Axios: Netanyahu seeks Trump’s approval before annexing West Bank

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a green light from US President Donald Trump before moving forward with any annexations in the occupied West Bank, Israeli officials say.

Last week, Netanyahu told US Senator Marco Rubio in a one-on-one meeting in Jerusalem that he is exploring various options for annexation and is under pressure from his coalition partners to annex all of "Area C," which would declare 60% of the West Bank as Israeli territory, two US officials told Axios, Caliber.Az reports. 

The request comes as leaders and diplomats from more than 140 countries convene in New York on September 22 to advocate for a Palestinian state and a post-war peace plan for Gaza. Notably absent from the United Nations General Assembly discussions are Israel, the United States, and Palestinian leaders, who were barred by the Trump administration.

Recognition of Palestine by a wave of countries — including the U.K., Canada, Australia, and Portugal — is dominating the assembly. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to follow suit on September 22, when he co-chairs a peace summit with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. At least five more countries are anticipated to announce recognition.

Trump has largely left opposition to the wave of recognitions to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who instructed US diplomats worldwide to lobby countries against recognising Palestine or participating in the French-Saudi conference — efforts that officials say have met with "almost zero success."

US officials indicate there is currently no appetite within the Trump administration for Israeli annexations, particularly as such moves could undermine the Abraham Accords. Rubio has reportedly advised Netanyahu to prioritise ending the war in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and agreeing on a day-after plan.

Trump is scheduled to speak on the war in Gaza on September 23, followed by Netanyahu on September 26, where he is likely to face a frosty reception. On the same day, Trump will meet in New York with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and Türkiye to discuss ways to end the war. Two Arab officials with direct knowledge said the White House informed the invited leaders that Trump intends to present US principles for peace.

"Our understanding is that Trump wants to get our feedback and support for the U.S. plan to end the war and then push it forward," one Arab official said.

By Sabina Mammadli