US Warns West Bank Annexation Could Derail Trump Peace Plan at UN Security Council

The US on Monday stated its opposition to any Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank, issuing a warning that destabilising actions in the region could jeopardize ongoing efforts to advance President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

Speaking to the UN Security Council in New York, US representative Jennifer Locetta stated, “As President Trump stated, the United States opposes Israeli annexation of the West Bank.” She added, “Stability in the West Bank is vital for Israel's security and aligns with our goal of achieving peace in the region,” noting Washington's desire to secure the well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians.

The territory was captured by Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and remains under occupation. Settlements constructed within the area are categorized as illegal under international law.

Ms Locetta highlighted that the US shares concerns voiced by other Security Council members regarding economic instability in the West Bank alongside the necessity of expanding economic opportunities for Palestinians. Furthermore, she criticized measures implemented or proposed by certain UN member states directed at businesses functioning in parts of Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank.

“As Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio said, we do not want to see any destabilising activity in the West Bank at this moment, as it could have implications on our ability to make progress with regards to President Trump's Gaza peace plan,” stated Ms Locetta.

Tensions have escalated following announcements by the Netherlands, the UK, France, and Canada regarding sanctions or trade restrictions concerning Israeli settlements. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declared that the diplomatic accreditation of Dutch officials operating in the West Bank would be revoked, while Israel also ordered the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem.

During the UN meeting, Ramiz Alakbarov, acting special co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, labeled Israel’s actions as “creeping annexation,” asserting that it is “unlawful, has no legal effect, and must stop.” He emphasized that Israeli settlements lack legal validity and warned that the E1 settlement plan near Jerusalem would divide the northern and southern West Bank while isolating East Jerusalem.

Mr Alakbarov reported that between June 13 and September 18, Israeli authorities advanced or approved nearly 4,570 housing units in Area C of the West Bank and 3,515 units in East Jerusalem. Additionally, UN figures showed that 536 structures were demolished, seized, or forced to be destroyed by owners, resulting in the displacement of 736 people, including 347 children. He raised concerns that the extent of Palestinian displacement might indicate circumstances prompting questions about ethnic cleansing.

Representing Israel, deputy UN ambassador Noa Furman responded to the council by stating that "Israel condemns all forms of violence" in the occupied West Bank "whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis." She added, "We take these incidents seriously and act against those responsible. But the obstacle to peace has never been those Israeli communities. The fundamental challenge is the absence of a partner committed to peace," pointing to Hamas.