By Manisha Sahu, America News World
September 26, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn a firm red line in Middle East politics by stating unequivocally that he will not permit Israel to annex the occupied West Bank. His remarks, delivered during a press interaction, underscore a rare point of alignment between the United States and Arab leaders, many of whom have voiced strong opposition to Israel extending sovereignty over Palestinian territories.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” President Trump said on Thursday when asked about recent Israeli discussions suggesting potential annexation of parts of the territory. His blunt response came amid heightened speculation in Israel, where officials have floated the possibility of asserting control over certain areas in reaction to renewed global momentum toward recognizing a Palestinian state.
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The West Bank, captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, has long been at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Israel has expanded settlements in the territory over the decades, the international community— including close U.S. allies such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada— continues to regard the West Bank as occupied land. Calls to establish a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital often cite the territory as essential.
Trump’s remarks come at a delicate time. In recent weeks, several nations have taken steps to recognize Palestinian statehood, renewing pressure on Israel to respond. Israeli leaders, in turn, hinted at annexation as a countermeasure, prompting alarm across Arab capitals and beyond. Trump’s firm dismissal of such a move sends a strong diplomatic signal not only to Israel but also to the broader Middle East.
Arab leaders, who have consistently warned against annexation, welcomed the U.S. President’s remarks. For countries like Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, annexation is seen as a direct threat to regional stability and a fatal blow to the two-state solution. Trump’s stance may help ease tensions at a time when the region remains volatile due to conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon.
“The rejection of annexation is vital for peace,” said a senior diplomat from the Arab League, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We hope the U.S. will follow through on these words by encouraging serious negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.”
While President Trump has often been described as one of Israel’s strongest allies, his refusal to back annexation reflects Washington’s enduring strategic calculus in the Middle East. Annexation could destabilize alliances, alienate Arab partners, and further complicate America’s role as a mediator in the conflict.
Analysts also note that Trump’s statement highlights the fine balance the U.S. must maintain between its unwavering support for Israel’s
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