Hope and jubilation swept through Israel on Monday as the nation welcomed home the final 20 surviving hostages held by Hamas for over two years, an event immediately followed by a historic address from U.S. President Donald Trump to the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem.
The simultaneous moments amplified the celebration, fueling hopes for an enduring peace in the region.
The release of the hostages shortly before President Trump’s speech marked a pivotal moment in the recently enacted 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas, which also includes an exchange of Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line.
RELATED: Two Years Of Captivity Ends: All 20 Surviving Hostages Freed In Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal
A Hero’s Welcome and Praise for a “Greatest Friend”
President Trump was welcomed warmly by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who offered effusive praise for the American leader. Addressing the Knesset, Netanyahu called Trump the “greatest friend the State of Israel has ever had in the White House,” asserting that “No American president has ever done more for Israel.”
Netanyahu specifically thanked the president for his administration’s support, citing the successful operation, “Midnight Hammer,” which reportedly crippled Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and Trump’s decision to withdraw from the “disastrous Iran nuclear deal.”
“I am committed to this peace, together we will achieve this peace,” the prime minister vowed, underscoring the shift toward a new era.
Trump Proclaims “Historic Dawn of a New Middle East”
Taking the podium, President Trump echoed the optimism, focusing his address on a brighter future for the region.
“After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today, the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace,” Trump told the assembled lawmakers. “This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”
While acknowledging the “horrific events of Oct. 7, 2023,” which he said “struck to the core of humanity,” the president pivoted to the possibilities that now exist. He argued that after years of fighting, peace is now “within our reach.”
“Israel has won all that can be won by force of arms. Now, it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East,” Trump stated.
The president maintained that years of terrorism, “jihadism,” and antisemitism had only delivered “misery, suffering, failure and death,” and had “fomented hate.” Even to Israel’s largest adversary, Iran, Trump extended a hand of friendship, declaring the door for peace to always be open, consistent with previous remarks.
A Clear Choice for Palestinians
Directly addressing the Palestinian people, the president said this is their chance to prosper.
“The choice for Palestinians could not be more clear. This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence… The total focus of Gazans must be on restoring the fundamentals … so they can finally have the better life their children deserve,” said the president.
He concluded by stressing the enduring U.S.-Israel relationship, noting that their shared efforts had paved the way for peace.
The speech was met with overwhelming applause, though it was briefly interrupted when two Knesset members, protesting with a sign reading, “Recognize Palestine,” were removed. Trump paused briefly before dismissing the incident as “very efficient.”
Following the address, the president is scheduled to travel to Egypt to attend a “peace summit” with international leaders from the Arab and Muslim worlds, as well as European nations. Key negotiators in the peace process, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were publicly thanked by the president for their efforts.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, announced shortly before the address that he would not be attending the peace summit, citing the proximity to a religious holiday. The next phases of the peace plan are set to focus on completely disarming Hamas and beginning the massive task of rebuilding Gaza.
READ: Florida Rep. Bilirakis Hails Historic Middle East Peace Accord As Hostages Return
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