Will Israel Defy Washington? Annexation Bill Sparks Diplomatic Row

The bill on the annexation of the West Bank, passed in the Israeli Knesset by a one-vote margin, has caused a diplomatic dispute with Washington and threatens to collapse the ceasefire established around Gaza. US Vice President J. D. Vance called the vote a "stupid political trick," while Donald Trump tried to calm the situation, stating that Israel will do nothing with the West Bank. The vote was strongly condemned by Palestine, the EU, Jordan, and Egypt. About 700,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank today.