Israel passes bill on withdrawal from land

Palestinean Protesters

A bill has been passed by a parliament in Israel setting stringent new conditions before any withdrawal from the East Jerusalem or Golan Heights. The bill requires a 66% majority in the Knesset before any withdrawal could be approved. The proposal would be subject to a national referendum.

Analysts say the move could complicate peace efforts by making it more difficult for any Israeli government to make territorial withdrawals.

The bill - passed by a 65-33 majority - was backed of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who said it would prevent "irresponsible agreements".

Likud Party MP Yariv Levin, who proposed the bill, said it was of "the utmost national importance for retaining the unity of the people".

Israel considers the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem to be under its sovereignty, although Syria claims the Golan Heights and the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem.

There was no immediate comment from Syria, which lost the Golan Heights to Israel in the 1967 war.

Damascus wants the land back in return for peace but many Israelis regard the heights - which overlook northern Israel - as a strategic asset.

Israel has occupied the West Bank - including East Jerusalem - since 1967, settling nearly 500,000 Jews in more than 100 settlements. They are considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.