Edith Hejberg
The move, they fear, would be a major blow to the already fragile prospects for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
British government insiders are voicing growing concern that Donald Trump may officially recognize Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
A Reaction to Palestinian Recognition?
The speculation follows a wave of recognitions of Palestinian statehood by the UK, France, and other countries.
Trump is thought to be considering the recognition of Israeli control over West Bank settlements as a response, possibly during his speech at the UN General Assembly this week.
Trump Allies vs. Arab Diplomacy
UK officials say some of Trump’s inner circle are urging him to act, while Arab leaders are lobbying hard to dissuade him.
“As always with this president, it is difficult to know which way he will go,” one British official admitted. “But we are worried about what might happen.”
White House Keeps Options Open
While the White House has declined to comment publicly, a US official noted that Trump is not tied to any one Middle East framework.
They said he sees older peace plans as failures and may pursue a different approach altogether.
Europe Pushes for Two-State Revival
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron both framed their recognition of Palestine as a push to rekindle peace talks.
Macron declared at the UN, “The time has come,” while Starmer said the move was intended to “revive the hope of peace.”
Israel’s Expanding Settlements
Tensions remain high amid an Israeli offensive in Gaza and aggressive moves in the West Bank.
Plans are advancing for a new settlement known as E1, which would effectively split the West Bank, undermining territorial continuity for a future Palestinian state.
Netanyahu Faces Cabinet Pressure
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing internal calls to go even further, some in his cabinet want to annex the entire West Bank.
He has held off on any formal decisions, saying he will wait until after meeting with Trump at the White House next week.
Trump Appeared Open—But Pressure Mounts
In a recent joint press conference, Trump seemed calm about the UK’s recognition of Palestine.
Yet behind the scenes, pressure from allies like former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is building. Huckabee warned that European recognition could embolden Israeli annexation.
Kushner and Blair Seek Alternatives
Others close to Trump, including Jared Kushner, are urging caution. Kushner helped organize a White House meeting on postwar Gaza, which included former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair’s plan would see Gaza run by a UN-backed transitional authority.
Arab Leaders Draw a Red Line
Arab leaders plan to confront Trump directly during a private UN meeting, stressing that West Bank annexation is unacceptable.
UAE adviser Anwar Gargash warned: “Annexation is a red line, and peace through a two-state solution must remain the path forward.”
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, which may have used AI in the preparation
