Trump blocks Netanyahu: No to Israel's annexation of the West Bank

Donald Trump reiterates his opposition to Israel's annexation of the West Bank, the US publication Axios reports, citing White House sources who say that “a stable West Bank keeps Israel safe and is consistent with the Administration's goal of achieving peace in the region.”

Two days ago, at the end of a Cabinet meeting on security, Israel announced its intention to expand its control in the West Bank in areas that, according to the Oslo Accords, should be under the total or partial control of the Palestinian Authority, notes La Repubblica newspaper, according to Rador Radio Romania.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz then confirmed approval of a series of “drastic” policy changes in the West Bank, strengthening Israeli control over the territory, including sensitive sites such as Hebron, and paving the way for further settlement expansion.

The move drew condemnation from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey. London also issued a harsh statement, calling any unilateral attempt to alter the geography or demography of Palestine “unacceptable”.

US President Donald Trump had already declared his opposition following the Knesset vote on the annexation of the West Bank. Vice President JD Vance was very specific, calling it “a stupid political maneuver; I felt personally insulted.” Now, the White House says its position has not changed.

And it's a message that comes at a symbolic time: Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.

The tycoon's position is related to the negotiations for the reconstruction of Gaza, which would be jeopardized by such a drastic measure on the part of Israel: “I gave my word to the Arab countries that the annexation will not take place. And if it happened, Israel would lose all our support,” the US president said in the past.