Trump's Middle East Tour Excludes Israel Amid Tensions with Netanyahu

Trump's Middle East Visit Omits Israel

Donald Trump has excluded Israel from his upcoming Middle East tour, marking a significant shift in his diplomatic approach. Despite Israel's objections, he met with Syria's new leader, Al-Shara, and lifted sanctions against the country. This development has led to speculation about a growing rift between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During a press conference, when asked if he was disappointed with Netanyahu, Trump dismissed the notion. Reports of disagreements between the U.S. and Israel surfaced throughout his Middle East trip.

Trump Comments on Netanyahu's Challenges

Trump remarked, 'No, he is in a tough situation. You must remember that October 7 was a day that everyone forgets. It was one of the most violent days in world history, not just in the Middle East. You can see the videos. He faces this problem, and it should never have happened. If I were president, this problem would not exist.'

Disagreements Over Gaza Ceasefire

There are claims of a disagreement between Trump and Netanyahu regarding the ongoing ceasefire. Trump expressed understanding of Netanyahu's anger towards Hamas, acknowledging the significant impact of the October 7 attacks on him. He noted that Netanyahu is in a challenging position and mentioned that visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE would be beneficial for Israel.

U.S. Hostage Released Without Israeli Involvement

In a notable move, Trump facilitated the release of American hostage Edan Alexander by negotiating directly with Hamas, sidelining Israel. Following Alexander's release, Hamas stated that it had reached an agreement with the U.S. to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza and initiate further ceasefire discussions.