Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Israel’s preliminary Knesset vote to extend Israeli law to the West Bank, calling the move “insulting to the U.S.” and “very stupid” during a two-day visit to the country. Speaking at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, Vance reiterated the Trump administration’s stance that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel, stating, “The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel.”
The Knesset had given preliminary approval to a bill on Wednesday aimed at extending Israeli law to the occupied West Bank, a move widely viewed as a step toward de facto annexation. Vance described the vote as a “political stunt” and “purely symbolic,” but emphasized its negative implications, saying, “I personally take some insult to it.”
Vance also addressed the Gaza ceasefire, noting that both sides were adhering to the agreement with only minor exceptions. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other partners to stabilize the region, urging continued collaboration to ensure lasting peace.
