After Intense Lobbying, Trump Says “No” to Israel on Annexation

After a period of intense international lobbying, Donald Trump has said a firm “no” to Israel on the issue of West Bank annexation. His public declaration that he will not permit such a move is a significant victory for European and Arab diplomats who worked to prevent what they saw as a destabilizing action.
This outcome was a relief for allies like the UK and France, who had feared Trump would do the opposite. There was concern that he would recognize Israeli settlements as a punitive measure for their recognition of Palestine. The president’s statement shows he was persuaded by their arguments about the risks involved.
The announcement creates a major political dilemma for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who arrived in New York to this news. He must now manage the disappointment of his far-right coalition partners, who see annexation as a key policy goal, in light of this clear opposition from the United States.
The West Bank remains a flashpoint due to the presence of 700,000 Israeli settlers. These communities, which are illegal under international law, are a primary obstacle to a two-state solution. The recent approval of the E1 settlement plan has only intensified international condemnation.
This development is also linked to a new American push for peace in Gaza. The US has presented a 21-point plan to end the nearly two-year war. Trump expressed hope for a breakthrough, citing productive talks aimed at freeing hostages and establishing a lasting peace to resolve the devastating conflict and its immense human cost.