US President Donald Trump has vowed to stop Israel from annexing the West Bank as he presses to end the Gaza conflict, ahead of a high-stakes visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, AFP reports.

“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “No, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen.”

Trump voiced optimism about ending nearly two years of devastating conflict, echoing the confidence expressed a day earlier on the sidelines of the United Nations by his roving envoy, Steve Witkoff.

“We’re getting pretty close to having a deal on Gaza and maybe even peace,” said Trump, who also spoke to Netanyahu by telephone.