Israel Takes Action Again: The Tensions Escalate

 The situation in the Middle East, a region always brimming with tension, has taken another dramatic turn. Israel and the Houthi forces have officially engaged in conflict. This development comes as the United States appears to be losing control over the situation, and the once seemingly unbreakable alliance between the U.S. and Israel is showing visible cracks.

President Trump's visit to the Middle East has set off a series of events that have significantly altered the dynamics in the region. Trump announced a ceasefire agreement with the Houthi forces without consulting Israel, stating that the U.S. would no longer interfere with Houthi attacks on Israel. This move, coupled with his decision to visit three wealthy Middle Eastern countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—while bypassing Israel, has left Israel feeling isolated. To make matters worse, Trump declared plans to lift sanctions on Syria, further sidelining Israel in the region.

During his whirlwind tour of the Middle East, Trump signed a flurry of cooperation agreements with the three wealthy nations, worth tens of billions of dollars. These deals, ranging from technology investments to arms sales, seemed to bring him great satisfaction. However, Israel, which has traditionally been closely aligned with the U.S. in Middle Eastern affairs, was conspicuously left out. Not only did Trump fail to visit Israel, but he also refrained from condemning the Houthi attacks on Israel, leaving the Israeli government feeling deeply dissatisfied.

While Israel was grappling with this sense of abandonment, the Houthi forces seized the opportunity of Trump's visit to launch another attack on an Israeli airport. This move was not only a direct challenge to Trump's authority but also a humiliation for Israel. Airports are Israel's "gateway to the sky," and repeated attacks have caused significant disruptions and substantial losses. With the Red Sea lifeline firmly under Houthi control, the situation has escalated to the point where the Houthi forces are now imposing an aerial blockade on Israel.

Israel, which has long been accustomed to dominance in the Middle East, has never faced such a setback. With the U.S. seemingly stepping back, on May 16th, Israel launched a long-range airstrike on the Houthi stronghold.

As Trump was busy negotiating deals in the Middle East, both Israel and the Houthi forces were simultaneously launching attacks. This is clearly not just a simple military conflict; it is a way for both sides to indirectly apply pressure on Trump and the U.S.

The Houthi forces are warning Trump not to blindly support Israel in the Middle East, or there will be consequences. Israel, on the other hand, is sending a message that if the U.S. abandons them, they will create chaos in the region, making it impossible for the U.S. to profit comfortably. Israel's airstrike was a significant move, targeting the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, which is crucial for the Houthi forces. This port is vital for the supply of goods and food into Yemen and serves as a key link between the Houthi forces and Iran. Israel's attack was aimed at severing the Houthi forces' "lifeline."

However, even a wealthy and militarily powerful country like the U.S. would not easily engage in such a prolonged and distant military campaign. It is likely that Israel's actions will eventually lead to a hasty truce with the Houthi forces. In essence, Israel is taking a desperate gamble, trying to show the U.S. that abandoning them would have severe consequences.

While launching airstrikes on the Houthi forces, Israel has also initiated military operations in the Gaza Strip, seemingly aiming to fully occupy the territory. These actions by Israel are like pouring fuel on the already volatile "powder keg" of the Middle East.

Faced with Israel's provocative actions, the U.S. finds itself in a dilemma. On one hand, the U.S. has deep and extensive ties with Israel, spanning political, military, and economic cooperation, making it impossible to completely sever relations. On the other hand, the other Middle Eastern countries, especially those visited by Trump, such as Saudi Arabia, hold significant financial power. Their investment and cooperation intentions are highly attractive to the Trump administration. Economic interests are the top priority of Trump's Middle East visit. Offending these wealthy Middle Eastern countries over Israel would be counterproductive.

Israeli media has already reported that the rift between Trump and Netanyahu has become public. Although Netanyahu has denied these claims, stating that their relationship remains strong, Trump's recent actions indicate growing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's behavior. To de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, the U.S. might consider reducing military aid to Israel to force Netanyahu to back down.

Looking at the situation in Israel, the prolonged conflict has drained the country's resources and led to a rising tide of anti-war sentiment. Citizens have taken to the streets to protest, demanding that the government end the war and seek peaceful solutions.

Faced with the changing stance of the U.S. and domestic pressure, Israel is in a difficult position. The Netanyahu government is now sitting on a "volcanic hotspot," at risk of being overwhelmed by the shifting dynamics.

From Israel's sudden actions in the Middle East and the subtle changes in the U.S.-Israel relationship, it is clear that the situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly complex. The era when the U.S. and Israel could dominate the region is over. As the divide between the U.S. and Israel widens, Israel, which has been waging war in the Middle East, is finding itself increasingly isolated.