U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that he would not permit Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, addressing growing concerns over a proposal that has drawn sharp criticism from Arab leaders and key U.S. allies. The statement came amid reports that Israeli officials have recently suggested expanding control over parts of the territory, a move seen as a response to several nations, including the United Kingdom and Canada, formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.
The West Bank, home to nearly 3 million Palestinians, has been a focal point of regional tensions for decades. Trump emphasized that such annexation would 'undermine stability' in the Middle East, aligning with warnings from Arab states that unilateral actions could derail peace efforts. Analysts note the announcement marks a rare moment of divergence between the U.S. and Israel, which have historically maintained close ties.
Global reactions remain divided, with human rights organizations applauding the stance while some Israeli lawmakers argue the move contradicts prior agreements. The Biden administration has yet to comment on Trump’s remarks, leaving observers to speculate on the long-term implications for U.S. foreign policy in the region.
