U.S. President Donald Trump publicly reaffirmed his opposition to any formal annexation of the occupied West Bank by Israel, as tensions rise over new Israeli government measures that critics say effectively tighten control over the territory claimed by Palestinians for a future state. A White House official said the president does not support annexation, stressing that a stable West Bank is crucial both for Israel’s security and for broader regional peace efforts.
The remarks came amid international backlash after Israel’s security cabinet approved a package of actions that expand settlement activity and transfer administrative authority in parts of the occupied Palestinian territory — moves seen by many observers as edging toward de facto annexation. These changes have drawn criticism from Arab states, the European Union and the United Nations, which warn they undermine the viability of a two-state solution.
Trump, who is preparing to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, declined to support the annexation agenda during a recent interview, saying that the United States should be focusing on other priorities and that he is against annexation of the West Bank.
The U.S. stance contrasts with actions on the ground and reflects ongoing debate within the international community about how best to address the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
news as reported.
