Trump, top aides asked Netanyahu to change policy in occupied West Bank

President Trump and his advisers urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to alter Israel's policies in the occupied West Bank during their Monday meeting, a significant shift given the Trump administration's previous supportive stance. The U.S. believes an escalation in West Bank violence could jeopardize the Gaza peace agreement and hinder Abraham Accords expansion. Netanyahu's hard-right government has actively weakened the Palestinian Authority, expanded settlements, and pursued de-facto annexation. Trump's team conveyed concerns about the situation and requested Netanyahu avoid provocative actions to "calm things down." Netanyahu also voiced his concerns about Iran and Hezbollah's rearming, with Trump indicating further military strikes against Iran were possible. The Israeli Prime Minister agreed to advance the second phase of the Gaza deal and resume talks with the Syrian government for a potential security pact. Discussions on the West Bank were extensive, covering settler violence, the Palestinian Authority's financial instability, and Israeli settlement expansion. The U.S. emphasized that policy changes in the West Bank are crucial for improving Israel's European relations and expanding the Abraham Accords. Netanyahu reportedly committed to taking more action against settler violence. Despite disagreements, Trump expressed confidence that Netanyahu would "do the right thing" regarding the West Bank. Previously, Trump had stopped Netanyahu from annexing parts of the West Bank but hadn't broadly intervened in its policies. The settler lobby holds considerable influence over Netanyahu's government, complicating policy changes in this politically charged area.