Donald Trump entered the Knesset chamber five minutes before 1:00 p.m. local time and was greeted with an ovation that lasted more than three minutes. In an atmosphere charged with emotion, both inside and outside Parliament, the U.S. president delivered a speech that sealed a key chapter in the recent history of the Middle East: after 738 days, there are no longer any hostages alive in the hands of the terrorist group Hamas and the war in Gaza has come to an end.
"Today the skies are calm, the weapons are silent, the sirens have been silenced, and the sun rises over a holy land that is finally at peace", Trump began. "This land, and this region, God willing, will live in peace for all eternity."
The president recalled that many had underestimated him and criticized his confrontational style, but he emphasized that the results speak for themselves: "How good it feels to say it: the 20 hostages are back!". He added that his goal is not only the release of the captives, but to ensure that the agreement endures over time. "This is not just the end of a war, it's the end of an era of terror and the beginning of an era of faith, hope, and God. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East."
Trump celebrated that, after decades of violence, "the forces of chaos, terror, and ruin are now weakened, isolated, and totally defeated". In that context, he announced the emergence of "a new coalition of proud and responsible nations," and stressed that "thanks to us, the enemies of civilization are in retreat."
A call for unity and peace
During his speech, the president of the United States also appealed for internal political reconciliation in Israel. Looking at Benjamin Netanyahu, he said in a relaxed tone: "You're no longer at war, you can be kinder, Bibi", alluding to opposition leader Yair Lapid. In addition, in an unexpected gesture, he asked Israeli president Isaac Herzog to consider a pardon for Netanyahu: "This wasn't in the speech, but I like this gentleman, and I think it makes a lot of sense," he commented with a laugh.
