Introduction
When President Donald Trump landed in Riyadh on May 13, 2025, many in Jerusalem braced for a visit that would reaffirm the unshakable U.S.-Israel partnership. Instead, Israel found itself off the president’s itinerary—an omission that has prompted quiet concern across government halls and cafe tables alike. This article explores the wider implications of Trump’s Middle East tour, examines how the decision to bypass Israel signals a realignment in American regional policy, and delves into individual stories from Israeli citizens grappling with newfound uncertainty.
A Transactional Turn: Trump’s Gulf Focus
Pivot from Security to Commerce
“We’re here to do business,” Trump declared in Riyadh, where he signed contracts worth over $140 billion with Saudi Arabia. Rather than visiting Jerusalem to discuss shared security challenges—from the Gaza conflict to Iran’s nuclear ambitions—he opted for stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates focused on energy, technology, and infrastructure deals.
According to Reuters, this shift underlined a “transactional diplomacy” approach, emphasizing trade over traditional political security arrangements — a stark departure from previous administrations’ stance.
Houthi Ceasefire and Syrian Sanctions Lifted
On his way to Doha, Trump announced an end to U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, despite their recent missile launches toward Israeli ports. He also unveiled plans to lift all U.S. sanctions on Syria as part of a broader reconstruction initiative. A report by The Guardian highlights how these moves were made without consulting Israeli officials, fueling concerns that Washington is deprioritizing Israel’s security calculus.
Jerusalem’s Muted Response
Political Pressures at Home
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—already under fire for corruption allegations and fractious coalition politics—has kept public comments to a minimum. According to AP News, he offered only “measured gratitude” for U.S. efforts in securing the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, while sidestepping direct criticism of the president’s itinerary.
Behind Closed Doors
Inside the Foreign Ministry, diplomats have quietly expressed dismay. One mid-level official told LifecareNews, “We expected a reaffirmation of the strategic partnership. Instead, we got sidelined.” Yet, out of respect for the U.S. presidency and to avoid escalating tensions, Israel’s public posture remains largely restrained.
Reactions from Israeli Society
Voices from Tel Aviv and Haifa
In a busy Tel Aviv café, teacher Ruth Cohen, 42, sipped her coffee thoughtfully. “My students ask why America isn’t showing up,” she said. “They remember 2017, when presidents always came here first.” A taxi driver in Haifa echoed her sentiment: “This feels like being benched. You know you’re important, but not important enough.”
Families on the Front Lines
Near the Gaza border, families of soldiers serving in the ongoing conflict fear that reduced U.S. engagement could embolden adversaries. “Our boys rely on American intelligence and diplomatic backing,” said David Levi, father of a frontline infantryman. “If that support wavers, the stakes only grow higher.” Despite the anxieties, a sense of stoicism prevails among many who have lived under security threats for decades.
Regional Consequences
Gulf States Gain Leverage
By prioritizing stops in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, Trump has sent a clear signal that the Gulf monarchies—flush with oil wealth and willing to invest in U.S. markets—are now America’s preferred partners. A Politico.eu analysis notes that this recalibration could incentivize Gulf states to pursue their own security deals, potentially diluting Israel’s long-standing role as Washington’s primary regional anchor.
Iran and the Nuclear Question
While in Saudi Arabia, Trump reiterated calls for a new nuclear framework with Tehran. Yet, Israel—long wary of any rapprochement without stringent safeguards—was excluded from those diplomatic backchannels. Reuters reported that Iranian hardliners seized on this omission to claim vindication, further elevating tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem.
Human Element: Stories of Quiet Concern
Business Owners Facing Uncertainty
Eilat café owner Moshe Ben-Ami has counted on American tourists for a significant portion of his income. “Every time I hear about U.S. presidents skipping Israel, I worry fewer Americans will come,” he confessed. While tourism is down only modestly so far, warnings from industry associations point to potential long-term declines if perception of U.S. disengagement persists.
A Student’s Viewpoint
University student Layla Nassar in Jerusalem summed up the ambivalence she and her peers feel: “We know geopolitics is complicated, but it hurts to feel we’ve been moved to the back burner.” Yet, Layla also sees an opportunity: “Maybe this will push our leaders to build new alliances and innovate in security and diplomacy.”
Looking Ahead: What This Tour Means for U.S.-Israel Ties
Allies Adapting to Change
Experts believe that while the United States remains Israel’s foremost ally, the nature of the relationship is evolving. According to Al Jazeera, this tour underscores America’s growing emphasis on economic statecraft—using trade and investment as diplomatic levers rather than traditional security guarantees.
Potential for Reengagement
There are signs that behind the scenes, U.S. and Israeli officials are already planning follow-up meetings to address the sense of neglect. A mid-level U.S. National Security Council staffer told LifecareNews that “dialogue is ongoing,” and that the administration remains committed to Israel’s defense needs, even if the public itinerary looked different this time.
Conclusion
President Trump’s Middle East tour has undeniably bypassed Israel, leaving the country to wrestle with its implications. By emphasizing deals with Gulf states, lifting Syrian sanctions, and negotiating directly with actors like Hamas, the tour represents a shift toward transactional diplomacy that has unsettled both officials and ordinary citizens in Israel. While the quiet concern may appear subdued today, its reverberations will influence how Jerusalem navigates its strategic partnerships and regional security in the months ahead.
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Sources
- According to Reuters, Trump’s itinerary omitted Israel for the first time in a presidential Middle East tour (Reuters report).
- A report by The Guardian highlights Gulf states’ growing economic clout in Trump’s diplomacy (Guardian live blog).
- According to AP News, Israel delayed further action in Gaza until after the U.S. visit to allow room for diplomacy (AP News analysis).
- A Politico.eu analysis underscores the strategic pivot away from security toward mega-deals (Politico.eu).
- According to Al Jazeera, Israel’s normalization talks took a backseat amid Saudi deal announcements (Al Jazeera).
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