Jerusalem, Oct 23 (AP) – US Vice President JD Vance criticized a recent vote in Israel’s parliament regarding the annexation of the occupied West Bank, labeling it an “insult” and contrary to the policies of the Trump administration.

On Wednesday, hard-liners in the Israeli parliament narrowly approved a symbolic preliminary vote supporting the annexation of the West Bank, seemingly aimed at embarrassing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Vance’s visit. The bill passed with a slim 25-24 margin, requiring only a simple majority of lawmakers present. However, it is unlikely to progress through multiple voting rounds to become law, as Netanyahu opposes it and possesses tools to delay or defeat the proposal.

Before departing from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, Vance remarked that if the Knesset’s vote was merely a “political stunt,” it was a “very stupid political stunt.” He expressed personal insult at the vote, reiterating that the Trump administration’s policy opposes the annexation of the West Bank. Netanyahu faces challenges in maintaining his coalition government, with tensions rising among right-wing factions dissatisfied with recent ceasefire agreements and the security compromises they entail.

While many members of Netanyahu’s coalition, including the Likud party, support annexation, they have tempered their calls since President Trump expressed opposition to such actions last month. The United Arab Emirates, a significant ally in the peace process, has declared that any annexation would be a “red line.” The Palestinians aspire to establish an independent state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza Strip, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war. Annexation would severely undermine the prospects for a two-state solution, which is widely supported globally.

In addition to the political developments, Vance provided updates on US plans for Gaza, indicating that reconstruction efforts are expected to commence soon in areas free from Hamas control. He cautioned that rebuilding after the extensive destruction caused by the two-year war could take years, with hopes to rebuild Rafah within two to three years, potentially accommodating half a million residents. The war has resulted in significant devastation, with the UN estimating approximately 61 million tonnes of debris generated in Gaza.

The World Bank, UN, and European Union have projected that the reconstruction costs could reach around USD 53 billion. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has led to the deaths of at least 68,280 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Israel has disputed these figures without providing its own casualty count.

Earlier in the week, Vance announced the establishment of a civilian military coordination center in southern Israel, where approximately 200 US troops are collaborating with the Israeli military and delegations from other nations to plan stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The US is also seeking support from allies, particularly Gulf Arab nations, to form an international stabilization force for Gaza and to train a Palestinian security force.

In Gaza, the need for medical care remains critical. The World Health Organization reported the first medical evacuation since the ceasefire began on October 10, successfully evacuating 41 critical patients and their companions. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged nations to assist the 15,000 patients still awaiting medical care outside Gaza. UN Population Fund officials described the dire conditions in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced in providing healthcare amidst widespread destruction.

On the judicial front, Israel’s Supreme Court held a hearing regarding the potential reopening of Gaza to international media, granting the state 30 days to present a new stance in light of the ceasefire. The Foreign Press Association has called for the government to allow journalists access, expressing disappointment at the current restrictions. Palestinian journalists have faced severe limitations and dangers while covering the conflict, with many casualties reported among them.