Key Takeaways:
- President Donald Trump is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE this week.
- Israel, a key U.S. ally, is notably excluded from the trip.
- Many Israelis feel abandoned by Trump, who was once seen as a strong supporter.
- Trump’s actions, like negotiating with Iran and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, have worsened the perception.
- Critics worry Israel’s concerns are being ignored in favor of economic and trade deals.
A Snub with Serious Implications
President Donald Trump is making headlines this week with his Middle East tour. He’s visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, but one country is conspicuously missing from his itinerary: Israel. This exclusion has sparked outrage and fear among Israelis, who feel their once-strong alliance with the U.S. is being tested.
Just a few months ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump as the “most pro-Israel president in history.” Now, many Israelis are asking if Trump is turning his back on them.
Why Israel Feels Left Behind
The tension began when Trump announced a truce with Yemen’s Houthi rebels without involving Israel. Then, he considered a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, again without addressing Israel’s concerns. These moves have left Israelis wondering if their interests are being ignored.
According to a former aide to Netanyahu, the reaction in Israel is one of “total panic.” Israelis are worried that Trump is prioritizing economic deals and trade over their security needs.
A Rift in a Strong Alliance
Trump’s treatment of Netanyahu has raised eyebrows. During a meeting in the Oval Office, Trump surprised Netanyahu by announcing direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program. Netanyahu, who has long pushed for military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, looked visibly shocked.
This wasn’t the first sign of tension. Even before Trump’s inauguration, Netanyahu’s allies complained about Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. They accused Witkoff of pressuring Netanyahu into a ceasefire with Hamas, possibly due to personal business ties with Qatar.
What’s Behind Trump’s Strategy?
Trump’s approach to foreign policy seems to focus on economics rather than geopolitics. He has reportedly said, “We give them $4 billion a year in military assistance. I do plenty to support the Israelis.”
But Israelis don’t feel reassured. They see Trump’s actions as a sign that their concerns are being dismissed. Former Middle East envoy Dennis Ross explained that Trump defines U.S. interests in terms of economics and trade, not security or geopolitics.
What’s Next for Israel?
The shift in Trump’s relationship with Israel is dramatic. Just months ago, Netanyahu celebrated Trump’s election victory as “history’s greatest comeback.” Now, Israelis are left wondering if they’ve placed too much trust in the U.S.
One Israeli analyst summed it up: “We put all our eggs in one basket and now we are empty-handed. What will Israel do now? Call Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? It’s a problem.”
As Trump continues his Middle East tour without visiting Israel, the mood in the region remains tense. Israelis are left questioning whether their alliance with the U.S. is still a priority—or if they’re being left behind.