Monday’s vote marks a major setback for the fragile coalition government that could lead the country to new elections.
The Israeli government has failed to pass a bill to extend and maintain the legal status of Israelis illegally settling in the occupied West Bank, marking a significant setback for the fragile alliance that could accelerate their downfall.
Monday’s failure to extend the bill highlighted separate legal systems in the occupied West Bank, where nearly 500,000 Israeli settlers enjoy the benefits of Israeli citizenship and law while Some 3 million Palestinians living under military rule are now in their sixth decade.
Three leading human rights groups say the situation in the occupied territory could cause racism against Palestinians.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s coalition remains in power, but the vote highlighted the weaknesses and divisions in the fragile coalition and raised questions about how long it can last.
Monday’s vote – defeated 58-52 – went far beyond the boundaries of legal debate.
Instead, it serves as a crucial test of the government’s prospects for survival, creating a paradoxical situation where some of the government’s biggest opponents of illegal settlements quit. voted for the bill, while hardline parties in favor of the settlements voted against the bill to weaken the government.
Bennett’s government consolidated last year after two years of political turmoil, with four elections without a clear winner.
The coalition, which includes eight ideologically distinct parties, including those who support and oppose the settlements, is committed to avoiding divisive issues that could threaten its very existence.
Monday’s vote showed how difficult that task is.
The vote did not immediately topple the government, and the coalition could still introduce a revised version of the law. But the debacle shows that government days can be numbered.
“As always after losing, we will come back stronger and win the next round,” Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, the governing coalition’s chief architect, wrote in a statement. Twitter.
Some 500,000 Israeli settlers live in more than 120 settlements and outposts throughout the occupied West Bank that are considered illegal under international law.
Settlements, which are fortified, Jewish-only housing complexes, are continuing to expand in the occupied West Bank as well as occupied East Jerusalem. They are seen as a major obstacle to any potential deal with Israel.
Attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property were common. Settlers are often supported by Israel’s armed forces when carrying out such attacks.
