Trump addresses the Knesset promising new Middle East

 Following Netanyahu’s speech, President Donald Trump stated: “Today, the guns have fallen silent, and the future of the Middle East will be bright.” He described the ceasefire they helped achieve as “a historic dawn for a new Middle East,” during his address to the Israeli Knesset.

He expressed appreciation for the Arab and Islamic countries that pressured Hamas, affirming that they are “partners in peace.” Trump added, “Everything will change for the better, and the Middle East is heading toward a golden era,” underscoring his commitment to being a partner in Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.

Trump declared that he dislikes wars and said, “It seems I succeed in stopping them... This is not the end of a war, but the dawn of a historic new Middle East.”

He affirmed that Hamas will be disarmed, Israel’s security will not be threatened, and Israel can now pursue peace while ensuring no future wars recur.

During Trump’s speech, an Arab member and a left-wing member of the Knesset were expelled for interrupting the U.S. president’s address.

The U.S. president also touched on Iran, noting the “excellent” joint operation with Israel against Iran and the elimination of nuclear terrorism there. He added, “We prevented Iran from acquiring the world’s deadliest weapons... we dropped 14 bombs on Iran’s nuclear facilities,” emphasizing that “the forces of chaos in the Middle East have been completely defeated.” However, he noted it would be “wonderful” to reach a peace agreement with Iran.

Referring to Lebanon, Trump stated that good things are happening there following the defeat of Hezbollah, which targeted Israel. He emphasized, “We support the Lebanese president’s efforts to consolidate weapons under state control.”

Trump attended the Knesset session, where members of parliament gave him a standing ovation, alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

He declared before the Knesset, “It is an incredible victory for Israel and the world that all these countries are working together as partners in peace. Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment everything began to change.”

He added, “We have shown that peace is not just a hope we can dream of, but a reality we can build upon... day by day, person by person, nation by nation.”

He stressed that “the full focus of Gaza’s residents must be on restoring the basics of stability, safety, dignity, and economic development, so they can finally have a better life their children deserve.” He further remarked, “Even regarding Iran... the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open,” indicating that “peace and respect can surely flourish among the broader Middle Eastern nations.”

Later, the U.S. president will head to Egypt to chair a peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. During the “Peace Summit,” mediation countries are expected to sign a guarantee document for the agreement. A diplomatic source told AFP that the signatories would be the guarantor parties; the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and possibly Turkey. Earlier, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry indicated that a document to end the Gaza war would be signed during the summit, co-chaired by the United States and Egypt.