French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning that any attempt by Israel to annex parts of the West Bank would constitute a “red line” for the United States, a claim he attributed to an assurance given by former President Donald Trump. Such a move, Macron stated, would unequivocally signal the end of Arab-Israeli diplomatic normalisation achieved through the Abraham Accords. During an appearance on France 24, Macron further disclosed that he presented Trump with a comprehensive three-page plan addressing the future of Palestine. This plan, rooted in the New York Declaration endorsed by over 143 states, advocates for the exclusion of Hamas from any future governance in Gaza and the West Bank.

Macron emphasised that a primary objective of his discussions with Trump was to align the perspectives of America, Europe, and Arab states on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. When questioned about Israel's intentions to expand settlements in the West Bank, particularly the E1 corridor project which involves constructing 3,400 new homes, Macron asserted that “on that topic in very clear terms the Europeans and the Americans are on the same page.” British officials have previously voiced concerns that Trump might recognise Israeli sovereignty over illegal West Bank settlements, potentially in response to countries like the UK, Australia, and France recognising Palestine, which would severely jeopardise the two-state solution.

However, Macron reiterated his belief that West Bank annexation would unravel the Abraham Accords, an achievement highly valued by Trump from his first administration. He quoted the United Arab Emirates as being very clear on this stance, reinforcing his conviction that it represents a red line for the USA. These comments offer significant insight into the intricate, behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts concerning the post-Gaza conflict scenario. The 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations including the UAE, are considered a crowning diplomatic success of Trump's initial term.

Should Trump indeed maintain his opposition to annexation, it would place Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a precarious political position, given that factions within his extreme-right coalition have openly demanded partial or complete seizure of the West Bank. Conversely, if Netanyahu were to proceed with annexation, either with US endorsement or tacit acceptance, the viability of a two-state solution—envisioning a Palestinian state coexisting alongside Israel—would face grave threats. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House and address the UN general assembly.

Macron detailed that the initial phase of his