President Donald Trump’s decision to skip Israel on his first Middle East tour has raised questions about the strength of U.S.-Israel ties under his leadership, according to The Wall Street Journal. Trump is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, but not Israel, a move seen by some in Jerusalem as symbolic.
Israeli officials were reportedly surprised by Trump’s recent direct negotiations with Hamas and Iran, as well as his decision to halt military action against the Houthis without consulting Israel.
“We’re not in lockstep,” an Israeli official said. “But in a tango, partners sometimes step on each other’s toes.” Despite the differences, senior Israeli leaders insist coordination remains strong. Ambassador Danny Danon said Israel remains skeptical of diplomacy with Iran, stating, “We cannot sit idly by... History has taught us better.”
