US-Israel Relations Strain Amid Yemen Strikes, Nuclear Talks Stalled

Recent developments in US-Middle East relations reveal a complex and shifting landscape. Despite longstanding close ties between the US and Israel, Washington's recent agreement to halt airstrikes on Yemen in exchange for the Houthis ceasing attacks on Red Sea shipping has left Jerusalem feeling sidelined, especially after Houthi missile attacks near Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport. Concurrently, the United States has dropped its demand that Saudi Arabia normalize ties with Israel as a condition for advancing civil nuclear cooperation talks, signaling a potential shift in US diplomatic strategy amid regional tensions and the ongoing Gaza conflict. However, progress remains uncertain due to nonproliferation concerns and Saudi Arabia's insistence on a Palestinian state. Additionally, Israeli airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas have escalated tensions, while US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff anticipates further Arab normalization agreements with Israel under the Abraham Accords, despite the backdrop of intense violence in Gaza. Experts express uncertainty about the implications of US-Iranian deals and caution that the ceasefire with the Houthis may be fragile, with potential for renewed hostilities impacting Israel.