In a recent interview with Time magazine, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Israel, stating that the United States would withdraw its crucial support if Israel proceeds with the annexation of the occupied West Bank. Trump emphasized that such a move would violate his commitments to Arab nations, which have been pivotal in fostering regional stability. ‘It won’t happen. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries. And you can’t do that now. We’ve had great Arab support,’ Trump asserted. He further stressed, ‘Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened.’
Trump also expressed optimism about Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements normalizing relations between Israel and Arab states, by the end of the year. ‘Yes, I do. I do,’ he replied when questioned about Riyadh’s potential involvement. He highlighted the resolution of Israel’s conflicts in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear program as key factors enabling this diplomatic progress.
Additionally, Trump revealed that he is considering whether Israel should release Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian prisoner from the Fatah movement, as part of broader peace efforts. Barghouti’s release has been a contentious issue in recent negotiations.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both cautioned Israel against annexation, with Vance labeling it a ‘very stupid political stunt’ and Rubio warning that such actions could jeopardize the fragile Gaza ceasefire. Despite these warnings, Israeli lawmakers have advanced bills that could pave the way for annexation, raising concerns about the future of U.S.-Israel relations and regional stability.