Source: Fox News & The Hill
Monday 13 October 2025 16:34:03
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday addressed the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, where he urged Israeli leaders to turn the page from warfare to peace.
He told Israeli lawmakers that Israel had won “all that they can by force of arms” and expressed optimism about the region’s future.
"After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families," Trump said. "Twenty-eight more precious loved ones are coming home at last to rest in this sacred soil for all of time. And after so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace."
The president, who was greeted with a standing ovation, touted what he called “the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” and he urged leaders in Israel and elsewhere in the region to embrace peace and cooperation.
"This is not only the end of a war. This is the end of an age of terror and death, the beginning of the age of faith and hope and of God," Trump said.
Trump, during his speech, emphasized his support for Israel as the hostages continue to be returned and said, "Please know that America joins you in those two everlasting vows. Never forget and never again," Trump said.
Trump described the ceasefire with Hamas "as a very exciting time for Israel and for the entire Middle East" and said "the forces of chaos, terror and ruin that have plagued the region for decades now stand weakened, isolated, and totally defeated."
Hamas on Monday released all 20 living hostages still being held since the October, 2023 attacks in Israel, marking a major milestone in the first phase of a Middle East peace deal to end the fighting in Gaza.
The deal, however, leaves many unanswered questions about the future of Gaza.
Trump’s remarks were briefly interrupted at one point by protests inside the Knesset. Two lawmakers were quickly escorted out. One of those lawmakers, Ayman Odeh, said he was removed for holding up a sign that read, “Recognize Palestine!”
Trump next heads to Egypt to sign a peace agreement related to the Israel-Hamas war. Netanyahu declined an invitation to attend citing the holiday.