The White House reiterated its opposition to Israel annexing the West Bank and stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the territory in a Monday statement responding to the Israeli security cabinet’s approval of a series of measures aimed at expanding Jerusalem’s grip in the areas Palestinians hope will make up their future state.

“President Trump has clearly stated that he does not support Israel annexing the West Bank,” read a statement attributed to a White House official sent to reporters who asked for comment on the Sunday security cabinet decision.

“A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region,” the White House official added.

The statement did not directly condemn or even address the measures approved by Israel, which would appear to violate the Oslo Accords by expanding Jerusalem’s administrative powers in West Bank areas that are supposed to be under the Palestinian Authority’s control.

Announced on Sunday by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz after being approved by the security cabinet, the measures include allowing Jewish Israelis to buy West Bank land directly, and transfer authority over building permits for Jewish settlements in the Palestinian city of Hebron — the West Bank’s largest — from........

© The Times of Israel