By Shumaila Aslam
Bureau Chief Pakistan
Scandinavian News Agency
Finland
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that the United States does not believe Israel intends to annex the West Bank, downplaying growing concerns after the Israeli Knesset advanced two controversial bills earlier this week.
Rubio described the move as a โpolitical maneuverโ designed to embarrass U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rather than a genuine policy shift.
The comments come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed debate over Israelโs settlement policies. Washington has repeatedly stated that any unilateral annexation would undermine ongoing peace efforts and destabilize the region.
Rubioโs remarks are seen as an attempt to ease diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Israel, while reaffirming Americaโs continued support for a negotiated two-state solution.
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