President Donald Trump declared victory over Hamas in a speech to Israel’s legislature on Monday, urging the country to help him carry out his vision for the Middle East as the terms of a permanent peace deal are negotiated.
“Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms. You’ve won,” Trump said. “Now, it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East. It’s about time you were able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”
In a nearly two-hour address before the Knesset, Israel’s 120-member legislature, Trump said the world is witnessing the “historic dawn of a new Middle East” with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.