Donald Trump stated he will not permit Israel to annex the West Bank. He made these remarks in the Oval Office, emphasizing that “it’s enough. It’s time to stop now.” This statement comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to address the United Nations in New York. Netanyahu’s office said they would comment on Trump’s remarks only after his return to Israel. Prior to this, British officials had expressed concern that Trump might recognize Israeli control over West Bank settlements as retaliation for the UK, Australia, France, and others AO recognizing Palestine. Arab and European leaders were actively lobbying against such recognition. Netanyahu has faced pressure from political allies to annex the West Bank, which has worried Arab leaders who have met with Trump in recent days. Israeli settlements have expanded over the West Bank since the 1967 war, and a controversial settlement plan known as the E1 project, which would further divide the territory, received final approval. About 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed but most countries do not recognize. The international community largely considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegitimate. The US presented a 21-point Middle East peace plan aimed at ending the two-year-long war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The plan was shared with leaders and officials from several Middle Eastern and Asian nations. Trump spoke with representatives from these nations and Netanyahu, emphasizing a desire to secure hostages, return bodies, and establish peace in the region.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/26/trump-says-he-will-not-allow-israel-to-annex-west-bank-after-lobbying-from-allies
