Donald Trump’s triumphant address to the Israeli Parliament was briefly disrupted when two left-wing lawmakers staged a protest, holding up signs before being swiftly removed by security.
The US President appeared momentarily startled as Ofer Cassif, a 60-year-old member of the Hadash party, and his colleague Ayman Odeh, 50, interrupted proceedings by raising placards during the historic speech on Monday.
One sign read “genocide” whilst another urged Mr Trump to “Recognize Palestine”, according to witnesses present in the Knesset chamber. The disruption violated parliamentary rules prohibiting the display of signs inside the plenum.
Security personnel moved rapidly to escort both men from the chamber as other Knesset members stood and repeatedly chanted “Trump! Trump!” to drown out the protest.
“Very Efficient” Response
The US President recovered his composure quickly, quipping “that was very efficient” after the hecklers were removed, drawing laughter and applause from the assembled parliamentarians.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana had warned at the beginning of the session that anyone disrupting proceedings would be ejected from the hall. True to his word, he swiftly expelled Mr Cassif and Mr Odeh for their protest.
Mr Cassif, who represents Hadash-Ta’al as its only Jewish lawmaker in the predominantly Arab party, reportedly shouted “genocide” as he was removed. Mr Odeh serves as chairman of the party, which is a vocal proponent of Palestinian statehood that Israel’s government firmly rejects.
The brief interruption did little to dampen the enthusiastic reception Mr Trump received from the overwhelming majority of lawmakers present, with his remarks met by frequent applause and standing ovations throughout the address.
Peace Prize Calls
The American President’s visit to Israel comes amid growing calls for him to receive a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire that has brought an end to more than two years of devastating conflict.
Speaking to the Knesset following the return of the final 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas, Mr Trump declared the beginning of a new era for the region.
“After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today the skies are calm, the guns are silent and the sirens are still,” the President stated to thunderous applause.
“This is not only the end of a war, this is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope, and of God,” he continued. 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.
Mr Trump declared the region was now “at peace”, marking a dramatic turnaround from the violence and chaos that has defined the Middle East for decades.
Remembering October 7th
In deeply emotional remarks, the President paid tribute to the victims of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the Gaza war, describing it as one of the most heinous acts in modern history.
“Thousands of innocent Israeli civilians were attacked by terrorists” in what represented one of “the most evil and heinous desecrations of innocent life the world has ever seen,” Mr Trump stated solemnly.
The President characterised the assault as “the worst slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust”, drawing parallels to the darkest chapter of the 20th century.
“The United States of America grieved alongside you, and we mourn for our own citizens who were so viciously taken that day,” he told the assembled lawmakers and guests.
“To all the families whose lives were forever changed by the atrocities of that day and all of the people of Israel, please know that America joins you in those two everlasting vows: never forget and never again.”
Praise for Negotiators
Mr Trump lavished praise on the team that helped broker the historic peace agreement, singling out several key figures for their contributions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio received particularly effusive commendation, with the President predicting he would “go down as the greatest secretary of state in US history.
“He was always smart and sharp and people respect him,” Mr Trump stated, noting that Mr Rubio’s diplomatic prowess had been instrumental in achieving peace.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff also earned significant accolades, with Mr Trump dubbing him “Henry Kissinger who doesn’t leak” in reference to the legendary but controversial former secretary of state.
“Henry is a big leaker. He leaked,” Mr Trump joked. “Steve doesn’t leak. Steve just wants to get the job done. He wants to do what’s right.”
The President praised Mr Witkoff’s negotiating prowess and personability, crediting him with successfully navigating complex discussions with multiple parties including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Family Connections
In a more personal moment, Mr Trump spoke fondly of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who served as a senior adviser during his first presidency and played a crucial role in Middle East diplomacy.
Addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, Mr Trump joked about his daughter Ivanka’s conversion to Judaism before marrying Mr Kushner.
“And Bibi, you do know this was not in the cards for me, you understand that,” the President quipped, earning laughter from the chamber.
He praised Mr Kushner as the architect of the Abraham Accords, the groundbreaking normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, this time using the proper Hebrew pronunciation after struggling with it during a Washington speech last month.
Both Ivanka Trump and Mr Kushner were present in the Knesset chamber for the historic address, alongside US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
Military Might
The President also took the opportunity to tout American military strength under his administration, recognising Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and claiming the US armed forces were “stronger than it has ever been.
“We’ve now settled eight wars in eight months,” Mr Trump declared, including the Gaza conflict amongst his administration’s diplomatic achievements.
“It feels so good to say” that the hostages are back, he added, noting that his “personality is all about stopping wars, and it seems to work.”
However, the President issued a warning to potential adversaries. “If America does go to war, we’re going to win that war like nobody has ever won a war before,” he stated firmly.
Hostages Home
The President’s address came hours after the final 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas were returned to their families as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Emotional scenes played out across Israel as the freed captives were reunited with loved ones who had endured more than two years of agonising uncertainty about their fate.
In exchange, Israel began releasing Palestinian prisoners, including some convicted of deadly attacks against Israeli civilians. The swap represents a significant concession by Jerusalem to secure the hostages’ freedom.
Next Stop: Egypt
Following his Knesset address, Mr Trump was scheduled to travel to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt for an international summit where world leaders were expected to formally sign the peace agreement.
The gathering, co-chaired by Mr Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, represents a culmination of intensive diplomatic efforts to end one of the bloodiest conflicts in the region’s recent history.
The Gaza war has claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian lives according to Hamas-run health authorities, whilst Israel lost approximately 1,200 people in the 7 October attacks that triggered the conflict.
Mr Trump’s visit marks a moment of profound significance for the Middle East, with the American President positioning himself as a historic peacemaker whose diplomatic intervention has succeeded where decades of previous efforts failed.
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