U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will not allow Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Speaking ahead of the Israeli prime minister's address to the UN General Assembly, Trump stated, I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank ... It's not going to happen. The U.S. president is set to meet Netanyahu on Monday.
As pressure mounts globally for Israel to end its military actions in Gaza and occupation of the West Bank, far-right factions within Israel see annexation as a potential solution to counteract calls for Palestinian independence.
Statements by Western leaders, including from the UK and Germany, have indicated strong warnings against such annexation. UN Secretary General António Guterres described it as morally, legally and politically intolerable. On Thursday, Trump conveyed optimism about potential agreements regarding Gaza, suggesting a peace deal could be on the horizon.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN via video link, discussing collaboration with global players to implement a newly proposed peace plan. He expressed gratitude towards nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood amid ongoing Israeli military operations that have had significant humanitarian impacts.
Trump's discussions at the UN with key Arab and Muslim leaders have underscored concerns over Israel's potential annexation which could yield severe geopolitical ramifications. The situation exacerbates as Israel has recently shut down crossings, further isolating Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
With civilian casualties in Gaza reaching alarming numbers due to ongoing military actions, and international calls for recognizing Palestine gaining momentum, the dynamics between Israel, Palestine, and the U.S. are increasingly complex.
