US President Donald Trump Downplays Israeli Annexation of West Bank
US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that Israel "will do nothing" in the West Bank, after Zionist lawmakers voted in favor of discussing two bills that could pave the way for Israel to extend its sovereignty over Palestinian territories.
When asked by journalists at the White House about his concerns regarding the Knesset vote, Trump said: "Don't worry about the West Bank, Israel will do nothing in the West Bank."
Media reports revealed on Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed not to move forward with the bills aimed at "imposing sovereignty" over the West Bank.
Channel 12 reported: "Within the government coalition, it was announced that the laws on sovereignty in the West Bank would be suspended until further notice."
The Occupation Forces Radio also quoted coalition leader Ofir Katz, stating: "Netanyahu asked me not to advance the promotion of additional bills related to sovereignty in the West Bank."
In a phone interview with Time magazine, Trump also revealed that Israel would lose all US support if it annexed the West Bank.
Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that "the Knesset vote on annexing the West Bank is a first reading and will not move forward without government support," adding that he has not decided to advance the vote date at this stage, as a considerable effort is being made to ensure the success of the Trump plan.
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump downplays Israeli annexation of West Bank
- Israeli lawmakers vote in favor of discussing bills to extend sovereignty over Palestinian territories
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructs not to move forward with sovereignty bills
- Israel would lose US support if it annexes the West Bank, according to Trump
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar states that Knesset vote will not move forward without government support
