President Donald J. Trump received a hero’s welcome in Israel on Monday as he arrived on the day 20 living hostages were released back to the country, in a peace deal he was instrumental in securing between Hamas and Israel.
As he flew in, he saw a message of thanks on the beach in Tel Aviv, then the control tower welcomed him warmly. He was then greeted at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, “It’s a great day. Maybe your best day.”
“This is history,” Netanyahu is said to have replied.
In Jerusalem, a billboard declared “You are our winner,” after Trump was bypassed by the Nobel Peace Prize committee.
Herzog said he intends to award Trump with Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest honor for a civilian, Time reports.
“From his unwavering support for the State of Israel, to the advent of the Abraham Accords which expanded the circle of peace in our region, from the two historic agreements that brought our dear hostages home and saved countless lives, to the decisive strike on Iran’s nuclear program, President Trump’s voice has always been one of courage and leadership, and of steadfast commitment to the pursuit of peace and humanity,” Herzog’s office said in a statement.
Trump was there first to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.
Time reports:
[Trump] entered the Knesset plenum hall about two hours behind schedule after meeting with the families of some hostages, and took the microphone after Speaker Amir Ohana, Netanyahu, and Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid—all of whom showered praise on the U.S. President and said he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.
“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,” Trump told the assembled group.
“Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change and change very much for the better. Like the USA right now, it will be the golden age of Israel and the golden age of the Middle East,” he said.
“The choice for Palestinians could not be more clear,” Trump continued. “This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence. It’s time to exile the wicked forces of hate that are in their midst.”
“This is not only the end of a war,” Trump said. “This is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope and of God. It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region.”
“This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” the U.S. president declared.
WATCH:
PRESIDENT OF PEACE: Trump arrives in Israel to massive welcome, celebration
