President Donald Trump delivered a highly anticipated address to Israel’s Knesset on Monday, marking a major moment in his latest diplomatic push to bring stability to the Middle East. Speaking for more than an hour, Trump’s visit coincided with widespread celebrations following Hamas’s release of the final 20 living hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks.
The speech — Trump’s first to Israel’s parliament since returning to office — blended characteristic bravado, calls for reconciliation, and moments of controversy. As he heralded what he described as the start of a “new era of peace,” Trump also waded into Israel’s domestic politics, earning applause, laughter, and even protest from within the chamber.
Here are five of the most notable moments from the address.
1. Trump declares Israel has “won all that they can”
Early in his remarks, Trump struck a tone of finality regarding Israel’s long-running military campaign in Gaza.
“Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms,” Trump told lawmakers. “You’ve won. Now it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”
The president said he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to focus on the peace process rather than continued fighting. “I said, ‘Bibi, you’re going to be remembered for this far more than if you kept this thing going, going, going — kill, kill, kill.’”
The comments come amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have left tens of thousands dead and displaced hundreds of thousands more. While Trump has largely backed Israel’s right to defend itself, he also noted “concern about the suffering in Gaza.”
Israeli leaders responded defensively in their own remarks. Opposition leader Yair Lapid denied accusations of genocide, while Netanyahu blasted what he called “Hamas’s false propaganda” adopted by some world leaders.
2. Trump publicly urges a pardon for Netanyahu
In one of the more striking moments of the address, Trump turned toward Israeli President Isaac Herzog and called on him to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu, who faces trial on bribery and fraud charges.
“Mr. President, why don’t you give him a pardon?” Trump said, drawing murmurs across the chamber. “Cigars and some champagne — who the hell cares?”
The quip referenced allegations that Netanyahu accepted expensive gifts in exchange for political favors. Trump previously floated the idea of a pardon on his Truth Social platform earlier this year.
Netanyahu, who maintains his innocence, has faced criticism for allegedly prolonging wartime conditions to delay his trial. He is expected to testify later this week.
3. Lawmakers expelled after shouting “Recognize Palestine”
Tension briefly erupted in the Knesset about 20 minutes into Trump’s remarks when two lawmakers, Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif — both members of the left-wing Hadash alliance — interrupted the speech by shouting “Recognize Palestine” and holding up protest signs.
Security quickly escorted the pair out as most lawmakers rose to applaud the removal. “That was very efficient,” Trump quipped, resuming his speech.
Afterward, Odeh posted on X that he was demanding recognition of a Palestinian state “as the simplest demand — a demand that the entire international community agrees on.” Cassif wrote that their protest was meant “to demand justice” and to highlight the “occupation and apartheid” facing Palestinians.
4. Trump extends an olive branch to Iran
In a surprising shift from his typically hardline rhetoric, Trump offered conciliatory remarks toward Iran.
“Even to Iran, whose regime has inflicted so much death on the Middle East, the hand of friendship and cooperation is open,” he said. “I’m telling you, they want to make a deal.”
The statement came after Trump praised joint U.S.-Israeli operations that struck key Iranian military and nuclear targets earlier this year. Despite criticizing former President Obama’s 2015 nuclear agreement, Trump suggested that a new deal was possible.
“There’s nothing that would do more good for this region than for Iran’s leaders to renounce terrorists, stop threatening their neighbors, quit funding their militant proxies, and finally recognize Israel’s right to exist,” Trump said. “We are ready when you are.”
5. Praise and prodding for Israeli leaders
Trump ended his speech on a personal note, alternating between praise and gentle mockery of Israel’s leadership.
Turning to Netanyahu, he said: “You can be a little bit nicer now, Bibi — because you’re not at war anymore.” He also offered kind words to Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, calling him “a nice guy.”
The remarks hinted at Trump’s complicated history with Netanyahu, whom he once harshly criticized for congratulating President Biden after the 2020 election. Yet Trump struck a more conciliatory tone Monday, saying, “He’s not the easiest guy to deal with. That’s what makes him great.”
A moment of symbolism
Trump’s Knesset appearance underscored both the fragility and potential of a post-war Middle East. With hostages freed and cease-fires holding in Gaza, Trump framed the moment as an opportunity for Israel to turn “military triumph into moral leadership.”
Whether the new peace accord gains traction remains uncertain, but Monday’s speech — filled with Trumpian showmanship, political theater, and blunt appeals for reconciliation — was another reminder that the former president continues to see himself not just as a broker of deals, but as a maker of history.
