Washington/Riyadh : US President Donald Trump's Middle East visit has created a stir in global diplomacy. In this visit which lasted from 13 to 16 May, Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates (UAE), but Israel did not get a place in his program. This neglect has created uneasiness in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. Is this strategy of Trump the result of anger with Netanyahu, or is there a new diplomatic move behind it?
Trump's visit and Israel's absence
Trump chose the Gulf countries for his first foreign visit of his second term, where he signed several major agreements, including defense deals worth $142 billion. According to a BBC report, the visit was described as "America's historic return to the Middle East". But ignoring Israel, which has long been America's closest strategic ally, raises many questions.
Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, citing sources, claimed that the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has reached "the lowest point". Trump has reportedly broken contact with Netanyahu, because he believes that the Israeli government tried to "abuse" his policies.
Reasons for anger with Netanyahu
Many analysts believe that the reason for Trump's anger is Netanyahu's recent policies and the Gaza war. Israeli military actions in Gaza have killed more than 53,000 people, drawing sharp international criticism. The Trump administration has indicated it is in favour of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid, while Netanyahu has rejected the two-nation theory and the idea of a Palestinian state.
In addition, Trump's announcement to begin negotiations for a new nuclear deal with Iran has also surprised Israel. Iran is considered Israel's arch enemy, and Netanyahu has been openly opposed to this policy. Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas told CNN, "Netanyahu no longer has the same influence in the US as before."
Focus on Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries
Trump's focus on Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE is being seen as part of his "transactional" diplomacy. A $142 billion defense deal with Saudi Arabia and expanded military cooperation with Qatar are signs that Trump prioritizes economic and military gains. Saudi Arabia has reiterated the 2002 Arab Peace Proposal, which would require Israel to recognize a Palestinian state, but the Netanyahu government has rejected it.
In addition, Trump called for lifting sanctions on Syria and met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which Israel and many countries consider a terrorist organization. The move further unnerved Israel, as countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia support al-Sharaa.
Israel's Concerns and Future
Israeli officials had discussed the possibility of Trump stopping in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, but Trump said clearly, "We will go there some other time, but not this time." Israeli analyst Yoav Limor wrote, "New equations are forming in the Middle East, and Israel is reduced to a spectator."
Trump's visit has also raised questions about the prospects of the Abraham Accords, which aimed to normalise relations between Israel and Arab countries. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are now making settlement with Israel a condition of resolution of the Gaza war and progress on the Palestinian issue.
Conclusion
Trump's Middle East visit has sent a strong message to Israel: the US is now prioritising regional stability and economic interests. Netanyahu's policies, especially with regard to Gaza and Iran, are not in sync with Trump's new strategy. Is this detente temporary, or the beginning of a major shift in US-Israel relations? This question remains at the centre of global diplomacy.
No comments: