‘Time to stop now’: Trump says ‘won’t allow’ Israel’s plan to annex West Bank

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, even though the Jewish nation continues to remain one of the most prominent allies of the United States. The remarks from the American leader came amid threats by some of the Israeli cabinet members to annex the Palestinian territory, to kill the two-state solution.

“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “No, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen.” The president’s response came when he was asked whether he had promised Arab leaders during a meeting at the United Nations this week that he would prevent any annexation.

In the midst of all this, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged not to allow a Palestinian state, as several European nations formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Asked whether he had warned Netanyahu against such a move when they spoke earlier Thursday, he said: “Yeah, but I’m not going to allow it.

“Whether I spoke to him or not – I did, but I’m not allowing Israel to annex the West Bank. There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now,” he averred.

Trump optimistic about Gaza deal

While speaking to reporters, Trump also expressed optimism about a Gaza deal amid a growing push to end the war and free hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas since their Oct 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

“We spoke with Bibi Netanyahu today, and we spoke to all the leaders in the Middle East who are great people, and we’re getting pretty close to having a deal on Gaza and maybe even peace,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu is due to speak at the United Nations General Assembly. While heading to New York City, he also pledged to dismantle the two-state solution. The Israeli premier is also due to visit the White House on Monday.

With inputs from agencies.