President Donald Trump has privately urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider Israel’s approach toward the occupied West Bank, signaling a rare moment of tension between two leaders often seen as closely aligned. According to sources with direct knowledge of the discussions, Trump and his senior advisers raised concerns during a recent meeting, warning that further escalation in the West Bank could threaten broader US-led diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
The talks took place amid growing instability in the West Bank, where violence has surged and international criticism of Israel’s policies has intensified. While the Trump administration has largely been viewed as supportive of Israel since returning to office, this marks the first time in Trump’s second term that his team has pressed Netanyahu extensively on West Bank policy. US officials believe that unchecked unrest could undermine the fragile Gaza ceasefire and derail ambitions to expand the Abraham Accords before the end of Trump’s presidency.
Over recent years, Israel’s hard-right government has advanced policies that critics say have weakened the Palestinian Authority, limited its financial resources, and accelerated settlement expansion. Palestinian communities have faced forced displacement, while unauthorized outposts have been legalized, steps widely viewed by international observers as moving toward de facto annexation. These developments have alarmed Western governments and raised fears of a wider regional fallout.
During the meeting, Trump reportedly encouraged Netanyahu to avoid actions that could inflame tensions, emphasizing the importance of calming the situation on the ground. The US message was framed not only as a security concern but also as a strategic necessity to protect Israel’s international standing, particularly with European allies whose support is seen as vital for future regional normalization efforts.
The West Bank discussions unfolded alongside broader geopolitical issues. Netanyahu also presented his concerns about Iran and Hezbollah rebuilding military capabilities, particularly in missile development. Trump, for his part, reiterated publicly that military options against Iran remain on the table, underscoring the administration’s hardline stance on Tehran.
Despite disagreements, Netanyahu agreed to advance talks related to the second phase of the Gaza agreement, an area where he has faced internal political pressure. He also accepted Trump’s request to resume negotiations with Syria over a potential security arrangement, signaling some willingness to cooperate on regional diplomacy even amid policy differences.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting, Trump acknowledged that the two leaders did not see eye to eye on every aspect of West Bank policy but expressed confidence that a resolution could be reached. His comments suggested ongoing negotiations rather than a public rift, reflecting the sensitive political nature of the issue for both leaders.
Behind the scenes, the West Bank topic featured prominently in preparatory discussions earlier in the day involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. US officials raised concerns about settler violence against Palestinian civilians, the financial instability of the Palestinian Authority, and the rapid pace of settlement growth, warning that these factors could fuel further unrest.
Netanyahu reportedly condemned settler violence during the talks and pledged stronger enforcement measures, though skepticism remains about how much change will follow. The issue is deeply divisive within Israeli politics, where the settler movement holds significant influence within Netanyahu’s coalition and the ruling Likud party.
The timing of the discussions is particularly notable given Trump’s recent policy decisions. Upon returning to office, he lifted sanctions imposed by the previous administration on individuals accused of settler violence and appointed Mike Huckabee, a known supporter of Israeli settlements, as US ambassador to Israel. Since then, incidents involving Palestinian Americans killed in settler-related violence have heightened concerns over potential destabilization.
Trump has avoided publicly detailing his disagreements with Netanyahu, choosing instead to emphasize their longstanding relationship and mutual respect. In public appearances, he continued to praise Israel’s actions in Gaza and its stance toward Iran, reinforcing the perception of strong overall alignment despite specific policy disputes.
This is not the first time Trump has intervened on the West Bank issue. In the past, he blocked efforts to formally annex parts of the territory, citing concerns over international backlash following European recognitions of Palestinian statehood. However, his administration has largely refrained from sustained pressure on Israel’s broader West Bank policies until now.
As tensions persist, the outcome of these discussions could shape the future of US-Israel relations and influence the stability of the region. With Gaza’s fragile calm, the future of the Palestinian Authority, and the expansion of normalization agreements all at stake, the West Bank has once again emerged as a critical flashpoint in Middle East diplomacy.
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