Trump’s Middle East trip handed Israel a historic opportunity — if it chooses to act, experts say
Share this @internewscast.com

TEL AVIV – As President Donald Trump concluded his crucial tour of the Middle East last Friday, a number of media reports interpreted his decision to not visit Israel as a sign of discord between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Despite Air Force One not touching down in Israel, analysts suggest that Trump’s visit furthered policies that closely align with Israeli goals and provided Jerusalem with a strategic chance that remains untapped.

Avner Golov, vice president at MIND Israel and previously a senior director of Israel’s National Security Council, conveyed to Fox News Digital that “Israel observes an enormous wave heading across the Middle East—signifying momentum and transformation. The crucial choice for Israel is whether to navigate this wave or be overwhelmed by it.”

The sense of urgency grew last week when Trump abruptly paused U.S. airstrikes on Iranian-backed Houthis just days after a missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport. Reports soon followed that Washington had dropped its demand for Israeli-Saudi normalization as a prerequisite for a U.S.–Saudi nuclear pact — a strategic goal long championed by Netanyahu.

Reuters later confirmed the shift. Meanwhile, Saudi officials made clear that progress on the Palestinian issue remains a prerequisite for any nuclear deal — something seen as unlikely while the war in Gaza continues.

“After the Saudi story, where we were thrown under the bus, I said we need to stop and investigate,” Haiman said. “We shouldn’t just say it’s the president’s whims. We need to ask, ‘What depends on us? What needs to change?’ I’m not sure they’re doing that.”

The sharpest potential rift remains Iran. Jerusalem views a nuclear-armed Tehran as an existential threat. Haiman calls this “a historic window” to stop it, by force if needed. “The American interest is to finish wars, not enter them, and to seal a deal better than Obama’s,” he said, warning that a diplomatic track pursued over Israel’s head could soon limit Israeli military options.

Edan Alexander meets with his extended family following his release.

Edan Alexander meets with his extended family following his release. (IDF)

Monday’s release of 21-year-old American-Israeli Edan Alexander, freed after direct talks between Washington, Qatar and Hamas, added to some fears of Jerusalem being sidelined. Israel played only a logistical role. 

Within Israel, the Gaza war continues to divide strategists over whether to keep pressing Hamas or stop the war for a hostage deal. Haiman called the current “fight, deal, fight” rhythm “boiling the frog,” but acknowledges that without a hostage deal now, the 21 living hostages might not survive.

Golov believes it is time for Israel to stop reacting and start shaping events. He urged Jerusalem to push Washington to demand that “Qatar must stop funding Hamas, stop Al Jazeera’s incitement, and pay a price for interfering inside Israel.” Israel, he argued, does not have the leverage to do that alone.

“It must anchor itself in a regional bloc — with the Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan — states that are just as terrified of a Muslim Brotherhood resurgence.” To get there, he said, Israel must climb aboard the wave Trump has already set in motion.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Feel-Good Friday: Family Models Value of 'Showing Up' With Surprise Visit to Attend Dad's Commencement

Feel-Good Friday: Family Exemplifies the Importance of ‘Being There’ by Surprising Dad at His Graduation

A quote I often reflect on comes from the Victorian-era author, George…
3 Brooks Middle School employees fired over alleged misconduct, Valley View Community Unit School District 365-U says

Bolingbrook Police Report Catalytic Converters Stolen from Trucks at 4 KIDS Sake Food Pantry and Enrichment Center on Remington Boulevard

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. (WLS) — The catalytic converters were stolen off a south…
Trump's crackdown nets over 2,700 alleged members of notorious Venezuelan gang

Trump’s Operation Captures Over 2,700 Suspected Venezuelan Gang Members

Federal authorities have detained over 2,700 suspected members of Tren de Aragua…
Baker County Sheriff's Office: Macclenny double shooting injures 2

Double Shooting in Macclenny Leaves Two Injured, Reports Baker County Sheriff’s Office

Police say two victims were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds.…
Security guard blocking access to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

WHO Confesses to Remaining Uncertain About Covid Origins, Lab Leak Not Dismissed

A LEADING theory that the Covid pandemic originated from a lab leak…
Harvard, University of Toronto make contingency plan to allow foreign students to study if barred from US

Harvard and University of Toronto Develop Backup Plans for International Students in Case of US Entry Restrictions

Harvard University, in collaboration with the University of Toronto, has developed a…
Traveler nabbed by CBP beagle at airport for carrying illicit food deported after kicking dog 'off the ground'

Traveler Deported After Assaulting CBP Beagle That Detected Illegal Food at Airport

A beagle with U.S. Customs and Border Protection is on the mend…

Fugitive Drug Lord “Fito the Lion” Discovered Hiding in Trapdoor Lair After 3-Year-Old Daughter’s Unintended Disclosure

WATCH the moment Ecuador’s most-wanted fugitive, a drug lord dubbed “The Lion”,…
Supreme Court allows states to cut Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood

U.S. Supreme Court Permits States to Reduce Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – States can now block the country’s largest abortion provider,…
Chicago protesters oppose ICE, Alejandro Orellana charges; Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi introduces bill to limit military deployments

Chicago Demonstrators Rally Against ICE; Alejandro Orellana Faces Charges; Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Proposes Legislation to Restrict Military Deployments

CHICAGO (WLS) — Another protest against ICE got underway in downtown Chicago…
Accused Colorado firebomber pleads not guilty to hate crimes at demonstration for Israeli hostages

Colorado Firebombing Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Hate Crime Charges at Israeli Hostage Demonstration

A man facing allegations of throwing Molotov cocktails at demonstrators in Boulder,…
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez kissing on a boat.

A Look Into Jeff Bezos’ Lavish $46 Million Wedding: Featuring $6 Million for Jet Security, $1.8 Million for Waiting Staff, and $1.6 Million on Roses

JEFF Bezos has poured an astounding $46 million into his lavish Italian…