Trump stakes claim as global peacemaker after Israeli hostage release
Pointing to the tensions that have seeped into their relationship at various points over the past nine months, Trump said Netanyahu “is not the easiest guy to deal with, but that’s what makes him great.”
Trump told the Palestinians that instead of trying to destroy Israel, they now have a chance to permanently internalize the forces of hate and help their own people.
He said the people of Gaza should focus on rebuilding their war-torn land and that the United States would help through the so-called Peace Board, which he could chair.
Trump doubled down on his credentials as a global peacemaker, reiterating his dubious claim to have ended eight wars since returning to the presidency in January.
“If you’re solving eight wars in eight months, you don’t like this war,” he said.
“Everyone thought I was going to be ruthless. I remember Hillary Clinton during a debate saying, ‘Look at her, she’s going to go to war with everybody.’ What she actually said was, ‘She’s all about war.’
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“My personality is actually all about stopping wars, and it seems to be working.”
Trump said a ceasefire would be impossible if the United States did not disrupt and destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities with targeted strikes in June. He said he believes Iran, which backs and supports anti-Israeli militias in the region, including Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, wants to make a deal that can ensure lasting peace in the Middle East.
“We are ready when you are ready, and this will be the best decision Iran has ever made,” he said.
Trump received a hero’s welcome in the Knesset, with sustained applause, a standing ovation, and Netanyahu’s cheerful smiles. But his speech was momentarily interrupted when left-wing Arab-Israeli politician Ayman Odeh held up a paper banner reading “Recognize Palestine.”
Upon the shouts of the MPs, Odeh was taken out of the room with his colleague Ofer Cassif. Netanyahu said from his seat: “I apologize for that, Mr. President.” Trump responded: “That was very effective.”
Trump then waded into Israel’s domestic politics, turning to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and urging him to “pardon” Netanyahu for corruption allegations.
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, including accepting gifts of champagne and cigars in exchange for regulatory privileges. One of the donors of such gifts was Australian billionaire James Packer. The Prime Minister denies any wrongdoing.
After heaping praise on Herzog and other lawmakers, Trump said: “I have an idea, Mr. President: why don’t you give it to him? [Netanyahu] Amnesty? Forgive him. Come on.”
“Whether we liked it or not, this was the biggest wartime event. [leaders]. What about cigars and champagne? Who cares?”
Trump had previously used social media platform Truth Social to call on Israel to cancel Netanyahu’s trial, but the suggestion, made directly to Herzog in the Knesset, drew wild applause from Netanyahu’s allies, who began chanting “Bibi!”
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