In a dramatic address to Israel’s Knesset, US President Donald Trump declared, “This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” as he praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hailed what he described as the end of a long and painful era of conflict.

“This is not only the end of a war,” Trump said, “it’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region.”

Trump lauded Netanyahu as “not the easiest guy to deal with, but that is what makes him great,” drawing applause from lawmakers. “Generations from now this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change — and change very much for the better.”

Disruption in Knesset as protester removed

The speech was briefly interrupted when left-wing Knesset member Ayman Odeh held up a sign reading “Recognize Palestine.” Security swiftly removed him from the chamber, prompting Speaker of the Knesset to apologize. “That was very efficient,” Trump quipped, earning laughter from the audience.

Hostages returned, hope for peace

“The hostages are back — it feels so good to say it,” Trump told cheering members, calling it a “very exciting time for Israel and the Middle East.”

He added, “Now, at last, not only for Israelis but also for Palestinians and for many others, the long and painful nightmare is finally over.”

US military support and regional peace

Trump credited US military aid for helping Israel achieve peace through strength. “You used them well,” he said. “So many that Israel became strong and powerful, which ultimately led to peace.”

He hinted at possible talks with Iran: “It would be great if we could make a peace deal with them. I think they want to… The last thing they want to do is start digging holes again in mountains that just got blown up.”

Then, shifting gears, he added, “First we have to get Russia done.”

Lebanon and Hezbollah: Trump promises support

Trump said his administration is “actively supporting the new president of Lebanon and his mission to permanently disarm Hezbollah’s terror brigades.”

He lightheartedly noted that Netanyahu’s “brilliant but very long speech” had delayed his travel to Egypt for the Gaza summit. “You’ve kept me quite late,” he joked. “I thought I was going to run up here, make a speech, and then head to Egypt. It didn’t work out.”

Praise, humour toward Israeli leaders

Trump praised opposition leader Yair Lapid, calling him “a very nice man,” before joking with Netanyahu: “Bibi, he’s a nice man! Now you can be a little bit nicer, Bibi, because you’re not at war anymore!”

Gaza demilitarisation and regional support

“In an unprecedented achievement, virtually the entire region has endorsed the plan that Gaza will be immediately demilitarized, that Hamas will be disarmed and Israel’s security will no longer be threatened,” Trump said.

He called it “time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”

Trump said the choice for Palestinians “could not be more clear,” urging them to “turn forever from the path of terror and violence.”

He thanked Arab and Muslim nations for pledging to fund Gaza’s reconstruction: “Many Arab countries, very wealthy countries, said they’ll put up tremendous amounts of money to rebuild Gaza — and I think that’s going to happen.”

Outreach to Iran, reflections on Netanyahu

“To Iran,” Trump said, “we are ready when you are — and it will be the best decision that Iran has ever made.”

He revealed the Gaza deal came just as Israeli military operations were becoming “bad and heated.” “I said, Bibi, you’re going to be remembered for this far more than if you kept this thing going — kill, kill.”

He congratulated Netanyahu “for having the courage to say, ‘that’s it, we’ve won, and now let’s enjoy our lives.’”

Suggests pardoning Netanyahu

In a surprising turn, Trump suggested that Israeli President Isaac Herzog pardon Netanyahu, who remains on trial for corruption. “Hey, I have an idea, Mr. President, why don’t you give him a pardon?” Trump said to applause.

Netanyahu’s trial, which began in 2020, has divided Israeli society. He faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust — all of which he denies, calling the cases a political “witch hunt.”

Looking ahead

Trump concluded with optimism, saying the region was on the verge of “a new era of stability and peace.” “It’s about time you were able to enjoy the fruits of your labour,” he said, before heading to Egypt to continue peace talks.