White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Deflects Question on Who Trump Supports to Govern Areas A and B in West Bank
![]() |
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr |
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Deflects Question on Who Trump Supports to Govern Areas A and B in West Bank
Washington, D.C. — During Monday’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked a pointed question about former President Donald Trump’s stance on governance in the West Bank, specifically Areas A and B, and Israel’s sovereignty over the territory.
The question, referencing the Palestinian Authority’s track record — including its “pay-to-slay” policies, promotion of antisemitism in education, lack of democratic elections for nearly two decades, and overall corruption — asked who President Trump would support to govern the West Bank’s Area A and B to prevent Hamas from gaining control.
Leavitt acknowledged the concerns but largely sidestepped the governance issue in her response:
“Well, the President believes Israel, of course, has a right to defend itself,” Leavitt stated. “As for the first part of your question, you’re getting ahead, Dr. Harper. As I told you, the President wants Hamas to accept this proposal right now. He wants to see peace in this region, and he’s committed to doing that.”
Leavitt offered no direct answer on whether Trump supports the Palestinian Authority’s continued rule over Areas A and B, or whether a different administrative or security framework might be favored to prevent a Hamas takeover. She also did not expand on Trump’s view of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, a key point of debate in Middle East policy circles.
The question highlights an ongoing dilemma in U.S. foreign policy: how to balance Israeli security concerns, Palestinian self-governance aspirations, and the growing influence of terrorist organizations like Hamas — especially following the October 7 attacks and the continued instability in Gaza and the West Bank.
While Trump has previously supported Israeli annexation claims over certain West Bank settlements and recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, his updated policy framework for the region has not yet been fully outlined for 2025.
The exchange suggests that the Trump team may still be calibrating its Middle East strategy, particularly in light of escalating regional tensions, potential Iran-backed threats, and fragile ceasefire negotiations.
As the campaign progresses, pressure is likely to increase on Trump and his team to clarify where they stand on governance in Palestinian territories, two-state solutions, and the future of Israeli sovereignty in contested regions.
🗺️ Top FAQs – Trump’s West Bank Policy & Governance Questions
1. Who does President Trump support to govern Area A and Area B in the West Bank?
Answer: The Trump team has not officially named a preferred governing authority for Areas A and B. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt deferred the question, stating it was “getting ahead” of the current policy focus, which remains on pressuring Hamas to accept peace proposals and de-escalate violence.
2. What is President Trump’s position on Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank?
Answer: While Leavitt did not directly address sovereignty during the press briefing, President Trump has historically supported Israel’s right to defend itself and has recognized Israeli claims over certain West Bank settlements in the past. A formal 2025 policy has not yet been announced.
3. Does President Trump support the Palestinian Authority as a governing body?
Answer: Leavitt did not confirm support for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which was criticized in the question for its alleged corruption, "pay-to-slay" policies, and lack of elections. The Trump administration has previously reduced aid to the PA and demanded reforms but has not yet indicated a new position in the current campaign.
4. What is Trump’s current policy on Hamas and the Gaza conflict?
Answer: Trump’s position, as outlined by Leavitt, is that Hamas must accept the latest ceasefire proposal to bring peace to the region. His team remains focused on de-escalation and regional stability, rather than outlining a post-conflict political framework.
5. Will Trump propose a new peace plan for Israel and Palestine?
Answer: As of now, there has been no new peace plan released for 2025. However, given Trump’s previous “Peace to Prosperity” plan unveiled in 2020, it is expected that a revised or updated vision may be introduced during the campaign if regional tensions continue.
Comments
Post a Comment
If You have any doubt, please let me know.