SAEDNEWS: In the past week, Israeli military attacks on Gaza and Syria not only sparked international protests but even caught its long‑time ally, the United States, off guard, with reports that former President Donald Trump was “shocked” by Jerusalem’s uncoordinated actions and that doubts are growing in the White House about Netanyahu.
According to Saed News, in the past week Israel’s military strikes on Gaza and the Syrian border not only triggered a wave of international condemnation, but also appeared to surprise its perennial ally, the United States, revealing fractures in Washington’s unconditional support for Tel Aviv and signs of strategic fatigue and a possible reassessment of U.S. foreign policy toward Israel.
According to sources close to Republican circles, Donald Trump—long a staunch defender of Netanyahu’s government—was “seriously surprised and even concerned” by Israel’s actions in Syria and Gaza “without prior notification.” This reaction is a significant indicator of a potential shift in how American political elites view Israel’s strategic role in the region.
The Biden administration has also shown recent signs of coolness toward Israel’s prime minister. Diplomatic contacts have been limited, and statements by U.S. officials have become noticeably more cautious. In response to the latest strikes, the State Department stated that “all parties must exercise restraint”—a seemingly neutral phrase that nonetheless signals a lack of unequivocal support for Tel Aviv.
Analysts believe that the current approach of the Biden administration—and even some Republicans—is driven by growing public pressure and international concern over the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s actions in Gaza and Syria.
The Middle East is no longer a theater where Israel can act without cost. On one hand, the resistance in Gaza is more organized than ever; on the other, the Iran–Syria–Lebanon axis, despite internal challenges, has created a relative deterrent. In this context, coordinating with the United States to advance shared security objectives has become more critical—but that coordination now appears to be eroding.
Israel’s recent actions not only clash with America’s broader regional strategy but also risk dragging Washington into unwanted conflicts at high cost. After experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq, U.S. policymakers are wary of direct involvement or supporting endless wars.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces political crises and public protests. Many observers argue that his recent military actions were less about genuine security concerns and more about diverting attention from internal crises to secure his political survival. While this tactic has worked in the past, it may now incur irreparable strategic costs for Tel Aviv.
Political leaders in Washington are asking whether it is worth trading international credibility for the short‑term objectives of one Israeli leader. This question underscores the growing doubts within the White House.
Recent signs suggest that while U.S. strategic support for Israel will not vanish overnight, Washington is moving toward imposing limits on Tel Aviv’s aggressive, unchecked behavior. Changing tones in American media, increased pressure from anti‑Israel lobby groups, and divergent positions among some members of Congress all point to a gradual shift.
If this trend continues, unconditional support for Israel may, for the first time in decades, give way to “conditional backing” and “reassessment of priorities.”
Last week’s events represent not only a turning point on Middle Eastern battlefields but also a warning shot to the structure of U.S. foreign policy. Donald Trump—the emblem of extreme support for Israel—has publicly criticized Tel Aviv’s recent actions, lending weight to the idea that Washington’s approach is indeed evolving.
Although “moving past Netanyahu” has not yet become official U.S. policy, the clear signs of a slow, measured transformation suggest the dawn of a new chapter in America’s relationship with Israel and the tumultuous Middle East.
