24.10.2025 15:21
It was reported that U.S. President Trump warned Netanyahu with "colorful" language regarding the attempt to annex the West Bank. An American official stated, "Netanyahu is walking a fine line with President Trump. If he ruins the deal, Trump will ruin him."
After the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Knesset took a step that will provoke international reactions regarding Palestine. The bill, which foresees the official occupation of Palestinian territories in the occupied West Bank by Jewish settlers, was accepted by a majority vote in the preliminary voting held in the parliament.
The voting in the Knesset is a decision calling on the government led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to annex the West Bank. Although the bill does not have legal binding, it is considered to have significant symbolic importance. It is reported that the statement supported by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana is planned to be brought to the general assembly agenda and voted on before the parliament goes on recess.
TRUMP'S STRONG WARNING TO NETANYAHU: HE WILL DESTROY YOU
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted strongly to Israel's steps regarding the West Bank. Stating that "Israel will not do anything regarding the West Bank," Trump openly criticized the Netanyahu government according to reports reflected in The Times of Israel.
Referring to the vote that took place during Vice President JD Vance's visit to Israel, Trump said, "Don't worry about the West Bank. Israel is in very good shape. They will not do anything about this." However, it is noteworthy that despite Trump's previous statements that he would not allow Israel to take controversial steps, the acceptance of the occupation plan has drawn attention.
According to information in the U.S. press, Trump warned Netanyahu with strong language. A U.S. official, who did not want to be named, stated, "Netanyahu is walking a fine line with President Trump. If he ruins the deal, Trump will ruin him too."
Another official remarked, "The Israelis cannot treat us as if we are Joe Biden." This statement referred to the tensions Netanyahu experienced with the Biden administration in the past. It also recalled the crisis that erupted in 2010 during the Obama era when Israel announced a construction project of 1,600 housing units in East Jerusalem during Biden's visit to Jerusalem.
Speaking to Channel 12 television, another U.S. official warned that if Netanyahu jeopardizes the ceasefire in Gaza and the hostage agreement, Trump would "destroy Netanyahu."
THE WEST BANK ANNEXATION BILL IS NOT NEW
A similar bill had previously come to the Knesset agenda on July 23, 2025. In the voting held in the 120-seat parliament, 71 members voted "yes," while 13 members voted "no"; Arab parties and left-leaning Democratic members opposed the bill.
The opposition parties Yesh Atid and Blue and White did not participate in the vote, while the Ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, which recently announced its separation from the coalition, maintained its pro-government stance and voted "yes."
The bill states that "the West Bank is an inseparable part of the State of Israel" and that "Israel has natural, historical, and legal rights to ensure its territorial integrity." Although the decision does not have the force of law, it means a call to the government for the annexation of the West Bank, which is under occupation according to international law.