Top House Republican responds to Trump’s warning against annexation

House Speaker Mike Johnson says Judea and Samaria “belong to Israel” but adds that there are other considerations at play.

By World Israel News Staff

The top Republican lawmaker in the House of Representatives responded Sunday to recent comments by President Donald Trump insisting that Israel not apply sovereignty to Judea and Samaria, marking the first time a prominent GOP official has publicly spoken out on the president’s declaration.

Last Friday, Trump told reporters that he would “not allow Israel to annex the West Bank.”

“Nope, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump said. “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”

Trump’s statement came amid heavy pressure by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to block Israeli plans to apply sovereignty over part or all of Judea and Samaria in response to recognition of unilateral Palestinian statehood, with both countries threatening the administration’s plans to expand the Abraham Accords.

Earlier this year, Trump hinted at possible backing for Israeli sovereignty over at least parts of Judea and Samaria, teasing in February a major announcement in March that never materialized.

With some observers noting that Trump’s statement ruled out annexation of Judea and Samaria as a whole, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly planning on pursuing the issue with the president during their scheduled meeting on Monday.

On Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson was asked during an appearance on the “Washington Watch” podcast to respond to the president’s comments.

Johnson, a staunch supporter of Israel and the settlement movement, met with Netanyahu during a visit to Israeli towns in Samaria last month.

In the interview, Johnson reiterated his support for Israeli control over Judea and Samaria. He added that the issue was nevertheless tied to complex foreign policy concerns while hinting at opposition by moderate Arab states.

“I believe that Judea and Samaria are the traditional lands that belong to Israel,” Johnson said. “But there are a lot of geopolitical forces at play here. I think there’s still a lot to resolve, and we will have to see how this develops.”

Johnson emphasized that he has not yet spoken with Trump about his annexation comments.