JERUSALEM
The Knesset has passed a law obliging any Israeli government to hold a referendum on withdrawing from areas occupied by Israel, including Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) and the Golan Heights.
The legislation was supported by 68 out of the Knesset's 120 lawmakers.
The Israeli opposition had boycotted the Knesset plenum debates throughout this week and the Wednesday vote, according to the Jerusalem Post newspaper.
The law requires a referendum on any agreement that entails withdrawing from land under Israel's control, including Al-Quds and the Golan Heights, but not the West Bank.
Israel occupied Al-Quds and the Golan Heights during the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed both territories.
However, it has never annexed the West Bank.
Under the law, if more than 80 lawmakers ratify any land concession, it can be approved without a referendum.
If fewer than 61 legislators support the proposed concession, it will be rejected without even having to be put to a referendum.
By Abdel-Raouf Arnaout
englishnews@aa.com.tr
