Tensions are rising in the Middle East and in Washington after U.S. Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized a symbolic vote in Israel’s parliament supporting the annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank — calling the move, quote, “an insult.”
The vote, which narrowly passed by a margin of 25 to 24, was introduced by hardline members of the Knesset and appeared designed to embarrass Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while Vice President Vance was still visiting the country. The measure remains largely symbolic and is unlikely to become law, as Netanyahu himself has voiced opposition and holds the procedural power to block it.
Before leaving Israel, Vance unveiled additional U.S. plans for the Gaza Strip, including reconstruction efforts expected to begin soon in “Hamas-free” areas. He cautioned, however, that rebuilding the devastated territory could take years.
“The hope,” Vance said, “is to rebuild Rafah over the next two to three years and create housing for up to half a million people.” That would represent about a quarter of Gaza’s prewar population of two million, the vast majority of whom were displaced during last year’s conflict.
According to joint estimates by the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Union, Gaza’s reconstruction could cost around $53 billion. Eight out of every ten buildings there are reported to be damaged or destroyed.
Meanwhile, the Israeli parliament’s vote on annexation has drawn strong international criticism. More than a dozen countries — including Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia — issued a joint statement condemning the move, calling all Israeli settlements in the West Bank a violation of international law.
In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office described the Knesset vote as a “political provocation” aimed at destabilizing his coalition, as he faces growing divisions within Israel’s right-wing parties.
Vance, speaking candidly before his departure, did not hold back. “If this was a political stunt,” he said, “then it’s a very stupid political stunt. I personally take some insult to it.”
He reiterated that U.S. policy under the Trump administration opposes any Israeli annexation of the West Bank — a position welcomed by Palestinian representatives at the United Nations.
Deputy Palestinian Ambassador Majed Bamya told the Security Council that Palestinians, quote, “appreciate the clear message from Washington.”
Despite some factions within Netanyahu’s coalition continuing to advocate annexation, most have scaled back their rhetoric following President Donald Trump’s public opposition last month.
The Palestinians continue to view both the West Bank and Gaza Strip — territories captured by Israel in 1967 — as the basis for a future independent state. Analysts warn that annexing the West Bank would effectively end any remaining hopes for a two-state solution.
While in Israel, Vice President Vance also announced the opening of a new U.S. civilian-military coordination center in southern Israel, where around 200 American troops are working alongside Israeli forces and international partners to stabilize Gaza and coordinate reconstruction.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met with Netanyahu earlier Thursday, said Washington hopes to see trained Palestinian police forces return to Gaza to maintain security once reconstruction begins.
“No one is under any illusions,” Rubio said. “We’ve done the impossible once, and we intend to keep doing it.”
Israeli media have nicknamed the flurry of U.S. diplomatic visits “Bibi-sitting” — a reference to Netanyahu’s longtime nickname and the steady stream of American officials arriving to monitor Israel’s commitments under the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies continue to warn of worsening conditions in Gaza. The World Health Organization confirmed the first medical evacuation since the ceasefire, relocating 41 critical patients and 145 companions for treatment abroad.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged nations to assist roughly 15,000 more patients awaiting evacuation. Officials from the U.N. Population Fund and Oxfam described ongoing shortages of medical supplies, destroyed hospitals, and limited access for aid convoys.
The World Food Program says only two crossings into Gaza are currently open, creating severe congestion for relief trucks. The agency hopes to expand from 36 to 145 distribution centers across the territory in the coming weeks.
As diplomatic tensions mount over Israel’s annexation vote and humanitarian groups struggle to meet Gaza’s urgent needs, Washington’s balancing act between support for Israel and commitment to Palestinian reconstruction faces its toughest test yet.
Reporting by Carl Montel.
