U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to discuss with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the potential annexation of parts of the West Bank. The discussion comes amid recognition of Palestine by several Western countries and reflects heightened tensions and international concern.
Planned Discussions Between Rubio and Netanyahu
Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday to address Israel’s potential annexation of the West Bank. According to Axios, Israeli and U.S. officials indicate that Netanyahu, who postponed internal discussions within his far-right government, seeks clarity on whether President Donald Trump would support the move.
An Israeli official told the site that Rubio has privately indicated he does not oppose the West Bank annexation, and the Trump administration would not block it. Meanwhile, a U.S. official noted that Israeli efforts have raised concerns within the administration due to the lack of a clear U.S. stance on the issue.
Internal U.S. Deliberations
Axios reported that the Trump administration held several internal meetings recently to determine a public position on the matter. The main concern, according to officials, was that annexation could undermine normalization agreements and affect Trump’s legacy.
A source familiar with the discussions stated that the UAE clarified its position to the U.S. State Department before Rubio’s visit, warning that annexation could impact the Gulf state’s normalization process with Israel.
Netanyahu’s Calculations and Regional Reactions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears cautious regarding West Bank annexation amid escalating tensions and the wave of international recognition of Palestine. A senior Israeli official told Axios that Netanyahu wants to gauge U.S. readiness to allow Israel room to respond, particularly on the West Bank issue.
Before departing for Israel, Rubio told reporters he would discuss Israel’s response to anticipated recognitions of a Palestinian state. “We have informed the Europeans that there will be a counter-response,” Rubio said, signaling a delicate diplomatic balance.
Controversial Event in East Jerusalem
Rubio is expected to participate in an event organized by a settler group in a tunnel beneath the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem, a short distance from the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This engagement underscores the sensitivity and political symbolism surrounding potential annexation of West Bank territories.
Observers noted that international attention is focused on the region, as the West Bank issue could affect multiple diplomatic and humanitarian concerns, including relations with Pakistan and broader Middle East stability.
