Trump vows he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank
In the Oval Office during a meeting with Turkish President Erdogan, Trump says he would block annexation as Gaza fighting continues.
President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office on Friday that he would not permit Israel to annex the West Bank, even as Israel continues its campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Speaking during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump told reporters that “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank” and added that “it’s been enough, it’s time to stop now.” He noted that he had spoken earlier in the day with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The remarks come as fighting in Gaza continues and as questions swirl about how far Israel might extend any proposed annexation plans beyond the Gaza Strip. Trump framed the issue as a constraint on expanding Israeli actions, while keeping the discussion in the public eye during a high-profile Oval Office encounter with Erdogan. There was no indication from the remarks that a formal policy change had been announced, and the White House did not publish new guidance in conjunction with the event.
Trump’s comments occurred in the context of ongoing diplomacy over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and amid a broader international focus on the West Bank. The president’s remarks were delivered during a public session with reporters present, with Erdogan seated nearby as the two leaders discussed regional dynamics. The exchange underscored the administration’s effort to address volatile developments in the region while maintaining contact with key allies.
The implementation or reversal of any policy on the West Bank remains uncertain, and there has been no official statement confirming a shift in U.S. stance. The remarks, however, signal a posture critics may interpret as a attempt to limit escalation in the near term. As the Gaza crisis continues to unfold, officials and observers will monitor any further clarifications from Trump or his administration. This is a developing story, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
As the day moves forward, policymakers in Washington will be watching for additional comments from the White House and from Israeli and Palestinian officials about the potential paths forward in a conflict that has drawn in regional and international actors. No immediate policy changes were announced in connection with Friday’s Oval Office remarks, but analysts note that public statements can influence diplomatic dialogue and the framing of future negotiations. Given the sensitive nature of West Bank issues and the volatile security situation in Gaza, leaders in Washington and Jerusalem are likely to continue consultations in the days ahead.
