Vance Condemns Israeli West Bank Annexation Vote Decision/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Vice President JD Vance harshly criticized Israel’s symbolic parliamentary vote supporting West Bank annexation, calling it an “insult.” The move drew backlash for jeopardizing U.S.-brokered peace efforts in Gaza. The vote occurred amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
Vance Criticizes Israel Annexation Quick Looks
- Annexation Vote: Israeli parliament passes symbolic motion on West Bank annexation
- U.S. Response: VP JD Vance labels move an “insult” to Trump-era policy
- Symbolic Intent: Bill unlikely to become law, seen as political maneuver
- Ceasefire Fragility: U.S. seeks to maintain Gaza ceasefire with Hamas
- UAE Red Line: Emirates warn against any formal annexation effort
- Rubio’s Role: Secretary of State also criticizes Israeli hardliners
- Gaza Relief: WHO evacuates patients amid crumbling healthcare
- Media Access: Israel’s Supreme Court hears case on journalist access to Gaza
Deep Look
JD Vance Denounces Israel’s Annexation Vote Amid Fragile Gaza Peace
JERUSALEM — U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a sharp rebuke to the Israeli parliament on Thursday after lawmakers passed a symbolic preliminary vote endorsing the annexation of the occupied West Bank. Vance, speaking just before departing Israel, described the vote as “an insult” that undercuts American diplomatic efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Gaza and disrupts regional stability.
The vote, which narrowly passed in Israel’s Knesset on Wednesday, was largely symbolic and spearheaded by right-wing hardliners in the government. Only one member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party supported it. Netanyahu himself opposes the bill, making it unlikely to pass the multiple readings required to become law. Observers believe the vote was timed to embarrass the Prime Minister while Vice President Vance was still visiting.
Vance did not hold back in his criticism, stating at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, “If this was just a political stunt, then it is a very stupid political stunt. I personally take some insult to it.”
He reinforced that the Trump administration remains firmly against any Israeli annexation of the West Bank. “The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel,” Vance added.
Global Reactions and Political Calculations
The symbolic vote has drawn international criticism and deepened concerns among key U.S. allies. The United Arab Emirates — a critical partner in the U.S.-led efforts to stabilize Gaza — has warned that any movement toward annexation would cross a “red line” and potentially jeopardize future cooperation.
The occupied West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast War, remains a core part of Palestinian aspirations for an independent state. Formal annexation would be a devastating blow to the long-sought two-state solution supported by much of the international community.
Although annexation has been a talking point among various factions within Israel’s ruling coalition, such calls have largely subsided since President Donald Trump publicly opposed annexation last month.
U.S. Steps Up Gaza Stabilization Efforts
While political tensions rise, the U.S. continues to deepen its involvement in Gaza’s post-conflict stabilization. Earlier this week, Vance announced the launch of a new civilian-military coordination center in southern Israel. This hub will host around 200 U.S. troops working with Israeli forces and international partners to develop plans for Gaza’s reconstruction and security.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he would visit the coordination center and named a Foreign Service officer to join Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East. The initiative aims to create an international stabilization force — backed by Gulf Arab nations — that could eventually replace Hamas’ control in Gaza with trained Palestinian security personnel.
“We’d like to see Palestinian police forces in Gaza that are not Hamas and that are going to do a good job, but those still have to be trained and equipped,” Rubio said.
Rubio, also scheduled to meet with Netanyahu, echoed Vance’s disapproval of the annexation bill, calling it counterproductive to peace efforts.
Medical Evacuations Begin as Gaza Crisis Persists
On the humanitarian front, Gaza continues to face severe challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 41 critically ill patients and 145 companions have been evacuated from Gaza — marking the first such effort since the ceasefire began on October 10.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on nations to assist the approximately 15,000 patients who still need medical treatment outside Gaza.
UNFPA Executive Director Andrew Saberton described conditions in Gaza as beyond catastrophic.
“There is no such thing as a normal birth in Gaza now,” he said, noting that many women are giving birth in tents or even rubble due to a lack of medical facilities.
“I was not fully prepared for what I saw. The sheer extent of the devastation looked like the set of a dystopian film,” Saberton added.
Journalist Access to Gaza Under Legal Scrutiny
In a separate development, Israel’s Supreme Court held a hearing Thursday to determine whether to lift the ban on international journalists entering Gaza. The Israeli government has barred foreign media access since the war broke out in October 2023.
The Foreign Press Association (FPA), which represents outlets such as the Associated Press, has called the ban “unacceptable” and continues to pressure the government for transparency. Though the court did not rule immediately, it gave the state 30 days to reconsider its stance.
Palestinian journalists, often working under extreme risk and displacement, have been the primary eyes and ears in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that approximately 200 Palestinian reporters have died due to Israeli military actions over the past two years.
“It is time for Israel to lift the closure and let us do our work alongside our Palestinian colleagues,” said FPA Chair Tania Kraemer.
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