American officials explained to Arab state representatives that if they don't accept the proposal the Trump administration is pushing, the alternative would be Israel restarting its Gaza war. "Choose between this text and [hard right minister] Bezalel Smotrich," officials said. Still, sources familiar with the details believe there may be minor adjustments to the resolution language.

The International Stabilization Force (ISF) is intended to serve as Gaza's sole military force under the Trump plan, tasked with dismantling terror infrastructure and demilitarizing the Strip. The comprehensive plan for ending the Gaza conflict rests on the "The Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity," more commonly known as the "20-point plan."

The plan centers on rehabilitating the Gaza Strip and securing regional stability, while attempting to build broad international backing for a new civilian and security apparatus to be created in the Strip.

Israel Hayom published the key elements of the anticipated resolution and the projected Security Council vote timing, roughly a week and a half to two weeks away. Currently, despite agreeing to the UN Security Council resolution, most Arab nations expected to contribute soldiers to the multinational force remain unwilling to do so.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are making Hamas disarmament a precondition before deploying soldiers, while Egypt fears confrontations with Hamas operatives on one hand and the IDF on the other. Which leaves Israel with the Azeris and the Indonesians.

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Deployment of the GPUs is expected in phases through 2026. This rollout will occur at IREN's 750MW Childress, Texas campus, alongside new liquid-cooled data centers supporting 200MW of IT load. IREN anticipates funding these capital expenditures through existing cash, customer prepayments, operating cashflows, and other financing initiatives.

"This agreement not only validates IREN's position as a trusted provider of AI Cloud services, but also opens access to a new customer segment among global hyperscalers," Roberts continued, according to GLOBE NEWSWIRE. "It marks another major step forward for IREN as we continue to expand large-scale GPU deployments across our 3GW secured power portfolio in North America, reinforcing our position as a leading AI Cloud Service Provider."

Jonathan Tinter, Microsoft's President of Business Development and Ventures, also provided commentary, GLOBE NEWSWIRE reported. "Together with IREN, Microsoft is delivering cutting-edge AI infrastructure for our customers.

"IREN's expertise in building and operating a fully integrated AI cloud – from data centers to GPU stack – combined with their secured power capacity makes them a strategic partner," Tinter stated, according to GLOBE NEWSWIRE. "This collaboration unlocks new growth opportunities for both companies and the customers we serve," he concluded, as per GLOBE NEWSWIRE.

Meanwhile, Microsoft Corp. said on Monday that it has committed to a substantial $7.9 billion investment in the United Arab Emirates over the next four years, a move set to significantly advance the nation's status as a global technology hub, according to reporting by Bloomberg.

Microsoft stated it intends to expend in excess of $7.9 billion on data centers, cloud-computing, and personnel within the United Arab Emirates during the upcoming four years, Bloomberg reported. This initiative supports the Gulf state's objective of transforming into an international technology center.

The commitment was announced by Microsoft president Brad Smith on Monday in Abu Dhabi, according to Bloomberg. This pledge encompasses intentions to nearly treble the quantity of Nvidia Corp. advanced chips that Microsoft utilizes in the country, importing essential equipment that has faced restrictions from the US government.

"This is not money we're raising here. It's money we're investing and spending here," Smith conveyed to Bloomberg Television during the Adipec oil conference in Abu Dhabi. "We are seeing demand here explode," the Bloomberg Television interview noted.

Access to leading semiconductors in the Gulf state remains a complex issue. Bloomberg reported in October the US approved chip exports to American firms in the UAE following a deal that sparked security concerns, though not yet to Emirati firms like G42. Some US officials have criticized placing critical equipment in the Middle East, fearing the tech could move to China. Microsoft, however, said it received US licenses in September to ship AI chips to the UAE. "They're not just acts of faith," Smith stated, per Bloomberg. "We had to satisfy very strict conditions about the cybersecurity, the physical security, the other security protection of these chips to ensure that they stay under our control."

The company previously deployed 21,500 Nvidia A100-equivalent chips in the UAE and plans to ship 60,400 more, including the GB300, arriving "in months, not years," according to Smith, as cited by Bloomberg. In a separate move reported by Reuters, Microsoft struck a $9.7 billion deal with data-center operator IREN for Nvidia's advanced chips. That agreement, aimed at easing the AI boom's computing crunch, sent IREN shares up over 20%. Dell will provide IREN with $5.8 billion in equipment, including GB300 chips, for Microsoft's use.

