US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have sharply criticized a symbolic vote by Israel’s parliament to advance the annexation of the West Bank, with Vance labeling it a “very stupid political stunt” and Rubio warning it threatens to derail fragile peace efforts in the region.
On Wednesday, far-right members of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, narrowly approved a preliminary bill that would apply Israeli law to the occupied West Bank. The vote passed 25-24 and is seen as a step towards formal annexation, though it remains largely symbolic at this stage. This move has drawn immediate international attention due to its potential implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing peace process brokered by the United States.
Vance, speaking to reporters before departing Israel, expressed strong disapproval, stating, “If it was a political stunt, it was a very stupid political stunt and I personally take some insult.” He emphasized that the Trump administration’s policy is clear: the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel, and symbolic votes do not change that stance. His comments came at the end of a diplomatic visit aimed at bolstering the ceasefire in Gaza and advancing broader peace initiatives.
Rubio, who arrived in Israel shortly after Vance, reinforced this position, noting that annexation would be “counterproductive” for President Trump’s Gaza peace plan. In remarks before his trip, he said, “I think the president’s made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now. And we think it’s even threatening to the peace deal.” Both officials stressed that the US remains committed to preventing any actions that could escalate tensions or undermine diplomatic progress in the region.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement distancing the government from the vote, calling it a “deliberate political provocation by the opposition to sow discord.” The statement highlighted that Netanyahu’s Likud party and its coalition partners did not support the bill, with only one disgruntled member breaking ranks. This suggests the measure is unlikely to progress without broader governmental backing, as the prime minister can delay or defeat it in subsequent readings.
The West Bank has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Middle East war and is claimed by Palestinians as part of a future independent state. Israel has built numerous settlements there, housing around 700,000 Jews, alongside an estimated 3.3 million Palestinians. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, a position upheld by the International Court of Justice, adding to the complexity of the annexation debate and long-standing disputes over territory and sovereignty.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of a tentative ceasefire in Gaza, which began earlier this month as part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan. The first phase includes a halt in hostilities, partial Israeli withdrawal, and increased aid, though both sides have accused each other of violations. The second phase, yet to be implemented, involves establishing an interim government in Gaza and disarming Hamas, making stability precarious and heightening the stakes of any provocative moves.
The criticism from top US officials highlights ongoing friction in US-Israel relations, particularly regarding settlement policies. While the Trump administration has generally been supportive of Israel, this public rebuke signals limits to that support when it conflicts with broader peace initiatives. The situation underscores the delicate balance required in Middle East diplomacy, where domestic politics in both countries can quickly influence international efforts and regional stability.