Trump to Knesset: ‘Israel won the war, the nightmare is over’

Lawmakers were stunned when Trump urged a pardon for Netanyahu mid-speech.

By World Israel News Staff

President Donald Trump offered effusive praise for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, recalled Washington’s support for Israel throughout its campaign against Hamas, and said that the end of the war would usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in the Middle East during a lengthy speech delivered to the Knesset on Monday afternoon.

Trump addressed Israeli lawmakers following speeches by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Netanyahu, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, joking that the proceedings had gone on so long he would now be late for a conference in Egypt about the future of Gaza, which he had been scheduled to depart for an hour earlier.

The American president praised the steadfastness of the Israeli public during the last two years of war, saying that “only a proud and faithful people could withstand” such a prolonged and intense conflict.

Speaking about the Hamas-led October 7th massacres, Trump called the invasion “one of the most evil and heinous desecrations of innocent life the world has ever seen,” adding that the attack “struck to the core of humanity itself.”

Declaring that the Jewish state had won the war triggered by October 7th, Trump said that “now, at last — not only for Israel, but also for Palestinians and many others — the long and painful nightmare is finally over.”

Trump added that the entire Middle East was united in its desire to see “the disarmament of Hamas,” pledging that “Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel.” He said that the two years of war, which saw Iran and its proxies greatly weakened, had transformed the region.

Calling this “a very exciting time for Israel,” Trump promised increased trade between the Jewish state and its neighbors, securing prosperity for all.

“There will be routes from Haifa to Beirut, from Jerusalem to Damascus,” he said.

In an unexpected moment, Trump directly addressed Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who was seated nearby, and urged him to pardon Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption. Many lawmakers appeared shocked by the off-the-cuff request, though it was quickly followed by applause.

“Netanyahu was one of the best leaders during wartime,” Trump said, dismissing the charges against the premier. “Cigars and champagne? Who cares?”

At one point, Trump’s speech was interrupted by two lawmakers from the Arab Joint List party – Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif – who held up signs reading “Recognize Palestine.”

The two men were swiftly ejected from the Knesset plenum, prompting Trump to quip: “That was efficient.”