Rubio meets Israel over possible West Bank takeover
Marco Rubio (photo: Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s trip to Israel is accompanied by discussions on one of the most sensitive issues in the Middle East - Israel’s possible annexation of parts of the West Bank, according to the American news site Axios.
During his visit to Israel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio intends to discuss the potential annexation of certain West Bank territories by Israel. This comes amid an expected wave of recognition of the State of Palestine by several Western countries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet made a final decision regarding the scope of the annexation. According to Israeli officials, he hopes to clarify in meetings with Rubio whether President Donald Trump would support such a move.
The international community generally considers the West Bank to be occupied territory, and any actions toward its annexation would be seen as a violation of international law.
The United Arab Emirates, in particular, reacted strongly, warning that such a move would undermine the peace treaty with Israel and could derail the expansion of the Abraham Accords.
The situation escalated after the UN General Assembly approved the New York Declaration, presented by France and Saudi Arabia. The document sets a course for the creation of a Palestinian state. It was supported by 142 countries, opposed by 10, including the US and Israel, while 12 abstained.
The declaration will serve as the basis for the world leaders’ summit on September 22 in New York, where official recognition of Palestine by several states, including France, the UK, and Canada, is expected.
According to Axios, in private discussions, Rubio indicated that he does not oppose the annexation and that the Trump administration would not stand in the way. However, concerns have grown in the White House and the State Department: the US does not want the Abraham Accords to collapse, as this could negatively affect the president’s diplomatic legacy.
Rubio told journalists that he plans to discuss with the Israeli side their reaction to the anticipated recognition of Palestine. "We told the Europeans there is going to be a counter reaction," he noted. Israeli officials emphasize that Netanyahu hopes to understand the extent of authority the US is willing to grant Israel in response to international actions.
During his visit, Rubio will also visit an archaeological site in East Jerusalem near the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The American diplomat stressed that his participation is purely cultural and not related to politics.
A comprehensive security plan has been developed for Hasidic pilgrims arriving in Uman for Rosh Hashanah celebrations. According to Israeli media, on September 11, Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir met with the Ukrainian ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniychuk, to discuss measures to ensure order and safety during the mass arrival of pilgrims.
Notably, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has urged his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot to refrain from unilaterally recognizing Palestine. According to Sa’ar, such a move would affect bilateral relations and could make visits by French President Emmanuel Macron to Israel impossible.