The five-year IREN deal highlights the AI industry's need for computing power, Reuters noted, as capacity shortages limit major tech firms. The partnership allows Microsoft to expand capacity without building new data centers or securing power, and it avoids heavy spending on chips that will quickly lose value. IREN, valued at $16.52 billion, operates renewable-energy-powered data centers in North America. IREN said the new processors will be deployed at its Texas campus by 2026, alongside new liquid-cooled data centers. A filing indicated Microsoft's prepayment helps finance IREN's $5.8 billion Dell deal.

Microsoft CFO Amy Hood stated last week that the company's AI capacity crunch is now expected to extend until at least mid-2026, revising an earlier prediction, according to Reuters. Reporting was provided by Deborah Sophia and Aditya Soni in Bengaluru, and the piece was edited by Arun Koyyur for Reuters.

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Trump signaled this month that "Arab and Muslim nations" would pledge "tremendous amounts of money" for Gaza's reconstruction, Bloomberg reported. This appeared to settle the $70 billion estimate from the United Nations for the territory's rebuilding. However, convincing Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to provide funds is challenging, Bloomberg noted, as all three have reservations despite endorsing the peace plan. "It's easy to pledge funding, but realizing it... is something else," stated Ibrahim Saif, a former Jordanian minister, according to Bloomberg.

Egypt will host a reconstruction conference next month, but Bloomberg reports postwar concerns like Israeli compliance and Hamas' disarmament are currently prioritized. Saudi Arabia, which pushed for a ceasefire, faces financial constraints from lower oil prices that have impacted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's domestic projects. The kingdom has also stopped giving grants. Riyadh "is allergic to writing blank checks," explained Ali Shihabi to Bloomberg, citing past corruption. Saudi Arabia is expected to press Qatar and the UAE for the bulk of the funding.

The UAE is hesitant without "political clarity" and "a longer term view" toward a Palestinian state, Bloomberg learned from adviser Anwar Gargash. A senior UAE official told Bloomberg that Abu Dhabi demands Hamas' full disarmament, its exclusion from governing Gaza, and a Palestinian Authority overhaul. Bloomberg also found that Qatar, a key mediator, wants to ensure Israel implements its side of the deal before committing money.

While Arab states accept Hamas' exclusion from Gaza's temporary leadership, a senior Arab official told Bloomberg that totally removing the group from political life is unrealistic, suggesting a reformed entity might have a future role. This involvement remains a red line for Israel and the US, given the October 7, 2023 attack. The terrorist group, Bloomberg noted, still controls nearly half of Gaza, and a preliminary US plan to divide the territory for reconstruction is being discussed. The Saudi, Qatari, and UAE governments did not provide comment to Bloomberg.

Trump will likely lean on Qatar for significant funding, according to Firas Maksad of Eurasia Group, Bloomberg reported. Although the US gave Doha a security guarantee, Qatar will seek trade-offs. "Qatar wants influence and a say in Gaza," Maksad told Bloomberg, adding, "That's going to be problematic for Israel." Gulf states broadly "all agree they won't put money into Gaza unless they are first sure this won't happen again," Yasmine Farouk of the International Crisis Group explained to Bloomberg. This "entails getting guarantees" from both Hamas and Israel.

Egypt, Bloomberg reports, is eager for its private-sector firms to lead the internationally funded development, including energy sectors. Saif, the former Jordanian minister, told Bloomberg he understood the Gulf's reluctance, citing the threat of renewed hostilities and past experiences. The fundamental scope of the rebuilding effort remains an unanswered question. "Is it just rebuilding what was damaged or is there a comprehensive plan...?" Saif queried, as cited by Bloomberg.

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Ofir understands the Saudis perhaps better than any other Israeli. She has facilitated numerous achievements, including bringing Israeli teams to Saudi Arabia's Dakar Rally in 2021, brokering various deals between Israeli and Saudi companies, and becoming the first Israeli to lecture at a public Saudi conference in September 2023, when normalization appeared imminent.

Here is another assessment: Within the coming year, likely before Israel's elections, substantial rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia will occur – perhaps not full Abraham Accords membership, but at minimum a significant political-economic development. A senior US diplomat estimates and assures in conversation with Israel Hayom, "This isn't a matter of gambling [on it happening], it's geopolitics and economic interests – what should have happened long ago will occur shortly."

What drives Saudi interest? Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 fulfillment integrates closely with business, technological, and security relationships with Israel. The vision incorporates technological development and advancement in which Israel already participates in areas including cyber defense, fintech, and additional sectors.

Furthermore, bin Salman, who favors mega-projects involving enormous monetary figures, strongly identifies with President Donald Trump's mega deal, the grand Middle East plan, and intends to integrate thoroughly into what should transpire here. The project focuses extensively on shortening commercial routes from the East, Indo-China to Europe, and potentially oil and gas pipelines en route. Regarding security, MBS seeks an agreement constituting a defense alliance with the US and through it with Israel, protecting his nation from Iran and its proxies, including the Houthis.

