US President Donald Trump told the Israeli parliament on Monday that the ceasefire he helped broker in the Gaza war had ushered in the “historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

“And after so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a holy land that is finally at peace, a land and a region that will live, God willing, in peace for all eternity,” he said.

“This is not only the end of a war... This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

He called the agreement that brought about the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages held by Hamas a triumph as he thanked mediators from the Arab and Muslim world.

“Let me also convey my tremendous appreciation for all of the nations of the Arab and Muslim world that came together to press Hamas to set the hostages free and to send them home,” Trump said in his remarks.

“We had a lot of help, we had a lot of help from a lot of people that you wouldn’t suspect, and I want to thank them very much for that. It's an incredible triumph for Israel and the world to have all of these nations working together as partners in peace.”

He hailed the end to a “painful nightmare” after two years of war in Gaza.

“From October 7 until this week, Israel has been a nation at war, enduring burdens that only a proud and faithful people could withstand,” he said.

“For so many families across this land, it has been years since you’ve known a single day of true peace... The long and painful nightmare is finally over,” the US president added.

In his speech, the president said that the Gaza deal recently agreed between Israel and Hamas was timely, as Israel’s military operations were becoming “bad and heated.”

“I said, Bibi, you’re going to be remembered for this far more than if you kept this thing going, going, going - kill, kill,” Trump said in a speech before the Israeli parliament, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I just want to congratulate you for having the courage to say, ‘that’s it, we’ve won and now let’s enjoy our lives.’”

Trump says that he intends to be a partner in efforts to rebuild Gaza, thanking Arab and Muslim nations for supporting the rebuilding process.

Trump was welcomed with cheers at the Israeli parliament and received a standing ovation from Israeli lawmakers ahead of his address to parliament during his brief visit to Israel that came after brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The applause lasted several minutes as lawmakers clapped and cheered Trump, who was accompanied by his special envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and daughter Ivanka.

Trump’s address, however, was briefly interrupted as a left-wing lawmakers were expelled.

“That was very efficient,” Trump quipped as the MPs were quickly taken out. The US president had paused as a Knesset staff member audibly ordered the expulsion of lawmaker Ofer Cassif and Ayman Odeh after an apparent protest. They were seen holding up holding signs that read: “Recognize Palestine.”

Netanyahu committed to peace

Netanyahu said on Monday he was committed to peace.

Addressing Israel’s parliament alongside Trump, Netanyahu praised the US president for helping broker the first phase of a Gaza deal that saw the return of all living Israeli hostages.

Netanyahu described Trump as the “greatest friend” Israel has ever had in the White House.

“Donald Trump is the greatest friend that the state of Israel has ever had in the White House. No American president has ever done more for Israel,” Netanyahu said in parliament ahead of Trump’s address to lawmakers.

Netanyahu, in his speech to parliament, also praised Israel’s soldiers, saying the country had “achieved amazing victories over Hamas.”

Trump on Iran

Speaking about Iran, Trump said he wanted a peace deal with Tehran.

His comments came after the United States joined Israel in striking the Islamic Republic’s nuclear sites during a brief war earlier this year.

“They got it from one side, from the other, and you know it would be great if we could make a peace deal with them,” Trump said.

“Would you be happy with that? Wouldn’t it be nice, I think. Because I think they want to.”

He also told Iran that the October 7 attacks should prove to nations “trying to destroy Israel that attempts are doomed to fail.”

He also said that says that his administration is helping Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah.

Pardoning Netanyahu

Trump also urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, who is on trial for alleged corruption.

Speaking before Israel’s parliament on Monday, Trump said: “Cigars and some champagne — who the hell cares?” referring to the fraud charges Netanyahu faces, which he denies.