May 7, 2025
In recent days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “Israel will defend itself on its own. If the Americans join in – it’s good as well” (Israel Hayom, May 4, 2025). The remark came after the announcement of a U.S.–Houthi ceasefire, mediated through Oman, which conspicuously excluded Israel. A Houthi source confirmed to Reuters that "the agreement does not include Israel in any way" (Reuters, May 4, 2025).
The ceasefire was reportedly the result of indirect talks facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman. According to Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, the agreement guarantees that “neither side will target the other, including American vessels” (X/Twitter post, May 4, 2025), but makes no mention of halting threats toward Israel. This omission has fueled growing concerns in Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has continued indirect negotiations with Iran through Oman, focusing on nuclear limitations. However, Senate Republicans have voiced strong objections. “There can be no deal with Iran that allows them to retain centrifuges,” a senior GOP senator warned in a statement released by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Senate.gov, May 3, 2025).
As the U.S. navigates Gulf diplomacy, Israel has opted for direct action. Within hours of the ceasefire announcement, Israeli Air Force jets struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and Houthi infrastructure in Yemen, including the port and airport at Hodeidah – both linked to recent missile launches against Ben Gurion Airport (Times of Israel, May 5, 2025). IDF officials later confirmed: “We destroyed the concrete factories and paralyzed their missile production” (IDF press release, May 5, 2025).
These developments reveal a growing divergence in strategy. While Washington emphasizes long-term regional realignment and economic normalization with Gulf states like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Israel is taking immediate military steps to counter existential threats. Netanyahu’s government is wary of U.S. diplomatic approaches that do not include Israel’s frontline concerns.
President Trump, ahead of his upcoming Middle East trip, has promised a “very, very big announcement” related to Gaza. Observers speculate this could be:
1. A hostage-tied ceasefire agreement
2. Recognition of Israeli control in parts of Gaza
3. A new regional reconstruction pact involving Saudi Arabia and Qatar
4. A U.S.-backed diplomatic pause ahead of normalization deals
What remains uncertain is whether these developments will strengthen Israel’s position or further isolate it. While U.S. diplomacy advances through Oman, Qatar, and Riyadh, Israel’s strategy is focused on deterring threats — not managing optics.
The fracture is not total — but the realignment is undeniable. As one senior Israeli source put it: “We’re still allies. But we’re not on the same timeline.”
Sources:
- Israel Hayom (May 4, 2025): “Crack in Relationship: Netanyahu Frustrated with Trump”
- Reuters (May 4, 2025): “Houthi Official: Ceasefire Does Not Include Israel”
- X / Badr Albusaidi (May 4, 2025): Omani Foreign Minister Ceasefire Statement
- Senate Foreign Relations Committee (May 3, 2025): Republican Position on Iran Talks
- IDF Official Statement (May 5, 2025): Post-strike confirmation on Hodeidah
- Times of Israel (May 5, 2025): Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon and Yemen
A strategic analysis of how shifting U.S. diplomacy is isolating Israel amid missile strikes and battlefield urgency.