Trump pledges to block Israeli annexation of West Bank in closed-door meeting with Muslim leaders
By isabelle // 2025-09-25
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  • Trump privately vowed to Muslim leaders that he will block Israel’s West Bank annexation plans during a UNGA side meeting.
  • The pledge contradicts pro-annexation voices in his administration and Netanyahu’s hardline coalition pushing for sovereignty.
  • Arab nations warned annexation would collapse the Abraham Accords, calling it a red line for regional stability.
  • Trump’s 21-point peace plan aims to address Israeli and Arab concerns, but skepticism remains over enforcement.
  • U.S. arms supply to Israel remains a critical leverage point, yet no official White House confirmation on the pledge exists.
In a surprising move that could signal a significant shift in U.S. policy, President Donald Trump has reportedly pledged to Muslim leaders that he will not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank. This private assurance, confirmed by six sources to Politico, came during a closed-door meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, creating a potential roadblock for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government as it threatens to absorb the territory. The meeting included leaders from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. According to the report, Trump was firm on the topic, promising that Israel would not be permitted to absorb the West Bank. This pledge was part of a broader white paper presented by the president on ending the war in Gaza, which also included plans for postwar governance and security. This stance may come as a surprise to observers, given that much of the West Bank is already considered de facto annexed under ongoing Israeli control. The reported pledge also contrasts with the views of some officials within Trump's own administration. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has been a passionate advocate for annexation, stating in 2017, "I think Israel has title deed to Judea and Samaria."

Annexation threats and red lines

The context for this discussion is a growing wave of international recognition for a Palestinian state. Following moves by countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Luxembourg, Israeli officials have responded with increased threats of formal annexation. Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently declared that the response to recognition was "sovereignty over the homeland of the Jewish people in Judea and Samaria." These threats have triggered serious warnings from key Arab nations. The UAE has stated that any annexation would be a "red line" and "would severely undermine the vision and spirit of the Abraham Accords." Similarly, Saudi Arabia reportedly sent a message to Israel warning that annexation would have "major implications in all fields." These accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, are a signature foreign policy achievement of Trump's first term. Arab leaders aimed to impress upon Trump that any Israeli incursion into the West Bank would likely lead to the collapse of these very accords. Their message appears to have been received. French President Emmanuel Macron, after meeting with Trump, stated that the U.S. president had assured him annexation was a "red line" for the United States. Macron added that such a move "would be the end of the Abraham Accords."

A path forward or more obstacles?

Special envoy Steve Witkoff provided some details on the U.S. proposal, calling it the "Trump 21-point-plan for peace in the Mideast in Gaza." He expressed hope for a breakthrough, stating, "I think it addresses Israeli concerns and as well, the concerns of all the neighbors in the region." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the meeting with Muslim leaders as "fruitful," but no official readout has been released. However, skepticism remains high. Netanyahu faces intense pressure from the far-right members of his coalition to realize the long-sought goal of annexation. With Israeli elections on the horizon, he may see political opportunity in appealing to hardline supporters. Furthermore, the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the meeting, leaving the official U.S. position unclear. The simplest way to end the conflict, as some analysts suggest, would be for the White House to halt the supply of arms to Israel. The nation is almost entirely dependent on America for its military supplies. Yet, the U.S. continues to send billions in aid, underscoring the complex dynamics at play. While Trump’s reported pledge offers some hope for those seeking to prevent further escalation and annexation, the situation on the ground remains dire. The ongoing violence and the political agendas of all parties involved create a landscape where promises can easily be broken. Will this private assurance translate into public policy and tangible action, or will it become just another unfulfilled promise in a decades-long conflict? Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net Politico.com TheGuardian.com
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