US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have strongly condemned the Israeli parliament’s symbolic vote supporting Israel West Bank annexation, warning it could jeopardize President Donald Trump’s ongoing Gaza peace plan.
During his visit to Israel, Vance called the bill “a very stupid political stunt,” adding that annexation was “not going to happen.” He stressed that the Trump administration’s policy remains firm against any unilateral expansion into the occupied West Bank.
Before departing for Israel, Rubio echoed similar concerns, warning that annexation would “threaten the peace deal” and harm US efforts to stabilize the region. The statements underscore Washington’s growing frustration over political divisions within Israel’s parliament, or Knesset.
The controversial bill, passed by a 25-24 margin, seeks to apply Israeli law to parts of the West Bank — land that Palestinians claim as part of a future independent state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office distanced itself from the move, labeling it a “deliberate provocation” by far-right opposition members.
Symbolic Vote Deepens Political Divides
The proposed Israel West Bank annexation law still faces multiple readings and committee reviews before it can advance. However, its symbolic approval has sparked diplomatic tensions. Netanyahu’s office clarified that his Likud Party and coalition partners did not support the bill, except for one dismissed lawmaker.
Israel has built roughly 160 settlements housing 700,000 Israelis across the West Bank and East Jerusalem since capturing the territories in 1967. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, according to a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Palestinian officials condemned the Knesset’s decision, asserting that Israel “has no sovereignty over Palestinian land.” The Palestinian foreign ministry described the vote as another step toward undermining peace prospects.
US Pushes for Stability Amid Fragile Gaza Truce
Vance and Rubio’s remarks come as the Trump administration works to preserve a fragile ceasefire in Gaza — the first phase of a 20-point plan aimed at ending the two-year war. The plan’s next stage would establish an interim government, oversee Israeli troop withdrawals, and lead to the disarmament of Hamas.
Despite sporadic clashes and mutual accusations of ceasefire breaches, both US officials expressed optimism. “Every day there’ll be threats to it, but I think we’re ahead of schedule,” Rubio said, noting that maintaining calm in Gaza is vital for regional diplomacy.
As the US pushes for broader stability, the backlash to the Israel West Bank annexation vote reveals the deep political rifts threatening progress toward long-term peace — not only between Israel and Palestine but also within Israel’s own government.
