AS Donald Trump landed in Riyadh on Tuesday to a regal reception, questions were swirling whether the American president had refused to toe Tel Aviv’s line on the Middle East, and if he was pursuing an independent regional policy. This is important because Israel has — for decades — commanded reverential bipartisan support in Washington, and very few American politicians would dare take on Tel Aviv. There are several indications that the Trump administration is charting its own course vis-à-vis Israel. For example, the US has secured the release of an American-Israeli hostage held by Hamas, considered a ‘foreign terrorist entity’ by the US, by negotiating with the Palestinian group and bypassing Israel. Moreover, as he pursues multibillion-dollar business deals in the Gulf, Mr Trump has reportedly dropped his demand that Riyadh recognise Tel Aviv. The Saudis have said normalisation would only be possible once Israel commits to an independent Palestinian state, which currently seems impossible as the Zionist state carries out a genocidal purge in Gaza. Also, Washington has worked out a ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthis — on the US ‘terrorist’ list as well — much to Israel’s chagrin. The Houthis have been lobbing missiles at Israel apparently in defence of Gaza, while Tel Aviv has undertaken savage bombing runs against Yemen. As for the ongoing talks between the US and Iran, this is probably one of Tel Aviv’s biggest headaches. Though Mr Trump has made inflammatory remarks about bombing Iran, he has publicly said he prefers a negotiated settlement. Israel, on the other hand, wants to fight Iran to the last American. Therefore, all these seemingly independent American decisions are causing much grief within Israel.

However, it would be overly optimistic to consider this a rupture between the US and Israel. After all, several of Donald Trump’s financiers, supporters and members of his inner circle are staunch Zionists. Yet it is also true that the MAGA wing of Mr Trump’s support base wants nothing to do with Middle Eastern wars. Therefore, the seemingly changed approach towards Israel most likely reflects internal dynamics rather than any external considerations. Mr Trump is also known for his U-turns. He could be opposed to US involvement in foreign wars today. But if his Zionist supporters catch his ear, the US bombers and aircraft carriers may be ready for the next forever war in the Middle East.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2025