In a significant shift, US President Donald Trump publicly declared on Thursday that he would not permit Israel to annex the West Bank. Making his first public remarks on the issue, Trump stated unequivocally to reporters in the Oval Office, “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. It’s not going to happen.” He confirmed that this was the same stance he communicated to Arab and Muslim leaders during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly earlier in the week.
Trump revealed that he had already discussed the matter with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterating, “I’m not allowing Israel to annex the West Bank.” He emphasized that a line had been drawn, saying, “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.” This public announcement comes as a growing number of Western nations, including France, Britain, and Canada, have recently recognized a Palestinian state, a move intended to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.
While the Trump administration had previously conveyed this warning privately, the public declaration is a major blow to annexation advocates within Israel. Following Trump’s reelection, hopes among settler leaders and far-right Israeli politicians for annexing the West Bank had surged. However, without the backing of the United States, such a move is highly unlikely, as it would lack international legitimacy and provoke severe global condemnation. This development also poses a significant political threat to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition government, which relies on far-right partners for whom annexation is a central goal.
Deal in Gaza
Separately, President Trump expressed optimism about progress in Gaza, stating that the US is “close to getting some kind of deal done.” He referenced a “great” multilateral meeting with leaders from eight Arab and Muslim countries, where he presented a 21-point plan for ending the war and establishing a new, non-Hamas governing body for the territory. “A lot was determined in that meeting,” Trump claimed.
Acknowledging that Israel’s agreement is crucial, Trump said, “I have to meet with Israel. They know what I want.” He indicated a willingness to pressure Netanyahu during their scheduled meeting in Washington, adding, “I’m going to have to tell Israel, ‘Let’s go.’” Emphasizing the urgency, Trump noted, “A lot of people are dying,” and reiterated the priority of securing the release of all hostages held in Gaza. As these diplomatic efforts intensified, Netanyahu met with a US envoy in New York ahead of his address to the UN General Assembly.