The security dimension was demonstrated conversely through Saudi assistance to Israel during the June war with Iran. As we revealed in our Israel Hayom report, Saudi military helicopters intercepted Iranian drones en route to Israel.

This represents exactly what Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, attempt to prevent. An intelligence-exposed document from Hamas leadership revealed this was one of Hamas' declared objectives in launching the October 7 massacre.

Among Hamas' (and Iran's) declared war objectives was torpedoing Saudi Arabia's Abraham Accords entry and normalization with Israel. This objective was essentially achieved while a Democratic administration unable to handle the situation's complexity.

Long and complicated, yet possible

With Donald Trump's re-entry as the Abraham Accords' architect into the White House, this possibility returned to consideration, though the road remains lengthy and complex. Recently, the American president reiterated hearing willingness and desire from senior Saudis to join the Abraham Accords. Trump characteristically adds, correctly, that Saudi entry will pave the way for additional Arab and Muslim nations.

Throughout 2023, direct contacts occurred between Saudi Arabia and Israel, including conversations between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In September, contacts reached near maturation, and Netanyahu's UN General Assembly speech discussing the vision for the developing Middle East and building alliances was broadcast initially on Saudi television.

The war delayed the process, although beneath the surface contacts have been maintained and continue at multiple levels. The Saudis expressed shock at the massacre while, consistent with Middle Eastern Arab society sentiment, sharpened discourse toward Israel during the war, and their political process demands intensified. Trump's plan addresses this and removes obstacles to progress in this direction.

"The United Arab Emirates is Israel's genuine Arab friend, demonstrated during the most difficult time, wartime," a senior Israeli official maintaining contact with the Gulf country for many years tells us.

The official recalls that the sole international companies that continued flights to Israel throughout the war were Emirati ones, and the UAE's sharp condemnation of the October 7 massacre and Hamas generally. The UAE, alongside Saudi Arabia, maintain a firm position against Hamas, arguing that Gaza rehabilitation is impossible while it exists. Nevertheless, they finance numerous aid operations to Gazans, effectively since the war's beginning.

The Emiratis leveraged positive connections in Israel to introduce aid into displaced persons camps, establishing clinics and field hospitals. Now they constitute the dominant state in establishing humanitarian spaces in IDF-controlled territories, including constructing clinic buildings, schools, and electricity, water, and sewage infrastructure. They initiated and funded establishing a water pipeline from the Egyptian side to southern Strip residents.

Like the Saudis, they also perceive the promising business horizon in a peaceful Middle East recovering from wars, the enormous commercial potential for their ports on routes from the East to Europe, and the tremendous advantages of cooperation with Israel. For instance, the Dubai diamond exchange, established merely twenty years ago, became the world's largest with Israeli assistance.

The security dimension against the Iranian and Houthi threat also matters, and the war's end will bring genuine expansion of weapons and military technology agreements with Israel.

An important aspect involving both countries is the Palestinian de-radicalization process. In both nations, such processes occurred in educational systems, media, and cultural and political discourse. Educational programs from both are already implemented in temporary Strip schools, at minimum in IDF-controlled territories.

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This describes the individual sometimes dubbed "rabbi to kings." Schneier's persona has been linked for years with Arab and Muslim state leaders worldwide, from Saudi Arabia's monarch to Azerbaijan's president, from Qatar's emir to the United Arab Emirates' ruler. In an exclusive Israel Hayom interview, Schneier discusses diplomacy and pragmatism through the lens of faith and stated that for him the real prize is not political, but spiritual.

"I'm the 18th generation rabbi in my family," he begins. "I've always wanted to be a rabbi – and to appreciate what it means to be a rabbi."
Schneier received ordination in 1983 by Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, yet his calling extends beyond the synagogue and community he founded in the Hamptons, New York. "In my office… one wall has photos with kings and presidents, but the other side overlooks the synagogue. That's what gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment."

"In my family, you have to make two contributions – both congregationally, spiritually, and also from the social-action point of view," he continues, and consequently, in 1989 he founded the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, to restore the historic alliance between African Americans and Jews forged during the civil rights movement in the United States. "Martin Luther King comprehended that whoever struggles for his own rights can only do so if he also battles for others' rights. King was a great champion of Israel… He had zero tolerance for antisemitism."

After two decades leading it, he decided to pursue a new direction, "I thought that the great challenge of my generation would be to find the path to narrow the divide between 16 million Jews and 1.8 billion Muslims. And that's what sent me off on my global journey."

