Trump Says He 'Will Not Allow' Netanyahu to Annex West Bank
In a statement made ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly on Friday, US President Donald Trump said he would not permit Israel to annex the occupied West Bank.
"I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank... It's not going to happen," Trump told White House reporters. The president also expressed optimism about a ceasefire deal over the war in Gaza, stating it was "pretty close."
The announcement comes as international pressure mounts on Israel to end its occupation of the West Bank and conflict with Palestinians. In recent weeks, several Western countries have formally recognized an independent Palestinian state.
Netanyahu's governing coalition has faced repeated calls from far-right Israelis to annex the West Bank outright, a move that would prevent the creation of a Palestinian state. However, such a move is widely opposed by the international community, including the UK and Germany, which have warned Israel against annexation.
UN Secretary General António Guterres has described annexation as "morally, legally and politically intolerable." The global outcry against annexation reflects growing concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The US president's statement is significant given his planned meeting with Netanyahu on Monday. Trump's stance on the issue is likely to be closely watched by both Israel and the international community, which has been urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Background on the issue is complex, with competing claims over territory dating back decades. The West Bank has been occupied by Israel since 1967, leading to widespread displacement of Palestinians and ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
The global context for this story is one of increasing international pressure on Israel to end its occupation of the West Bank and conflict with Palestinians. As Western countries recognize an independent Palestinian state, there is growing momentum towards a two-state solution.
In addition to Trump's statement, other key players in the region are also weighing in on the issue. The European Union has called for a halt to settlement expansion in the West Bank, while Arab states have expressed support for Palestinian self-determination.
The current status of the conflict remains volatile, with ongoing violence in Gaza and tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. However, Trump's statement suggests that international pressure is having an impact on Israeli policy.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Netanyahu will respond to Trump's warning. The meeting between the two leaders on Monday is likely to be closely watched by both Israel and the international community.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
