Former US President Donald Trump has voiced strong opposition to Israeli leaders’ threats of annexing the West Bank. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump declared, “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, I will not allow it. It’s not gonna happen.” This statement followed a meeting at the United Nations where Trump reportedly discussed the issue with Arab leaders. Turkish President Erdogan indicated a positive meeting with Trump on the matter. Trump’s stance is seen as a significant victory for Arab leaders. Arab and Muslim leaders had previously urged Trump to end the war in Gaza during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, while right-wing members of his cabinet have threatened to annex the West Bank in response to recent recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western countries. Israel has already been escalating its actions in the West Bank. Trump’s statement suggests potential pressure on Netanyahu, despite continued US military and diplomatic aid to Israel. Trump met with eight Arab and Muslim leaders in New York on Tuesday, but no official statement was released after the meeting. Trump later stated that the meeting was successful with all major countries except Israel, and that the next step would be a meeting with Israeli officials.
