Scoop: Democrats press Trump on preventing Israel from annexing West Bank
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A boy sits in front of a closed shop in the Old City of Hebron, West Bank, on Oct. 18, 2025, as Israeli forces look on. Photo: Mosab Shawer/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
More than 40 Democratic senators, led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) asked President Trump to "reinforce" his opposition to Israel annexing parts of the occupied West Bank, according to a letter obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: While Trump told Arab and Muslim leaders several weeks ago he will not allow Israel to annex parts of the West Bank, it was not part of his 20-point peace plan for ending the war in Gaza.
- The senators told Trump it would be good to reemphasize that position now that the Gaza ceasefire is in effect.
Between the lines: The letter was a rare instance where almost all the Democratic senators expressed support for one of Trump's positions.
- Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was the only Democrat not to sign the letter.
What they are saying: "We write to express support for your comments opposing any efforts by the Government of Israel to annex territory in the West Bank and to urge your Administration to promote steps to preserve the viability of a two-state solution and the success of the Abraham Accords," the Democratic senators wrote.
- "Since your plan for Gaza does not address the West Bank, it is imperative that your Administration reinforce your comments and emphasize its opposition to annexation," they added.
- The senators stressed in the letter that Israeli annexation plans could "place at risk" the Abraham Accords, which were Trump's key achievement in his first term.
- "In this moment, it is essential that the United States reject measures that undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," they wrote.
Catch up quick: The Netanyahu government considered annexing large portions of the West Bank in response to the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western countries in September.
- The United Arab Emirates told the Trump administration that Israeli annexations would harm the Abraham Accords.
- Last month Trump held a meeting with leaders and senior officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan and asked them to support his plan for ending the war in Gaza.
- The Arab leaders presented Trump with several conditions for supporting his plan, including a commitment that Israel won't annex parts of the West Bank or Gaza.
- Trump made it clear to the leaders that he'd block such a step.
- Three days later he told reporters that he won't allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
