Donald Trump has personally intervened to block what many world leaders have described as a “catastrophic” potential move by Israel to annex the West Bank. His clear and direct statement, “I will not allow it,” aligns the White House with the grave warnings issued by a coalition of Arab and European nations who feared such an action would torpedo any remaining hope for peace.
The presidential intervention came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was en route to New York for the UN General Assembly, immediately altering the landscape of his visit. Netanyahu must now address this public roadblock set by his most crucial ally, a move that directly challenges the agenda of his far-right coalition partners.
The intervention followed a significant and successful diplomatic effort by concerned nations. Allies like the UK and France, after recognizing Palestine, were worried about a backlash from Trump. Their concerns, amplified by strong warnings from Arab leaders about regional destabilization, were communicated directly to Trump and appear to have been decisive.
The “catastrophic” scenario they sought to avoid involves the West Bank, where 700,000 Israeli settlers reside on land Palestinians seek for their state. Any annexation would be seen as a final, irreversible step in making a two-state solution impossible, a view underscored by the recent approval of the E1 settlement plan.
This intervention is also part of a wider American diplomatic offensive aimed at resolving the Gaza crisis. The US has circulated a 21-point peace plan among regional powers. Trump’s move on the West Bank could be seen as a confidence-building measure with Arab states, whose support is vital for ending the nearly two-year Gaza conflict.