US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Thursday (23) that the Israeli parliament’s (Knesset) vote on bills aimed at expanding Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank could jeopardize the fragile truce established in Gaza.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Thursday (23) that the Israeli parliament’s (Knesset) vote on bills aimed at expanding Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank could jeopardize the fragile truce established in Gaza.
In statements released before leaving for Israel, where he is expected to arrive on Thursday, Marco Rubio said the United States cannot support such initiatives at this time, stressing that they could be “counterproductive” and undermine efforts to maintain peace in the region.
The vote in question took place in the Knesset this Wednesday (22) and approved the consideration of two bills that aim to expand Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, a territory disputed by Israelis and Palestinians. The measure comes in the context of the visit of the vice president of the United States, JD Vance, to Israel, with the aim of supporting the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza.
Rubio, in his statements, stressed that although Israel is a democracy and has the right to vote and discuss these projects, the current moment is not the most appropriate. “I think President Trump has made sure that this is not something we can support at this time,” the secretary of state said.
He also added that if these projects went ahead, they could pose a significant risk to the stability of the ceasefire in Gaza, reached in October 2025 under the plan proposed by Trump.
Even Trump disagrees
Opposition to Israel’s annexation of the West Bank is not an isolated position within the US administration. President Donald Trump himself has expressed opposition to any attempt by Israel to formalize the annexation of the West Bank, a territory widely considered by the international community to be part of the future Palestinian state. This position contrasts with that of the Israeli far right, which advocates the expansion of sovereignty over the West Bank and other occupied areas.
However, Rubio’s visit to Israel comes at a tense time. During his visit, Rubio will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders. The expectation is that he will strengthen the US position on the West Bank issue and, at the same time, continue diplomatic efforts to maintain the truce in Gaza.
According to Rubio, “what we are looking for is to ensure that efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Gaza are not undermined by unilateral measures that could generate further tensions.”
International concern
The Knesset’s decision to analyze the draft laws was greeted with concern by several international sectors, including the European Union and the United Nations, which reiterated their support for the two-state solution and oppose any measure that could undermine this prospect.
The UN, for example, has consistently criticized the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, considering them illegal under international law.
Rubio and Vance’s visit to Israel comes after a period of growing violence in the region and tensions related to compliance with the ceasefire, whose main objectives are the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the reconstruction of the war-ravaged Palestinian infrastructure.
However, negotiations to implement the peace agreement have been difficult, especially due to Hamas’ resistance to disarming its forces and mutual accusations of violating the ceasefire.
Rubio also expressed concern about escalating violence by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The Secretary of State stressed that the United States remains vigilant about any actions that could destabilize international peace efforts, especially at a time when the region needs measures that promote stability rather than further conflict.
With AFP
Source: Terra

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