A White House official reiterated Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump opposes Israel annexing the West Bank, saying a “stable West Bank keeps Israel secure” and aligns with the administration’s plans for regional peace.
The official’s comments come after Israel approved a plan to expand oversight and enforcement measures in areas of the West Bank controlled by the Palestinian Authority.
Trump “has clearly stated that he does not support Israel annexing the West Bank,” the official said.
The Israeli security cabinet’s decision is expected to take effect in Areas A and B under Palestinian Authority control, and will include prohibitions on water violations, damage to archaeological sites and environmental hazards. It will also introduce measures to ease the sale of Palestinian land to Jews.
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An illegal outpost, in the West Bank, in 2024. Credit: Olivier Fitoussi
An illegal outpost, in the West Bank, in 2024. Credit: Olivier Fitoussi
The decision drew scrutiny across Europe and the Middle East, with the United Kingdom, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all criticizing the move.
On Monday, the United Kingdom called on Israel to reverse its decision, saying that it “strongly condemns the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision yesterday to expand Israeli control over the West Bank.”
The European Union also condemned the decision, calling it “another step in the wrong direction.”
EU sanctions against Israel, including suspending parts of the EU-Israel trade agreement, are still “on the table,” the statement said, reiterating that measures proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in September came in reaction to Israeli action in the West Bank, in addition to the “daily horrors” in Gaza.
On Tuesday, a German diplomat said the move contravenes Israel’s obligations under international law, calling it a “further obstacle on the path to a two-state solution.”
According to the diplomat, Israel is the occupying power in the West Bank and is prohibited from transferring its civilian population into the territory. It added that transferring administrative powers to Israeli civil authorities undermines the temporary nature of an occupation.