U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing for his first trip to the Middle East during his second term, but the absence of a stop in Israel has caused concern among Israeli officials, reports Rks News .
The tour will include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The White House has described the trip as a “historic return to the Middle East” aimed at promoting stability and mutual respect in the region. However, the exclusion of Israel from the itinerary has stirred speculation and unease in Tel Aviv.
According to CNN, Israeli officials tried to persuade Trump to make a stop in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, but he declined, reportedly saying, “We’ll do it another time. But not on this trip.”
Sources close to the matter believe the reason lies in the lack of clear diplomatic achievements. “Without results, he won’t come (to Israel),” one official told CNN, referring to the absence of breakthroughs in a Gaza ceasefire or humanitarian agreement.
Trump’s unconventional steps in the region—including outreach to Hamas and talks with Iran—have further complicated matters, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s standing in Washington has significantly weakened. Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas summarized it: “Netanyahu has nothing to offer Trump—unlike the Saudis, Qataris, or Emiratis.”
Meanwhile, wealthy Arab states have expressed readiness to invest trillions in the U.S. and purchase American weaponry—offers Trump is likely to frame as political and economic wins for the American public.
