President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday to witness the historic exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners following the release of all 20 surviving Israeli captives. Speaking before his address to the Israeli parliament, Trump emphasized that ‘this is my great honor — a great and beautiful day. A new beginning,’ reflecting his optimism over the agreement that aims to resolve the conflict initiated by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack.
The exchange, which included the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, marked a major breakthrough in the ongoing crisis, with Israel also releasing 250 of those captured as part of the deal. Trump, who has long advocated for a strong stance against terrorism, expressed confidence that ‘Israel has won all that can be won by force of arms’ and that the focus now should shift to achieving lasting peace and prosperity. The U.S.-mediated deal has been widely praised, with world leaders heralding it as a ‘new horizon of hope’ for the Middle East.
During his speech at the Kness, Trump is set to declare ‘the historic dawn of a new Middle East,’ stating that the moment would be remembered as the turning point that ‘everything began to change.’ This sentiment was echoed by other global leaders, who praised the landmark agreement as a potential breakthrough in regional peace efforts. Trump also took the opportunity to extend a hand of friendship to Iran, acknowledging the need for cooperation despite the ongoing tensions. His plans to visit Egypt next will see him host a summit with leaders from over 20 countries, further cementing the United States’ role as a mediator for Middle Eastern peace.
With the release of the hostages, the Israeli government has begun to focus on transitioning from conflict to negotiation, a shift seen as both necessary and symbolic. Trump’s presence in Israel underscores the administration’s commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution, a goal that has become even more urgent as the region grapples with the aftermath of the recent violence.