Trump Heeds Global Warnings, Rejects West Bank Annexation

Heeding a chorus of global warnings, Donald Trump has rejected any Israeli plan to annex the West Bank. His clear statement that he “will not allow it” suggests that a concerted diplomatic effort by European and Arab nations to prevent a destabilizing move has been successful. The decision aligns the US with the international consensus on this critical issue.
This move allays the fears of key allies like the UK and France, who were concerned that Trump would recognize Israeli settlements as a form of retaliation for their recognition of Palestine. Their lobbying, combined with direct appeals from Arab leaders about the “grave consequences” of such an action, appears to have convinced the president to change course.
For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was arriving in the US as the news broke, the situation is politically challenging. He must now manage the disappointment of his far-right coalition partners, who have made annexation a central policy goal, while also respecting the clear boundary set by his American counterpart.
The annexation debate is rooted in the reality of 700,000 Israeli settlers living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These settlements are widely considered a violation of international law and the primary impediment to a two-state solution. Israel’s approval of the E1 plan, which would bisect the West Bank, has drawn particularly sharp criticism.
This policy shift is also connected to American efforts to mediate an end to the Gaza war. The US has put forward a 21-point peace proposal to key regional players. Trump expressed hope for a resolution, noting “very good talks” with all sides and focusing on the urgent goals of freeing hostages and achieving a lasting peace to end the devastating conflict.