President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria without consulting Israel signals a major shift in Middle East policy that has left Israeli officials shocked and scrambling to understand the new American approach.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump has lifted sanctions on Syria despite direct objections from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking a significant departure from his first-term policies.
- Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro has advised Trump to resist external pressure while making Middle East policy decisions.
- Netanyahu has publicly praised Trump as “a tremendous world leader” despite growing concerns about U.S. policies potentially sidelining Israeli interests.
- A potential U.S.-Iran diplomatic deal could become a major point of contention between the two allies, as Israel views Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat.
- Trump appears focused on ending regional conflicts and making diplomatic progress regardless of Israeli concerns, in contrast to his previous approach.
Trump’s Surprising Middle East Policy Shifts
President Trump’s recent decision to lift sanctions on Syria has created significant tension with Israeli leadership, marking an unexpected shift in U.S.-Israel relations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had explicitly requested that these sanctions remain in place, but his appeal was ultimately rejected. This development represents a stark contrast to Trump’s first term, when his administration consistently prioritized Israeli interests in diplomatic matters across the Middle East. Former military intelligence chief Tamir Hayman expressed the sentiment felt throughout the Israeli government when the news broke.
“When President Trump announced his decision to lift sanctions from Syria, Israelis couldn’t believe it,” said Daniel Estrin, NPR correspondent.
The president’s recent diplomatic moves, including various truces and arms agreements in the region, have largely excluded Israeli input and interests. This approach suggests a fundamental change in strategy, with Trump now seemingly focused on ending conflicts and achieving diplomatic breakthroughs regardless of Israel’s strategic concerns. The shift has caught Israeli officials off guard, as they had grown accustomed to having significant influence over American policy decisions in the region during Trump’s previous administration.
The Iran Question: A Potential Breaking Point
Perhaps most concerning for Israeli leadership is Trump’s apparent reluctance to support military action against Iran. Netanyahu was reportedly surprised by Trump’s preference for a diplomatic solution over backing Israel’s more aggressive stance toward the Iranian regime. This potential U.S.-Iran diplomatic deal represents what former Ambassador Daniel Shapiro describes as a critical juncture in the relationship between the two allies. For Israel, which views Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat, this shift in American policy could have profound security implications.
“Former Ambassador Shapiro says this is the one deal that could lead Israel and the U.S. to a major crossroads,” said Dan Shapiro, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
Israel’s capacity to act unilaterally against Iran would be severely limited without American support. This reality has created a dilemma for Netanyahu, who has historically been effective at influencing U.S. policy but now finds himself with diminished leverage against Trump’s independent decision-making. Israeli officials are increasingly concerned about their apparent lack of input regarding U.S. agreements that directly affect their security interests, a significant change from the close coordination they enjoyed during Trump’s first term.
Netanyahu’s Public Praise Amid Private Concerns
Despite these growing tensions behind the scenes, Netanyahu has maintained a publicly positive stance toward President Trump. In recent statements, the Israeli Prime Minister referred to Trump as “a tremendous world leader,” highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining a strong public alliance even as private disagreements emerge. This careful balancing act reflects Netanyahu’s recognition of the critical nature of U.S. support for Israel’s security, regardless of specific policy differences.
Meanwhile, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro has urged President Trump to “not be swayed” by foreign leaders as he navigates these complex regional dynamics. Drawing from his experience during the Obama administration, Shapiro’s advice reflects the delicate balance required in Middle East diplomacy. While Trump has successfully negotiated deals with several Gulf Arab countries, Israeli officials worry that these agreements have not adequately addressed their most pressing security concerns, particularly regarding Iran and Syria.
A New Chapter in U.S.-Israel Relations
The evolving relationship between Trump and Netanyahu represents a significant shift from their previous close alliance. During Trump’s first term, his administration delivered numerous diplomatic victories for Israel, including moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The current tensions suggest a more pragmatic approach from Trump, prioritizing broader regional stability and conflict resolution over exclusively Israel-centric policies. This adjustment reflects Trump’s commitment to his America First foreign policy vision while still maintaining support for Israel’s fundamental security needs.
“Former military intelligence chief Tamir Hayman, on Israeli Army Radio, said Trump’s move totally surprised Israel,” said Tamir Hayman, former military intelligence chief.
As Trump continues to reshape American policy in the Middle East, both nations will need to navigate this new dynamic carefully. For Israel, this means adapting to a reality where U.S. support remains strong but is no longer unconditional on every policy matter. For Trump, the challenge will be balancing America’s strategic interests across the region while maintaining the crucial alliance with Israel. The coming months will reveal whether these differences can be resolved through diplomatic channels or if they signal a more permanent recalibration of U.S.-Israel relations under Trump’s leadership.
