Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed coalition lawmakers to suspend any legislative initiatives aimed at extending Israeli sovereignty to the occupied West Bank, following sharp criticism from Washington and internal discord within his ruling bloc.
Coalition chairman Ofir Katz announced Thursday that Netanyahu had directed him “not to submit or advance any proposals” related to West Bank annexation “until further notice.” The decision came after several coalition members broke ranks and voted in favor of a bill seeking to apply Israeli law to the territory, according to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth.
The move follows a growing rift between the Israeli government and the United States. In an interview with TIME magazine, U.S. President Donald Trump said he “would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank,” warning that such an action would result in Israel “losing all support from Washington.”
“Annexation is not going to happen,” Trump said, adding that he had assured Arab partners that the United States would block any unilateral Israeli steps in the West Bank.
The Knesset had given preliminary approval on Wednesday to a bill aimed at applying Israeli law to the occupied territory a symbolic but politically charged gesture that triggered swift backlash abroad and within Israel’s own leadership ranks.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking to reporters in Tel Aviv shortly before departing the country, denounced the vote as “a foolish political maneuver” and “a personal insult.” He added that even if the move was largely symbolic, “it was a very stupid one.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also cautioned that the legislative push could jeopardize Trump’s Gaza peace initiative, which led to a fragile ceasefire in the enclave earlier this year. “These internal steps in Israel risk undermining broader regional stability,” Rubio said, urging restraint from the Israeli government.
The developments underscore the delicate balance Netanyahu faces as he navigates pressure from nationalist lawmakers within his coalition and from Washington, whose diplomatic and security backing remains vital amid continuing tensions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Netanyahu’s decision to freeze annexation efforts at least temporarily reflects mounting concern that such moves could isolate Israel internationally and derail U.S.-led plans for postwar arrangements in Gaza.
