Trump: “I Will Not Allow Israel to Annex the West Bank.” “It’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”
Written by b87fm on 09/25/2025
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump made a surprising break from his usual stance on Israel Thursday (Sept. 25), saying he will block any move by Israel to annex the occupied West Bank — a plan that Arab leaders have strongly opposed.
Speaking during the signing of unrelated executive orders at the White House, Trump was direct when asked about recent comments from Israeli officials suggesting they could move to seize parts of the West Bank.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump told reporters. He added, “It’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”
Trump confirmed he’s spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but insisted his stance is firm despite their historically close relationship. The statement comes after mounting pressure from Arab leaders, including the United Arab Emirates, which has warned annexation would be a “red line.”
The timing is significant as more Western powers — including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia — have officially recognized a Palestinian state in recent days, intensifying global calls for peace.
Israel, however, remains under the leadership of Netanyahu’s ultranationalist government, which is facing pressure from coalition allies to deepen control over the West Bank. Unlike Gaza, where the war with Hamas rages on, the West Bank is administered by the Palestinian Authority.
Israel first captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza during the 1967 Mideast war. Palestinians view all three as the foundation for a future state. Today, more than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank across 130 settlements, which much of the international community considers illegal under international law.
As Israel’s military offensive in Gaza intensifies, the divide is growing between Israel and its allies. While the U.S. has rejected calls for Palestinian statehood, countries like Germany have taken partial steps — halting certain military exports to Israel, though stopping short of recognition.
