Former President Donald Trump has publicly declared his opposition to any Israeli annexation of the West Bank, stating he “will not allow” such a move to proceed. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by several Western nations.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized his position against territorial expansion by Israel into the occupied territory. “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump told reporters, adding that “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”
The statement arrives as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly, with speculation mounting about potential responses to the diplomatic recognitions of Palestine by the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Canada, and Portugal.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Arab and European leaders have engaged in intensive efforts to prevent any endorsement of West Bank settlements. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister noted that regional leaders had conveyed to Trump the serious consequences of annexation, a message the former president reportedly “understands very well.”
The timing coincides with significant pressure on Netanyahu from far-right factions within his governing coalition who have advocated for extending Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank. Some coalition members have openly stated their objective to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Israeli settlement expansion has continued despite international condemnation, with approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers now living among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Recent approval of the E1 settlement project, which critics say would effectively divide the West Bank and separate it from East Jerusalem, has drawn particular concern.
The developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing Middle East peace efforts, with Trump noting recent discussions with regional leaders about potential agreements concerning Gaza. “We want the hostages back, we want the bodies back and we want to have peace in that region,” Trump said, describing the talks as “very good.”
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic maneuvers continue at the United Nations, where world leaders are gathered for the annual General Assembly session.
