Highlights from Trump's Middle East 'Historic Dawn' Speech in Israel

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In a comprehensive address, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to Israel’s parliament, commending the truce he played a role in negotiating as marking the “historic dawn of a new Middle East”.

Trump was welcomed by a standing ovation and fanfare at the Knesset on Monday. In his speech lasting an hour, he asserted to Israel that, with America’s cooperation, “you’ve achieved victory”.

“Israel, with our assistance, has attained all possible successes. Through strength, you’ve won, you’ve triumphed. It’s the moment to transform these victories on the ground into lasting peace and prosperity for the Middle East,” he declared.

Below are the main points from Trump’s speech.

The ‘historic dawn’

The main theme of the speech was that a new era of peace had started in the Middle East.

“And after so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a holy land that is finally at peace, a land and a region that will live, God willing, in peace for all eternity,” Trump said.

“This is not only the end of a war … This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.

“For so many families across this land, it has been years since you’ve known a single day of true peace … The long and painful nightmare is finally over.”

“The skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace.”

‘Jihadism has failed’

Trump also said the ceasefire agreement showed jihadism and antisemitism had “backfired”.

“It should now be evident to everyone across the region that promoting terrorism, extremism, jihadism, and antisemitism has failed over the years. They’ve been catastrophic. They’ve only led to destruction. They’ve completely and utterly failed,” he stated.

Trump went on to thank Arab nations for their support.

“Let me also convey my tremendous appreciation for all of the nations of the Arab and Muslim world that came together to press Hamas to set the hostages free and to send them home,” he said.

“We had substantial support from many unexpected quarters, and I extend my gratitude. It’s a remarkable victory for Israel and global peace to witness multiple nations collaborating as peace partners.”

Pardon for Netanyahu

“Hey, I’ve got a suggestion. Mr. President, why not grant him a pardon? Cigars and champagne — who cares?” Trump remarked in reference to the fraud, bribery, and breach of trust charges which Netanyahu disputes.

A row of men and a woman in dark suits applauding.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applauded as US President Donald Trump addressed the Knesset. Source: AAP / Chip Somodevilla

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in three cases, one of which includes receiving almost $327,000 in gifts from businessmen, including champagne and cigars.

Israel’s president holds a largely ceremonial role, but he has the authority to pardon a convicted criminal in exceptional cases.

‘Ready’ for Iran deal

Trump, who took the unprecedented step of bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year amid a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, told the Knesset he was ready to offer a “hand of friendship”.

“And to Iran, and as you know, this is not said out of weakness, it’s not weakness, but I’m going to say this. We are ready when you are. And it will be the best decision that Iran has ever made. And it’s gonna happen,” he said.

“The hand of friendship and cooperation is open. I’m telling you, they [Iran] want to make a deal. It would be great if we could make a deal.”

“I terminated the Iran nuclear deal, and I was very proud to do it,” Trump said.

“Yet even to Iran, whose regime has inflicted so much death on the Middle East, the hand of friendship and cooperation is open.”

Protest interruption

Early on in the speech, Trump was forced to pause as a Knesset staff member audibly ordered the expulsion of left-wing leader Ofer Cassif following an apparent protest.

During the session, Cassif had brandished a piece of paper emblazoned with: “Recognise Palestine!”

Another leftist, Ayman Odeh, leader of Cassif’s Hadash alliance, was also seen brandishing a page of paper and being removed.

“That was very efficient,” Trump quipped as the MPs were swiftly removed.

Trump’s victory lap continued

Later in the day, Trump arrived in the Egyptian beach resort in Sharm el-Sheikh about an hour before sundown for a gathering of more than 20 world leaders, which he chaired alongside President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

A man in a traditional Arab robe and another in a black suit and a red tie give thumbs up as they smile for the camera.

President Donald Trump presided over a signing ceremony in Egypt for a Gaza truce agreement he described as a pivotal moment for the Middle East. Source: AAP / Blondet Eliot

The Israeli military said it had received all 20 hostages confirmed to be alive, after their transfer from Gaza by the Red Cross. The announcement prompted cheering, hugging, and weeping among thousands waiting at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, thousands of relatives, many weeping with joy, gathered at a hospital where buses brought home some of the nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees to be freed by Israel as part of the accord.

— With additional reporting from the Australian Associated Press and Agence France-Presse