Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United Nations has been overshadowed by a powerful statement from his staunchest ally, Donald Trump, who has publicly rejected any Israeli plan to annex the West Bank. Trump’s declaration that “it’s not going to happen” places Netanyahu in a difficult political position, caught between the demands of his far-right coalition partners and the explicit directive of the United States. The Prime Minister’s office has deferred comment until his return to Israel.
This development serves as a major setback for ultra-nationalist figures in Netanyahu’s government, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have been aggressively pushing for annexation to eliminate any possibility of a Palestinian state. Trump’s intervention effectively sides with the broad international consensus that opposes such a unilateral move, creating a potential rift in the US-Israel relationship on this critical issue.
The US President’s decision follows significant pressure from both European and Arab nations. Leaders from these countries had engaged in a robust lobbying campaign, warning the Trump administration that recognizing Israeli control over settlements would destabilize the region. Fears were particularly high among allies like the UK and France, who worried Trump might act punitively after they recognized Palestine.
The physical reality on the ground in the West Bank underscores the high stakes of the annexation debate. Over the years, Israeli settlements have grown to house approximately 700,000 people, creating facts on the ground that severely complicate the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state. The recent final approval of the E1 settlement plan further inflamed tensions, as it threatens to sever the West Bank from East Jerusalem.
While this diplomatic drama unfolds, the US is simultaneously attempting to broker an end to the nearly two-year war in Gaza. A comprehensive 21-point peace plan is now on the table, having been presented to key regional powers. Trump spoke of constructive conversations aimed at securing the release of hostages and achieving peace, offering a glimmer of hope amidst a conflict that has caused widespread destruction and a staggering loss of Palestinian lives.