Wednesday, 27 May 2026
AP photo
Trump calls on Israel to embrace opportunity for peace
JERUSALEM — On Monday, President Donald Trump addressed Israeli lawmakers, urging their nation to shift its focus from the battlefield to forging peace in the Middle East after two years of conflict with Hamas and ongoing clashes with Hezbollah and Iran, according to the Associated Press.
Despite the fragile U.S.-brokered cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, Trump expressed a firm commitment to pursue lasting stability in the region.
“Generations from now, people will remember this as the turning point,” Trump proclaimed before the Knesset, where he was greeted as a hero.
Seizing the moment to address political rivals and acknowledge his supporters, Trump criticized previous Democratic administrations and gave special recognition to his prominent supporter, Miriam Adelson, who was present in the audience.
In a surprising move, Trump appealed to the Israeli president to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—whom he lauded as “one of the greatest” leaders in wartime. Netanyahu faces corruption allegations, though many hearings have been delayed amid the ongoing conflict.
Urging the nation to look beyond past hostilities, Trump insisted that Israel “has accomplished all it can by force of arms.”
“You've won. Truly, you've won,” he affirmed. “Now, it’s time to turn those battlefield victories against terrorism into the ultimate rewards: peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”
Trump also pledged American support to help rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip, and called on the Palestinian people to “forever renounce the path of terror and violence.”
“After all the suffering, loss, and hardship,” he said, “it is time to focus on uplifting your communities, not on destroying Israel.”
Trump extended an olive branch to Iran as well—despite earlier having ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites during its brief war with Israel—declaring, “Our hand of friendship and cooperation remains open.”
“We simply wish to live in peace,” he stated. “We want no looming threats overhead.”
The US President is set to travel to Egypt next for a summit with representatives from over two dozen nations, though his schedule was delayed after extended speeches at the Knesset.
“They might be gone by the time I arrive, but we’ll give it a try,” Trump quipped, playfully chiding the Israeli leaders for their lengthy remarks.
Though early reports suggested Netanyahu would join the summit—and Egyptian officials even confirmed his attendance—Netanyahu’s office later clarified that he would not go due to its proximity to the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
On Monday, twenty hostages were released under an agreement to end the war sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack. Trump may meet some of the freed individuals at Sheba Medical Center, and he spoke personally with families at the Knesset.
Trump received repeated standing ovations and chants of his name from Israeli lawmakers. Several audience members donned red hats styled after his signature “Make America Great Again” caps, though these read “Trump, The Peace President.”
Netanyahu praised Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House” and vowed to continue working alongside him.
“Mr. President, you are dedicated to this peace. I am dedicated to this peace,” Netanyahu said. “And together, we will achieve it.”