United States President Donald Trump, during his address to the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem on Monday, made a surprise appeal to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The request came amid Trump’s broader message of reconciliation and national unity following the recent Gaza peace deal.
“Now you can be a little bit nicer, Bibi [Netanyahu] … because you’re not at war anymore,” Trump remarked, emphasizing the end of the prolonged conflict and calling for a “new era of peace and cooperation” in the Middle East. He added that Israel’s security “will no longer be threatened in any way, shape, or form,” reiterating Washington’s commitment to the country’s defense and stability.
During his speech, Trump also declared that “Gaza will be immediately demilitarized”, confirming the end of the long and difficult war in Gaza, and announced that his administration is helping the Lebanese government disarm Hezbollah. He stressed that “Israel’s security will not be threatened in any shape or form” and hinted that the U.S. is coordinating with allies to maintain post-conflict stability.
Trump also injected humor into the tense political moment, quipping, “Every nation wants me to be chair of the Board of Peace, but I’m too busy,” drawing laughter from sections of the chamber.
The speech, however, was briefly interrupted by Israeli lawmakers Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, who displayed placards reading “genocide” before being escorted out of the chamber. The two belong to the left-wing Hadash alliance, known for its criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza operations.
Trump’s remarks signal an effort to project a diplomatic reset in the region following months of war and political divisions within Israel.
More updates to follow.
