US President Donald Trump addressed Israel’s Knesset on Monday, proclaiming an end to what he called “a long and painful nightmare” following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that he helped negotiate.
Speaking to enthusiastic Israeli lawmakers—the first US president to do so since 2008—Trump characterized the moment as a turning point for the Middle East, stating it would mark “the beginning of profound and positive transformation” in the region.
The address coincided with the release of the final 20 living hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza. In exchange, Israel freed 250 Palestinian prisoners along with over 1,700 Palestinians detained throughout the two-year military campaign.
Trump’s Middle Eastern visit also included a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where he joined Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other international leaders. Upon arrival in Egypt, the president confirmed that discussions for the second phase of peace negotiations had begun.
Speaking before the Israeli parliament, Trump invoked language reminiscent of his first term, when Israel normalized relations with several Arab nations, calling the current moment “the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”
“For Israelis and Palestinians alike, this prolonged and agonizing chapter has finally closed,” Trump declared to applause and rhythmic chants of his name from Knesset members.
The president described the ceasefire as “perhaps the most difficult diplomatic achievement ever accomplished,” while suggesting that resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be his next priority.
Trump offered candid details of his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, revealing he had expressed concerns about the Gaza military operation becoming increasingly problematic.
“I told Bibi that history would judge him far more favorably for this ceasefire than for an endless cycle of violence,” Trump recounted.
The address saw a brief disruption when an opposition member displayed a sign reading “Recognise Palestine” and was subsequently removed from the chamber.
