In a historic address to the Israeli Knesset on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed the beginning of a “new era of peace” for the Middle East, citing the recently signed Gaza agreement and detailing a extensive military operation that he said eliminated Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“Today is not just the end of war, but also the end of terrorism and extremism,” President Trump told lawmakers. “Today is the beginning of a new era of peace in the Middle East. Arab and Islamic countries are partners in peace.”
The speech, which was briefly interrupted by an opposition lawmaker who was removed by security, served as a sweeping victory lap for the Trump administration’s foreign policy.
Hostage Return and Regional Gratitude
President Trump framed the Gaza peace accord, which secured the return of 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 26 others, as a “wonderful achievement.” He expressed particular gratitude to Arab and Muslim nations, stating, “We have proven that peace is not just a dream, but a reality that we can build.”
He assured Israel of America’s continued support, vowing that an attack like October 7 “will never be forgotten and will never be allowed to happen again.”
Details on Iran Operation and ISIS Campaign
In his most detailed public remarks to date, the President described a large-scale joint military operation with Israel that he said successfully neutralized Iran’s nuclear program.
“Our American administration stopped eight wars in eight months,” Trump asserted, before detailing the operation. “Seven B-2 bombers of our Air Force… more than a hundred fighter jets… dropped 14 bombs on Iran, eliminating its nuclear capability.”
He stated that the action prevented Iran from being “close to obtaining nuclear weapons in two months,” and extended an offer for future cooperation, saying “the doors of friendship and cooperation are open for Iran.”
The President also claimed a rapid victory over ISIS in Iraq, stating that while it was predicted to take years, “the American general defeated ISIS in Iraq in four weeks.”
A Future of Reconstruction and Stability
Looking forward, President Trump outlined a vision for a prosperous Middle East, announcing his intention to be a “partner in the reconstruction process of Gaza.” He praised the surrender of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the elimination of the group as a threat to Israel.
“We should now focus on restoring stability, security, dignity and economic development,” he said, adding that he would soon meet with the leaders who made the peace agreement possible.
Concluding with a rebuttal to critics, President Trump stated, “Hillary Clinton had said that I am a person who starts wars, while on the contrary, I am a person who ends wars.” He expressed hope that Palestinians would “choose the path of peace instead of fighting.”
