US President Donald Trump to address the Israeli Knesset ahead of the Cairo Peace Summit.
US President Donald Trump received a standing ovation at Israelโs Parliament (Knesset) on Monday, where he was welcomed with prolonged applause and warm appreciation from lawmakers. During the session, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee received special mentions for their contributions to strengthening US-Israel relations. Trump is set to address the Parliament shortly.
Netanyahu hails Trump as Israel’s greatest friend in the White House
Ahead of Trumpโs speech,Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a deeply emotional and defiant speech, praising Trumpโs unwavering support for Israel and his leadership in regional security. โThank you for brokering the Abraham Accord, withdrawing from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal, supporting Operation Rising Lion, and for your bold decision to launch Operation Midnight Hammerโฆ A little after midnight, you really hammered them (Iran),โ Netanyahu said. He called Trump โthe greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,โ asserting that no American President had ever done as much for Israel.
Peace through strengthโ: Netanyahu vows Israel will endure
Reflecting on the ongoing war with Hamas, Netanyahu said, โWe paid a high price for the war, but enemies understand how powerful and determined Israel is. They understand that attacking Israel on October 7th was a catastrophic mistake. They understand that Israel is here to stayโฆ We make peace through strength.โ Turning toward Trump, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to peace and the enduring US-Israel alliance: โTogether we will achieve peace, Mr. President. We have done it before through the Abraham Accords, and we will do it again.โ Netanyahu concluded with a pledge that Israel remains โcommitted to this peace,โ even as it stands firm against its adversaries.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana hailed Trump as a โgiant of Jewish history,โ praising his unwavering support for Israel and his role in advancing regional peace efforts. The atmosphere in Parliament was marked by both celebration and solemn resolve, as Israel continues its military operations while hosting one of its strongest international allies.
Trumpโs address came hours after allย 20 hostages freed under a US-brokered ceasefireย safely returned to Israel. Before his speech, he held aย private meeting with the families of hostagesย at the Knesset, attended only by official photographers from Trumpโs andย Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuโsย teams, with independent media barred from coverage.
In his speech, President Trump struck a note of diplomacy and reconciliation, declaring, โEven to Iran, whose regime has inflicted so much death on the Middle East, the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open.โ His remarks, signaling a push for dialogue over confrontation, received a mixed response from Israeli lawmakers.