In a historic and deeply symbolic address to Israel’s Knesset on Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared, “This is not only the end of a war, but the end of an age of terror and death, and the beginning of an age of faith and hope.” His words came as Israel’s twenty remaining hostages were finally reunited with their families — a moment that brought tears, relief, and renewed unity to a nation that has endured unimaginable trials.
Trump’s speech was nothing short of a homecoming. Accompanied by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, the former president received an extended standing ovation and even a trumpet salute. A few “Make America Great Again” hats dotted the gallery — a reminder that Trump’s influence extends far beyond America’s borders.
Prime Minister Netanyahu did not hold back his praise. He thanked Trump for his unwavering support — from recognizing Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria to brokering the Abraham Accords and confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions head-on. “Donald Trump is the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House,” Netanyahu said. His gratitude reflected not just personal appreciation, but a broader respect for a leader who matched rhetoric with action.
Netanyahu hailed Trump’s Gaza peace plan as “a proposal that ends the war by achieving all our objectives,” one that could open “the door to an expansion of peace in our region, and beyond.” Speaker Ohana called Trump “a giant of Jewish history,” noting that he proved “America First” was never “America alone.” Netanyahu even nominated Trump for the Israel Prize — an honor never before given to a non-Israeli.
Trump began his remarks by invoking divine guidance, thanking “the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob.” He declared, “After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger … the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace.” The moment was rich with symbolism — faith, endurance, and renewal bound together after years of violence.
He continued, “It will be the Golden Age of Israel, and the Golden Age of the Middle East.” Trump thanked Netanyahu, quipping, “He’s not an easy guy to deal with, but that’s what makes him great.” He also acknowledged Arab nations that pressured Hamas to accept the deal and credited his negotiators, including U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
When hecklers briefly interrupted — reportedly from extremist Arab parties — they were swiftly escorted out. Trump’s lighthearted response, “That was very efficient,” drew laughter and chants of “Trump! Trump! Trump!” throughout the chamber.
He turned the mood tender again, thanking his son-in-law Jared Kushner, joking that “he loved Israel so much that my daughter, Ivanka, converted to Judaism.” Trump praised Kushner’s role in crafting the Abraham Accords, saying he even preferred the Hebrew pronunciation: “Avraham.”
Trump went on to commend Secretary of State Marco Rubio — “the greatest to occupy his position throughout history” — recalling their fiery 2016 rivalry. He also saluted Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, noting the revived title symbolized victory rather than endless bureaucracy. “We prefer to avoid war,” Trump said, “but if America must fight, we’ll fight to win — not to be politically correct.”
The president honored the IDF’s courage during “Operation Midnight Hammer” and applauded General John Daniel “Raizin” Caine, who received a standing ovation. Trump then drew loud applause when he suggested peace with Iran might finally be possible, noting, “They want to survive.”
The former president marveled at the celebration sweeping the region: “They are dancing in the streets of countries that would have never danced in the streets about what’s happening today.” Turning to the Knesset, he said, “You’ve won — by force of arms.” But he urged that victory now be turned into lasting peace and prosperity.
He teased Netanyahu and Speaker Ohana for their long speeches and joked he might be late for a summit in Egypt. Still, he tied this ceasefire to his broader record — defeating ISIS, advancing the Abraham Accords, and restoring American strength on the global stage. “Peace is not just a hope — it’s a reality we can build upon,” Trump said. “The Middle East is ready to embrace its historic potential.”
He observed that “jihadism and antisemitism” had “backfired” on those who spread hate, while Arab and Muslim nations that embraced peace had prospered. “They get along with Israel, and they’re doing great,” he noted, a clear nod to the dividends of courage and cooperation.
Addressing Palestinians, Trump said their path was clear: reject terror and choose peace. He pledged resources for Gaza’s reconstruction through the “Board of Peace,” adding that when nations trade conflict for creativity, “the future will be unlimited.”
Trump praised the courage of the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco for joining the Abraham Accords, urging others to follow. He contrasted his record sharply with that of his predecessors, saying Obama and Biden’s approach to Israel “was an absolute hatred.” Netanyahu’s efforts to dissuade Obama from the Iran deal, Trump said, “was like talking to a wall.” Ending that deal, Trump reminded, had restored American leverage while leaving the door open for genuine diplomacy. “We are ready when you are,” he said of potential peace talks with Iran.
With laughter and applause, he even suggested President Herzog grant a pardon to Netanyahu, whom Trump said faced “spurious charges.”
Closing his remarks, Trump invoked Jerusalem’s enduring faith: “That is why the people of Israel have never given up. You want the promise of Zion, you want the promise of success and hope and love and God.”
He reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel, saying their partnership had achieved “the impossible” — the return of the hostages and the dawn of a new era.
“We are going to forge a future that is worthy of our heritage,” Trump concluded. “I love Israel — I’m with you all the way. You will be bigger, better, stronger, and more loving than ever before. God bless you, God bless the United States of America, and God bless the Middle East.”
It was a speech that blended faith, strength, and optimism — a message rooted in the belief that peace is best secured through courage, conviction, and the will to defend what’s right.
