President Donald Trump’s current Middle East tour, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates but pointedly excludes Israel, is raising alarms in Jerusalem. As Keren Setton reports [1] for The Media Line, Israeli officials fear the US is preparing major regional agreements that could reshape the balance of power—without Israeli input.
President Trump’s goal of securing $1 trillion in Gulf investment and a $100 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia has led to speculation that Washington may offer concessions, such as backing a Saudi civilian nuclear program or reviving parts of the Iran nuclear deal. These developments have deepened Israeli concerns about a potential nuclear arms race in the region and a weakening of Israel’s strategic edge.
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Israel is also wary of reports that President Trump might recognize a Palestinian state, a move the current Israeli government firmly rejects. Officials fear Saudi Arabia could use the issue as leverage in negotiations for normalization or a defense pact. Meanwhile, Trump appears to be moving forward with Gulf partners—even if it means sidelining Israel.
The US president is also expected to accept a custom Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar, a nation Israel sees as a top funder of Hamas. Former diplomats interviewed by Setton warn that such gifts come with political strings and could tilt regional dynamics further away from Israeli interests.
As Setton writes, Trump’s trip reflects shifting alliances and a reduced Israeli role in shaping outcomes. With ceasefire talks stalled and regional actors recalibrating, Israel may find itself reacting to decisions already made.
Read Setton’s full report [1] for deeper insights into how President Trump’s Gulf diplomacy may reshape the region.