Chicago – October 23, 2025
U.S. Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Israel’s parliament vote on Wednesday to advance a bill proposing annexation of the occupied West Bank, calling it “a very stupid political stunt” and “an insult.”
Speaking at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport before departing Israel, Vance stated that the vote contradicted the Trump administration’s policy, which opposes annexation of the West Bank. The bill, narrowly approved 25-24, was seen as symbolic and an apparent attempt to embarrass Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Vance’s visit.
Netanyahu himself opposed the measure and directed his party not to support the bills. Vance emphasized that the West Bank would not be annexed by Israel under U.S. policy and warned that such votes could destabilize efforts to maintain the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The Trump administration is focused on implementing a ceasefire and stabilization plan for Gaza, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio also traveling to Israel imminently to support these efforts. Annexation threatens hopes for a two-state solution and risks undermining the U.S.-brokered peace process in the region.
