President Donald Trump delivered a historic address to Israel’s Knesset on October 13, 2025, celebrating the release of all remaining living hostages from Gaza and declaring the beginning of a new era of Middle East peace. Speaking to Israeli lawmakers in Jerusalem, Trump proclaimed this moment as “the historic dawn of a new Middle East” and praised the collaborative efforts that led to the ceasefire agreement.
The Trump Knesset speech came hours after Hamas released the final 20 living hostages, marking the end of a two-year ordeal that began with the October 7, 2023 attacks. Trump expressed profound gratitude to “the almighty God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” for this day of “soaring hope” and “renewed faith”.
“After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families,” Trump told the packed Knesset chamber. He stated that 28 additional loved ones would be returned home for burial in sacred Israeli soil, though reports indicate only four deceased hostages’ remains were handed over that day, with the remainder pending further negotiations.
Partnership with Netanyahu Praised Despite Controversies
Trump lavished praise on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him essential to achieving the peace deal despite acknowledging their complicated working relationship. “I want to express my gratitude to a man of exceptional courage and patriotism whose partnership did so much to make this momentous day possible,” Trump said, asking Netanyahu to stand.
The president noted Netanyahu’s challenging leadership during the conflict, stating “he is not easy” to work with “but that’s what makes him great. However, Netanyahu has faced domestic criticism over security lapses that enabled the October 7 attacks, with some Israelis calling for his resignation.
In an unprecedented diplomatic move, Trump publicly urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, who faces ongoing legal proceedings. The direct appeal for clemency from a foreign head of state raised concerns about external influence on Israel’s judicial process.
Regional Cooperation and Diplomatic Claims
Trump expressed appreciation for Arab and Muslim nations that helped pressure Hamas to release the hostages, describing their involvement as “an incredible triumph for Israel and the world”. While Egypt and Qatar served as mediators in hostage negotiations, many Arab and Muslim states continue to support Palestinian self-determination and have not fully endorsed Israel’s security operations in Gaza.
The president highlighted the role of his special envoy Steve Witkoff, whom he selected despite having no prior diplomatic experience. Trump praised Witkoff’s negotiating abilities and interpersonal skills, noting that “everybody loves Steve and they respect him”. He also acknowledged Jared Kushner’s contributions to the peace process.
Trump claimed to have “settled eight wars in eight months” since returning to office. However, fact-checkers note this assertion conflates diplomatic overtures with actual armed conflicts, as several cited disputes involved limited skirmishes or economic agreements rather than full-scale wars.
Vision for Broader Peace Remains Uncertain
Looking beyond the immediate ceasefire, Trump painted an optimistic picture of regional transformation in his Knesset speech. “Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change,” he declared. The president expressed confidence that this agreement would lead to “the golden age of Israel and the golden age of the Middle East”.
Trump positioned himself as a peace-making president and emphasized that “true peace is achieved through strength”. However, independent analysts caution that lasting peace in Gaza remains unverified, as Hamas retains armed capabilities and no formal demilitarization protocol has been enforced.
Without concrete disarmament measures and a political framework for Palestinian governance, the durability of this ceasefire remains uncertain.
The Trump Knesset speech marked his first address to Israel’s parliament since becoming president, making him the first U.S. president to speak there since George W. Bush in 2008. The ceasefire agreement represents a significant diplomatic achievement early in Trump’s presidency, though the long-term implications for regional stability remain to be seen.
