Vice President JD Vance reportedly cautioned Israel’s government Thursday that the Trump administration firmly opposes any move to annex the West Bank, sharply criticizing a preliminary Knesset vote on the issue as “very stupid.” His remarks, delivered as he wrapped up a two-day visit to Israel, underscored Washington’s effort to maintain stability in the region following a recently brokered ceasefire in Gaza.
Israel’s parliament on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to legislation that would extend Israeli civil law to the occupied West Bank, a move widely seen as a step toward annexation. The vote came less than a week after President Donald Trump helped broker an agreement intended to end Israel’s two-year military campaign in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters at Ben Gurion Airport before departing, Vance expressed surprise and frustration at the timing of the vote. “It’s weird,” he said. “I was sort of confused.” The vice president added that Israeli officials had told him the measure was “a political stunt” and “purely symbolic,” but he dismissed that explanation. “It’s still a very stupid political stunt,” he said, adding, “I personally take some insult to it.”
Vance made clear that the administration’s position remains unchanged: “The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel,” he said, according to The Times of Israel. “The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy, and if people want to take symbolic votes they can do that, but we certainly weren’t happy about it.”
The remarks reflect a delicate balancing act for the Trump administration, which has maintained strong support for Israel’s security while urging restraint on moves that could inflame tensions or complicate ongoing peace efforts. The White House has repeatedly emphasized that its goal is to preserve regional stability and secure lasting peace after years of conflict.
Turning to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Vance sounded a cautiously optimistic note. “There are little exceptions that break out here and there,” he said. “That would be expected when these parties have been at war for two years. But so far, the ceasefire is actually holding, the peace is actually holding, and now we’re trying to figure out how to make it stick over the long term.”
Vance highlighted the role of the newly established International Security Force, which he said would “take the lead in disarming Hamas.” He added that Washington was coordinating closely with regional partners — “the Saudis, the Emiratis, the Qataris, and other folks who are going to be involved in this in one form or another.”
“Our message,” he said, “is do whatever you can do to work with us to make this peace stick.”
Vance’s remarks signaled both a reaffirmation of the Trump administration’s pro-Israel stance and a reminder that its support comes with expectations. While backing Israel’s right to defend itself, the administration appears determined to prevent any unilateral action that could undermine its newly brokered peace framework.
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