WASHINGTON, February 9, 2026 — Former President Donald Trump doesn’t support Israel’s planned expansion of control over the occupied West Bank, a White House official revealed Monday, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy toward the region. It’s a surprising stance, given Trump’s previous staunch support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
White House Signals Concern Over West Bank Expansion
A senior administration official stated that stability in the Palestinian territory is viewed as crucial for achieving broader peace in the Middle East.
- The White House opposes Israel’s annexation of the occupied West Bank.
- A stable West Bank is considered vital for Israeli security, according to the official.
- The statement follows condemnation from several Muslim-majority nations.
- Eight countries jointly denounced Israel’s move as a violation of international law.
Q: What is the White House’s position on Israel’s West Bank policies?
A: The Biden administration views a stable West Bank as essential for both Israeli security and the pursuit of lasting peace in the region, opposing Israel’s recent moves to expand control over Palestinian territory.
“A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure, and is in line with this administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region,” the official said, according to Reuters. The comment came after Israel’s security cabinet approved new measures designed to ease the process for Israelis to acquire land in the West Bank, effectively facilitating the expansion of settlements considered illegal under international law.
The move immediately drew sharp criticism from Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. In a joint statement released Monday, the eight nations condemned Israel’s actions “in the strongest terms,” according to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement underscored concerns about the potential for escalating tensions and undermining efforts to reach a two-state solution.
The coordinated condemnation from these eight influential Muslim-majority countries highlights the widespread concern over Israel’s actions and the potential for regional instability. This unified front puts additional pressure on Israel and the United States to reassess their approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The White House’s statement represents a nuanced position, acknowledging Israel’s security concerns while simultaneously expressing reservations about policies that could further complicate the peace process. It remains to be seen how this stance will translate into concrete policy changes, but it signals a potential divergence from the previous administration’s approach.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
