US President Donald Trump told Congress today marks a “historic dawn for a new Middle East” following the release of all living Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.
The US president thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “a man of extraordinary courage.”
“He’s not an easy guy to deal with…but that’s what makes him great.”
The US president reiterated Netanyahu’s earlier statement that “peace through strength is what it’s all about,” noting that it was these principles and approach that helped achieve the peace plan and recapture the Israeli hostages.
“We can’t be politically correct,” Trump said, praising the strength of the U.S. military and American weapons.
“Bibi (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) kept calling me asking for arms, which made Israel strong and powerful…and that led to peace,” he told Israeli lawmakers.
President Trump has also called for a new era in the Middle East, seizing a narrow window to transform the region.
“This is a very exciting time for Israel and the entire Middle East, because across the Middle East, the forces of chaos, terror and destruction that have plagued the region for decades have been weakened, isolated and completely defeated,” President Trump said. “A new coalition of proud and responsible nations is emerging.”
“With our help, Israel has won as much as it could,” the US president said.
“Now is the time to turn these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize: peace and prosperity across the Middle East.”
“The choice for Palestinians could not be clearer. We must commit to restoring the basics so that Gazans can finally live the better lives their children deserve.”
