Saudi Arabia was a major factor in Trump being able to fulfill his promises. With the young prince who wants to bring about change to the Kingdom; in that time there was a major purge of criminals, women are now allowed to drive, and more, that are recent changes. This also ties into the Las Vegas shooting.
Similar with Israel. By putting the Embassy in Israel (which is almost certainly part of discussion) it would be attacked by Palestine, which would highlight the issues going on. I'm not sure if that was like a chess move, time will tell.
I do agree with the author, this is nothing to be distracted about.