On a day filled with emotion and historical significance, Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, paid tribute to Donald Trump during a speech in the Israeli Parliament. "He is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House," he stated before the full Knesset, ahead of the intervention by the American president.
"You will be recorded in the history of our people," Netanyahu said in Hebrew. "You have already been recorded in the history of humanity." With these words, the Israeli leader sealed his recognition of Trump's role in mediating the release of the last 20 living hostages held by Hamas and the end of the war in Gaza.
The prime minister thanked Trump for his "important and decisive role" in the ceasefire reached after two years of clashes. "How long we have waited for this moment. I want to thank you personally on behalf of the entire nation," he expressed.
A review of Trump's historic actions in favor of Israel
During his speech, Netanyahu listed an extensive set of decisions that, he said, demonstrate Trump's unwavering commitment to the Jewish state. He mentioned the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, the relocation of the American embassy, the recognition of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, his defense of Israel at the United Nations, and the mediation of the Abraham Accords, which normalized diplomatic relations with several Arab countries.
"No American president has ever done more for Israel, and no one even comes close," Netanyahu stated. He also thanked Trump for his 20-point peace plan for Gaza, presented at the end of September, which made it possible to end the conflict and open "the door to a historic expansion of peace throughout the region."
"You are committed to this peace, I am committed to this peace. Together, Mr. President, we will achieve this peace," Netanyahu said, sealing his support for American leadership.
A historic day for Israel
Trump's lightning visit to Israel coincided with the return of the last hostages freed by Hamas, marking the end of two years of war according to the Jewish calendar. Netanyahu recalled the attack of October 7, 2023, when "thousands of terrorists invaded Israel, killed more than 1,200 people, and took 251 hostages, including children."
"Israel did what it had to do —he said—. With indomitable courage, we defended our people, defeated our enemies, and freed our hostages." He also emphasized that Israel achieved "astonishing victories over Hamas and the Iranian terrorist axis," and stated that Iran's nuclear program "has been reversed."
"They understand that attacking Israel on October 7 was a catastrophic mistake," he pointed out. "Israel is strong and is here to stay."
