Siding with a chorus of concerned diplomats, Donald Trump has announced he will halt any Israeli plan to annex the West Bank. His firm declaration, “It’s not going to happen,” is a victory for European and Arab nations that had engaged in an intense lobbying campaign to prevent a move they believed would be disastrous for the Middle East.
The backdrop for this announcement was mounting anxiety among US allies. Officials from the UK, France, and Australia had privately expressed fears that Trump, in a retaliatory move for their recognition of Palestine, would instead recognize Israeli sovereignty over its West Bank settlements. This prompted a flurry of diplomatic activity.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, who was in New York for the UN General Assembly, now faces the challenge of managing the fallout. His government includes far-right members who have made annexation a key political goal. Trump’s statement effectively forces Netanyahu to choose between placating his domestic allies and heeding the very public directive of the United States.
The West Bank remains a deeply contested territory. The presence of 700,000 Israeli settlers among 2.7 million Palestinians is a constant source of tension. The international community largely considers these settlements a violation of international law and the biggest impediment to a peaceful two-state resolution.
This entire episode is set against the grim reality of the long-running war in Gaza. As the conflict nears its second year, the US is actively promoting a new 21-point peace plan. Trump mentioned recent “very good talks” with regional leaders and expressed hope for a swift resolution that includes the return of hostages and an end to the violence.