May 8—Sources close to the White House say that if things play out for President Donald Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, they will have three key deals in place or in process that alter politics in Southwest Asia forever, in a positive way, even before he heads to the region in the first major trip of his second term on May 13-16.

What is referred to as a "trifecta of deals" involves:

• An agreement on a framework that bars the development of an Iranian nuclear weapon while having Iran play a positive role in Trump's "grand design" for the region.
• An agreement that would block Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to launch a full-scale offensive to "exterminate Palestinians in Gaza," and instead bring a peace deal and hostage exchange back to the table.
• A normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, contingent on the Gaza deal, which would lead to massive development projects backed by Saudi oil wealth and involving Israel.

Political Shockwaves in Israel

The itinerary for the trip has caused political tremors in Israel, particularly among Netanyahu’s close allies. The president will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—but not Israel, supposedly the greatest U.S. ally in the region.

Despite Netanyahu’s pleas, Trump has indicated he has "no desire to see Bibi or to go to Israel at this time." According to sources, Trump believes Netanyahu wants to "kill more Palestinians" and has been "the real obstacle to a peace deal for months." One source suggested that "if a new deal is struck, then perhaps there will be a chance for Bibi to shake the President’s hand."

Gaza Negotiations in Progress

Negotiations between mediators and Hamas are taking place to secure a Gaza peace deal. The proposed agreement revolves around a simplified hostage release, prisoner exchange, and an initial ceasefire lasting at least a month. A plan to bring in massive relief supplies—currently blocked under Netanyahu’s orders—would also be implemented to prevent Gazans from "being starved to death deliberately."

In addition, Hamas must agree to negotiate its "exit strategy" for Gaza in subsequent talks. Sources familiar with Witkoff’s terms say Netanyahu and his top negotiator, Ron Dermer, have reluctantly agreed to this plan, presented by mediators as "the last chance to avert a full-force invasion" by the Israel Defense Force (IDF), which would "destroy what is left of the bombed rubble field that Bibi has created."

Trump Hints at ‘Earth-Shattering’ Announcement

Yesterday, Trump hinted at a major upcoming announcement that sources say is unrelated to Gaza. At a White House press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump teased that he would make a "very, very big announcement" before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

"We’re going to have a very, very big announcement to make, like as big as it gets… And I won’t tell you on what… and it’s very positive. It’ll be one of the most important announcements that have been made in many years about a certain subject, very important subject."

Many insiders believe this will be the Iran deal. Negotiations continue, and sources report that an agreement on a framework is close—despite bellicose rhetoric from both sides. Iran has maintained it "won’t be bullied into a deal."

Sources familiar with discussions indicate that the agreement will allow Iran to maintain a peaceful nuclear program with U.S. facilitation. Sanctions on Iranian oil sales, trade, and banking would be phased out immediately but could be reinstated if the deal is violated. Additionally, U.S. guarantees on Iran’s sovereignty would prevent Israel from targeting its nuclear facilities.

The Netanyahu Factor

Sources report that Iran became more receptive to pushing the deal forward after Trump fired National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who allegedly conspired with Netanyahu to advance an Israeli strike on Iran regardless of whether a deal was reached.

"Trump thinks he has this," a source said yesterday. "If he does, it is indeed a major accomplishment."

Reports indicate that back-channel discussions between the U.S. and Iran have included scaling down Iran’s support for anti-Israel proxy organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah—both seen as barriers to regional peace.

"If Iran plays ball, then Trump and the U.S. become their protectors against the likes of Bibi," one source explained. "The implications of this deal for Bibi are simple: the U.S. wants you gone. And sooner rather than later, he will go."

Trump delivered another blow to Netanyahu yesterday, declaring his war with the Houthis in Yemen "over." According to Trump, the Houthis had "capitulated" and agreed to halt attacks in exchange for a U.S. bombing cessation.

Notably, Trump made no mention of Houthi attacks on Israel, such as the missile strike on Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, which has severely disrupted air travel, prompting airlines to cancel flights.

Bibi Scrambles for Answers

Trump reportedly gave Netanyahu no prior notice of the Houthi deal—just as he had not informed him about the Iran negotiations until moments before announcing them at the White House, with a visibly tense Netanyahu at his side.

In response, Netanyahu dispatched Ron Dermer to Washington "to find out what the hell Trump is doing." A source noted, "He may or may not be told."

Conclusion: A Changing U.S.-Israel Dynamic

Trump’s moves highlight Israel’s reliance on his support, which now appears fluid and conditional. As Haaretz journalist Amos Harel wrote today:

"Israel can cope with the danger and damage from Yemen, even though the missile that hit Ben-Gurion Airport has severely affected foreign airline service. What should worry Netanyahu more is the growing chance that Trump will soon sign a new agreement with Iran... If that happens, Netanyahu will have to persuade the public that he has rethought his position – or risk a confrontation with Washington."