U.S. President Donald Trump has promised Arab leaders that his administration will not permit Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, Politico reported on Wednesday.

The assurance was delivered during Trump’s meetings with regional leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, according to six people familiar with the matter. Two sources described the president as “firm” on the subject.

U.S. President Donald Trump, Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attend a multilateral meeting during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, New York, U.S., September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Al Drago

U.S. outlines Gaza plan

Politico also reported that Trump’s team presented a white paper detailing Washington’s plan to end the war in Gaza. That plan included the promise to oppose any annexation of West Bank territory by Israel.

The issue comes at a moment of heightened global criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. According to local health authorities, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, and international hunger monitors say parts of the territory are now experiencing famine.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attend a multilateral meeting during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, New York, U.S., September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Al Drago

Mounting international scrutiny

Israel’s conduct in Gaza has drawn condemnation from governments and humanitarian groups worldwide. By publicly pledging to Arab leaders that West Bank annexation would not be allowed, Trump signaled a bid to reassure key partners in the Middle East while pushing forward his administration’s proposed path to ending the conflict.