Citing a need for restraint, Donald Trump has announced he will block any Israeli move to annex the West Bank. “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now,” the president stated, a clear message to the Israeli government and its far-right supporters that the US will not endorse such a controversial action.
The announcement was timed to coincide with the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York, ensuring it would be a central topic of his visit. Netanyahu must now navigate this public call for restraint from his most powerful ally while dealing with a domestic coalition that favors expansion.
Trump’s position is seen as a direct result of a successful international lobbying campaign. European allies, concerned about a potential US retaliation for their recognition of Palestine, had urged caution. Their voices were joined by Arab nations, who warned of the “grave consequences” of annexation.
The core of the issue is the future of the West Bank, where 700,000 Israeli settlers live. These settlements, which most of the world considers illegal, have been a persistent obstacle to a two-state solution. The recent approval of the E1 settlement plan has further inflamed tensions.
This major policy statement is also part of a wider American strategy focused on resolving the Gaza conflict. The US is championing a 21-point peace plan to end the nearly two-year war. Trump spoke optimistically about the prospects for a deal, emphasizing his goals of returning hostages and achieving regional peace.