During an address to Israeli lawmakers, US President Donald Trump urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a more conciliatory tone following the successful US-brokered ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas. “You can be nicer now, Bibi, you’re not at war,” Trump stated, using Netanyahu’s familiar nickname, just hours after the deal was finalized. He praised both leaders for this significant diplomatic achievement, describing the agreement as a catalyst for “durable peace” in the Middle East. Trump highlighted his administration’s role in the breakthrough, marking it as a “historic dawn of a new Middle East.” The deal, which led to the release of 20 hostages held by Hamas and the return of several Palestinian prisoners, was presented by Trump as a decisive victory for Israel. He envisioned a “golden age for Israel,” akin to the current state of the United States, and concluded his remarks by envisioning a region finally at peace, with “skies calm, the guns silent, and the sirens still.” The speech was met with considerable acclaim from the Israeli Knesset members.
