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U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he would not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, following comments from some Israeli cabinet members suggesting such a move would block any possibility of a two-state solution.
"I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "It’s not going to happen."
His remarks came amid renewed tensions over the future of the Palestinian territories, with hardline Israeli officials pressing for steps that would permanently undermine prospects for a negotiated peace.
Trump confirmed that he had spoken by phone with Netanyahu earlier in the day about the ongoing war in Gaza and said he had conveyed his stance directly. He was also asked whether he had assured Arab leaders during meetings at the United Nations this week that he would block any annexation attempt. Trump replied that, regardless of the setting, his position was firm.
"Whether I spoke to him or not—I did—but I’m not allowing Israel to annex the West Bank," he said.
The president’s comments follow increasing pressure from far-right Israeli cabinet members who have called for annexing the territory after several Western countries formally recognized a Palestinian state. Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that he will not permit the establishment of such a state.
Since October 2023, at least 1,044 Palestinians have been killed and more than 10,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and armed settlers, according to figures from the Palestinian Health Ministry.
In July, the International Court of Justice issued a landmark advisory opinion declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and urging the evacuation of settlements in both the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Trump also pointed to ongoing discussions aimed at halting the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023. He said talks were advancing with regional leaders.
"We spoke with Bibi Netanyahu today, and we spoke to all the leaders in the Middle East who are great people, and we’re getting pretty close to having a deal on Gaza and maybe even peace," Trump said.
Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to Washington on Monday for talks at the White House, according to Israeli officials.
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