Israeli Knesset approves annexation of Jordan Valley

A bill to annex the Jewish settlements in the Jordan Valley to Israel and apply Israeli law to them, was passed Sunday by the Israeli Knesset. However, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni (Hatnuah) and Science and Technology Minister Jacob Perry (Yesh Atid), both of whom opposed the bill, said they would appeal the decision and demand a revote. The bill was also opposed by Finance Minister Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid). Voting in support were ministers from the Likud, Habayit Hayehudi, and Yisrael Beiteinu. Meanwhile, the yea vote means that the bill, sponsored by Likud MK Miri Regev, will go to the plenum with government backing. Under the bill, Israel’s legal and administrative system would apply to the settlements in the Jordan Valley and the roads leading to them. No restrictions will apply to construction in the area unless specifically approved by the Knesset.