Schneier recounts how Muslim world doors opened before him. "My great patron was the late King of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah… he introduced me to the King of Bahrain, who introduced me to the Emir of Qatar, who introduced me to the ruler of the UAE, who introduced me to [Azerbaijani leader] Aliyev — and then Kazakhstan… Even i24NEWS today said, 'this is the one who planted all the seeds for the Abraham Accords.'"

"I say everywhere – in Riyadh, Doha, Baku, Ankara – anti-Zionism is antisemitism. Israel is not some political 77-year-old aspiration; it's at the very core of our religion." He adds, "How can you be a Jew and not be a Zionist? Why would you bifurcate? … I am, in this work, a watchdog when it comes to Israel." The leaders, according to him, value his consistency.  "One of these leaders said to me, 'Presidents and heads of state, ambassadors — they come and go, and you're always there. We all need a rabbi.'"

Beyond his community position in the Hamptons, he was appointed special advisor by the King of Bahrain to the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence based in Manama, and in 2022 served as interfaith consultant to the World Cup organization in Qatar, whose reputation in Israel naturally transformed completely following the war.

"The Qataris always come through for me… I served as interfaith advisor to the World Cup. I had three conditions: 15,000 Israelis, direct flights between Doha and Tel Aviv, and kosher food," he states, "I brought two rabbis from Turkey...  check, check, check [referring to all three conditions being met]." Qatar itself naturally leveraged the treatment of Israelis to bolster its image, while preserving relations with Israel's adversaries in the Middle East.

He portrays his warm relationship with Aliyev, Azerbaijan's president, whom he calls "like family for me. There's nothing Aliyev wouldn't do for Israel." He recalled telling one Arab leader that if he wanted to normalize relations with Israel, he should simply follow what Azerbaijan does.

With Turkey, Schneier was involved in the thawing of relations between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Isaac Herzog in 2021. "The Turkish ambassador to Washington called Erdoğan from my office… I said it would be a wonderful opportunity for President Erdogan to call President Herzog – which he did. And by March 2022 we had the famous reconciliation meeting in Ankara." Schneier adds that "Erdogan was a big disappointment to me because of his absolute hatred for Netanyahu... Erdogan loves Herzog. Loves him."

He characterizes Hamas as "a perversion of Islam," saying that the war in Gaza "is a war against evil, not a war of religion." According to him, there are 12 Muslim countries that support or express sympathy for Israel. Muslim leaders support Israel's right to defend itself.

Schneier believes the agreement to release the hostages and ceasefire signals a regional transformation. "If Hamas doesn't behave... not only will they have to deal with the Israelis, they'll have to deal with the Americans — and good luck to them." He notes that is an unprecedented opportunity. If Gaza is demilitarized and administered by an Arab consortium and provided economic hope, everything can be transformed.

Regarding the Abraham Accords, Schneier enumerated Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Oman, Syria and Lebanon, as countries that may normalize relations with Israel in the near future. However, he indicated that "There's going to be very little movement in the Arab world until… Israelis recognize that everyone wants to see a Palestinian state – even if only symbolic."

Schneier participated in the "Peace to Prosperity" conference in Bahrain in 2019, and is convinced that Jared Kushner was correct, that money and hope can alter perception. He recalls Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's words, "MBS said to me, 'Rabbi, you probably think I want to normalize relations with Israel because of Iran. That's the second reason. The first is Vision 2030 – the economic transformation of the kingdom that I cannot accomplish without Israel.'"

Schneier divides the region into two blocs, "You have the Saudi bloc – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, even Qatar – and you have the Iranian bloc… Why doesn't anyone recognize that blessing?"

He expresses concern about the situation in New York and the weakening of Jewish influence in the city, and warns against Zohran Mamdani's rise, He [Mamdani] will finesse every issue – police, education, even prostitution – except one: Israel. He won't even recognize Israel as a democratic Jewish state."

At the conversation's conclusion, he sends a warm message to Israelis, "For American Jews, Israelis are a great source of inspiration. We enjoy the security and the strength we have in the Diaspora only because of the State of Israel… It has restored the honor and the dignity of the Jewish people… There's never been a better time to be Jewish than today."

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"From the very beginning, we viewed the Accords as a way to enable our continued support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspiration for an independent state," said  Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, in an interview with Reuters.

"That was our position in 2020, and it remains our position today," Nusseibeh added, in a clear reference to the Abraham Accords signed with US backing.

"We call on the Israeli government to suspend these plans. Extremists, of any kind, cannot be allowed to dictate the region's trajectory. Peace requires courage, persistence, and a refusal to let violence define our choices," added Nusseibeh.

