(MENAFN) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday cautioned that Israel’s recent steps toward annexing parts of the occupied West Bank may “threaten” the Gaza ceasefire deal put forward by President Donald Trump.

“I think the president’s made sure that’s not something we can be supportive of right now. And we think that's even threatening to the peace deal,” Rubio told reporters ahead of his departure for Israel.

“They’re a democracy. They’re going to have their votes. People are going to take these positions. But at this time, we think it might be counterproductive,” he added.

The warning followed Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, approving two annexation-related bills in a preliminary reading on Wednesday. Both drafts still require three additional readings before they can become law.

The vote took place despite opposition from President Trump, who last month stated that annexation of the West Bank would not be permitted. It also coincided with US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Israel, aimed at supporting the Gaza ceasefire, which has been in effect since October 10.

Experts note that annexing the West Bank would effectively make a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as outlined in UN resolutions, impossible to implement.

Since October 2023, violence in the West Bank has intensified, with over 1,056 Palestinians killed, more than 10,300 injured, and upwards of 20,000 detained, according to Palestinian sources.

In July, the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and called for the removal of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The first stage of the 20-point Gaza ceasefire, agreed earlier this month between Israel and Hamas under Trump’s plan, involves the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. It also includes reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the creation of a new governing structure without Hamas.

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