President Donald Trump stood before the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem, heralding a historic moment as hostages returned home from Hamas captivity, signaling a potential turning point for a war-torn region.
Fox News reported that on Monday, Trump’s address marked the release of 20 living hostages and the partial return of bodies of the deceased, unveiled a detailed peace plan for Gaza, and floated ambitious ideas for regional stability, including expanded diplomatic ties through the Abraham Accords and even a potential deal with Iran.
Hours after the hostages were freed, Trump received a standing ovation from Israeli lawmakers, a gesture that underscored the deep appreciation for his unwavering support during this crisis.
Among the released were all 20 living hostages held by Hamas, a hard-won victory after two years of conflict in Gaza, though only four of the 28 bodies of deceased hostages are expected to be returned on this day.
This incomplete repatriation of remains could strain the fragile ceasefire, a concern hanging over the celebrations in Jerusalem.
Yet, Trump’s speech focused on optimism, outlining a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that could move into a second phase involving the group’s disarmament and further withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Central to Trump’s address was a 20-point peace plan for Gaza, a bold framework that controversially includes amnesty for some Hamas members, raising eyebrows among those wary of leniency toward the group.
Trump also pushed for broader Middle East stability, suggesting a future peace deal with Iran and an expansion of the Abraham Accords, which normalized ties with several Arab nations during his first term.
“The forces of chaos, terror, and ruin that have plagued the region for decades now stand weakened, isolated, and totally defeated,” Trump declared, painting a picture of a region on the cusp of transformation (Donald Trump).
In a surprising aside, Trump turned to Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his speech, suggesting a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust since 2019, though he denies the accusations.
Whether Herzog or the Israeli parliament, where Netanyahu’s support has waned amid the war and hostage crisis, would entertain such a move remains uncertain, and Trump’s offhand remark risks igniting political firestorms.
Still, Trump’s focus remained on unity, emphasizing America’s steadfast backing of Israel during this emotional return of hostages and remains.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana didn’t hold back, vowing to rally global legislative leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2026, citing his efforts on hostages, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the historic U.S. Embassy move to Jerusalem in 2018.
“Donald Trump is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed, even nominating Trump for the Israel Prize, a first for a non-Israeli citizen (Benjamin Netanyahu).
As Trump prepares to depart for Egypt on October 13, 2025, his vision of a “golden age” for the Middle East—free from the progressive overreach that often muddies clear-eyed policy—offers a refreshing contrast to years of diplomatic stagnation, though the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.
