US President Donald Trump’s address to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, was interrupted on Monday when two lawmakers protested during his speech. Security officials quickly intervened, escorting the protesters out of the hall and removing their banners.
According to reports, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana apologised to Trump for the disruption, to which the US President responded, “That was very efficient.”
The two lawmakers identified as Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif were expelled after they held up a sign reading “genocide” while Trump was speaking. The pair, both known for their criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, accused Israel of committing atrocities in Gaza.
VIDEO | Jerusalem: A Knesset member was expelled immediately from the hall after disrupting US President Donald Trump’s address to the Israeli parliament.
“That was very efficient,” says Trump.#GazaPeacePlan #IsraelHamas #DonaldTrump
(Source: Third party)
(Full video… pic.twitter.com/f6WBCezLGe
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2025
Following the incident, Odeh posted on X, saying the level of “hypocrisy” in the Knesset was “unbearable.” He accused Netanyahu’s government of crimes against humanity and blamed both Israel and Hamas for the bloodshed. Odeh added that true peace would only come through ending the occupation and recognising a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
During his speech, Trump celebrated the ceasefire deal he helped negotiate between Israel and Hamas, calling it the “historic dawn of a new Middle East.” He said the agreement marked a turning point in the decades-long conflict and praised Arab and Muslim nations for working together to secure the release of hostages.
Trump said, “It’s an incredible triumph for Israel and the world to have all these nations working together as partners in peace.”
Trump also commended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing him directly at the start of his remarks: “Thank you very much, Bibi. Great job.” His speech came just hours after Hamas released the remaining 20 hostages as part of the ongoing truce efforts in Gaza.
Shivam Verma is a journalist with over three years of experience in digital newsrooms. He currently works at NewsX, having previously worked for Firstpost and DNA India. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football—both playing and watching—and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
