Trump's Shocking $2 Billion Saudi Deal: Will It Spell Disaster for Israel? Find Out Now!

The recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House marked a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy, showcasing the Trump administration's priorities in a lavish display that outshone any previous state visit. This meeting, framed as a working visit, was notable for its extravagant welcoming ceremony, which included military honors such as uniformed men on horseback and a flyover of fighter jets on the South Lawn, the biggest stage of the White House.

Inside the newly gilded Oval Office, President Trump appeared visibly enamored, frequently expressing his admiration for the Crown Prince and the perceived "royal friendship." However, the visit was overshadowed when a journalist raised the sensitive topic of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This brutal act, which involved Khashoggi's murder and dismemberment in Istanbul by Saudi state operatives, had kept Prince Mohammed away from Washington for seven years. Trump's response was defensive; he labeled Khashoggi as "extremely controversial" and suggested that the Crown Prince had no prior knowledge of the murder, contradicting U.S. intelligence assessments.

This episode underscores a broader trend in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, which has increasingly favored autocratic leaders over democratic ones. Since taking office for a second term in January, Trump has aligned U.S. policy more closely with Gulf monarchies, signaling a possible shift away from longstanding principles regarding U.S.-Israeli relations. One particularly controversial aspect of the visit was Trump's announcement concerning the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This deal, which would not have conditions and would provide Saudi Arabia with F-35s matching those of Israel, goes against the traditional U.S. commitment to maintaining Israel's qualitative military advantage in the region.

Trump argued that both Saudi Arabia and Israel are "great allies" deserving of top-tier military equipment, a statement that may unsettle Israeli officials amidst ongoing tensions in the region. As this relationship evolves, it highlights a growing concern for Israel regarding its standing with Washington, particularly given the backdrop of other recent U.S.-Saudi engagements. Notably, the Trump administration also announced plans to lift a ban on selling advanced AI chips to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, further solidifying a burgeoning partnership in technology that could reshape regional dynamics.

Gregory Gause, a visiting scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington, compared this evolving U.S.-Saudi partnership in AI to the historical U.S. corporate-led development of Saudi oilfields in the 1930s. Gause suggests that this technological collaboration could serve as a solid link between the two nations, providing a more reliable commitment of American support for Saudi security than any written agreement.

In addition to military and technological partnerships, recent U.S. actions suggest a temporary shift away from Israeli primacy in the Middle East. A recent U.S.-drafted UN Security Council resolution included language discussing a potential pathway to an independent Palestine, despite Israeli opposition. This follows other U.S. actions, such as the lifting of sanctions on Syria, all of which hint at a rebalancing of priorities in Washington.

However, experts caution against interpreting these developments as an outright reset of U.S. policy in the Middle East. Announcing a $1 trillion investment promise without a specified timeline and the uncertain number of F-35 jets to be sold raises questions about the solidity of these commitments. Additionally, Prince Mohammed showed reluctance to discuss the normalization of relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, insisting that any such steps would depend on a strong commitment to Palestinian statehood, beyond the vague assurances reflected in the recent UN resolution.

In a broader context, Daniel Levy, president of the U.S./Middle East Project, articulates skepticism regarding prospects for progress on Palestinian issues, citing Israel's unrestrained military actions in Gaza. He argues that while the U.S. posture may seem to shift, the underlying dynamics remain largely unchanged, driven by a lack of deep understanding of the region among key policymakers.

In summary, the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman illustrates a complex interplay of U.S. foreign policy interests, marked by a striking embrace of authoritarian leaders and a potential reevaluation of relationships with traditional allies such as Israel. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these shifts will require careful consideration by both American and regional stakeholders.