“Trump’s Middle East Trip Shakes Things Up – Israel Left Out?”
(Source: Reuters, May 18, Dubai)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s big tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE this week didn’t just bring in huge business deals—it also changed the power game in the Middle East. And one big loser? Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
What Happened?
- Trump met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa—a man Israel calls a “terrorist in a suit.”
- The U.S. and Gulf states signed massive arms and tech deals worth billions.
- Meanwhile, Netanyahu is getting cold treatment from Washington over his refusal to agree to a Gaza ceasefire or support U.S. talks with Iran.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
For years, Israel was America’s #1 ally in the region. But now, Trump is focusing more on rich Sunni Arab nations like Saudi Arabia. These countries are buying U.S. weapons, investing in tech, and shaping a new Middle East—without Israel’s input.
Netanyahu’s Problems:
- Gaza War: Trump wanted a ceasefire, but Netanyahu keeps fighting, with over 52,900 dead (Reuters).
- Iran Talks: Netanyahu wanted U.S. military strikes on Iran, but Trump chose diplomacy instead.
- Saudi-Israel Deal Stuck: Saudi Arabia won’t normalize relations until Gaza war ends and Palestinians get statehood—something Netanyahu rejects.
What’s Next?
- Sunni Power Rise: Saudi Arabia is now the key leader in the Arab world, while Iran’s influence shrinks.
- Qatar’s Big Role: Despite funding Hamas, Qatar is a major U.S. ally (hosting the biggest U.S. military base in the Middle East, says Reuters).
- Israel Isolated: Even traditional allies are frustrated—Netanyahu’s hardline stance is making Israel look like the “spoiler” in peace efforts.
Opposition Attacks Netanyahu
Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett slammed Netanyahu on social media: “The Middle East is changing fast, but Netanyahu’s government is doing nothing!”
Bottom Line (Reuters Source)
Trump’s trip shows the U.S. is putting its own interests first—working more with Gulf states and less with Israel. Netanyahu’s stubbornness on Gaza and Iran is costing him U.S. support.
Want More?
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(This news is based on Reuters reporting from May 18. For full details, check the original article.)