A notable silence on the issue of West Bank annexation hung over Benjamin Netanyahu’s otherwise aggressive UN speech, a likely consequence of a recent warning from a powerful ally, Donald Trump. Just a day earlier, Trump had declared he would “not allow Israel to annex the West Bank.”
This omission was significant. Annexation of up to 82% of the territory is a key demand of the far-right factions that prop up Netanyahu’s government. His refusal to mention it on the world stage suggests a desire to avoid a public feud with a major figure in US politics, especially ahead of a White House meeting.
Instead, Netanyahu directed his fire at other targets: Hamas, the 157 nations recognizing Palestine, and the UN itself. This allowed him to project an image of strength and defiance without crossing a red line drawn by Trump.
The episode reveals the complex web of pressures Netanyahu is navigating. While he is willing to defy a majority of the world, he appears more cautious when it comes to risking a rupture with influential supporters in the United States, highlighting the critical importance of American politics to his government’s agenda.
The Trump Factor: Netanyahu Avoids Annexation Talk After Ally’s Warning
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