Netanyahu and Trump Announce Peace Progress in Knesset
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump made an appearance in the Knesset to announce what Netanyahu described as “the end of two years of war.” He expressed gratitude towards Trump for his integral role in the recent hostage release agreement.
During his address, Netanyahu reflected on the events since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages.
In response to the attack, Netanyahu stated, “Israel did what it had to do.” He emphasized the nation’s commitment, saying, “With indomitable courage, we set out to protect our people, defeat the enemy, and free the hostages.”
Netanyahu also commended Trump, calling him “the greatest friend the state of Israel has ever had in the White House.” He acknowledged that Trump’s peace plan had received extensive international backing and led to the safe return of hostages.
“Mr. President, I welcome you today to thank you for your important leadership in putting forward a proposal that has received almost universal support,” Netanyahu remarked. “This proposal aims to bring home all the hostages and will open the door to a historic expansion of peace.”
He continued, “You are committed to this peace, and I am committed to this peace. Together, Mr. President, we will achieve this peace.”
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also praised Trump, acknowledging his contributions to saving the lives of hostages and the broader implications of his actions.
“You saved the souls of families whose loved ones will now be taken home for burial,” Lapid said. He remarked that Trump would have deserved the Nobel Peace Prize if awarded, asserting, “They will have to award it to you next year.”
Lapid encouraged Trump to spearhead efforts for normalization of relations between Israel and neighboring countries.
“You are the one who can make it happen,” he stated. “While others focused on challenges, you created opportunities. The people of Israel support this.”
On the flip side, Likud lawmaker Amit Halevi criticized Trump’s peace proposal, labeling it an “illusion of victory” and opting to skip Trump’s speech. He described the proposal as not aligned with true victory.
“We must tell our people the truth… bow our heads in pain and humility,” Halevi said. He viewed Trump’s proposal as fostering the establishment of a Palestinian state, which he argued would place Israel in a precarious position.
In other news related to the conflict, Israeli forces received four coffins of hostages who were killed in Gaza, which Hamas handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This transfer, part of a larger agreement, sparked dissatisfaction as Hamas failed to return all promised remains.
