President Donald Trump embarked on his first major international trip of his second term, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Notably absent from the itinerary was Israel, a decision that has sparked debate and concern among Israeli officials and analysts.

This move, coupled with recent U.S. policy shifts, signals a potential realignment of American priorities in the Middle East, prioritizing economic deals and regional stability over traditional alliances.

Trump’s trip is centered on securing significant economic agreements, with a goal of announcing deals worth over $1 trillion.

Saudi Arabia, a key destination, is expected to pledge investments in U.S. industries, including a potential $100 billion arms purchase encompassing missiles, radar systems, and transport aircraft.

Discussions in Qatar and the UAE will focus on investments in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and energy, alongside military cooperation.

According to the WSJ, the White House has framed the visit as a “historic return to the Middle East,” emphasizing commerce and cultural exchanges over geopolitical maneuvering.

This economic focus aligns with Trump’s long-standing approach to foreign policy, viewing the presidency as a platform for deal-making.

Unlike past U.S. presidents who prioritized diplomacy or security in the region—such as Jimmy Carter’s Camp David Accords or Barack Obama’s outreach to the Muslim world—Trump’s agenda is driven by tangible financial outcomes.

The Gulf states, with their vast wealth and centralized authority, are ideal partners for this vision.

The decision to exclude Israel from the trip has raised eyebrows, particularly given Trump’s strong support for the country during his first term.

In 2017, Trump visited Israel on his first Middle East trip, and his administration delivered significant wins for Israel, including moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

However, the current omission reflects a combination of strategic and political factors.

Israeli officials had inquired about the possibility of a stop in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, but Trump confirmed last week that Israel was not on the agenda, stating, “We will be doing it at some point, but not for this trip.”

The ongoing war in Gaza, which intensified after Israel broke a ceasefire in March 2025, is a primary reason.

With Israel planning to expand its military operations and no immediate prospects for a ceasefire or hostage deal, a visit could complicate Trump’s narrative of promoting stability and economic prosperity.

The sidelining of Israel extends beyond the itinerary.

Recent U.S. actions have heightened Israeli concerns about diminishing influence in Washington. Trump’s administration has pursued policies without consulting Israel, including:

• Negotiations with Iran: The U.S. has engaged in talks over Iran’s nuclear program, potentially allowing Tehran to maintain civilian nuclear capabilities, a move Israel opposes.

• Houthi Ceasefire: A U.S.-brokered deal with Yemen’s Houthi rebels halted attacks on Red Sea shipping but did not address their missile strikes on Israel, leaving Israeli officials feeling blindsided.

• Hamas Hostage Deal: The release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander on May 11, 2025, was negotiated directly with Hamas, bypassing Israel. Trump framed it as a step toward ending the Gaza war, but Israeli officials were not informed until after the agreement.

These moves suggest a shift in U.S. strategy, prioritizing broader regional engagement over Israel’s immediate security concerns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long portrayed himself as a key ally of Trump, faces domestic pressure as his influence appears to wane.

Posts on X reflect sentiment that Trump is distancing himself from Israel, with some speculating that he is aligning more closely with Saudi Arabia’s interests, particularly on Gaza.