**Trump’s Middle East Visit: A Not-so-Sneaky Snub to Israel?**

In a whirlwind tour that’s turning heads and raising eyebrows, President Trump is embarking on a four-day adventure through the Middle East. His travels will take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with a possible pit stop in Istanbul, where all eyes are glued to the anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and the infamous leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin. But here’s the twist – the one place that appears to be missing from Trump’s itinerary is none other than Israel, America’s steadfast ally in the region. What gives?

Now, let’s not forget that during his first term, President Trump solidified his title as a champion for Israel. He moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, a move that made many foreign policy experts clutch their pearls. Plus, he orchestrated the Abraham Accords, which opened the doors for historic agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. So why would he leave Israel out of the picture this time around? It’s a head-scratcher, to say the least.

Curiously, the seemingly smooth relationship between the Trump administration and Israel may be experiencing some bumps in the road. There have been whispers of tension, especially following a recent negotiation for the release of American hostages held by Hamas. While some may argue it was a strategic move, critics note that no additional pressure was put on Hamas to return other captives. This could be seen as a slight to Israel, which has been vocal about the urgency of this matter.

Adding to the complexity of this scenario is the ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump recently reaffirmed that Iran will never become a nuclear power, yet negotiations with the Iranian regime continue. Critics argue that these discussions might lead nowhere good. The truth is, the Iranian leadership likely views any promises made during negotiations as mere speed bumps on their path to nuclear capabilities. After all, they’ve learned from the fate of other countries, like Libya and Ukraine, that disarming didn’t help them in the long run.

There are also concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile ambitions and its extensive support for terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah. The latest events involving the Houthi rebels have only served to heighten Israel’s anxieties. After weeks of U.S. military strikes against these Iranian-backed pirates, a ceasefire was suddenly reached – but with a caveat. The Houthis did not commit to not attacking Israel, leaving many to wonder what’s really going on behind closed doors. It feels like a classic case of “trust but verify,” but can the U.S. afford to assume good faith from such unpredictable players?

Ultimately, the big question remains: What is Trump hoping to achieve during this tour without making a stop in Israel? With geopolitical tensions boiling over and the stakes so high, one can’t help but think that skipping Israel might be an oversight with serious implications. Some say now is the time for decisive action on Iran’s nuclear facilities, echoing the famous words of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. “Don’t go wobbly, George,” she advised President George H.W. Bush during the Gulf War. Perhaps it’s time for Trump to heed this timeless advice as he navigates the complex waters of Middle East diplomacy. The world is watching, and everyone is wondering what’s next on the agenda.