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In the complex world of international diplomacy, the U.S.-Israel relationship has long been seen as a cornerstone of U.S. policy in the Middle East. However, recent developments suggest that this relationship may be undergoing subtle shifts. U.S. President Donald Trump may not be abandoning Israel, but his actions — or lack thereof — during his recent regional tour are raising questions about the future of this alliance.
While Trump continues to provide unwavering support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, his recent omission of Israel from his Middle East itinerary has left many questioning his commitment to the “special relationship” between the two countries. Is Trump’s focus on business deals and investment in the Gulf undermining his bond with Israel, or is this merely a strategic recalibration?
In this post, we will explore the current state of U.S.-Israel relations, the underlying tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and what it means for the future of the Middle East.
Trump’s Middle East Tour: A Business Focus
Trump’s Middle East tour in May 2025 has garnered significant attention due to its heavy emphasis on trade and investment deals with the Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar are expected to make trillions of dollars in investments across a wide range of sectors, including energy, artificial intelligence, and mining. These commitments are being heralded as a major victory for Trump’s business-driven foreign policy.
For example, the UAE has already pledged $1.4 trillion in investments over the next decade, while Saudi Arabia has committed $600 billion over the next four years. The agreements reportedly cover everything from oil production to aluminum manufacturing, signaling a strong commitment to U.S.-Gulf economic relations.
But while Trump focuses on these lucrative deals, Israel—often considered a key ally in the region—is conspicuously absent from his itinerary. For a country that has long enjoyed unwavering U.S. support, this exclusion raises questions about the future direction of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
The Gaza Dilemma: A Test for U.S.-Israel Relations
The reason for Israel’s omission is not solely about business. The ongoing conflict in Gaza remains a central issue in the relationship between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Since Trump’s return to office, he has emphatically supported Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have been widely criticized for causing significant civilian casualties. Despite the Israeli government’s military offensive, which has been dubbed a “genocide” by many observers, Trump has been quick to endorse Netanyahu’s military goals, even declaring, “I’m sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job.”
However, as the violence continues, it seems that Trump’s patience is wearing thin. Reports suggest that Netanyahu’s aggressive approach in Gaza is not aligning with Trump’s broader vision for the Middle East. Trump has expressed frustration with the fact that Israel is taking its time in “finishing the job”, especially considering the U.S. administration’s ongoing push to create what Trump calls the “Riviera of the Middle East”—a new economic hub emerging from the ruins of Gaza. For Trump, this region, rich in trade deals and business investments, could play a significant role in his global real estate ambitions.
This frustration has been further amplified by Netanyahu’s insistence on pursuing an intensified offensive in Gaza, causing even more damage to the region and prompting widespread international condemnation. In this context, Israel’s absence from Trump’s Middle East tour seems to reflect a growing diplomatic rift.
Tensions Between Trump and Netanyahu: A Changing Dynamic
The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has become increasingly strained. A significant point of contention emerged when Trump announced a halt to the U.S. military campaign against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. Netanyahu was reportedly infuriated by this decision, as it ran counter to Israel’s strategic interests in the region, particularly its desire to counter Iran’s influence.
Furthermore, Trump’s reluctance to endorse military strikes on Iran has added fuel to the fire. The U.S. president’s stance, which contrasts with Netanyahu’s hawkish views on Iran, has made the Israeli Prime Minister increasingly frustrated with Trump’s foreign policy.
Yet, despite these tensions, Israeli officials have publicly claimed that there is no significant rift between the two leaders. Behind the scenes, however, it is clear that the U.S.-Israel relationship is facing new challenges. Even though Trump’s administration continues to provide support for Israel, these differences reflect a shift in the dynamics of this once unshakable alliance.
The Role of the Gulf States: A New Middle East
Trump’s focus on the Gulf states—and his apparent neglect of Israel—can be viewed within the context of his broader vision for the Middle East. The recent normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations have laid the foundation for a new regional order, one where economic and political interests are increasingly prioritized over longstanding ideological conflicts.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have shown significant interest in building closer ties with Israel. At the same time, Trump’s business-driven approach has sought to capitalize on these relationships, promoting the idea of peace through trade and economic cooperation. This new alignment between Israel and the Gulf states is something that Trump has openly supported, but it also raises questions about Israel’s role in the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical framework.
Conclusion: Is Trump Abandoning Israel?
While Trump’s exclusion of Israel from his Middle East tour may signal strained relations, it would be premature to claim that he is abandoning Israel. Trump’s rhetoric and policies continue to show strong support for Israel, especially in terms of military aid and political backing. However, his prioritization of business deals with the Gulf countries, his growing frustration with Netanyahu’s policies, and his pursuit of a new Middle Eastern order are redefining the U.S.-Israel relationship.
For Netanyahu, these shifts signal a need to reassess Israel’s strategic alliances as the U.S. focuses increasingly on economic interests in the region. The future of U.S.-Israel relations, while still strong, may evolve as Trump’s policies continue to shape the geopolitical landscape.
Author Profile
- Syed Tahir Abbas is a Master's student at Southwest University, Chongqing, specializing in international relations and sustainable development. His research focuses on U.S.-China diplomacy, global geopolitics, and the role of education in shaping international policies. Syed has contributed to academic discussions on political dynamics, economic growth, and sustainable energy, aiming to offer fresh insights into global affairs.
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1 comment
As someone new to topic, this was super helpful! Can’t conceive of thinking what you write next