US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
“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.”
Trump’s statement came after he was asked if he had assured Arab and Muslim leaders during a meeting this week in New York that he would block Israeli annexation of the occupied territories.
Asked if he had warned Netanyahu against such moves during a call on Thursday, Trump 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.”
Trump also expressed cautious optimism about a possible deal to end Israel’s war in Gaza and secure the release of captives held by Hamas.
“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.
Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on Monday, according to Israeli officials.
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