Top US diplomat says endorsement of West Bank sovereignty 'might be counterproductive,' US president has 'made clear' annexation 'not something we'd be supportive of right now' The post Headed for Israel,

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that Israel’s plan to advance a bill applying sovereignty in the West Bank risks undermining the Gaza ceasefire deal ahead of his visit to Israel. The Knesset's approval of advancing a bill to apply Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank poses a threat to the Gaza ceasefire deal,

According to the proposal, “the laws, judicial system, administration, and sovereignty of the State of Israel shall apply to all areas of settlement in Judea and Samaria. ” The Knesset approved advancing a bill to apply Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank on Wednesday.

MK Avi Maoz's bill to apply Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria passed in a preliminary reading with a one-vote majority. Likud MK Yuli Edelstein broke with his party to vote for the bill.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made clear Friday that Israel annexing the West Bank would “threaten” peace in the Gaza Strip — after ruling out the US working with the United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency to rebuild the shattered coastal enclave.

"Israel’s population decreased by 29,700 citizens due to emigration; in 2023, by 58,600 people; and in 2024, up to August, by 36,900 Israelis," a Knesset Research and Information Center member said. A report showing a spike in citizens leaving Israel since 2022,