Context:

President Trump's upcoming visit to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, is complicated by reported tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Despite ongoing support for Israel's defense, Trump's approach has led to concerns in Israel, particularly regarding a ceasefire agreement with Yemen's Houthis that did not address their attacks on Israel. Trump's willingness to advance a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, regardless of the kingdom's relations with Israel, marks a significant departure from previous U.S. policies. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has asserted Israel's independence in handling regional threats, reflecting potential shifts in U.S.-Israel dynamics. Both leaders maintain that their relationship remains strong amidst these geopolitical maneuvers, though experts warn against overinterpreting the perceived friction.

Dive Deeper:

• Trump's Middle East trip includes high-stakes negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, amidst strained relations with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. This trip aims to address issues like hostage talks, the Russia-Ukraine war, and a possible civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, even if the kingdom does not normalize ties with Israel.

• Reports suggest a cooling of the Trump-Netanyahu relationship, with claims that Trump has 'cut contact' with Netanyahu, though these have not been independently verified. This perceived tension is seen as part of Trump's broader strategy to encourage Israeli independence from U.S. support.

• The U.S. brokered a ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthis, requiring them to halt attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, but it did not address their assaults on Israel, causing frustration in Jerusalem. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would defend itself by its own forces, independent of U.S. intervention.

• Trump's administration is prepared to advance a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, even if the kingdom does not normalize relations with Israel, diverging from previous U.S. administrations that linked such deals to normalization efforts. This move is unsettling for Israel, which has long opposed Saudi demands for a Palestinian state.

• Despite these developments, the U.S. continues to support Israel's defenses, exemplified by a U.S. THAAD missile system intercepting rockets fired at Israel by Houthi forces. U.S. officials, including Ambassador Mike Huckabee, assert that the U.S.-Israel relationship remains strong, dismissing reports of significant tensions.

• Experts caution against overinterpreting the perceived friction between the U.S. and Israel, suggesting that U.S. actions, such as striking the Houthis, are aimed at protecting global commerce rather than directly defending Israel. They argue that a safer Saudi Arabia could ultimately lead to a safer Israel.

• Netanyahu remains silent on Iran's nuclear negotiations, although he claims close contact with the Trump administration on the issue. He insists on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, indicating ongoing U.S.-Israel collaboration on regional security matters despite the geopolitical shifts.