President Trump reiterated in an interview with Axios on Tuesday that he opposes Israeli moves toward annexation in the occupied West Bank.
Why it matters: Trump made the remarks several days after the Israeli Security Cabinet advanced a new policy that is a step toward de facto annexation.
What he's saying: Asked about the Israeli move, Trump didn't comment on the specifics but said, "I am against annexation."
- "We have enough things to think about now. We don't need to be dealing with the West Bank," Trump said.
Driving the news: The measures approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet on Sunday significantly expand Israeli control over the West Bank, including in areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority.
- These steps, which violate the Oslo Accords, make it easier for Jewish settlers to buy land in the West Bank and for Israeli police to demolish homes in areas under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction, among other steps that further erode the prospects of a Palestinian state.
Friction point: The Cabinet's decision contradicts requests made by Trump and his envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
- The pair asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in December to de-escalate the situation in the West Bank.
- Netanyahu will visit Washington on Wednesday. The visit is expected to focus on Iran, and it's unclear whether Trump's team will raise the issue.
Behind the scenes: U.S. officials told Axios they're concerned about the Israeli Cabinet's decision and are still studying its implications.
- "A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration's goal to achieve peace in the region," a White House official said.
