US President Donald Trump's recent Middle East tour, which notably excluded a stop in Israel, has sparked concerns about potentially waning US support for its closest regional ally. However, despite the absence of a visit to Jerusalem, Trump's actions suggest a continued focus on securing Israel's long-term regional position.
Major Economic Deals with Saudi Arabia
The tour's headline achievement was a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia to the United States, alongside a $142 billion defense cooperation agreement, hailed as the largest of its kind in US history. In addition, reports indicate that Trump has expressed interest in accepting a $400 million aircraft from Qatar as a potential replacement for Air Force One, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Push for Regional Peace Through the Abraham Accords
While these high-profile deals captured the bulk of media attention, Trump's broader strategy became clear as he called for Middle Eastern countries to join the Abraham Accords. During his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Trump underscored his desire for expanded regional normalization with Israel.
"Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords in its own time," Trump stated, emphasizing that such a move remains a key priority for his administration.
On the same day, Trump announced the lifting of decades-long sanctions on Syria, describing it as a chance for the war-torn nation to "shine" once more. He expressed hope that this gesture would create momentum for Syria to join the normalization wave sweeping the region.
Engagement with Syria
During a separate meeting with President al-Sharaa, Trump reportedly urged the Syrian leader to consider signing the Abraham Accords, positioning this as a "historic opportunity" for Damascus. According to a White House statement, al-Sharaa affirmed his commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel and expressed interest in joint US-Syrian efforts to combat terrorism and eliminate chemical weapons.
Hostage Negotiations and Israeli Involvement
Trump also made headlines by highlighting his administration's role in the release of hostages, including 21-year-old Israeli-American Edan Alexander. Despite criticism from some quarters that Trump sought to take undue credit, Israeli media confirmed that US negotiators played a critical role in securing Alexander's freedom.
Signs of a Potential Diplomatic Shift
While the lack of a direct visit to Israel drew criticism, Trump's overtures to regional leaders and his push for expanded Abraham Accords membership suggest that Israel remains central to his Middle East strategy. These moves, coupled with significant economic agreements, indicate that Washington may be laying the groundwork for a broader realignment that could ultimately benefit Israel.
In the coming months, this strategy could bear fruit as more nations potentially join the Abraham Accords, enhancing Israel's diplomatic standing, reducing regional tensions, and creating a unified front against groups like Hamas.
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