Former U.S. President Donald Trump stood before the Israeli Knesset on Wednesday and declared an end to the war with Hamas, the return of dozens of hostages, and the final defeat of terrorism in the region, proclaiming the start of a new era for the Middle East.
“This is not only the end of a war. This is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope and of God,” Trump stated, framing the moment as a historic pivot point. “It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region.”
The Announcements of Peace and Victory
Trump announced that the conflict, which began with the October 7th attacks, was over. “After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families… Twenty-eight more precious loved ones are coming home at last to rest in this sacred soil for all of time.”
He declared that Israel had achieved total victory on the battlefield. “You’ve won. I mean, you’ve won. Now it’s time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.” He revealed that a ceasefire was in place and that “virtually the entire region” had endorsed a plan for Gaza to be “immediately demilitarised” and Hamas disarmed.
The Architects of the Deal
Trump credited his unique team of negotiators and officials for achieving what he said others thought was “absolutely impossible”, which he portrayed as more effective than traditional diplomats.
He lavished praise on businessman Steve Witkoff, comparing him to a “Henry Kissinger who doesn’t leak,” and recounted a lengthy anecdote about Witkoff’s five-hour solo meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “That’s a talent. We can do that. Most people I’d send in, number one, they wouldn’t be accepted. Number two, if they were, the meeting would last five minutes.”
He also thanked his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, for establishing the “Abraham Accords,” and his daughter, Ivanka, noting her conversion to Judaism. He made bold predictions, calling Senator Marco Rubio the future “greatest Secretary of State in the history of the United States” and praising his Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.
A New Military Doctrine: “Settle Eight Wars in Eight Months”
Trump outlined a new, aggressive U.S. military philosophy, championing the recent decision to rename the Department of Defense back to the “Department of War.”
“Everyone thought I was going to be brutal… No, my personality actually is all about stopping wars,” he said, claiming his administration had “settled eight wars in eight months.” He contrasted this with what he called the “politically correct” warfare of previous administrations.
He detailed several military successes, including:
- The Destruction of Iran’s Nuclear Program: Trump described how “14 bombs” dropped by B-2 bombers “totally obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear facilities, a move he said was essential for the current peace and was “our last shot” after 22 years of planning.
- The Defeat of ISIS: He credited a general he nicknamed “Raisin Cain” for defeating ISIS in under four weeks, a task he said Washington “television generals” had told him would take years.
- The Shattering of Hezbollah: He announced that the “dagger of Hezbollah” has been “totally shattered” and that the U.S. is supporting Lebanon’s new president in permanently disarming the group.
A Forward-Looking “Board of Peace”
Looking ahead, Trump announced the formation of a “Board of Peace,” which he said would oversee the rebuilding of Gaza and the region, funded by wealthy Arab nations. “Every single nation involved has asked me to be the chair,” he claimed.
He stated that wealthy Arab nations have committed “tremendous amounts of money” to safely rebuild Gaza, emphasizing that for them, the cost is “relatively little” but will ensure regional stability.
He extended an offer to Iran, despite the recent strikes, stating, “the hand of friendship and cooperation is open.” He added, “To Iran… we are ready when you are, and it will be the best decision that Iran has ever made.”
He urged all nations to join the Abraham Accords (which he occasionally referred to as the “Avraham Accords”), stating that the original four signatory nations have benefited “unbelievably financially.” He envisioned a future where instead of building fortresses, nations build infrastructure and commerce, competing in areas like artificial intelligence.
Political Asides and a Defense of Netanyahu
The speech was filled with personal asides. He called for the expulsion of a Knesset member during his address, joked about his daughter Ivanka’s conversion to Judaism, and publicly suggested the Israeli president grant a pardon to Prime Minister Netanyahu, calling him “one of the greatest wartime presidents.”
Throughout, he contrasted his achievements with those of his predecessors, stating the United States under his leadership had gone from being “a dead country” to “the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
He concluded by reaffirming the U.S.-Israel alliance, stating, “I’m proud to be the best friend that Israel has ever had,” and envisioning a future where the nations of the Middle East would be “safer, stronger, greater, and more prosperous than ever before.”
A Spiritual Conclusion and a Vision for the Future
Closing his speech from Jerusalem, which he called Israel’s “ancient and eternal now capital,” Trump framed Israel’s survival as a “modern miracle.” He painted a vision of a interconnected region where “new bonds of friendship, cooperation, and commerce” would join cities from Tel Aviv to Dubai and Jerusalem to Damascus.
“Israel, America, and all of the nations of the Middle East will soon be safer, stronger, greater, and more prosperous than ever before,” he concluded, to a standing ovation. The speech, light on specific diplomatic details but heavy on grand vision and personal anecdote, marks a definitive moment in Trump’s political narrative, positioning him as the architect of a peace that has eluded generations of world leaders.#
