Before Donald Trump even took office in January, his influence was already being felt in the Middle East. In an early move, his personal envoy, real estate billionaire Steve Witkoff, facilitated an unexpected victory that caught even the most seasoned diplomats by surprise. While President Biden’s diplomatic team had struggled to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, it was Witkoff who successfully negotiated a deal in the spring of 2025, just weeks before Trump’s inauguration. Through relentless pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Witkoff managed to secure a 96-hour marathon of talks in Qatar, culminating in a ceasefire agreement and a rare hostage exchange.
This move seemed to affirm Trump’s promise to prioritize peace in the Middle East—especially after his 2020 reelection campaign emphasized an end to endless wars and a lasting peace that would be satisfactory to all parties involved. Bishara Bahbah, chair of Arab Americans for Trump, reflected on the campaign’s message: “Trump’s Middle East strategy was focused on making peace, and he was delivering on that.”
However, the ceasefire was short-lived, with Israel violating its terms and blocking critical humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Despite this, Trump’s second term took a markedly different path. His rhetoric about Gaza shifted from promises of peace to increasingly aggressive and militaristic proposals that left even his most ardent supporters questioning his approach.
Trump’s Unconventional Approach: The Gaza Riviera and Its Consequences
In what could be considered one of the more bizarre and controversial moments of his presidency, Trump suggested that the U.S. would forcibly displace Palestinians in Gaza, transforming the region into a “Gaza Riviera.” His plan, which many saw as a mixture of political opportunism and an attempt to capitalize on his base’s desires for bold foreign policy actions, involved military occupation and the ethnic cleansing of the territory.
The idea, though never formally rolled out, was given further life when Trump published an AI-generated social media post featuring himself lying shirtless on a beach beside Netanyahu, with a quirky song playing: “No more tunnels, no more fear, Trump Gaza is finally here.” The post was not only an alarming spectacle but also a stark departure from traditional diplomatic efforts in the region.
This provocative stance was accompanied by a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities. While Trump claimed to have secured peace with Israel, his administration simultaneously dismantled much of the international assistance that had previously flowed into the region. Instead, his team allocated a massive $12 billion in military aid and arms sales to Israel. This combination of military reinforcement for Israel and calls for drastic action in Gaza painted a troubling picture of Trump’s Middle East strategy.
Peace Efforts vs. Military Escalation: The Contradictions
While Trump’s rhetoric and policies were often erratic, they also highlighted an enduring contradiction in his approach to the Middle East. On the one hand, he pushed for peace agreements, securing the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and securing diplomatic victories like the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. On the other hand, his government’s continued support for Israeli military actions and disregard for Palestinian humanitarian needs raised alarm among human rights advocates.
Trump’s approach to the Gaza conflict demonstrated a worrying pattern of bold declarations without consistent follow-through. For example, while his administration was vocal about the need for peace and stability, his policies often seemed to favor militaristic solutions and a disregard for the delicate power dynamics in the region. His actions appeared as a stark contrast to the more traditional diplomatic strategies employed by previous U.S. administrations.
Moreover, the Trump administration’s focus on military solutions to regional instability meant that his policy might have undermined the very peace efforts he touted. As international law and human rights principles took a back seat to military might, the U.S.’s credibility in advocating for long-term peace became increasingly compromised.
The Arab World’s Response: Uncertain Alliances
Trump’s actions in the Middle East were received with mixed reactions from Arab nations. Initially, his outreach to Arab and Muslim voters had appeared to solidify his standing in key swing states, and his administration’s attempt at diplomatic normalization between Israel and Arab nations was hailed as a breakthrough. But the reality of his policies, including his decision to prioritize Israel’s interests over Palestinian rights, left many in the region frustrated.
Leaders from countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE found themselves in a delicate position, balancing their desire for closer ties with the U.S. against growing domestic and international pressure to address the Palestinian cause. In many ways, Trump’s policies seemed to push the Arab world into a corner, making it harder for these countries to maintain positive relations with both the U.S. and their own citizens who were increasingly critical of Washington’s stance on Israel.
Military Aid and Its Global Impact
The Trump administration’s decision to fast-track $12 billion in arms sales and military aid to Israel has had far-reaching implications. This immense investment in Israel’s defense capabilities has undoubtedly bolstered the country’s position in the region, but it has also contributed to the growing militarization of the Middle East. With conflicts between Israel and neighboring states showing little sign of abating, these weapons sales may exacerbate existing tensions, potentially leading to further instability.
The U.S. has long been Israel’s biggest supporter, but the scale of Trump’s arms deals raised alarms. Critics argue that such military support without corresponding efforts toward peace could provoke further conflict, particularly in Gaza, where civilian casualties are already high. The irony of pursuing peace while simultaneously fueling military escalation became impossible to ignore.
The Future of Trump’s Middle East Strategy
Looking ahead, Trump’s Middle East strategy appears to be rooted in a desire to maintain a strong Israeli alliance while appealing to his base with bold, often controversial promises. His emphasis on military solutions over diplomatic efforts reflects a broader trend of isolationism and a retreat from multilateral agreements that characterized his foreign policy during his first term.
Despite his bold promises and early diplomatic victories, it remains unclear whether Trump’s vision for the Middle East will ultimately lead to stability or further conflict. His administration’s willingness to prioritize military force over diplomacy and its controversial approach to Gaza suggest that the region’s path to peace may remain elusive for years to come.
