Posted by Alumni from The Atlantic
May 24, 2025
Donald Trump's itinerary for his recent trip to the Middle East featured a glaring omission. The president visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, but not Israel, ostensibly America's main ally in the region. When asked about the snub, he insisted that it wasn't a snub at all: 'This is good for Israel,' Trump said, referring to the alliances he'd be strengthening with countries that were, notably, not named Israel. By passing over the country, Trump gave a clear signal that Israel's concerns are not his top priority in the Middle East, and perhaps haven't been for some time. Judging by his administration's approach to the region, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Trump has pursued policies that have repeatedly undermined the agenda of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu'and show that divisions between the United States and Israel are widening. Most Israelis welcomed Trump's reelection: Almost two-thirds of them believed he would support their interests more... learn more