In a speech to the Israeli Parliament, the US president calls on Palestinians to abandon the path of terror and violence
The president of , , made a historic speech this Monday (13) in the Knesset, the Parliament of , defending that the country transforms its military victories into prosperity and stability. In a conciliatory tone, he stated that “Israel has already overcome everything it could with weapons” and that the time has come to “build peace and the future of the Middle East”.
Trump was received with honors as head of state and standing ovations from Israeli parliamentarians, being compared to biblical and historical figures such as Cyrus the Great. The speech came just hours after the release of the last 20 living Israeli hostages held by the , a direct result of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Washington.
“Today is the historic dawn of a new Middle East. After so many years of war and suffering, the skies are calm, the sirens are silent and the sun rises again over this Holy Land that finally knows peace”, declared Trump, in a solemn tone.
‘Time to turn victories into prosperity’
At another point in the speech, the American president emphasized that the conflict in Gaza must give way to reconstruction and regional cooperation. “Israel has already conquered everything it could through force. Now it is time to transform these achievements into peace and prosperity,” he said.
Trump called on Palestinians to abandon the path of terror and violence, calling for the creation of a safe and stable environment under international supervision. He also highlighted that the United States stands ready to lead reconstruction efforts in Gaza following the ceasefire.
Protests and firm reaction
The speech was briefly interrupted by two left-wing deputies, Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, who held up signs saying “Recognize” and shouted words of protest. Both were expelled from the plenary by security guards to boos from other parliamentarians. Trump reacted with irony and calmness: “That was very efficient,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the plenary.
After the episode, the celebratory atmosphere resumed, with Knesset President Amir Ohana calling Trump a “giant of Jewish history” and “a colossus of modern diplomacy.” Parliamentarians also defended his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Netanyahu praises Trump and reinforces alliance with the US
Prime Minister Benjamin called Trump “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House” and thanked the United States for its role in brokering the deal that led to the release of the hostages.
Netanyahu acknowledged, however, that the “price of victories was high”, in reference to the human losses and destruction during two years of conflict with Hamas. “We paid a painful price, but today we can see the beginning of a new era”, declared the prime minister.
Political scenario and next steps
Trump’s visit to Israel is expected to last less than four hours. After the speech and meetings with Netanyahu and families of the freed hostages, the American president is expected to leave for Egypt today, where he will co-chair the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The conference, which brings together more than 20 Arab and European leaders, aims to define the next steps of the ceasefire, including the reconstruction of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and the political model for the “day after” the conflict.
Despite international enthusiasm, Israel was not formally invited to the summit, which analysts interpret as a sign of diplomatic tensions still existing in the region.
Closing his speech, Trump struck an optimistic and emotional tone: “Today is not the end — it is the beginning of something greater. A future where Jews and Arabs can live side by side, in safety, freedom and hope.” With these words, the American president received another standing ovation, ending one of the most symbolic appearances of his international career — a gesture that consolidates his role at the center of the Middle East peace negotiations.
