Israeli legislators have moved forward on bills seeking annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank.
The action coincided with a visit from U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, adding an international dimension to the developments.
On Monday, Knesset committees took up several proposals that would extend Israeli sovereignty to large areas of the West Bank.
The measures remain at an early stage and still need approval from the full Knesset and later phases of the process before any annexation can take effect.
Senator Vance met with Israeli officials during his regional tour at the same time discussions took place in parliament. U.S. involvement continues to intersect with Israeli decisions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Western governments and international organizations have raised concern that unilateral annexation could derail negotiations and undermine prospects for a two-state resolution.
President Donald Trump, when asked in September about Israeli annexation of the West Bank, said he would not support such a step. Current U.S. officials have not issued a clear position on the latest legislative moves.
