Israel’s Parliament Vote on West Bank Annexation an "Insult," Says Vance

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has criticized a symbolic vote in Israel’s parliament on annexing the occupied West Bank, calling it an “insult” and contrary to Trump administration policy, Renata Brito and Matthew Lee reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The measure, which required only a simple majority of lawmakers present, passed 25–24.

Hard-liners in Israel’s parliament narrowly passed a preliminary vote supporting the annexation of parts of the West Bank—an apparent attempt to embarrass Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while Vance was visiting the country.

The measure, which required only a simple majority of lawmakers present, passed 25–24. It was unlikely, however, to survive multiple rounds of voting or gain a majority in the 120-seat parliament.

Netanyahu, who opposes the bill, also has procedural tools to delay or defeat it.

Before departing Israel, Vance unveiled new details about U.S. plans for Gaza, saying he expected reconstruction to begin soon in some “Hamas-free” areas of the territory.