also states that the Knesset removes the idea of a Palestinian state from the political agenda.

In the practical aspect of the resolution, the Knesset calls on the Israeli government to "act as quickly as possible to apply Israeli sovereignty - law, judiciary, and administration - on all areas of Jewish settlement in all its forms in the West Bank and Jordan Valley." According to the drafters of the declaration, this step would enhance the state's security and prevent any harm to the Jewish people's right to live in peace and security in their homeland, as they claim.

The resolution concludes by calling on the nations of the world to "support Israel's right to the Land of Israel and adhere to the return to Zion and the vision of the prophets."

Israeli coalition officials described the approval as historic, while reservations were raised by opposition Knesset members, who stated that it is a unilateral step not accompanied by a clear government policy. The Israeli government is expected to discuss how to implement the call it received in the Knesset.

The draft resolution was presented by several members of the ruling coalition before the Knesset went on summer recess.

All parties in the ruling coalition and the opposition party "Yisrael Beiteinu" supported the draft resolution.

Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin expressed his support for the draft resolution, stating he would vote in favor of its adoption.

Yisrael Gantz, head of the regional council for the Benjamin settlements, also called on the government to implement the resolution and turn it into concrete reality. Gantz added that sovereignty over these areas is a necessary step to enhance Israel's security, according to his expression.

Knesset members from the "Religious Zionism," "Likud," "Shas," and the opposition party "Yisrael Beiteinu" declared their support for the draft resolution.

The draft resolution does not constitute a binding law; rather, it is a statement of position and is not obligatory for the Israeli government, which is authorized to make decisions of this type.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir demanded in a speech to the Knesset full and absolute Israeli control over the Gaza Strip in the post-war phase.