Trump in Historic Knesset Speech: “The Guns Are Silent — A New Middle East Has Begun”

U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Israel today in response to the release of the hostages and delivered a dramatic and highly emotional address before the Knesset plenary, marking what he called “the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

Trump entered the chamber to cheers and applause from ministers and MKs. His speech celebrated the end of the long Gaza war and the return of the last Israeli hostages, while declaring that “after many years of continuous war, today the guns are silent.”

“The End of an Era of Terror and Death”

“This is not just the end of the war,” Trump said. “This is the end of an era of terror and death — and the beginning of an era of faith and hope.”

He praised Israel’s military victory, calling it “unprecedented,” and said that almost everyone believed peace was impossible. “But we didn’t waste time,” he added, “because we had talented people working with us who love your country.”

During his remarks, MKs Ofer Kassif and Ayman Odeh interrupted the session with signs recognizing Palestine. They were swiftly removed by Knesset security, prompting Trump to quip: “That was very effective.”

“All the Hostages Are Home”

“How fun to say, for the first time, that all the hostages are home,” Trump continued. “We will never forget and never again.”

Boasting about U.S. military support for Israel, Trump said: “We have the best weapons in the world — and we gave a lot of them to Israel. Bibi called me many times and asked for weapons, some of which I’d never heard of. I gave them to you, and you used them very well.”

Pointing to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Trump smiled and said: “How beautiful you are.”

On Iran: “We Destroyed Their Nuclear Sites”

Addressing the June strike on Iran, Trump said: “We dropped 14 bombs on Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities — and we destroyed them, that’s for sure.” He described the attack as “the last chance to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.”

“It would be really nice if you made peace with Iran,” he added. “I think they want to.”

He offered Tehran “partnership, not hostility,” saying: “There is nothing better for the leaders of Iran than to stop supporting terrorism and finally recognize the State of Israel.”

“The War Is Over — You Can Be Nicer”

Trump turned to Israeli leaders with both warmth and humor. To opposition leader Yair Lapid, he said: “He’s a very nice opposition man.” To Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he remarked: “The war is over, you can be nicer.”

On former U.S. President Joe Biden, Trump was blunt: “He was the worst president in U.S. history. Obama wasn’t far behind him.”

Netanyahu: “Israel Achieved an Incredible Victory”

In his own remarks, Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Trump “personally and on behalf of the entire nation.”
“We have just received news that all of our hostages alive have returned to us — what excitement,” Netanyahu said. “Israel achieved an incredible victory over Hamas.”

He vowed that Israel would remember October 7, when “1,200 people were slaughtered, including dozens of Americans.”

Lapid: “You Did the Unbelievable”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid praised Trump for keeping his promise to be a “President of Peace.”
“The fact that you did not win the Nobel Peace Prize this year is a serious mistake,” Lapid said. “But next year they will have no choice.”

Lapid added, “Israel is the strongest country in the Middle East because it is the only democracy in the Middle East. Our strength rests on our values.”

“Rebuilding Gaza and the Abraham Accords”

Trump announced that Gaza’s reconstruction would begin immediately, with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair heading a new transitional body. “The Gazans need to focus on rebuilding Gaza, and I am going to be a partner in this effort,” he said.

He thanked Arab countries for pledging “a lot of money” toward Gaza’s recovery, calling it “a small price for the stability of the Middle East.”

On the Abraham Accords, Trump said: “These four countries did something very brave early on. Even in the difficult times we have been through, they remained steadfast in their commitment. I hope others will join quickly — beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.”

A Suggestion for a Pardon

Turning to President Isaac Herzog, Trump surprised the chamber by suggesting, “Why don’t you give Bibi a pardon? Cigars and champagne? Who cares...”
The remark drew laughter from some MKs and awkward smiles from others.

Behind the Scenes: Air Force One Lands in Israel

Accompanying Trump were Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, and White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, who wrote on X:
“It is heartwarming to know that so many families will finally have their loved ones home. Today, twenty families are spared the unbearable pain of not knowing if they will ever see their loved ones again.”

Before departing Israel, Trump confirmed disagreements with Netanyahu but said they were “quickly resolved.”
“He was the right man at the right time,” Trump emphasized.

While Netanyahu maintained that the war was not officially over, Trump insisted: “The war is over. People are tired of this war — the ceasefire will hold, and we will make sure of that.”

A Day That Will Be Remembered

As the Knesset rose for a standing ovation, Trump concluded:
“This is a very exciting time for Israel and for the entire Middle East. The forces of terror and chaos stand defeated. The long nightmare is over.”