UPDATE: US Vice President JD Vance has just announced that the Biden administration will oppose any attempts by Israel to annex the West Bank. Speaking from Tel Aviv earlier today, Vance criticized a recent Israeli parliamentary vote on applying Israeli law to the region, labeling it a “political stunt” and emphasizing that such annexation “will not happen.”
The legislative proposal, which gained preliminary approval on October 22, 2025, aims to formalize Israeli control over the territory captured in the 1967 Middle East war. Vance’s comments come amid heightened tensions as US officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio caution that these moves could undermine President Donald Trump‘s fragile peace efforts in the Gaza Strip, where a tenuous ceasefire has been established following two years of brutal conflict.
Vance stated, “The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel. The policy of President Trump is that the West Bank will not be annexed. This will always be our policy.” His remarks were made during a visit intended to bolster the ongoing truce between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has resulted in severe casualties—over 68,000 fatalities reported in Gaza since the conflict escalated.
In response to Vance’s statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that the government would delay any further voting on annexation to ensure the success of Trump’s multi-stage plan aimed at stabilizing the region and promoting reconstruction efforts.
The urgency of Vance’s visit and his comments reflect the strained dynamics of US-Israel relations, especially following the October 7 assault by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel. As the ceasefire remains fragile, both sides have exchanged blame for violations, complicating efforts to maintain peace.
Senior US officials, including Rubio, have been actively engaging with Israeli leadership to support the implementation of Trump’s 20-point plan, which aims to facilitate governance and potential steps toward Palestinian statehood. Vance expressed optimism about the ceasefire, stating he “feels pretty good” after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The urgency of the situation is heightened by ongoing tensions, and the Israeli Supreme Court is currently reviewing a request to allow international media access to the Gaza Strip, which has been under a blockade since the conflict began. The court has given the Israeli government 30 days to respond to this issue.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on how the US will navigate its critical role as a mediator in the region, especially with the looming challenges surrounding the West Bank and Gaza. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
