BICOM

Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation yesterday approved a bill proposed by Likud MK Miri Regev to annex the Jordan Valley, but the vote is likely to be symbolic given the disapproval of several ministers and reported opposition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Regev’s bill would place the Jordan Valley under Israeli law, a move which would further complicate current peace talks. The area, which came under Israeli control in 1967, currently has the legal status of a captured territory administered by the IDF. It is thought that US Secretary of State John Kerry recently proposed that under a peace deal, Israel maintain a security presence in the Jordan Valley, an idea rejected by the Palestinian Authority (PA). Regev commented yesterday that “the towns in the Jordan Valley are a strategic and security asset of the State of Israel that must stay in our hands.” Eight Likud-Beteinu and Jewish Home ministers voted in favour of the bill during a heated meeting.

Hatnuah leader and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who also heads Israel’s negotiating team voted against the bill, saying “This is an irresponsible bill” as it “harms the State of Israel and would isolate it.” Regev’s initiative was also opposed by Finance Minister Yair Lapid and two fellow Yesh Atid ministers. All said that they will appeal the vote, which means that the committee must vote again at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yediot Ahronot reports that Netanyahu himself, who remained conspicuously silent on Regev’s bill, opposes the measure. The legislation would also need to be approved by the Knesset before becoming law.

In the meantime, US Secretary of State John Kerry is scheduled to arrive in the region on Wednesday to further peace talks between Israel and the PA. US Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro tempered expectations of a breakthrough but told Army Radio yesterday “the effort is to reach a framework agreement that will guide the negotiations in the direction of a final deal.”