President Donald Trump and other top aides asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "calm things down" in the West Bank to prevent further escalation in the region and risk undermining the Abraham Accords, according to a new report.
It is the first time in his second term that Trump addressed the matter at length, Axios detailed, noting that Washington has been seen as supportive of recent policies that have led to a dramatic deterioration of the situation in the West Bank. They include weakening the Palestinian Authority, expanding settlements, legalizing outposts and displacing Palestinian communities, among other steps toward a de-facto annexation.
"We have had a discussion, big discussion, for a long time on the West Bank. I wouldn't say we agree on the West Bank 100%, but we will come to a conclusion on the West Bank," Trump said in a press conference with Netanyahu after the meeting. "He will do the right thing. I know that. I know him very well. He will do the right thing," he added.
The talks included violence against Palestinian civilians, the financial instability of the Palestinian Authority and the expansion on settlements.
Changing course is key to repairing relations with European countries and potentially expanding the Abraham Accords before Trump's term ends, Axios added. "Netanyahu spoke very strongly against settler violence and said he is going to take more action," an official said.
The outlet cited a U.S. official who claimed said that an escalation could also undermine efforts to implement the agreement to cease hostilities in Gaza. Netanyahu did agree to move toward the second phase of the deal despite being at odds with Trump's team on its implementation. He also gave a green light to resuming talks with Syria over a potential security pact.
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