At a pivotal meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations, President Donald Trump told Arab and Muslim leaders that he would not allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the West Bank, which is a bold promise aimed at maintaining regional stability and preserving the historic Abraham Accords. The message, given strongly behind closed doors, demonstrates Trump’s commitment to strike a balance between unwavering US support for Israel and a vision for Middle East peace that includes Arab allies at the table.
A Clear Stand Against Annexation
According to six people involved with the conversations, Trump said that Israel would not be permitted to absorb the West Bank, which is still governed by the Palestinian Authority. Two attendees described the president as “unusually firm,” indicating that annexation would be a red line for Washington.
While Trump has consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, this recent attitude represents a substantial intervention in a dispute that threatens to destabilise both regional relationships and Trump’s greatest foreign policy success, the Abraham Accords.
The Trump 21-Point Plan
Special envoy Steve Witkoff unveiled a part of the “Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Middle East,” which encompasses government, military security, and a long-term ceasefire strategy. While Witkoff was silent about the West Bank annexation, insiders verified that the vow was part of the package provided to leaders.
Trump’s detailed plan sends a message that his administration is actively determining the endgame of the nearly two-year-long fight with Hamas, rather than simply reacting to crises.
Arab Leaders Cautiously Encouraged
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan praised the gathering as “fruitful” in a Fox News interview, while others there indicated that Trump’s message was met with cautious relief. For Arab leaders, Trump’s approach provides a ray of hope amid fears that an Israeli move on the West Bank may destabilise the Abraham Accords and spark wider violence.
Many countries in the region have already warned that annexation would end prospects for a two-state solution and impede Israel’s progressive absorption into the Middle East.
Balancing Israel and Arab Allies
Trump’s challenge is in maintaining a relationship with Netanyahu, who is under increasing pressure from hardliners within Israel to annex the West Bank, while simultaneously defending America’s credibility as a peace broker. With Israeli elections approaching and more than 64,000 Palestinians reported murdered in the ongoing conflict, Netanyahu is under pressure to pander to his nationalist base.
However, Trump’s strong opposition to annexation demonstrates his willingness to fight back even against Israel when US strategic interests and hard-won peace treaties are at stake.
Looking Ahead
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Monday, and all eyes will be on whether the president doubles back on his red line. For Trump, the stakes are enormous: preserving the Abraham Accords, preventing escalation, and sealing his reputation as the only US president brave enough to keep Israel close while keeping the Arab world involved.
