Trump hails ‘new Middle East’ in Knesset speech; urges Netanyahu pardon as 20 hostages freed
Speaking to Israel's Knesset, former President Donald Trump hailed a "historic dawn of a new Middle East" and urged a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying a U.S.-brokered deal had secured 20 living hostages and the return of 28 sets of remains. His remarks drew repeated standing ovations, two lawmakers were ejected for holding "Recognize Palestine" signs, he praised special envoy Steve Witkoff as "a Henry Kissinger who doesn't leak," and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the plan "a significant step."
📌 Key Facts
- In a Knesset speech Trump called the moment the "historic dawn of a new Middle East," saying 20 living hostages had been freed and 28 sets of remains returned.
- Trump repeatedly received standing ovations and said he is "about stopping wars," referencing "eight wars in eight months."
- Two Israeli lawmakers were ejected from the Knesset after holding "Recognize Palestine" signs during Trump's remarks.
- Trump publicly praised special envoy Steve Witkoff as key to the deal, quipping he’s "Henry Kissinger who doesn’t leak."
- Hillary Clinton told CBS News the U.S.-brokered plan is "a significant step," saying she "really commend[s] President Trump and his administration."
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
"A pro‑Trump opinion piece that praises the president’s central role in securing the release of hostages and convening a Sharm el‑Sheikh summit (and lauds Netanyahu), but cautions that deep regional problems mean this diplomatic triumph is not the same as lasting peace."
📰 Sources (2)
- CBS reports two Israeli lawmakers were ejected from the Knesset after holding “Recognize Palestine” signs during Trump’s remarks.
- Trump publicly praised special envoy Steve Witkoff as key to the deal, quipping he’s “Henry Kissinger who doesn’t leak.”
- Hillary Clinton told CBS News the U.S.-brokered plan is “a significant step,” saying she “really commend[s] President Trump and his administration.”
- Trump framed the moment as the “historic dawn of a new Middle East,” noting 20 living hostages freed and 28 sets of remains returned.
- The article details repeated standing ovations and Trump’s claim he’s “about stopping wars,” referencing “eight wars in eight months.”