As states recognize Palestine, Netanyahu seeks Trump nod on annexation
As he seeks to retaliate against France and other countries for recognizing Palestine, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unlikely to announce annexation measures without first securing President Donald Trump's approval.
TEL AVIV — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaves Wednesday night for a US visit that could determine whether his government annexes more of the West Bank amid global endorsement for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
In his annual address to the UN General Assembly on Friday, Netanyahu is expected to condemn the world body for “rewarding” Hamas by recognizing a Palestinian state, while his White House talks with Trump are expected to test the waters for Israel’s annexation plans.
"We will respond when I return from New York," Netanyahu said Monday when asked about the recognition of Palestine by some 80% of UN member states, including most of Israel’s allies except the United States.
Addressing the UNGA on Tuesday, Trump denounced the sweeping recognition of Palestine, framing it as backing for Hamas, while on the sidelines he convened leaders from several Muslim-majority countries to present a postwar Gaza plan for its 2 million inhabitants.
