Trump Opposes Israeli Annexation of West Bank Ahead of Netanyahu Talks

President's stance diverges from recent Israeli cabinet actions as leaders prepare for high-level discussions.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump said he opposes Israeli annexation of the West Bank, marking a public divergence from recent Israeli cabinet actions as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for high-level talks in Washington. Trump's remarks come just days before Netanyahu's scheduled visit, where discussions are expected to cover Iran, Gaza ceasefire efforts and broader regional security cooperation.

Why it matters

Trump's explicit opposition to annexation introduces a new variable into U.S.-Israel relations at a sensitive moment. While Netanyahu's upcoming visit is expected to focus heavily on immediate security challenges, Trump's statement underscores broader disagreements over the future of the West Bank and the viability of long-standing diplomatic frameworks intended to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The details

Over the weekend, Israel's security cabinet approved a package of measures aimed at increasing Israeli civil control in the occupied West Bank, including steps that make it easier for Jewish settlers to purchase land and expand settlement activity. The decisions also shift certain administrative authorities in predominantly Palestinian areas from the Palestinian Authority to Israeli bodies. Palestinian officials and international observers have warned that the changes amount to an acceleration of de facto annexation of territory that Palestinians seek for a future independent state.

  • On February 10, 2026, President Trump said he opposes Israeli annexation of the West Bank.
  • Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington in the coming days.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who opposes Israeli annexation of the West Bank.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who is scheduled to visit Washington for high-level talks.

Palestinian Authority

The governing body of the Palestinian territories that is set to lose administrative control in certain areas of the West Bank under the new Israeli measures.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am against annexation. We have enough to think about now. We don't need to be dealing with the West Bank.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Axios)

What’s next

Discussions between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu during the upcoming Washington visit are expected to focus on the West Bank annexation issue, as well as other regional security challenges.

The takeaway

Trump's opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank marks a divergence from the recent actions of Netanyahu's government, underscoring ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Israel over the future of the occupied territories and the prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.