On 13 October, President Donald Trump landed in Israel, delivered a Knesset address, and an altercation involving Israeli politicians erupted, which he described as very effective.
Arrival and Reception in Israel
On 13 October, President Donald Trump landed at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, where he was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. He then traveled to the Knesset to give a speech, after which an incident involving Israeli politicians unfolded.
Disruption During Trump’s Speech
While Trump spoke about the political achievements of Steve Witkoff, an envoy to the Near East, he also referenced an arms‑ceasefire between Hamas and Israel negotiated by the Trump administration. Suddenly, a Knesset member, Kassif, interrupted him, demanding, “Please step out, please take this person outside. Please remove him immediately.” Kassif and Ayman Odeh were escorted from the hall, provoking cheers from the audience.
Trump’s Commentary
Trump called the interruption “very effective” before returning to the earlier topic of the ceasefire. He said the event was a sign he and Ayman Odeh had raised, stating that true peace could come only with the end of occupation and apartheid and the creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel.
Statements from the Politicians
After being escorted out, Kassif posted a note saying “recognize Palestine” and urged, “Do not be profiteers, resist the bloody regime.” Ayman Odeh wrote on X that he was ejected from the plenary session simply for raising the straightforward demand that the international community already agreed upon: recognition of a Palestinian state.
Aftermath and Next Steps
Following the disruption, Trump returned to the podium and continued his address. He has now scheduled a trip to Egypt to co‑chair an international peace summit on Gaza.
