JERUSALEM, Oct 23: US Vice President JD Vance condemned a recent symbolic vote in Israel’s parliament supporting the annexation of the occupied West Bank, calling it an “insult” and a “stupid political stunt.”
The narrow 25-24 vote, passed by hardliners, was seen as an attempt to embarrass Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes the move and has tools to block it. Vance emphasized that the Trump administration’s policy opposes any Israeli annexation of the West Bank.
The vote highlighted internal tensions within Netanyahu’s coalition amid growing right-wing faction disagreements, particularly following the recent Gaza ceasefire. While many coalition members support annexation, they have stepped back since former US President Donald Trump publicly opposed it.
The United Arab Emirates, a key US and Israeli ally, has also declared annexation a “red line,” as it would severely undermine the prospects of a two-state solution sought by Palestinians.
Vance also detailed US plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, aiming to begin rebuilding “Hamas-free” areas such as Rafah within two to three years, potentially housing up to half a million people. The war in Gaza caused massive destruction, with estimates of over USD 53 billion needed for recovery.
Amid ongoing stabilization efforts, the US opened a civilian military coordination center in southern Israel, involving about 200 US troops working alongside Israeli forces and international delegations. The US is also seeking Gulf Arab support to train a non-Hamas Palestinian police force.
On the humanitarian front, the World Health Organization evacuated 41 critical patients from Gaza since the ceasefire, urging global solidarity to assist the thousands still awaiting medical care.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Supreme Court is reviewing requests to allow international media access to Gaza, which has been blocked since the war began.
The Foreign Press Association criticized the government’s restrictions as “unacceptable,” calling for the border to be opened to journalists. (AP)
