US Vice President JD Vance (2dn R) listens as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a meeting at the prime minister`s office in occupied al-Quds, on October 22, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

Israel`s Knesset gave preliminary approval to a controversial bill extending Israeli law to the occupied West Bank, a move seen as a step toward annexation, coinciding with US Vice President JD Vance`s visit to occupied al-Quds.

The legislation, introduced by opposition lawmakers outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu`s Likud party, passed narrowly by 25-24 on Wednesday.

While some members of Netanyahu`s coalition supported the West Bank annexation bill, Likud itself did not formally endorse it.

The preliminary vote is the first of four readings required to pass the law. The current approval will have no immediate legal effect, but it signals rising political pressure within Netanyahu`s cabinet to formalize control over the Palestinian territory.

The move has drawn swift criticism from Israel`s Western allies, Arab countries, and international rights groups.

Jordan condemned the measure as a "blatant violation of international law," warning it undermines the two-state solution and the Palestinians` "inalienable right to self-determination."

In a statement on X, Jordan`s foreign ministry spokesperson, Fouad Al-Majali, reiterated the Kingdom`s "absolute rejection and strong condemnation of any Israeli attempts to impose sovereignty over the occupied West Bank."

Al-Majali also said that all Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank and violations of Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied al-Quds "are illegitimate and illegal."

The Kingdom called on the international community to force Israel to halt its "dangerous escalation" in the West Bank.

Last month, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) warned that the annexation of the West Bank would cross a "red line" for the Persian Gulf state.

The United Nations has repeatedly declared that Israel`s settlements and occupation of the West Bank are illegal under international law.

Netanyahu had considered annexation in response to several Western countries recognizing a Palestinian state in September.