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UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan outlined his country's priorities for Gaza during a Thursday interview with Fox News, establishing a clear sequence of necessary steps for the region's future.

"First, getting the hostages out, we need calm in Gaza, and we need an authority that is not Hamas that controls Gaza. If we can provide citizens ideas, we are always here to do so," the Emirati minister emphasized.

Based on his recent discussions with senior Palestinian Authority officials, Abdullah bin Zayed noted, "I think they are very much fed up with the current situation and you can hear it from them. They want an end to this war. Now, whether they will have a role or not, that depends on how the US and Israel would help or avoid doing so in the moment but ultimately only Palestinians will run the place."

The foreign minister highlighted his country's substantial humanitarian contribution, stating, "The UAE has provided over 42% of all international aid to Gaza in the last almost two years, during this war. If it wasn't for the Abraham Accords between the UAE and Israel, with the great role that was played by President Trump, I don't think we will be as capable in delivering that much aid into Gaza."

In related developments, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced Thursday that his country is committing to invest $1.4 trillion in the United States over a ten-year period. This announcement came during US President Donald Trump's visit to the UAE following his meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

President Trump reciprocated by pledging to strengthen ties with Abu Dhabi and announced deals exceeding $200 billion. Both nations also agreed to expand their cooperation in artificial intelligence technologies. Following Thursday's meeting, the White House revealed additional agreements worth $14.5 billion, including UAE airline Etihad Airways' purchase of 28 Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by engines manufactured by American company GE Aerospace.

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A senior diplomatic source from one of the Gulf states said, defining the issue of the deal to end the war in Gaza and from it the framework for a comprehensive regional arrangement. Behind the scenes, feverish contacts are taking place these days with Israel and other parties, with efforts focused on achieving a goal very important to Trump – an agreement on a ceasefire before the end of his visit to the region.

Israeli officials have received strong signals that if a ceasefire materializes, the פresident may meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ceasefire dominated discussions between Netanyahu and United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Tuesday, and remained the central focus for the Israeli delegation in Doha.

The fundamental proposal has been available for months, but Trump's election victory and his decision to make the Gulf his first presidential trip destination accelerated it into an extensive series of contacts and draft exchanges.

The initiative originated from Israel's strongest Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates, led by Mohammed bin Zayed and his brother, Foreign Minister Abdullah. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman added his considerable influence, with his Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan presenting the comprehensive framework in Washington during his visit approximately a month ago. The involvement of these two nations proves crucial as they generally align with most Israeli requirements, unlike Qatar and Egypt.

During meetings between President Trump's team and bin Salman's delegation, they further discussed the plan. The saudi Foreign minister stated, "We agreed on the necessity to end the war and release the hostages" – broad language indicating agreement with the overall framework.

Israeli officials have received strong signals that if a ceasefire materializes, the פresident may meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ceasefire dominated discussions between Netanyahu and United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Tuesday, and remained the central focus for the Israeli delegation in Doha.

The details, according to information obtained by Israel Hayom from Arab and American sources, exist in several versions with varying formulations, but share identical core principles:

1. An immediate ceasefire will begin based on the Witkoff plan, with half the hostages released within days, launching negotiations for a complete end to the war.
2. Hamas will release all Israeli hostages during negotiations, including remains of the deceased, while Israel will release Palestinian prisoners following the established formula. Humanitarian supplies and aid to Gaza residents will resume.
3. Israel will fully terminate military operations in Gaza and, following a transition period with security guarantees implemented, will withdraw completely to the border.
4. Hamas will surrender all weapons – from rockets to small arms – to an Arab entity. Senior military leaders from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other resistance organizations must leave Gaza.
5. Temporary housing camps will be established during reconstruction, with provisions for leaving Gaza, prioritizing medical evacuations for ill and wounded residents.
6. Gaza reconstruction will commence immediately upon declaring the war's end, administered by an Arab-American committee taking control of the Strip. This committee will include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United States, and European representation. Palestinians will have representation through civilian experts, engineers, management and economic professionals.
7. Under this framework, the Palestinian Authority would give its endorsement and later join reconstruction management after implementing substantial reforms. This management process would continue for approximately ten years. PA participation depends on structural reforms designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce corruption.
8. The security issue – maintaining order and preventing renewed attacks against Israel – will follow gradual implementation beginning with international, Arab, and Palestinian forces assuming responsibility for areas outside Israeli control, alongside Hamas disarmament. The framework doesn't exclude the possibility that individuals who served in Hamas police functions could eventually participate in Palestinian police forces.

Within these reforms, Emirati officials insisted the Palestinian education system undergo meaningful transformation and eliminate anti-Israel incitement. A comparable process occurred in Saudi Arabia's education system, with both Gulf nations overseeing this transformation.

