Overview

• President Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip will include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE but notably excludes Israel, raising concerns in Jerusalem.
• U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee has publicly denied any rift, emphasizing Trump’s strong support for Israel and pointing to his close ties with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
• The tour reflects a shift in U.S. regional priorities, with a focus on economic partnerships in the Gulf and advancing a ceasefire agreement with the Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen.
• Trump has initiated talks with Iran on a potential nuclear deal, prompting warnings from Netanyahu about the risks of a “bad deal” to Israeli security.
• Huckabee stated the U.S. does not require Israel’s approval for security arrangements, underscoring emerging policy differences between the allies.