In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump chose to exclude Israel from his first official Middle East tour, sparking speculation about a potential shift in American foreign policy. Instead, Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, forging historic economic deals and signaling a new era of cooperation between the US and these Gulf nations.
The decision to bypass Israel, Washington’s principal strategic ally in the region, was seen as a significant departure from traditional diplomatic protocol. Relations between the Trump administration and Israeli leadership, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have been strained due to Israel’s stance on the Palestinian question and the influence of far-right factions within the Israeli government.
Trump’s focus on the Gulf monarchies was driven by their substantial investments in the US economy and multi-billion-dollar arms contracts. The President’s business-oriented approach to foreign policy led to unprecedented economic agreements, including a $600 billion package with Saudi Arabia and $1.2 trillion in deals with Qatar. These agreements mark a fundamental redefinition of American foreign policy, prioritizing economic penetration and transactional partnerships over military force and ideological alignment.
The Gulf states are emerging as autonomous actors in global politics, forging regional alliances and shaping international agendas. Their evolving role reflects a deliberate strategy to consolidate sovereignty, enhance prestige, and assert influence in the 21st century. Trump’s message was clear: the era of foreign policy as charity is over, and what now matters are mutual returns, strategic alignments, and economic gains.
The omission of Israel from Trump’s tour has been interpreted as a sign of a cooling relationship between the US and Israel. Tensions have been mounting over issues such as the US withdrawal from operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, quiet contacts with Iran, and differences over the future of Syria. Israeli frustration has been further stoked by Washington’s evolving stance on the Palestinian issue, including a proposed Gaza reconstruction plan and potential recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
As the US shifts its focus towards more pragmatic and economically driven relationships with the Gulf monarchies, Israel may find itself in strategic isolation. The center of regional gravity is shifting towards Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Türkiye, countries that offer Trump investment, trade, and strategic partnership based on reciprocal interest. If rumors of Palestinian state recognition prove true, it will mark the end of the long-standing era of “special relations” between the US and Israel, signaling a new chapter in American Middle East policy governed by political and economic rationality.
