US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Signals Non-Opposition to West Bank Annexation

Washington D.C. – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly indicated in private meetings that he does not oppose Israeli annexations in the West Bank, suggesting the Trump administration will not impede such actions. This development was revealed by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, who cited two Israeli officials familiar with the discussions. The revelation comes amidst ongoing considerations within the Israeli government regarding the annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank.Agency.

The potential for annexation is reportedly linked to the possibility of several Western countries recognizing Palestine as a state at the upcoming UN General Assembly in late September. According to Axios, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar have informed European counterparts that Israel might proceed with annexations if such recognition occurs. One European official noted that Dermer even mentioned the possibility of annexing the entire Zone C, which constitutes 60% of the West Bank, as a maximalist option.

Secretary Rubio's reported stance aligns with a broader pattern of the Trump administration's policies towards Israel. He is expected to visit the region soon and participate in an event organized by a settler group in a politically sensitive archaeological site near the al-Aqsa mosque. Furthermore, Rubio previously spearheaded efforts to bar Palestinian officials from attending the UN General Assembly this month.

The United Arab Emirates has reportedly cautioned the White House that any potential annexations could jeopardize the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. In 2020, Israeli annexation plans were put on hold as part of the framework that led to the signing of these accords. The current signaling from the U.S. State Department could significantly alter the diplomatic landscape in the region, impacting future peace efforts and international relations.