Donald Trump has issued a definitive statement from the Oval Office, declaring that he will not permit Israel to annex the West Bank. This firm stance comes as a direct rejection of proposals from far-right elements within the Israeli government who advocate for extending sovereignty over the territory, a move that would effectively extinguish the possibility of a future Palestinian state. “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump stated, emphasizing a need for restraint by adding, “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”
The timing of Trump’s declaration is significant, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrival in New York for a speech at the United Nations. Netanyahu’s office indicated that he would hold off on responding until his return to Israel. This development follows a period of high tension, where allies like the UK, France, and Australia feared Trump might recognize Israeli control over the West Bank as a retaliatory measure for their recognition of Palestine.
An intense diplomatic campaign was launched by Arab and European nations to persuade Trump against recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the settlements. These leaders conveyed the potentially “grave consequences” of such a move. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, confirmed that Trump “understands very well” the gravity of the situation, suggesting the lobbying efforts had a significant impact on the US president’s decision-making process.
On the ground, the situation remains complex. Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers reside in the West Bank and East Jerusalem among 2.7 million Palestinians. The continuous expansion of these settlements, deemed illegal by most of the international community, carves up the land Palestinians see as their future state. A particularly controversial plan, known as E1, received final approval in August, threatening to bisect the West Bank and isolate it from East Jerusalem.
This announcement unfolds against the backdrop of a broader American effort to mediate peace in the region. The US has presented a 21-point peace plan to key Middle Eastern nations aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza. Trump mentioned having “very good talks” with regional leaders and Netanyahu, expressing hope for a deal that would secure the return of hostages and establish peace, even as the conflict in Gaza has led to over 65,000 Palestinian deaths and a devastating famine.