• Trump's visit to the Gulf has stirred doubts about Israel's standing with the U.S.
• Key discussions, including a hostage release, occurred without Israeli involvement.
• The U.S. has ceased strikes on Houthi forces, raising concerns for Israel's security.
• Israeli officials perceive a growing divergence in priorities between the U.S. and Israel.
• Netanyahu's government faces criticism amidst public perceptions of ineffective leadership.

President Donald Trump's recent Middle East trip has sparked concerns within Israel regarding its status in U.S. foreign policy. Despite Israeli officials attempting to maintain a positive image, Trump's decision to bypass direct talks with Israel during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates has raised significant questions. Notably, an agreement to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was made without Israeli involvement, illustrating a disconnect that has left some officials feeling blindsided, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Additionally, Trump's recent announcement to stop U.S. bombing of Iranian-backed Houthis added to Israel's disquiet. This decision came shortly after a Houthi missile targeted an area near Israel's main airport, further complicating the security environment for Israel and leading to commentary from Israeli officials who noted that Trump's approach has been characterized by unpredictable actions, as reported by Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

Commentators have expressed that the latest developments signal a diminishing priority for Israel in U.S. diplomatic considerations, with one Israeli analyst stating, “The message to the region was clear: Israel is no longer a top U.S. priority.” Moreover, Israeli officials noted a systemic "chaos" within the Trump administration, wherein decisions could shift unpredictably, affecting not only Israel's security but its diplomatic standing as well, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Additionally, the U.S. has reportedly dropped its demand for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel as part of negotiations for civil nuclear cooperation, indicating a significant shift in U.S. expectations that could limit Israel's diplomatic leverage. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has stated that while the coordination remains, it does not require complete agreement on every issue, which reflects the complicated nature of current U.S.-Israel relations, as noted by Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

Despite the backdrop of rising tensions and shifting priorities, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, affirmed that the Trump administration's support for Israel remains steadfast, maintaining that the relationship is described as "ironclad." However, this assertion comes amidst increasing public sentiment in Israel that their leadership is lacking. Observers have remarked that "right now, it’s every man for himself," hinting at a deepening rift between Israeli and American priorities, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.