Some reports have cast this disconnect as indicative of a chasm between Trump and Israel. But this is a misreading. The divide is not between the president and Israel so much as between the president and Israel’s leader.

Scott Feltman, executive vice president of One Israel Fund said some believe President Trump may want to help Israel become independent so it won’t have to rely on U.S. support in case it’s faced with a more hostile administration in the future.

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.

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

A series of side deals by the U.S. administration is raising questions about how closely in sync the allies are over major challenges in the region.

The American dual national Edan Alexander has been handed over by Hamas more than 19 months after he was taken hostage.

Hamas on Monday released an Israeli-American soldier who had been held hostage in Gaza for more than 19 months, offering a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration that could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel.