A bill approved by a Knesset committee would require the approval of a two-thirds majority of Knesset lawmakers to negotiate the status of Jerusalem.

The Knesset Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved the bill by a 5-4 vote on Oct. 20.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the measure, which would require 80 of the 120 Israeli lawmakers to approve any withdrawals from land within the city limits of Jerusalem.

Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Israel’s chief negotiator in peace talks with the Palestinians, has said she will file an appeal.

Under the law, the Knesset, Cabinet and municipality of Jerusalem are exempt from implementing an agreement on Jerusalem reached without the approval of two-thirds of the Knesset. — jta