As President prepares for Mideast trip, Evangelical & Israeli leaders increasingly anxious about Trump’s bid for Iran deal, relationship with Qatar
Trump heading to Saudi, UAE and Qatar next week, May 13-16
NAPLES, FLORIDA — As President Donald J. Trump prepares to travel to the Middle East next week, I’m picking up a growing level of concern from senior Israeli officials and influential Evangelical leaders about how the American commander-in-chief is approaching the Iranian regime and the tiny Gulf country of Qatar.
In conversations with nearly two dozen Israeli and Evangelical leaders in Jerusalem and now here in the U.S., I’m hearing three distinct messages.
First: “We trust President Trump more than any other American leader in history — and certainly far more than President Joe Biden — to stand with Israel, but why isn’t he even going to Israel on his first major foreign trip?”
Second: “Steve Witkoff — Trump’s Mideast envoy — is smart and capable, but he’s stretched way too thin by trying to bring peace between Russia and Ukraine, get all the hostages released from Gaza, and end the Iran threat once and for all. He doesn’t know the Iran portfolio. And he could very well get played by the Iranians, who are experts at playing three-dimensional chess.”
Third: “Why in the world is Trump going to Qatar, a country that pretends to be an American ally but is way too close to Tehran and Hamas?”
Most of the leaders I’m hearing from shared their concerns with me on condition of anonymity.
Most stressed that they would be happy to be surprised and see Trump have a hugely successful trip to the Epicenter region.
They would love to see a groundbreaking Saudi-Israel peace and normalization deal soon.
But every single leader — including several Arab officials in the region with whom I’ve interacted — is especially worried that Trump will accept a deal with Iran that does not end the nuclear, missile, and terrorism threat once and for all and will leave the regime intact and economically flourishing.
Only a few leaders were willing to text me some thoughts on the record.
DANNY AYALON, FORMER ISRAELI DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER AND AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S.
I’m looking first and foremost for a strong statement on Iran: an airtight agreement on the nuclear issue or else….
Also, I want to see President Trump go to Saudi Arabia to promote normalization between Israel and Riyadh, with the end of Hamas in Gaza. And for the President to support Israel’s position regarding Lebanon and Syria. And make an ultimatum to the Houthis not to fire missiles at Israel.
CALEV MYERS, ISRAELI EVANGELICAL ATTORNEY AND FOUNDER OF ARISE: ALLIANCE TO REINFORCE ISRAEL’S SECURITY & ECONOMY
My biggest concern is that President Trump is lumping Qatar — a terrorist-funding, terrorist-harboring state — together with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have demonstrated a policy of combating extremist Islamic terror ideologies. Qatar is essentially a bank with a flag and a radical ideology that, concurrent with Trump’s visit, is investing billions in the U.S. in projects focused on destroying the Judeo-Christian foundations of the U.S. and Western civilization at large. I’m not sure that Trump gets it.
DAVID SHEDD, FORMER ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
I expect big things from the President’s trip to all three countries:
Support for the U.S. “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran from all three countries.
A possible announcement of a pathway to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords. I don’t need to tell you how big that would be.
Pressure on Qatar to end its support for Hamas and/or stop serving as an apologist for Iran or its proxies.
Pressure for or announcement of the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Finally, a reaffirmation of U.S. engagement in the region in partnership with all three countries, in terms of their investment opportunities in the U.S., our security/defense cooperation, and intelligence-sharing arrangements.
DR. SUSAN MICHAEL, DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM AND DIRECTOR OF AMERICAN CHRISTIAN LEADERS FOR ISRAEL
As President Trump visits Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, I pray his leadership will further the Abraham Accords, confront Iran’s growing aggression, and demand the total dismantlement of its nuclear program. These nations must also be pressed to denounce Hamas and help secure the immediate release of all hostages still held in Gaza. Lasting peace in the region requires moral clarity, strategic resolve, and zero tolerance for terrorism. This is a vital moment to stand with Israel and advance real security and freedom for all.
GARY HAMRICK, SENIOR PASTOR, CORNERSTONE CHAPEL NEAR WASHINGTON, DC
I hope that President Trump’s upcoming trip to the Gulf States will include more than just furthering economic relations. Stability in the Middle East is essential for Israel’s security, particularly when the threat from Iran is constantly looming. If the Arab states would commit (or recommit) to diplomatic ties with Israel, it will go a long way to deterring Iran’s aggression.
Of course, as much as President Trump could help promote peaceful relations between the Arab States and the one Jewish State, our hope is ultimately in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who ‘does not slumber nor sleep’ when it comes to His watchful eye over Israel (Psalm 121:4).
Joel C. Rosenberg is the editor-in-chief of ALL ISRAEL NEWS and ALL ARAB NEWS and the President and CEO of Near East Media. A New York Times best-selling author, Middle East analyst, and Evangelical leader, he lives in Jerusalem with his wife and sons.
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