United States President Donald Trump delivered a historic address at the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem on Monday, marking what he described as the beginning of a new era of peace in the Middle East. Addressing Israeli lawmakers, Trump urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a softer tone following the formal end of the Gaza conflict.
“Now you can be a little bit nicer, Bibi… because you’re not at war anymore,” Trump said, drawing laughter and applause across the Knesset chamber. He reaffirmed that “Israel’s security will not be threatened in any way, shape, or form.”
Trump’s remarks followed his declaration that the “long, difficult war in Gaza has ended,” with Gaza set to be immediately demilitarized under the new peace accord. He emphasized that his administration’s priority was ensuring lasting peace and regional stability, adding that the Lebanese government would receive U.S. support to disarm Hezbollah.
The U.S. President also stated that his administration will not pursue new wars, but warned that if America is drawn into conflict, it will “win that war like nobody has ever won before.”
Trump’s speech, delivered before a packed Knesset session, was briefly interrupted by two opposition lawmakers, Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, who held up placards reading “Genocide” in protest of Israeli military actions in Gaza. Both were swiftly removed by security personnel.
Following the disruption, Trump paused momentarily before remarking, “That was very efficient.” He went on to praise US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for his role in negotiating the Gaza peace deal and expressed optimism that the agreement would usher in a “new chapter of coexistence” between Israel and its neighbors.
Trump’s comments also touched on broader foreign policy, stating, “First, we got to get Russia done,” hinting at ongoing diplomatic maneuvers involving Moscow.
