US President Donald Trump wins hearts in Israel as Hamas frees 20 Hostages in Gaza ceasefire deal

US President Donald Trump received a roaring standing ovation and rare praise from Israeli lawmakers, who hailed him as a “giant of Jewish history” and declared that “the world needs more Trumps.” The moment came ahead of Trump’s much-anticipated address to the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, during his brief visit to the country.

Arriving on Air Force One to a red-carpet welcome in Tel Aviv, Trump was accompanied by his special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump. Applause filled the chamber for several minutes before Trump signed the guestbook with a smile, calling it “a great honour.”

‘A Giant of Jewish History’

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana compared Trump to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem 2,500 years ago. “The world doesn’t need appeasers,” Ohana said. “The world needs leaders who are brave, resolute, and bold. The world needs more Trumps.”

Ohana also announced plans to nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, lauding his decisive leadership during global crises.

Netanyahu: ‘Trump Is Israel’s Greatest Friend’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for backing Operation Rising Lion and Operation Midnight Hammer, joint US-Israel strikes on Iran in June, and for recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

“Donald Trump is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” Netanyahu declared.

Ceasefire and Hostage Release

As Trump visited, Hamas released 20 remaining hostages in the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal that also involves freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, boosting aid to Gaza, and initiating an Israeli troop pullback from key cities.

Trump will travel to Egypt next for the official signing ceremony.