There are signs of a growing divide between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This shift comes after nearly 19 months of strong support from the U.S. for Israel, especially following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. Now, it seems that Washington might be ready to change its approach.
While Trump has made progress on issues in Yemen and Syria, experts believe that lasting stability in the region will be hard to achieve unless he takes bold steps regarding Iran and Gaza. If Trump continues to align closely with Netanyahu on these matters, it could lead U.S. Middle East policy down a path that doesn’t serve American interests. There’s a call for Trump to use his current influence to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and to reconsider American involvement in the Gaza conflict.
Reports are emerging that Trump is starting to bypass Netanyahu, with many noting that their relationship is becoming strained. An article in Israel Hayom, a publication linked to a prominent pro-Israel donor, suggested that Trump is frustrated with Netanyahu and is ready to move forward with Middle East initiatives without him. Recently, Vice President J.D. Vance even canceled a planned trip to Israel to signal the administration’s disapproval of Israel’s military plans in Gaza.
However, any perceived rift should be measured by actual policy changes, not just words. Under the Biden administration, there were frequent reports of tension between Netanyahu and Biden, but these did not lead to significant policy shifts. Trump, on the other hand, has already made some notable changes. He has maintained a hands-off policy in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad and recently announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions on the country, despite Israeli opposition. He is also pulling back some U.S. troops from Syria, which has raised concerns in Israel.
In Yemen, Trump has ended the U.S. military campaign against the Houthis after reaching an agreement with them to stop targeting American vessels. This deal, however, did not include any commitments from the Houthis regarding Israel, and Israel was not informed beforehand. Critics argue that the U.S. military involvement in Yemen was unnecessary and costly.
While these developments are significant, they pale in comparison to the pressing issues of Gaza and Iran. Trump’s decision to pursue diplomatic talks with Iran’s nuclear program has surprised many, especially Netanyahu, who has long advocated for military action against Iran. Trump has stood firm against these calls for military strikes, which indicates a potential shift in U.S. policy.
To avoid another costly conflict in the Middle East, Trump needs to resist pressure from hawkish elements in Washington and Israel. He must also temper expectations regarding negotiations with Iran. Recently, U.S. officials have set unrealistic demands that could hinder progress in talks.
The ongoing war in Gaza remains a critical issue, with no end in sight. Israel has launched a new military operation in Gaza, despite the stated goals of eliminating Hamas and freeing hostages being in conflict. Netanyahu has been open about his intent to destroy Gaza’s infrastructure, which raises humanitarian concerns.
Trump has made strides in securing the release of American hostages in Gaza, but he must take a more active stance to prevent Israel from using U.S. support to further its aggressive strategies in the region. There is no justification for the U.S. to fund Israel’s military actions in Gaza, especially as they contribute to a humanitarian crisis.
The Trump administration has a chance to change course, applying pressure on Israel to ease the humanitarian situation and seek a ceasefire. This requires Trump to move away from controversial proposals that could escalate tensions further.
Ultimately, how Trump handles the situations in Gaza and Iran will define his Middle East policy. It will take decisive leadership and a willingness to break from Netanyahu’s approach. This is an opportunity for Trump to work toward peace in Gaza, secure a nuclear agreement with Iran, and reduce U.S. involvement in the region.