Hinting at tensions that crept into their relationship at various points over the past nine months, Trump said Netanyahu was “not the easiest guy to deal with, but that’s what makes him great”.
Trump told Palestinians now was their chance to permanently exile the forces of hatred in their midst and help their own people rather than seeking to tear down Israel.
The people of Gaza must focus on rebuilding their war-torn territory, he said, and the US would assist through a so-called Board of Peace, of which he may serve as chair.
Trump doubled down on his credentials as a global peacemaker, reiterating his dubious claim of having ended eight wars since returning to the presidency in January.
“When you settle eight wars in eight months, that means you don’t like war,” he said.
“Everyone thought I was going to be brutal. I remember Hillary Clinton during a debate, she said: look at him, he’s going to go to war with everybody. Actually, she said: he’s got a personality that’s all about war.
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“My personality, actually, is all about stopping wars – and it seems to work.”
Trump said the ceasefire would have been impossible if the US had not degraded and destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities through targeted strikes in June. He said he believed Iran – which has sponsored and supported anti-Israel militias throughout the region, including Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah – wanted to make a deal that could bring about lasting peace in the Middle East.
“We are ready when you are, and it will be the best decision that Iran has ever made,” he said.
Trump received a hero’s welcome at the Knesset, including sustained applause, multiple standing ovations and smiles from a beaming Netanyahu. However, his speech was momentarily disrupted after left-wing Arab-Israeli politician Ayman Odeh held up a paper sign saying: Recognise Palestine.
Amid shouting from MPs, Odeh was escorted from the chamber, followed by his colleague Ofer Cassif. From his seat, Netanyahu said: “Sorry about that, Mr President.” Trump replied: “That was very efficient.”
Later, Trump waded into domestic Israeli politics by turning to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and urging him to “pardon” Netanyahu over alleged corruption.
Netanyahu faces accusations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, including accepting gifts of champagne and cigars in exchange for regulatory favours. One donor of such gifts was Australian billionaire James Packer. The prime minister denies any wrongdoing.
After heaping praise on Herzog and other MPs, Trump said: “I have an idea, Mr President: why don’t you give him [Netanyahu] a pardon? Give him a pardon. Come on.”
“Whether we like it or not, this has been of the greatest wartime [leaders]. And cigars and champagne? Who the hell cares about that.”
Trump has previously used his social media platform Truth Social to urge Israel to cancel Netanyahu’s trial, but the suggestion directly to Herzog inside the Knesset drew wild applause from Netanyahu’s allies, who began chanting: “Bibi.”
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