President Donald Trump said Thursday he will not permit Israel to annex the West Bank, describing the move as a “red line” in ongoing Middle East diplomacy. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump confirmed he raised the issue directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding, “It’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”
The statement follows the U.S. administration’s presentation of a 21-point peace plan to Arab leaders earlier this week, aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. The proposal includes the release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, a framework for governing Gaza without Hamas, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
Regional leaders broadly welcomed elements of the plan but emphasized additional conditions, including maintaining Jerusalem’s status quo, ending hostilities in Gaza, expanding humanitarian aid, and halting Israeli settlement activity. Crucially, Arab officials stressed opposition to any annexation of the West Bank.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Trump “understands very well the risks and dangers” of annexation. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the view, warning it would unravel the Abraham Accords. He said both Europe and the U.S. now view annexation as incompatible with any sustainable peace.
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