From Israel's perspective, securing a better arrangement seems improbable, yet it contradicts positions held by Netanyahu's government factions, including within Likud, who advocate for Israeli security control over Gaza with eventual Israeli settlement reestablishment. The security perimeter issue remains unresolved. Israel will struggle to accept short-term withdrawal and will demand long-term control over strategically dominant areas, particularly the northern containment zone. Additionally, substantial political elements oppose Palestinian Authority involvement in Gaza reconstruction management and governance.

Video: Trump being welcomed in Qatar on May 14, 2025 / Credit: Reuters

Meanwhile, Hamas has rejected the two fundamental conditions – disarmament and exile – prompting UAE and Saudi leaders to appeal to Trump for pressure on Hamas' patron, Qatar, to moderate the organization's leadership position toward finding a resolution formula. The presumed elimination of Mohammed Sinwar in Khan Younis, if confirmed, should assist this persuasion effort.

The Americans are conducting direct talks with Hamas despite Israeli objections, though these communications might produce a breakthrough. Hamas claims American officials agreed to their future participation in Palestinian leadership. Washington denied this assertion, but one American source remarked that "ultimately, Palestinians will choose their leaders" – a concerning statement considering the 2006 election results when Hamas defeated Fatah.

A critical juncture awaits. Gulf states and the US recognize Netanyahu's internal cabinet challenges and offer the significant future incentive – normalization with additional countries led by Saudi Arabia, which would signal the way, followed by Syria, Lebanon, and other Arab and Muslim nations. "This is the move that will lead to the Nobel," the diplomatic source noted. However, this process depends on Palestinian issue progress.

Saudi Arabia has toughened its position regarding normalization with Israel and it is now demanding a framework of time-limited talks concluding with Palestinian statehood. Various interpretations exist here too, particularly regarding the "state" definition and its establishment process, which according to one version would progress gradually, advancing alongside Palestinian Authority reforms.

Within the American administration, some advocate the "Trump Plan" from 2020, which proposes establishing a Palestinian state through gradual implementation on 70 % of West Bank territory while recognizing Israeli sovereignty over an additional 30%. This approach aims to entice the Israeli right with the sovereignty recognition. The right was divided previously – within the Yesha Council, some welcomed while others opposed it before the plan was ultimately shelved.

The Americans are conducting direct talks with Hamas despite Israeli objections, though these communications might produce a breakthrough. Hamas claims American officials agreed to their future participation in Palestinian leadership. Washington denied this assertion, but one American source remarked that "ultimately, Palestinians will choose their leaders" – a concerning statement considering the 2006 election results when Hamas defeated Fatah.

Saudi Arabia and most Arab nations reject this approach, adhering instead to the 2002 "Saudi Plan" for a Palestinian state within 1967 borders with mutually agreed boundary adjustments – in exchange for complete normalization. Nevertheless, the Trump administration appears determined to implement the comprehensive arrangement including extensive economic components, applying its full influence. Following recent actions taken without Israeli participation or contrary to Israeli requests, Trump might again attempt to impose an arrangement after consultation and coordination efforts.

Video: Trump being welcomed in Qatar on May 14, 2025 / Credit: Reuters

For  Netanyahu, this represents a fundamental crossroads. Should he embrace such an arrangement, he would likely lose his hawkish right-wing support base and trigger elections, though he would receive backing from opposition elements at least until elections occur.

He might reasonably respond only to the first stage while attempting to separate the Gaza issue from the broader initiative. Former National Security Council head Meir Ben-Shabbat, a Netanyahu confidant, articulated this well, saying, "Israel must rely solely on itself and avoid entering processes difficult to exit. Peace agreements and Saudi normalization represent extremely important objectives for Israel, but not at any cost. Israel must achieve this from a position of strength, after eliminating the Gaza threat, resolving civilian nuclear issues, and maintaining cautious policy regarding Palestinian matters."

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's exclusion from President Donald Trump's Mideast visit signals West Wing fatigue with the Israeli leader, The Washington Post reports, citing a senior White House official who as saying the meeting was not necessary because he had already visited Washington "700 times" since Trump's inauguration.

Trump will embark Monday on a four-day journey through wealthy Gulf monarchies, with scheduled stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The trip predominantly centers on securing commercial agreements and fresh capital from the region's affluent nations, the Post reported.

This Gulf excursion, marking Trump's first significant international venture of his second term, demonstrates the president's strategic focus and represents a departure from customary practice where new presidents typically prioritize visits to traditional Western allies. The Post reports this approach reflects Trump's personal fondness for the region, its prosperity, and the ceremonial grandeur these host countries intend to display during his visit.

