Trump claims he’s against West Bank annexation, even as Israel advances a policy he asked them not to touch

President Trump said he opposes recent Israeli steps toward annexation in the occupied West Bank, reiterating that he is against the policy despite moves by Israel’s Security Cabinet that many view as a step toward de facto annexation. The story gained traction after being reported by Axios, which detailed the apparent disconnect between the administration’s position and Israel’s actions.

Asked directly about the cabinet’s decision, Trump declined to address specific measures but made his position clear. “I am against annexation,” he said, adding that the timing for such a move was poor given other global priorities and saying the U.S. did not need to be dealing with the West Bank now.

His comments came just days after Israeli officials advanced policies that significantly expand Israeli control in the territory, including in areas currently administered by the Palestinian Authority. In the broader U.S. political noise, discussions like the independent Senate candidate’s claim that he doesn’t know who Chuck Schumer is after taking his money shows how divided American politics remain on domestic and foreign policy fronts.

The move puts Washington and Jerusalem at odds

The measures approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet on Sunday extend Israeli authority deeper into the West Bank and are seen by critics as violating the Oslo Accords. Among the changes are policies that make it easier for Jewish settlers to purchase land and streamline the process for Israeli police to demolish homes in areas under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction.

U.S. officials told Axios they are reviewing the implications of the decision, with one White House official stressing that stability in the West Bank is viewed as essential to regional security and broader peace efforts. The administration has framed de-escalation as a priority, arguing that unrest in the territory undermines both Israeli security and diplomatic goals. This comes as other U.S. political divisions play out in the news cycle, such as the story about legislators uncovering likely incriminated men after reviewing millions of Epstein files, highlighting the wide range of issues commanding attention.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Trump’s senior envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December 2025 and asked him to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank. The cabinet’s decision moved forward despite those requests.

Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Wednesday, with talks expected to focus largely on Iran. Whether the administration raises West Bank de-escalation again remains to be seen, but Trump’s public opposition to annexation puts the issue squarely on the table ahead of the meeting.