The Knesset plenum today (Wednesday) approved by vote a motion for an agenda supporting the application of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley. The motion, which was introduced by MKs Dan Iloz, Limor Son Har-Malech, Simcha Rothman and Oded Forer , received the support of the majority of coalition members.

The proposal stated that Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley constitute "an integral part of the historical homeland of the Jewish people." The initiators argued that a strategic move was needed that would secure Israel's future and strengthen its security, especially in light of the events of October 7 and widespread opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

According to the explanatory statement, "applying sovereignty to these areas will send a message to the world that Israel is not prepared to make territorial concessions, and will signal a commitment to the Zionist vision and to preserving the Jewish and security character of the state."

The initiator of the motion, MK Dan Iloz, said after the vote: "For the first time ever, the Knesset has expressed official support for the application of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. The message that came out of the plenary is clear: Judea and Samaria are not a bargaining chip – they are the heart of our country."

Illoz emphasized that "this is not a symbolic statement but the beginning of a national decision. The world does not respect evasions – but a clear stand on our right to the Land of Israel. The time for sovereignty has come."

The outgoing chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, Yuli Edelstein, emphasized in the discussion that "precisely in these days, when the best of our sons and daughters are currently on the battlefield, and 50 of our brothers are still in trouble and captivity, there is no more appropriate, clear and just Zionist answer than – applying sovereignty to parts of our historical homeland in Judea and Samaria."

He noted that "symbolically, this historic decision comes exactly 20 years after the terrible folly of the expulsion from Gush Katif and northern Samaria. Yes. Expulsion, not washed-up words like 'disengagement.'"

It is important to note that the proposal does not require immediate action by the government and has no binding legal status. However, it has broad symbolic and political significance, especially among the coalition factions.

Let us recall that the vote took place just before the Knesset went into its long summer recess, and is a declarative step that seeks to put the issue of sovereignty back on the national agenda in light of the changes that have occurred since the October 7 attack.

The head of the Binyamin Council and the chairman of the Yesha Council, Yisrael Gantz, said after the decision: "I thank the ministers and members of Knesset from the coalition and the opposition, who voted in favor of the important proposal to advance Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. The approval of the proposal, by a large majority of Zionist members of Knesset, proves once again the broad support of the people of Israel for Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and constitutes unequivocal proof of the national will to implement our values and our right to our land."
"This vote constitutes an important step towards advancing the strategic move that will strengthen the security of the entire State of Israel."

"I call from here to the Israeli government: Make this decision a reality on the ground. We are at a critical and historic point in time, we must not miss the opportunity. The Yesha Council will continue to work tirelessly until Israeli sovereignty is established in Judea and Samaria."

Peace Now said after the approval of the motion for an order to apply sovereignty to the occupied territories: "The empty and harmful declarations about annexation from the Knesset stage are a political and propaganda attack on the State of Israel, indicating the inconceivable gap between the government and the people who oppose the settlements and the messianic delusions of Ben-Gvir and Smotritz. Instead of sabotaging Israeli interests, the only thing the government of massacre should do is end the war by returning all the abductees and returning the mandate to the people."

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said that "the Knesset has now received a historic declaration supporting the application of Israeli sovereignty over the homeland, Judea and Samaria. It is a great privilege to be the Speaker of the Knesset who says in a clear voice and with a solid majority: This is our land. This is our home. The Land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel. In 1967 the occupation did not begin – it ended, and our homeland was returned to its rightful owners. We are the original first natives of this piece of land. Jews cannot be the "occupier" of a land that for 3,000 years was called Judea."

"These are truths that no false narrative can change. This is the historical truth, this is the contemporary truth, this is the parliamentary truth, and this is also the one and only way to achieve true peace through strength – and to sever the false hope that beats in the hearts of our enemies that we will disappear, be expelled, or withdraw from our homeland. We are here to stay."