US President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out allowing Israel to annex the West Bank, dismissing calls from far-right Israeli politicians and reaffirming support for a two-state solution.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump told reporters at the Oval Office, adding, “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”
His remarks came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New York to deliver an address to the UN General Assembly. Netanyahu has faced pressure from allies to pursue annexation, raising alarm among Arab leaders, some of whom warned Trump earlier this week of the grave consequences such a move would bring.
Trump’s comments follow recent recognition of a Palestinian state by France, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal, moves Israel has condemned.
Meanwhile, Washington unveiled a 21-point Middle East peace plan aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long Gaza war. Trump said discussions with regional leaders and Netanyahu were ongoing, with hopes for a breakthrough soon.
The conflict in Gaza has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and brought widespread destruction, famine warnings, and growing global condemnation of Israel’s military campaign.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump told reporters at the Oval Office, adding, “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”
His remarks came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New York to deliver an address to the UN General Assembly. Netanyahu has faced pressure from allies to pursue annexation, raising alarm among Arab leaders, some of whom warned Trump earlier this week of the grave consequences such a move would bring.
Trump’s comments follow recent recognition of a Palestinian state by France, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal, moves Israel has condemned.
Meanwhile, Washington unveiled a 21-point Middle East peace plan aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long Gaza war. Trump said discussions with regional leaders and Netanyahu were ongoing, with hopes for a breakthrough soon.
The conflict in Gaza has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and brought widespread destruction, famine warnings, and growing global condemnation of Israel’s military campaign.