The presidential tour unfolds amid numerous pressing regional security challenges, including Gaza's situation, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and Trump's longstanding aspiration to facilitate diplomatic normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Washington Post notes that Gaza's conflict has thrust the region into turmoil, weakening Iran and its allied groups significantly and creating a distinctive moment where power dynamics could potentially shift.

White House officials indicated to the Post that security matters would not be the central focus during Trump's 3½ days in the region, highlighting the president's more limited vision for America's global role and his concentrated emphasis on business arrangements and investments that could strengthen his domestic political standing. Notably, despite its proximity, Trump has opted against visiting Israel – perceived as a diplomatic slight toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"There is a real opportunity here, but the Trump administration in no way, shape or form wants to push it, because it's not interested in reshaping the region," said Steven A. Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. "And so it's perfectly willing to cut deals with the Iranians, thereby extending the life of the regime."

The decision to start with Saudi Arabia mirrors Trump's approach from 2017, though during that first-term visit he continued onward to Israel and European partners with deeper historical connections to Washington.

This presidential journey follows recent visits by his son, Eric Trump, who along with his brother leads the Trump Organization. The Post notes Eric traveled to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in recent weeks to oversee agreements involving the family's real estate and cryptocurrency ventures. Those deals included investors connected to local governments, blurring distinctions between Trump family commercial interests and US diplomatic policy. The administration has maintained that the president no longer participates in Trump Organization operations and is making financial sacrifices to serve in office.

"President Trump will return to re-emphasize his continued vision for a proud, prosperous and successful Middle East where the United States and Middle Eastern nations are in cooperative relationship and where extremism is defeated in place of commerce and cultural exchanges," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Friday.

While Trump made an unexpected overnight trip to Italy last month for Pope Francis' funeral, the Post reports the Middle East journey was designed as the inaugural international excursion of his second term.

Gulf monarchies excel at staging elaborate displays of ceremony and spectacle, and Trump's movements from Riyadh to Doha to Abu Dhabi are expected to feature plenty of both. According to the Washington Post, during his 2017 visit, Trump joined Saudi King Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi placing hands on a glowing sphere in Riyadh, followed later by participation in a traditional sword dance.

Eight years later, similar festivities likely await before Trump attends a summit with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders. A Saudi-US business conference will happen concurrently elsewhere in the Saudi capital.

"The focus of this trip is business. It's economics. That tells you something," said Richard Haass, a veteran diplomat and president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. "It's revealing about this administration that it's the first administration in the modern era to approach the world largely in economic and business terms rather than strategic or diplomatic terms." According to the report, even Saudi Arabia's selection as the initial destination appeared driven by a highest-bidder approach, with Trump challenging the Saudi government to increase its American investments in exchange for the coveted first visit.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was the first foreign leader who spoke with Trump after his inauguration. During that conversation, he informed the president that Saudi Arabia would invest at least $600 billion in the United States over four years. Trump requested they "round out" that commitment to $1 trillion, suggesting that would secure Saudi Arabia as his first foreign destination as president.

"They've agreed to do that, so I'm going to be going there," he said weeks later, although specifics remain unclear, and the Post notes Saudi investment claims during Trump's first term produced fewer jobs and less capital than initially projected. "I have a great relationship with them, and they've been very nice, but they're going to be spending a lot of money to American companies for buying military equipment and a lot of other things."

Meanwhile, Netanyahu won't receive a face-to-face visit in Israel, potentially complicating his domestic political position where he portrays himself as an essential link to Washington. A senior White House official told The Washington Post no meeting was necessary because Netanyahu had already visited Washington "700 times" since Trump's inauguration, seemingly suggesting some administration frustration with the Israeli leader. Netanyahu has actually visited twice – still twice more than any other world leader. The official spoke anonymously to discuss travel strategy freely.

During the visit, prominent US corporate executives will also travel to Riyadh for a Saudi-US Investment Forum. Though Trump emphasizes commerce, regional leaders will certainly raise Gaza and other critical issues even if major policy developments aren't immediately forthcoming.

Arab leaders believe Trump has granted Netanyahu unrestricted freedom to expand military operations in Gaza. US representatives have been approaching countries about accepting Gazan refugees – a step numerous Arab nations fear could facilitate complete Israeli control of the territory, eliminating its Palestinian status.

In his first term, Trump oversaw mediation between Israel and several Arab nations, normalizing relations through agreements called the Abraham Accords.

