Credited from: ALJAZEERA
US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Israel, asserting that it would lose significant backing from the United States if it proceeded with annexing the West Bank. His comments followed a preliminary vote in the Israeli Knesset regarding two bills aimed at applying Israeli sovereignty to the territory, which Palestinians aspire to include in a future state. Trump remarked, "It won't happen. It won't happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries," signaling a strong stance against the politicization of land claims amid ongoing peace negotiations, according to Channel News Asia and Le Monde.
Vice President JD Vance, while on a visit to Israel, echoed Trump's sentiments, labeling the Knesset's vote as “a very stupid political stunt.” He expressed discontent, saying, “I personally take some insult to it,” emphasizing that the Trump administration's policy unequivocally states that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. This sentiment reflects a broader strategy to ensure stability in the Middle East amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza region, according to Africa News and India Times.
Following the initial parliamentary vote, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, warned that annexation activities could significantly jeopardize the fragile ceasefire established between Israel and Hamas. Reports indicate that the US administration is determined to prevent any advancements in these bills, urging Israeli leadership to reconsider actions that might escalate tensions further, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed Trump's rejection of the annexation moves, calling on the president to continue his efforts for achieving security and stability in the region. They view the potential annexation as detrimental to the prospects of a two-state solution, a stance echoed by statements from prominent Palestinian officials, indicating a commitment to their national identity amidst increasing Israeli control, according to Anadolu Agency.
The Knesset's votes on these bills, while backed by far-right legislators, face significant hurdles going forward, particularly in light of the US's firm opposition. Netanyahu's Likud party largely boycotted the vote, indicating internal divisions regarding the annexation strategy. The developments underscore the complex interplay of local political ambitions and international diplomatic pressures in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as reported by Anadolu Agency and Channel News Asia.