‘You’re Not At War Anymore, Be Nice, Bibi’: Trump Tells Netanyahu After Ceasefire Deal | World News

Speaking in the Knesset on Monday, US President Donald Trump called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a softer tone following the US-brokered ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas. “You can be nicer now, Bibi, you’re not at war,” Trump told Israeli lawmakers a few hours after the deal was finalized, using Netanyahu’s childhood nickname.

Trump praised both Netanyahu and himself for the breakthrough, calling the agreement an agreement that “effectively ends the war and opens the door to lasting peace” in West Asia.

The two leaders were in frequent contact during the early months of Netanyahu’s second term, including during escalating tensions with Iran earlier this year. Trump also deserved credit for helping broker that ceasefire, but it came after a period of friction during which his instructions were reportedly ignored. At the time, Trump reportedly demanded “Bring me Bibi” before an uneasy truce was reached.

In his speech, Trump said, “Peace is no longer just a hope, it is a reality. Israel won with the help of the United States.”

The ceasefire came with the release of 20 hostages held by Hamas since the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Seven people in the first group were handed over to Red Cross representatives, followed by 13 more people. In response, Israel released a large number of Palestinian prisoners from a facility in the West Bank.

Trump is currently visiting Israel to celebrate what he calls a milestone. “This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” he said, praising his administration’s role in ending the conflict and securing the freedom of the hostages.

He also predicted a “golden age for Israel”, comparing Israel’s future to the current situation of the US: “just like the US right now”.

Concluding his words, Trump said, “And after all these years of incessant wars and endless dangers, today the sky is calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are silent, and the sun rises in the holy land that has finally found peace, in a land and region that will live in peace forever, God willing.”

His speech was met with a standing ovation that lasted several minutes, and many Israeli lawmakers later said, “The world needs more Trump.”