Trump Advocates for Peace in Israel

On Monday, President Trump called on Israeli leaders to transition from war to peace, addressing the Knesset and noting that Israel has achieved “everything possible by force.” He expressed a hopeful outlook for the region’s future.

During his Middle East trip, Trump spoke to Israel’s parliament to mark the release of hostages and initiate a peace plan aimed at curtailing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has persisted since October 2023.

Welcomed with a standing ovation, he proclaimed a “historic dawn for a new Middle East,” urging leaders in Israel and the surrounding area to pursue peace and collaborative efforts.

“Thanks to our support, Israel has won as much as it can through military means. You’ve achieved victory. Now is the moment to convert these triumphs over terrorists into a lasting peace and prosperity throughout the Middle East. It’s time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work,” Trump said in his prepared statements.

He mentioned to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his legacy would be far more favorable if he embraces the peace deal instead of continuing cycles of violence.

“Together, we’ve demonstrated that peace isn’t merely a dream, but a tangible reality constructed day by day, person by person, nation by nation,” Trump remarked. “Because of this, the Middle East is finally prepared to realize its incredible potential.”

As the third U.S. president to address Congress, Trump praised Israel’s determination and resilience following the October 7 Hamas attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and over 200 hostages taken.

The Israeli military’s follow-up operations in Gaza, intended to neutralize Hamas, have resulted in more than 67,000 Palestinian deaths, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and leading to worldwide concerns over potential genocide accusations against Israel.

Trump emphasized that the efforts of Gaza’s residents should focus on restoring stability and fostering economic growth in the area. His proposal includes establishing a “peace commission” to oversee Gaza, with Trump slated to lead the board.

During his address, Trump faced interruptions from protesters within Congress, which led to the quick removal of two lawmakers. Among them was Ayman Odeh, who stated he was ejected for displaying a sign reading, “Let’s recognize Palestine!”

The feasibility of Trump’s long-term peace plan is still uncertain, with U.S. officials acknowledging that both the hostage release and the initial Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza are in very early stages.

While addressing the Knesset, Trump accused Iran and other regional nations of fueling “terrorism and extremism, jihadism and anti-Semitism,” while also promoting military actions against Iran’s nuclear endeavors and offering a chance for dialogue with Tehran.

“It’s more evident than ever that the constructive nations in this region ought to be allies rather than foes,” Trump stated, adding, “The hand of friendship is extended even to Iran, whose regime has caused significant turmoil in the Middle East. I assure you, they want a deal.”

Trump spoke for over an hour, with his remarks ranging from U.S. military strategies to rebukes of political rivals and observations on the audience’s reaction to various officials.

Before addressing Congress, he held private meetings with the families of Israeli hostages, as Hamas released the last 20 hostages from the October 7 assault.

Trump plans to travel to Egypt for a peace agreement signing ceremony before returning to Washington, D.C., where Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other global leaders are expected to join. Initially, Netanyahu was supposed to attend, but his office later stated he would not due to a conflict with the holiday.

In Congress, Trump was accompanied by several aides, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

His daughter, Ivanka Trump, who was a senior advisor during his previous term, received applause upon entering the chamber.

Prior to Trump’s speech, several Israeli leaders delivered statements endorsing him for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.