The Saudi government seeks assistance with its civilian nuclear program and expanded defense cooperation from Washington. US diplomats have offered these concessions to encourage Riyadh's normalization with Israel, but Saudi demands for a Palestinian state pathway will likely prevent a Saudi-Israel agreement for now. Some Trump officials have suggested advancing the US portion of an agreement in exchange for economic benefits or promises of future movement toward Israel.

Iran will probably emerge as another discussion topic. Trump's administration has initiated direct talks to restrict the country's nuclear weapons aspirations. Trump recently announced the US military would cease bombing the Iran-backed Houthis, a group in Yemen attacking Red Sea shipping since Hamas' assault on Israel, in exchange for protection of American vessels.

The visit coincides with Trump's family business expanding into some destinations on his itinerary. Over the past week, the Trump Organization announced new projects including a substantial hotel and tower in Dubai and a golf course near Doha. These ventures are proceeding in partnership with Dar Global, a real estate company also collaborating with the Trump Organization on other Saudi Arabian projects.

The Trump International Hotel & Tower in Dubai, announced April 30, will span 80 floors and feature a members-only club "set to redefine the meaning of exclusive luxury," according to promotional materials. The Trump International Golf Course outside Doha, announced May 1, will include an 18-hole course, clubhouse and upscale villas with beach access.

This project forms part of a development supervised by Qatari Diar, a government-run real estate authority. The Trump Organization had committed to avoiding new agreements with foreign governments during Trump's presidency.

A Trump Organization spokesperson told the Washington Post that its agreement involves only Dar Global and that the organization "has no affiliation, partnership or engagement with Qatari Diar or any other agency of the State of Qatar." When questioned Friday about whether Trump's businesses would benefit from the trip, press secretary Leavitt responded: "It's frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit. He left a life of luxury and a life of running a very successful real estate empire for public service."

She added: "This is a president who has actually lost money for being president of the United States."

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In a decisive legal ruling, the UAE Court of Appeals has unanimously sentenced three Uzbek citizens to death for the November 2024 murder of Chabad emissary Zvi Kogan, while a fourth defendant received life imprisonment followed by deportation. Israeli diplomatic sources have confirmed the sentences, which came after Turkish authorities arrested and extradited the suspects who had fled following what Israel has characterized as an antisemitic terrorist attack.

UAE, "A global model of coexistence and tolerance"

According to the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates, Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi ordered an expedited trial for the four defendants in January 2025, following investigations conducted by the state security apparatus.

The investigation proved that the defendants tracked Kogan, kidnapped and murdered him. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including detailed confessions from the defendants admitting to the murder and kidnapping, forensic evidence, the victim's autopsy report, murder weapons, and various witness testimonies.

Turkish authorities arrested the three killers shortly after the murder and extradited them to the UAE. In recent days, Israeli officials verified reports about the death sentences, with diplomatic sources confirming this information on Sunday.

The news agency noted that death penalty rulings can be appealed to the Criminal Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court, which will review and rule on any appeals filed. However, the likelihood of a successful appeal in such a case is extremely low. The Attorney General emphasized that the verdict demonstrates the UAE's commitment to combating terrorism according to the highest standards while ensuring guarantees of a fair trial.

He stated that the Emirati justice system deals firmly with any attempt to undermine the country's security and stability. According to him, the United Arab Emirates represents "a global model of coexistence and tolerance," with laws that protect everyone living within its borders, regardless of religious affiliation.

The murder 

Upon their arrest, the three men faced charges for serious offenses carrying a maximum death penalty. Until Sunday, apart from reports on popular social media accounts, there had been no official confirmation of their sentences. Authorities had already anticipated that the UAE would seek the death penalty for the three defendants, Olimpi Tohirovich (28), Mahmoud Jon Abd al-Rahim (28), and Aziz-Bek Kamilovich (33). Officials did not specify their suspected motive for the murder, which Israel characterized as an antisemitic terrorist attack.

The murder occurred on November 21 last year but was only confirmed by Israel three days later. Contact with Kogan was lost on Thursday afternoon, the day of the murder, when he missed scheduled meetings and stopped answering phone calls from his family. Kogan's wife contacted the Chabad security officer, who then alerted Israeli security officials. Subsequently, the Mossad took over the investigation.

Authorities discovered Kogan's body in his car in Al Ain, about 90 miles from Dubai, bearing signs of violence. Investigators found evidence of a struggle inside the vehicle. According to reports, a terrorist cell followed him from the time he left Dubai, then kidnapped him near a grocery store where he worked as a kosher supervisor. The Israeli investigation revealed that the perpetrators were Uzbekistan citizens who fled to Turkey, with intelligence assessments suggesting Iranian involvement in directing the operation. ZAKA personnel transported his body to Israel for burial in Jerusalem.

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