A White House official stressed on Monday that US President Donald Trump opposes any Israeli move to annex the West Bank, stressing that stability in the region is essential to Israel’s security and in line with the US administration’s agenda to achieve regional peace.
The statement came after Israel approved a plan to expand surveillance and enforcement measures in areas of the West Bank under Palestinian Authority control.
The Trump administration has reiterated its position that annexing the West Bank would not contribute to long-term stability, but rather risk undermining regional security and prospects for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The Israeli security cabinet’s decision is expected to be implemented in Areas A and B, which are under Palestinian Authority administration.
The measures include enforcement of violations related to water resources, protection of archaeological sites and the environment, in addition to introducing a mechanism to facilitate the sale of Palestinian-owned land to Jews.
The move sparked a strong international backlash, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, with the United Kingdom, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates criticising the decision.
The United Kingdom urged Israel to withdraw the decision, while reiterating its strong condemnation of Israel's expansion of control over the West Bank.
The European Union also voiced its opposition, describing the move as another step in the wrong direction in the search for a peace settlement.
The bloc said discussions on sanctions against Israel, including the possible suspension of parts of the EU-Israel trade agreement, were ongoing.
The previously proposed measures were seen as a reaction to developments in the West Bank and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
A German diplomat described the decision as a breach of Israel's obligations under international law and a major obstacle to a two-state solution.
He said Israel, as the occupying power in the West Bank, was prohibited from transferring its civilian population to the territory, while transferring administrative powers to Israeli civil authorities risked undermining the temporary nature of the occupation and triggering wider geopolitical implications.
