Despite frequently highlighting his close relationship with former President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is increasingly finding himself on the periphery of Trump’s Middle East strategy. During his first major overseas trip since returning to office, Trump is visiting key U.S. allies — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — while deliberately leaving Israel off the itinerary.
This move has raised eyebrows in Jerusalem and beyond, signaling a potential shift in Trump’s diplomatic priorities. Netanyahu, who has relied heavily on his ties to Trump to bolster his political standing at home, now faces growing unease among Israelis who see the snub as a blow to their nation’s regional influence.
Trump’s decision to bypass Netanyahu comes at a time when key issues such as the Iran nuclear deal and the escalating conflict with Houthi rebels demand regional cooperation. Yet, Trump has chosen to engage directly with Arab leaders, sidelining Israel from these high-stakes discussions.
The reaction from the Israeli public and political commentators has been largely critical, with many expressing frustration at Netanyahu’s diminished role. Online commentary is rife with accusations against Netanyahu for his handling of the Gaza conflict, with some critics going so far as to label his actions genocidal. Simultaneously, there is a growing skepticism about Trump’s motivations and reliability as a partner in regional diplomacy.
For Netanyahu, who has built much of his international reputation on personal relationships with global leaders — particularly Trump — the diplomatic snub presents both a political and strategic challenge.
