US President Donald Trump delivered a direct message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a speech in the Knesset, urging him to adopt a gentler stance now that a ceasefire and hostage release deal has been secured with Hamas. “You can be nicer now, Bibi, you’re not at war,” Trump advised, using Netanyahu’s personal nickname. He presented the deal as a triumph that “effectively ends the war and opens the door to durable peace” in the region, taking credit alongside Netanyahu for the diplomatic success. The agreement facilitated the return of 20 hostages, with Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Trump celebrated this moment as a significant turning point, heralding “the historic dawn of a new Middle East” and predicting a prosperous future for Israel. His address, filled with optimistic predictions of peace and calm, garnered a significant positive reaction from the assembled Israeli politicians.
