In a landmark address to the Israeli parliament, former U.S. President Donald Trump was celebrated as the ‘greatest friend’ Israel has ever had in the White House, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump’s visit to the Knesset marked a pivotal moment in Middle East diplomacy, following his instrumental role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The ceasefire, which took effect on Friday morning, ended two years of intense conflict and facilitated the release of the last 20 hostages held by Hamas, alongside Israel’s release of 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees. Trump, addressing the Knesset for the first time since 2008, declared the occasion a ‘day of profound joy’ and heralded it as the ‘historic dawn of a new Middle East.’ He emphasized that the ceasefire not only signified the end of a war but also the potential for a transformative era in the region. Netanyahu praised Trump’s unwavering support for Israel, particularly during the Gaza military campaign, and thanked him for his efforts in securing the hostages’ return. Trump reciprocated by acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership, stating, ‘He’s not the easiest guy to deal with, but that’s what makes him great.’ The U.S. president also announced plans to establish a ‘board of peace’ to oversee the territory’s administration. The event was attended by key U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner receiving special recognition for their roles in the ceasefire negotiations. While the atmosphere in the Knesset was overwhelmingly positive, some Israeli lawmakers opposed to the ceasefire were notably absent. Trump’s visit concluded with a call for continued commitment to peace, as he departed for a peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, alongside global leaders.
Trump touts ‘dawn of a new Middle East’ in address to Israeli parliament
