Trump Heads to Egypt after Pressing Israel’s President for Netanyahu Pardon/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump visited Israel, urging leaders to turn military victories into peace. He called for a pardon of Prime Minister Netanyahu and promised to help rebuild Gaza. Trump now heads to Egypt for a multinational peace summit.
Trump’s Middle East Peace Push: Quick Looks
- Trump tells Israel it’s “time for peace” after military success
- Calls for pardon of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
- Vows U.S. support for Gaza rebuilding and humanitarian aid
- Heads to Egypt for summit with over 20 world leaders
- 20 hostages released in latest truce development
- Gaza remains in crisis as ceasefire terms begin implementation
- Trump praises Israel’s campaign against Iranian proxies
- Ceasefire includes prisoner swaps and Israeli military pullback
Trump Heads to Egypt after Pressing Israel’s President for Netanyahu Pardon
Deep Look
JERUSALEM — President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday, declaring the time had come for peace in the Middle East after two years of devastating conflict. Speaking before the Israeli Knesset, Trump stated that Israel had already achieved military success and should now “translate battlefield victories into peace and prosperity.”
Trump’s speech served multiple purposes — promoting diplomacy, reasserting his political influence, and rekindling ties with key allies. During his remarks, he praised Israel’s efforts in battling Hamas and other regional threats, but emphasized the importance of moving from war to reconciliation.
“You’ve won,” Trump told the Knesset. “Now it is time to seize peace for the entire Middle East.”
He received an overwhelmingly warm welcome, including multiple standing ovations and chants of his name. Supporters in the audience donned red caps reading “Trump, The Peace President,” mirroring his famous MAGA branding.
In a surprise move, Trump urged the Israeli president to issue a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently under investigation for corruption. Trump called Netanyahu “one of the greatest” wartime leaders and said justice must not overshadow the broader mission of national unity.
As part of his broader message, Trump reiterated the United States’ commitment to aid in Gaza’s reconstruction. The region has been left in ruins after prolonged conflict, and the ceasefire agreement includes a plan for humanitarian assistance, prisoner exchanges, and military de-escalation.
“It’s time to build up the Palestinian people instead of tearing Israel down,” Trump said.
He even extended an olive branch to Iran, stating that despite past hostilities — including U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites — “the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open.”
From Israel to Egypt: Trump’s Diplomatic Blitz
Following his address, Trump departed for Egypt to participate in a high-stakes peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Over 20 countries are expected to attend the summit led by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. Despite running late due to extended discussions in Israel, Trump made light of the situation, joking, “They might not be there by the time I get there, but we’ll give it a shot.”
Egypt initially announced Netanyahu’s participation, but his office later canceled his appearance, citing the upcoming Jewish holiday, Simchat Torah.
This summit aims to expand on the truce agreement between Israel and Hamas, which was brokered under Trump’s direction. Monday also saw the release of 20 hostages as part of this fragile but pivotal agreement. The next steps include the release of Palestinian prisoners, an influx of aid into Gaza, and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal.
Trump met with the families of some released hostages and was praised for his role in the ceasefire. One woman told him, “Your name will be remembered to generations.”
Trump’s Peace Plan: High Hopes Amid Uncertainty
Trump insists that the war is effectively over and that there is a narrow opportunity to reshape regional dynamics.
“People are tired of it,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One, expressing optimism that the ceasefire would hold.
The White House says momentum is growing for broader peace because of increasing support from Arab and Muslim nations. Some are looking to normalize relations with both the U.S. and Israel, while also focusing on solving the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
‘Earlier this year, Trump envisioned Gaza becoming the “Riviera of the Middle East.” But now, after seeing the devastation firsthand, he tempered his expectations.
“It’s blasted. This is like a demolition site,” he said. “But I’d still like to put my feet on it.”
What Comes Next: Gaza Rebuild and Ceasefire Monitoring
The situation in Gaza remains dire. Much of the infrastructure is destroyed, with more than 2 million residents facing food shortages and famine-like conditions. Under the new agreement, Israel will reopen five border crossings to allow for the delivery of aid and essential goods.
Roughly 200 U.S. troops will assist in monitoring the ceasefire, alongside international NGOs and private sector partners. However, Israel has warned that if Hamas refuses to disarm or if postwar governance talks fail, it may resume military operations.
While peace remains fragile, Trump’s involvement has revived hopes — however slim — for a new chapter in the Middle East.
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