Trump Draws Red Line on West Bank Annexation

President Donald Trump publicly declared in Oval Office remarks after meetings with Arab leaders that he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, calling such annexation a "red line" ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s U.N. visit. The statement is a significant blow to Israel’s right-wing and settler leadership, and analysts say it may have been coordinated with Netanyahu to defuse coalition pressure without rupturing bilateral ties. Despite the U.S. warning, settlement expansion — including plans in the E1 area — continues on the ground and is eroding prospects for a contiguous Palestinian state. Israel’s conduct in Gaza has provoked growing international outrage, with several countries recognizing Palestinian statehood, the EU considering measures, and concerns about diplomatic isolation and possible exposure to the International Criminal Court. The situation raises the prospect of a public standoff if Netanyahu defies Washington’s red line, testing U.S. credibility and allied support.