US opposes West Bank annexation, warning it threatens Gaza ceasefire

The Israeli parliament has passed preliminary legislation authorizing the annexation of West Bank settlements, triggering immediate US opposition and warnings that such moves could undermine the recently implemented Gaza ceasefire. The controversial bills passed by narrow margins in the Knesset, with one measure approved 25-24 and a second, more limited annexation proposal passing 32-9.

US Diplomatic Pushback

Secretary of State Marco Rubio explicitly rejected the annexation initiative, stating "The West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel." Rubio added that such actions could threaten the Gaza peace agreement, emphasizing "We think it might be counterproductive" to ongoing diplomatic efforts. The statement reinforces President Trump's earlier position that he "would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank."

Internal Israeli Political Tensions

The legislative action created friction within Israel's governing coalition, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly warning far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich against provoking the US during Vice President JD Vance's visit. According to Israeli media, Netanyahu conveyed that "you cannot wag your finger at them" regarding American opposition to annexation. The timing of the votes during high-level US diplomatic visits to Israel drew particular attention.

International Condemnation and Next Steps

Hamas condemned the Knesset's action as reflecting "the ugly colonial face of the Israeli occupation," while Qatar denounced the measures as "a clear violation of international law." Both annexation bills require three additional parliamentary readings to become law and have been referred to the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for further review, leaving opportunity for additional diplomatic intervention.