By LEVI JOHNSON
Washington D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Friday that he will not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, marking a rare public break with a long-standing Israeli ambition.
“It’s not going to happen,” Trump told reporters ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the United Nations. He also hinted that a Gaza peace deal was “pretty close.”
His statement comes amid mounting pressure on Israel from Western allies and international bodies to halt plans for annexation. The question now: will this shift U.S. diplomacy in the region?
Global Pushback Grows
Israel’s annexation ambitions have attracted criticism from multiple corners:
- Western nations, including the UK, France, and Australia, have issued or are moving toward formal recognition of a Palestinian state.
- The United Nations, along with Arab countries, has warned that any annexation would violate international law and regional stability.
- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking via video at the UN, endorsed a French-led peace plan and declared that Hamas has no place in a future Palestinian government.
These developments color Trump’s opposition as part of a broader international push to limit Israeli control over the West Bank.
The Human Cost in Gaza
As political maneuvering intensifies, the war in Gaza continues to exact a heavy toll:
- Palestinian health authorities report more than 65,000 deaths since October 2023, including 18,000 children.
- UN agencies have warned of famine-like conditions, with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies exacerbating the crisis.
- Bombed infrastructure, mass displacement, and economic collapse have left the region on the brink of humanitarian collapse.
Why Trump’s Comments Matter
Donald Trump’s public opposition to annexation is notable for several reasons:
- It signals a potential shift in U.S. policy away from unconditional support for Israel’s territorial expansion.
- It strengthens international arguments against annexation, potentially emboldening diplomatic initiatives for a two-state solution.
- By claiming a peace deal is “pretty close,” Trump is re-entering the diplomatic spotlight in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- It may influence internal Israeli politics, especially among parties favoring annexation versus those prioritizing diplomacy.
Looking Ahead: What Could Happen Next
- Israel may press ahead with annexation plans regardless of U.S. objections, triggering diplomatic rebukes or sanctions.
- The French-led peace plan and UN proposals may gain renewed traction as global momentum shifts.
- Humanitarian and diplomatic pressure could force compromise or pause in military operations, especially in Gaza.
- Trump’s renewed involvement might reconfigure alliances and negotiations among the U.S., Israel, and Arab states.
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