Russia Today; Israeli ministers have approved a bill to annex Jordan Valley settlements to the Jewish state, threatening US-brokered peace talks with Palestine. Ministers opposing the proposed legislation plan to appeal the decision and demand a revote.
Eight ministers on the Committee for Legislation voted in favor of the bill, while three – including the finance and justice ministers – opposed it.
The proposed legislation would apply Israeli law to settlements in the Jordan Valley and the roads leading to them. No restrictions will apply to construction in the area, unless officially approved by the Knesset – Israel’s parliament.
The author of the bill, Knesset member Miri Regev, said she submitted it “solely for diplomatic and security reasons.”
Regev reiterated her position on Sunday, stressing that the Jordan Valley is the “safety belt” on the eastern border.
Categories: Asia