Donald Trump has decisively thwarted the long-held “dream” of the Israeli far-right to annex the West Bank, declaring that such a move “is not going to happen” with him in the White House. This intervention serves as a major blow to ultra-nationalist politicians in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, who believed they were on the verge of achieving their ultimate political goal.
The president’s statement came as Netanyahu was arriving in New York, casting a long shadow over his visit to the United Nations. The Israeli leader now faces the unenviable task of explaining to his most fervent supporters, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, why their agenda has been vetoed by their most powerful ally. Smotrich had previously celebrated actions he believed were “erasing” the possibility of a Palestinian state.
Trump’s decision was heavily influenced by a robust and well-coordinated lobbying campaign from a host of international partners. European allies, nervous about a potential US retaliation for their recognition of Palestine, joined Arab leaders in warning of the “grave consequences” of annexation. This concerted effort successfully shifted the calculus in Washington.
The West Bank itself remains the epicenter of the conflict, with its 700,000 Israeli settlers and 2.7 million Palestinians. The expansion of settlements, particularly through strategic projects like the E1 plan designed to divide Palestinian territory, is seen by the world as a direct assault on the viability of a future Palestinian state.
This move to thwart the Israeli right is also strategically linked to the ongoing US effort to broker a peace deal in Gaza. By demonstrating a willingness to stand up to Israeli hardliners, Trump may be trying to enhance his credibility as a more balanced mediator in the eyes of the Arab world, whose cooperation is needed to end the devastating, nearly two-year-long war.