The U.S. 'Israel Passing' in 2025: Strategic Shift and Background Analysis
The United States is sending a clear signal that it no longer considers Israel an untouchable pillar of its Middle East diplomacy. Since the beginning of 2025, the so-called "Israel Passing" phenomenon under the Trump administration has gained attention worldwide and is reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.
📌 1. Trump's Middle East Tour: Israel Excluded
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President Donald Trump excluded Israel from his 2025 Middle East tour, breaking a long-standing tradition of including Israel in such diplomatic visits.
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The tour focused on oil-rich Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE, signaling a shift in U.S. strategy to prioritize national interest and energy security over past diplomatic norms.
🧭 2. Diplomatic Exclusion and Policy Discrepancy
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The U.S. independently negotiated with the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas without consulting Israel.
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Washington aims to end the Gaza war early, while Israel, led by the Netanyahu government and pressured by its far-right coalition, seeks to continue military operations.
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This misalignment has led to a diplomatic rift, with reports suggesting Israel was left in the dark about major U.S. decisions.
⚖️ 3. Withdrawal from Abraham Accords Expansion
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The Trump administration has abandoned efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, a centerpiece of its first-term Middle East peace strategy.
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The U.S. no longer demands that Saudi Arabia normalize relations with Israel, weakening one of Israel's key diplomatic pursuits.
☢️ 4. The Iran Issue and Rising Tensions
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The U.S. resumed indirect negotiations with Iran, which Israel strongly opposes.
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In response, Israel is preparing for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, while Washington has publicly warned against unilateral Israeli military action.
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These tensions reflect a growing erosion of trust and coordination between the two nations.
🛡️ 5. Israel's Independent Military Path
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Ignoring U.S. mediation efforts, Israel is escalating military operations in Gaza.
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Netanyahu's government, influenced by domestic political pressure, is pursuing an independent security path that often conflicts with U.S. objectives.
🔍 Conclusion: From 'Israel First' to 'Interest First' in U.S. Strategy
The "Israel Passing" trend is not just a diplomatic anomaly but a clear realignment of U.S. strategy in the Middle East.
Key takeaways include:
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Strategic Pivot: From Israel to Gulf States
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Independent U.S. Diplomacy: No longer coordinating with Israel
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Israel as a Pragmatic Partner: No longer an unconditional priority
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Evolving Security Dynamics: Israel forced into a more self-reliant position
This represents a realist foreign policy shift by the Trump administration that may permanently reshape U.S.–Israel relations.
References
[1] Trump Administration Returns in 2025: Middle East Strategy – Asan Institute for Policy Studies
https://www.asaninst.org/contents/2025%EB%85%84-%ED%8A%B8%EB%9F%BC%ED%94%84-%ED%96%89%EC%A0%95%EB%B6%80%EC%9D%98-%EA%B7%80%ED%99%98%EA%B3%BC-%EB%AF%B8%EA%B5%AD%EC%9D%98-%E5%B0%8D%EC%A4%91%EB%8F%99-%EC%A0%95%EC%B1%85/
[5] U.S. No Longer Demanding Saudi–Israel Normalization – Newsis
https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20250509_0003169542
[6] Trump’s Unprecedented 'Israel Passing' – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW66VSoR_js
[10] Why Was Israel Skipped in Trump’s Middle East Tour? – [Newsroom Globe]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXY5g3fgYhU
