Israel’s controversial push to annex the occupied West Bank has encountered significant resistance, particularly from its closest ally, the United States. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, stating that Israel would lose all US support if it proceeded with the annexation. This rare red line was drawn during an interview with Time magazine on October 15, though it was only made public on Thursday. Trump emphasized that he had given his word to Arab countries that the annexation would not occur, reinforcing his administration’s stance against such a move. The warning came shortly after the implementation of the Gaza truce plan, which Trump had championed. US Vice-President JD Vance, who was in Israel at the time, echoed Trump’s sentiments, criticizing the Israeli parliament’s advancement of two bills that could pave the way for annexation. Vance described the move as a ‘political stunt’ and reaffirmed the US policy that the West Bank would not be annexed. The international community also condemned Israel’s actions, with over a dozen countries, including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkiye, issuing a joint statement through Saudi state media. They argued that the annexation would violate international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which opposes changes to the demographic and legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories. Despite the backlash, observers note that de facto annexation is ongoing, with over 700,000 Israelis residing in illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The US remains Israel’s primary military and diplomatic supporter, having provided billions in aid during the Gaza conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party boycotted the parliamentary votes, though members of his coalition support annexation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu to discuss the implementation of Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which could be jeopardized by the annexation efforts. Meanwhile, Hamas and Fatah delegations convened in Cairo to discuss the next phase of the US-backed ceasefire plan.