An Israeli ministerial committee yesterday approved the application of Israeli law to Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move which is seen to be a step towards annexing the areas.
The bill, submitted right-wing Member of the Knesset Orit Strock and coalition Chairman Ze’ev Elkin, aims to bring all Israeli laws to the settlers.
There are currently only 16 laws which government settlements, however, under this draft law named the Standards Act, all Israeli laws would apply to the settlements once the military commander of the West bank transposes them.
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Israel’s chief negotiator, said she would appeal the decision, effectively putting parliamentary ratification on indefinite hold.