The White House has called Trump’s visit a “historic return to the Middle East” but Israel is once again not on the itinerary.

When President Donald Trump took office in January, he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were closely aligned on how to approach the most pressing issues in their relationship: the war in Gaza and aggression from Iran.

Netanyahu has long trumpeted his ties to Trump. But the president is sidelining him on urgent issues like the Iran nuclear talks and the conflict with Houthi rebels.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander could possibly be released by Hamas as a gesture to President Trump when he visits the region later this week,

Gaza A US deal with Hamas to free American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander has prompted heavy criticism of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with opponents accusing him of abandoning the remaining captives in Gaza and undermining his country's relationship with the Trump administration.