President Donald Trump heads to the Middle East for peace deals and business negotiations, even as tensions allegedly rise with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump met with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the first encounter between the two nations’ leaders in 25 years and one that could mark a turning point for Syria as it struggles to emerge from decades of international isolation.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there is “no way” Israel will halt its war in Gaza, even if a deal is reached to release more hostages.

Trump cuts ties with Netanyahu over concerns of manipulation, Israeli media reports. According to Israeli Army Radio, the U.S. president stopped direct contact after being told by close aides that Netanyahu was trying to play him.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would normally celebrate a hostage release such as that taking place on Monday, though in this case the deal with Hamas is another sign US President Donald Trump is starting to make decisions without him.

Former Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) weighed in on President Trump’s trip to the Middle East, saying Tuesday that the decision not to visit Israel sends a clear message about his stance on the

Israeli officials have put a brave face on U.S. President Donald Trump bypassing them on a Middle East trip this week, but his decision to do so is the latest to sow doubt in Israel about where it stands in Washington's priorities.