US VP slams Israeli West Bank annexation vote as "insult"

On October 23, U.S. Vice President JD Vance condemned a preliminary vote in Israel’s parliament supporting the annexation of the West Bank, calling it an “insult” and contrary to Trump administration policy. 

The symbolic vote passed narrowly 25-24, but is unlikely to succeed in later rounds or gain full parliamentary support, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

On leaving Tel Aviv, Vance said, “I personally take some insult to it. The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also criticised far-right lawmakers pushing annexation, as Israel navigates fragile coalition politics and regional pressure, including from the UAE.

Vance highlighted U.S. plans for Gaza, noting reconstruction could begin soon in some “Hamas-free” areas but may take years.

“The hope is to rebuild Rafah over the next two to three years, and theoretically you could have half a million people live (there),” he said. Earlier this week, the U.S. opened a civilian military coordination centre in southern Israel to aid Gaza stabilisation.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation reported the first medical evacuations since the ceasefire, with 41 critical patients and 145 companions leaving Gaza. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on nations to help the 15,000 patients still awaiting care.

Israel’s Supreme Court also held a hearing on international media access to Gaza, giving the government 30 days to propose a new position. The Foreign Press Association said it was “unacceptable” that journalists remain blocked from entering the territory.

By Aghakazim Guliyev