Wed Jul 23 21:44:47 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

The Israeli Knesset passed a non-binding motion calling for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, a move condemned by Palestinian officials as a blow to the two-state solution and a violation of international law. The vote, initiated by members of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition, is largely symbolic but raises concerns about future policy and the viability of a future Palestinian state. The international community generally considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal and views the two-state solution as the most viable path to peace. The Palestinian Authority strongly denounced the vote, citing its impact on Palestinian rights and violation of international law.

**News Article:**

**Knesset Passes Symbolic Annexation Measure, Raising Concerns for Palestinian Statehood**

JERUSALEM – The Israeli Knesset approved a non-binding motion Wednesday calling for the annexation of the occupied West Bank. Lawmakers voted 71-13 in favor of the measure, which urges the application of Israeli sovereignty to what it refers to as “Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley.”

While the motion has no immediate legal impact, it signifies growing support within the Israeli government for formally annexing the territory, home to over 3 million Palestinians and more than 500,000 Israeli settlers.

The move has drawn strong condemnation from Palestinian officials. Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior aide to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, called the vote “a direct assault on the rights of the Palestinian people” and warned it “undermines the prospects for peace, stability, and the two-state solution.” The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs further accused Israel of reinforcing a system of apartheid in the West Bank and flouting international law.

International law views Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal, a position rejected by Israel. Annexation of the West Bank would further complicate efforts to establish a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel, a solution widely supported by the international community as the most realistic path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The vote comes amid heightened tensions in the West Bank, with Israeli forces intensifying raids and settler violence against Palestinians escalating since the start of the conflict in Gaza. Critics say these actions are already contributing to a de facto annexation of Palestinian land.

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