Trump Celebrates New Middle East Era in Knesset Speech

President Trump, speaking before Israeli lawmakers, heralded what he described as the 'historic beginning of a new Middle East' during an address at the Knesset. This came shortly after the joyful reunion of families with hostages.

The Knesset, moved by Trump's message of a new peaceful chapter for Israel, frequently rose in applause during his address that spanned over an hour.

Trump shared the emotional release and return of 20 hostages to Israel, heralding it as a pivotal, peaceful transformation for the country and the region. 'After enduring two years of captivity, these individuals embrace freedom once again,' he remarked.

'This is a milestone moment,' Trump declared, claiming future generations will recall it as the genesis of dramatic, positive change for Israel and the broader Middle East.

Trump commended his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, for executing the critical peace negotiations, likening him to a 'non-leaking Henry Kissinger.' This earned Witkoff a round of applause from the parliament.

During the address, Trump's remarks were briefly interrupted by two Israeli legislators advocating for Palestinian recognition, but they were removed from the chamber.

Trump also humorously recounted how detractors had assumed he would lead the U.S. into new conflicts, countering this by highlighting his efforts in resolving multiple international disputes.

'Critics said I would start wars,' Trump recalled. 'Instead, I seek to prevent them, and evidently, this approach works effectively.'

Even Hillary Clinton, a prominent political adversary, offered rare commendation for Trump's Middle East peace efforts, labeling the agreement a 'notable development' in a CBS interview.

In a lighter moment, Trump suggested to Israeli President Isaac Herzog that former Prime Minister Netanyahu should be pardoned, a remark which was off-script yet playfully delivered.

He praised Netanyahu’s decision to conclude the conflict as precisely timed, suggesting further combat would have been damaging politically and diplomatically for Israel.

Trump concluded by urging Israelis to now concentrate on rebuilding and strengthening their land, marking the end of conflict as a new era of prosperity.

Before departing to Egypt for a ceremonial peace agreement signing, Trump interacted with families of former hostages, a poignant moment at the Knesset according to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum.