Donald Trump has drawn a clear line in the sand with Israel over the future of the West Bank, stating that he will not allow its annexation. This forceful declaration from the White House signals a limit to US support for Israeli policies and directly confronts the agenda of the Israeli far-right.
The timing of the statement, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving in the US, has heightened its significance. Netanyahu is now in the difficult position of having his government’s ambitions publicly challenged by his most crucial ally.
Trump’s decision was heavily influenced by a successful lobbying campaign from international partners. European allies, after recognizing Palestine, were concerned about a potential backlash from the US. Their diplomatic efforts, combined with warnings from Arab nations about regional chaos, appear to have been persuasive.
The West Bank is the geographical heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The presence of 700,000 Israeli settlers has created a complex reality that many believe makes a contiguous Palestinian state impossible. The international community overwhelmingly condemns the settlements as a violation of international law.
This major policy directive is also part of a wider US strategy focused on ending the Gaza war. The administration is promoting a 21-point peace plan to resolve the nearly two-year conflict. Trump spoke optimistically about the prospects for a deal, emphasizing his goals of returning hostages and achieving regional peace.