News|Occupied West BankVance criticises Israeli parliament vote on West Bank annexationUS Vice President Vance decries ‘political stunt’, says Trump would not back annexation of occupied West Bank.
## Israeli Annexation of West Bank: Recent Developments
Israeli Annexation of West Bank: Recent Developments
A bill proposing the application of Israeli law to the West Bank, effectively annexing the territory, received preliminary approval from Israeli lawmakers on Wed, Oct 22, 2025. This move is significant as the West Bank is claimed by Palestinian leaders for a future independent state.
US Vice President JD Vance stated that President Donald Trump opposes the annexation of the West Bank, describing the legislative move as a "stupid political stunt." Vance emphasized that US policy under Trump does not support the annexation of the West Bank.
The bill is sponsored by Avi Maoz of the Noam party and supported by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. It passed with a narrow margin of 25-24 among 120 lawmakers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office labeled the vote a "deliberate political provocation" aimed at creating division during Vance's visit. The Likud party, led by Netanyahu, did not support the bill, indicating that without their backing, the bill's progress is uncertain.
A bill proposing the application of Israeli law to the West Bank, effectively annexing the territory, received preliminary approval from Israeli lawmakers on Wed, Oct 22, 2025.
Despite the legislative developments, de facto annexation continues with the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Over 700,000 Israelis reside in settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, as stated by the International Court of Justice in 2024.
The UN reports over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the conflict commenced on Oct 7, 2023. Additionally, the region has experienced 757 settler attacks in the first half of 2025, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.
The US maintains a strong alliance with Israel, with the Trump administration holding significant influence. However, past considerations of annexation have been shelved following objections from President Trump.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel, supporting the implementation of Trump's Gaza plan, which includes reconstruction and governance strategies for the enclave. This plan aims to facilitate steps towards Palestinian statehood.
The international community, including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkiye, and other Muslim-majority nations, has condemned the recent vote for annexation.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
