Donald Trump has sent a clear message to Israel’s right-wing: there will be no annexation of the West Bank on his watch. The president’s declaration that “it’s not going to happen” serves as a powerful deterrent to the ultra-nationalist factions in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government who have been pushing for the move.
The statement was made just as Netanyahu was arriving in New York for a UN address, ensuring it would be a major topic of discussion. Netanyahu is now under pressure to respond to his most important ally’s public opposition, especially since members of his own coalition have been vocal advocates for annexation.
This American position shift follows a period of intense diplomatic maneuvering. European allies like the UK and France, along with Australia, had been deeply concerned. They feared Trump would use the recognition of Israeli control over West Bank settlements to punish them for their recent recognition of Palestine. Their lobbying, combined with that of Arab nations, appears to have been persuasive.
At the heart of the matter are the Israeli settlements, home to some 700,000 Israelis in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These settlements, which most of the world deems illegal, have expanded significantly since 1967, creating a complex and fragmented map that challenges the viability of a two-state solution.
This development is occurring as the US ramps up efforts to resolve the nearly two-year Gaza war. A 21-point peace plan is being reviewed by key regional actors, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. Trump suggested that progress was being made, telling reporters that after talks with both sides, he was hopeful for a deal that would secure the release of hostages and bring an end to a conflict that has killed over 65,000 Palestinians.
