Trump hails the dawn of a historic new era in the Middle East

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U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed before the Israeli Knesset that “everything is about to change for the better,” declaring that the Middle East is entering “a golden age.”

Trump arrived in Israel earlier in the day, coinciding with Hamas’s release of the last twenty Israeli hostages held in Gaza, an event he described as a historic milestone for peace and stability in the region.

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The American president described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “a man who is not easy to deal with—but that’s what makes him great.”

He went on to say, “Future generations will remember this moment as the one when everything began to change—and change profoundly for the better.”

Trump thanked Arab and Muslim countries that had helped advance his Gaza plan, calling the peace achieved there “a tremendous victory for Israel and for the world.”

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“The forces of chaos that have plagued this region for decades have been completely defeated,” he declared. “We have lifted a great cloud of uncertainty that hung over the Middle East and over Israel.”

Trump assured that “the October 7 attack will never happen again,” emphasizing that “a long and painful nightmare has finally ended for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

He added, “Had Iran possessed nuclear weapons, Arab nations would never have felt comfortable signing the agreement we now have,” though he noted, “It would be wonderful to reach a peace agreement with Iran.”

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Turning humorously to Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said, “Bibi, you can be a little nicer to others now—the war is over.”

Addressing Palestinians, Trump stated his intention to “be a partner in Gaza’s reconstruction efforts” and urged them to “turn away from the path of violence once and for all.”

Upon entering the Knesset chamber, Trump was met with a standing ovation lasting more than two and a half minutes. He took his place on the podium beside Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

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In his welcoming remarks, Ohana expressed gratitude to the U.S. administration and several of its senior officials, while also commending key Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

Each name was greeted with enthusiastic applause.

Trump’s close advisers and senior officials—including Middle East adviser Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee—received warm applause, as Ohana mentioned each of them by name in his introduction.

Moments before Trump began his speech, Benjamin Netanyahu described him as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”

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