Vance and Rubio Criticize Israeli Parliament’s Vote on West Bank Annexation
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have voiced strong objections to Israel’s recent parliamentary vote regarding the annexation of the occupied West Bank.
– Context of the Vote: On Wednesday, far-right members of Israel’s Knesset granted preliminary approval for a bill that would extend Israeli law to the West Bank, a territory Palestinians aspire to claim for an independent state.
– Political Reactions:
– Vance characterized the move as a very stupid political stunt at the conclusion of his trip to Israel.
– Rubio echoed concerns before his arrival, suggesting that annexation could jeopardize President Donald Trump’s ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict.
Israeli Government’s Position:
– Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the vote, describing it as a deliberate political provocation from the opposition.
– His office clarified that the right-wing Likud party and its ultra-Orthodox coalition members did not support the bill, apart from one dissident. The statement underscored that without Likud’s backing, the proposed legislation lacks the momentum to progress.
International Law and Settlements:
– Israel has constructed approximately 160 settlements in the occupied West Bank, which accommodate about 700,000 Jewish residents. The population of Palestinians living in the area is estimated at 3.3 million.
– These settlements are deemed illegal under international law, a stance reinforced by an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice last year.
Future of the Bill:
– The annexation proposal passed with a narrow vote of 25-24, but its fate remains uncertain. The bill will require review from the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee and must undergo three additional readings to become law.
– The Palestinian foreign ministry has denounced the Knesset’s actions, emphasizing that Israel cannot assert sovereignty over Palestinian territories.
U.S. Stance on Annexation:
– Rubio reiterated the Trump administration’s opposition to annexation, labeling it counterproductive to peace efforts in Gaza.
– Both Vance and Rubio have expressed optimism about maintaining a ceasefire amidst ongoing tensions, with Vance suggesting, “The West Bank will not be annexed by Israel,” aligning with the administration’s policy.
As discussions continue, both U.S. leaders aim to support moving past symbolic votes toward substantive peace negotiations that address the complexities surrounding the conflict in the region.