Trump Shifts Middle East Policies, Sidelines Israel Amid Hostage Releases, Saudi Arms Deal

Recent U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, led by President Donald Trump, have caused unease in Israel due to a perceived shift from traditional alliances to business-driven and American-first priorities. Trump's administration successfully negotiated the release of Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. hostage held by Hamas, through direct talks with the organization, a move that Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu finds troubling given Hamas is viewed as an enemy. Concurrently, the U.S. secured a ceasefire with Yemen's Houthi rebels, although Israel remains concerned as the Houthis continue to target Israeli territory despite the agreement. Israeli officials have expressed anxiety over being sidelined in U.S. Middle East strategy, which now appears to prioritize economic ties and broader regional deals with Gulf states over unwavering support for Israel. While Trump reaffirms commitment to freeing all hostages and maintains a pro-Israel stance, his administration’s willingness to negotiate with groups Israel opposes signals a recalibration of U.S. interests that challenges Israel’s diplomatic expectations. This new geopolitical reality demands that Israel navigate a more complex landscape where American interests and alliances are increasingly transactional.