Vance rejects West Bank annexation, condemns Knesset vote as 'stupid stunt'

US Vice President JD Vance delivered a sharp rebuke to Israeli lawmakers on Thursday, explicitly rejecting any annexation of the West Bank and characterizing a recent Knesset vote on the matter as "a stupid political stunt." Speaking to reporters in Tel Aviv, Vance left no ambiguity about the Trump administration's position regarding the occupied Palestinian territory.

Clear US Policy Statement

"If it was a political stunt, it was a very stupid political stunt, and I personally take some insult to it," Vance stated regarding the preliminary Knesset vote. He then delivered the administration's definitive position: "The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel. The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy."

Diplomatic Context and Implications

The Vice President's blunt remarks came during his diplomatic mission to reinforce the fragile Gaza ceasefire that took effect earlier this month. The strong language underscores Washington's concern that unilateral actions like annexation moves could destabilize the US-backed peace process and regional normalization efforts, potentially undermining the ceasefire's implementation.

Broader Regional Strategy

Vance's statement aligns with the administration's broader Middle East strategy, which seeks to balance support for Israeli security with maintaining relationships with Arab partners. The explicit rejection of annexation aims to preserve diplomatic space for future negotiations and regional integration projects, which form key components of the Trump administration's approach to Middle East peace.