WASHINGTON D.C, Srot 25, 2025 – President Donald Trump has firmly stated that he will not permit Israel to annex the West Bank, a position he reiterated during a high-level meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders at the United Nations. This declaration marks a significant shift in U.S. policy as part of broader efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Trump’s stance comes after he presented a U.S. plan aimed at ending the Gaza war, which includes key elements such as the release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the territory. The plan also proposes a post-war governance structure without Hamas, involving security forces with Arab and Muslim troops and funding for reconstruction.
Arab leaders, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, have responded with cautious optimism, welcoming the U.S. initiative but stipulating conditions. These include a prohibition on Israeli annexation or occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, no new settlements, and the preservation of the status quo at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque. The leaders’ support is seen as a critical step toward regional stability.
Internationally, Trump’s position aligns with a French-led initiative for a UN-mandated stabilization force in postwar Gaza, which has garnered backing from several nations. However, both Israel and the U.S. have not endorsed this plan, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
This development contrasts with earlier actions during Trump’s administration, which included strong support for Israel, such as recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and relocating the U.S. embassy. The current policy shift reflects a strategic pivot aimed at fostering peace and addressing the complex dynamics of the Middle East conflict.
As discussions continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that balances security concerns with the aspirations for a sustainable peace in the region.