Donald Trump has stated he will not allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The US president told White House reporters ahead of Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly on Friday: I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank... It's not going to happen.
Trump, who will meet Netanyahu on Monday, also claimed a ceasefire deal over the war in Gaza was pretty close.
Israel is facing increasing global pressure to end the conflict and occupation of the West Bank, as numerous Western states begin formally recognizing an independent Palestinian state. Far-right Israelis view annexation as a method to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Ultranationalists in Netanyahu's governing coalition have repeatedly called for outright annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Following calls from leaders of various Western nations, UN Secretary General António Guterres described annexation as morally, legally, and politically intolerable.
Trump remarked on discussions he had with both Netanyahu and other Middle Eastern leaders, indicating growing proximity to a Gaza ceasefire agreement and possible peace resolution. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also expressed his willingness to engage in peace efforts during his virtual appearance at the UN General Assembly.
In the backdrop, Israel's recent military actions in Gaza have drawn condemnation amid reports of significant civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions. The situation remains tense as various nations and organizations weigh in on the potential territorial changes within Israel and the Palestinian territories.
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