U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has raised alarms over Israel's push to annex parts of the West Bank, warning it could derail President Trump's fragile Gaza ceasefire plan. The move comes as tensions simmer in the region, with global eyes on Middle East diplomacy. 🌍
Knesset Vote Sparks Concern
A bill applying Israeli law to the occupied West Bank—seen as a step toward annexation—cleared its first parliamentary hurdle this week. Rubio called the Knesset vote 'potentially threatening' to Trump's 20-point peace roadmap, which aims to end the Gaza conflict. 'That's not something we'd support right now,' he told reporters before flying to Israel.
High-Stakes Diplomatic Shuttle
Rubio's visit follows Vice President JD Vance's meetings with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders this week. Both U.S. officials are scrambling to stabilize a shaky truce between Israel and Hamas, with Vance set to wrap talks Thursday. Meanwhile, Trump's team—including Jared Kushner—held closed-door meetings with UAE officials to shore up regional support.
Settlements: The Powder Keg
Over 700,000 Israeli settlers now live in West Bank communities deemed illegal under international law. While Netanyahu's coalition didn't back the annexation bill, its narrow 25-24 approval highlights deepening divisions. The UAE, which normalized ties with Israel via Trump's 2020 Abraham Accords, called annexation a 'red line,' signaling growing Arab unease.
As settlement expansion accelerates under Israel's right-wing government, analysts warn the clock is ticking for lasting peace. Will Trump's plan survive the political landmines? Stay tuned. ⏳
