United States President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging and symbolic speech before the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem on Monday, declaring the end of the Gaza war and unveiling his administration’s broader vision for Middle East peace and regional security.
In a lighter moment, Trump quipped, “Every nation wants me to be chair of the Board of Peace — but I’m too busy to be chair of the Board of Peace,” drawing laughter from lawmakers. The comment came as part of his broader message of global diplomacy, where he emphasized the U.S. role in restoring stability in the Middle East while simultaneously focusing on domestic and strategic priorities.
Trump declared that the “long, difficult war in Gaza has ended” and announced that Gaza will be immediately demilitarized under the terms of the peace framework. He reaffirmed that “Israel’s security will not be threatened in any way, shape, or form,” underscoring a new chapter in the relationship between Israel and its neighbors.
The President also said his administration is helping the Lebanese government disarm Hezbollah, adding that U.S. diplomatic and security coordination will intensify in the coming weeks. Trump’s remarks followed his statement that America does not seek new conflicts but warned, “If we do go to war, we’re going to win that war like nobody has ever won before.”
Addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump remarked, “Now you can be a little bit nicer, Bibi… because you’re not at war anymore,” signaling a call for moderation and reconciliation as hostilities end.
The session was briefly interrupted when two lawmakers, Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, displayed a placard reading “genocide” in protest against Israeli military actions in Gaza. Both were swiftly escorted out by Knesset security, prompting Trump to pause momentarily and remark, “That was very efficient.”
The President also hinted at his upcoming global agenda, saying, “First, we got to get Russia done,” suggesting a focus on resolving ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Trump closed his speech by affirming that “the era of endless war is over” and calling upon all nations to join in “a coalition for lasting peace and human progress.”
