Arab Parliament Condemns Knesset's Approval of Imposing Israeli Sovereignty over West Bank

Arab Parliament Demands International Action After Israeli Knesset Approves West Bank Sovereignty Bill

The Arab Parliament has condemned Israel's legislative approval of sovereignty over the West Bank as a "blatant legislative aggression" that violates international law and threatens the two-state solution. Arab Parliament President Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi called for suspending Israel's membership in the Inter-Parliamentary Union and imposing parliamentary sanctions on lawmakers who support annexation measures.

Legislative Move Escalates Regional Tensions

Al-Yamahi described the Knesset's approval as a dangerous escalation that "demolishes any prospect for a two-state solution" and directly violates UN Security Council resolutions 242, 338, and 2334. These resolutions form the foundation of international consensus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Resolution 242 calling for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories and Resolution 2334 condemning settlement activities.

The timing of this legislative action comes amid broader regional tensions and reflects a shift toward more assertive Israeli policies regarding territorial claims. This move represents a significant departure from previous approaches that maintained ambiguity around sovereignty claims while expanding settlement activities on the ground.

International Parliamentary Response Sought

Calls for Institutional Isolation

The Arab Parliament's response extends beyond diplomatic condemnation to concrete institutional measures. Al-Yamahi specifically called for freezing Israel's membership in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, arguing that the Knesset has become "a legislative institution that legitimizes occupation and settlement."

This approach mirrors tactics used in other international forums, where critics of Israeli policies have sought to isolate the country institutionally. Similar efforts have been attempted in various UN bodies and international organizations, though with mixed success due to support from key allies.

Targeted Sanctions Against Individual Lawmakers

Beyond institutional measures, the Arab Parliament called for parliamentary sanctions against individual Knesset members who vote for annexation and settlement projects. This represents a more targeted approach, focusing on personal accountability rather than blanket institutional responses.

The proposal reflects growing international attention to individual responsibility in policy-making, similar to targeted sanctions used in other contexts. However, implementing such measures would require coordination among multiple parliamentary systems and could face significant practical and legal challenges.

Broader Implications for Regional Stability

Al-Yamahi emphasized that such legislation "poses a direct threat to international peace and security" and reflects Israel's determination to complete what he termed "colonial schemes" under false legal cover. This framing positions the issue as a broader challenge to the international legal order rather than a bilateral dispute.

The statement's reference to "apartheid systems" aligns with increasing international criticism using this terminology, including from human rights organizations and some international bodies. This language shift represents a significant evolution in how critics frame Israeli policies toward Palestinians.

Limited Enforcement Mechanisms

While the Arab Parliament's condemnation carries symbolic weight, its practical impact remains constrained by limited enforcement mechanisms. The organization lacks the authority to compel action from individual national parliaments or international bodies like the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The effectiveness of such calls typically depends on broader international support and the willingness of key powers to back enforcement measures. Previous attempts at similar international pressure have faced resistance from countries that maintain strong ties with Israel, particularly the United States and several European nations.

The Arab Parliament's approach represents part of a broader strategy to internationalize the Palestinian issue through multilateral institutions, though success will likely depend on securing support beyond Arab and Muslim-majority countries.