President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about bypassing Israel during his Middle East tour, insisting that his diplomatic efforts in the Gulf region ultimately strengthen America’s relationship with its longtime ally.
“This is good for Israel,” Trump told reporters Wednesday aboard Air Force One en route to Qatar. “Having a relationship like I have with these countries… I think it’s very good for Israel.”
Trump also commented on Monday’s release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, claiming significant White House influence in securing his freedom from Hamas captivity.
“I think my people deserve a lot of credit. Maybe the most credit,” Trump said when asked if Israel deserved recognition for the release. “Look, [Alexander] wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for us, he wouldn’t be living right now. Probably none of the hostages would be living right now.”
Alexander’s release, described as a goodwill gesture from Hamas ahead of Trump’s regional visit, has become a centerpiece of the president’s diplomatic messaging. During the summit with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders in Riyadh, Trump acknowledged the hostage’s return while emphasizing a need to end the war in Gaza.
“We thought Edan was dead,” Trump told the assembled leaders. “Ultimately, all hostages of all nationalities must be released as a stepping stone to peace.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud also struck an optimistic tone following the Gulf summit, declaring that Washington and Riyadh “agree to end the war in Gaza and release all hostages.” He suggested the U.S. administration is prepared to make “very courageous decisions” toward a ceasefire and potentially “moving toward, one hopes, a Palestinian state.”
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, negotiations continue through Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, who traveled to Doha after meetings in Tel Aviv. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dispatched a negotiating team following conversations with Trump, though he maintains that talks will proceed “only under fire..” Israel has threatened a major military operation in Gaza if Hamas fails to agree to a hostage deal before Trump
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