Bennet, Schiff, Senate Democratic Colleagues Urge President Trump to Reinforce Opposition to West Bank Annexation

Oct 21, 2025| Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and 44 Senate Democratic colleagues in urging President Donald Trump to reinforce the United States' longstanding policy opposing any potential annexation of territory in the West Bank.

The senators' letter comes days after President Trump previously stated that he would "not allow Israel to annex the West Bank." In apparent defiance of that policy, ultra right-wing members of Israel's Knesset on October 22nd began the process of advancing a bill that would extend Israeli law or sovereignty over the West Bank, prompting President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to once again emphasize that the United States would not accept any Israeli annexation of Palestinian territory.

"In this moment, it is essential that the United States reject measures that undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," wrote Bennet, Schiff, and the senators. "As longstanding supporters of Israel's security and Palestinian aspirations for statehood, we are unified in our opposition to unilateral measures by either party that undermine the prospect of lasting peace through negotiations to achieve a two-state solution. That includes any steps by Israel to annex territory or expand settlements that prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state."

In their letter, the senators also reiterated their relief at the long-sought release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza. The senators also called for full implementation of President Trump's peace plan, including a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, for the return of the remains of all deceased hostages, and for the sustainment of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Earlier this month, Bennet issued a statement supporting the deal between Israel and Hamas to release the hostages and pause the fighting in Gaza. In August of this year, Bennet and Senate colleagues introduced the West Bank Violence Prevention Act to deter and prevent destabilizing violence in the West Bank, particularly against civilians. In July of this year, Bennet also urged the Trump Administration to expand humanitarian aid in Gaza and resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and end the war.

In addition to Bennet and Schiff, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) signed the letter.

The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear President Trump:

We write to express support for your comments opposing any efforts by the Government of Israel to annex territory in the West Bank and to urge your Administration to promote steps to preserve the viability of a two-state solution and the success of the Abraham Accords.

Since your plan for Gaza does not address the West Bank, it is imperative that your Administration reinforce your comments and emphasize its opposition to annexation. As longstanding supporters of Israel's security and Palestinian aspirations for statehood, we are unified in our opposition to unilateral measures by either party that undermine the prospect of lasting peace through negotiations to achieve a two-state solution. That includes any steps by Israel to annex territory or expand settlements that prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. Such steps have elicited deep concern and opposition from Arab partners and place at risk your past achievements under the Abraham Accords and the possibility of expanding them further. At the same time, terrorism, including the horrific terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, must be uniformly condemned and will not bring the region closer to peace.

We are relieved that the hostages have been released, and it is vital that humanitarian aid surge into Gaza; the remains of deceased hostages, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, be returned to their families; and that the ceasefire be sustained. In this moment, it is essential that the United States reject measures that undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.