Trump hails Israeli resilience, says he’s stuck with Israel during war and now will do so during peace

Nearing the end of his speech to the Knesset, US President Donald Trump says he has always stood with Israel and pledges to continue doing so.

“I guess maybe something could happen to change my mind. Somebody that’s really stupid gets into office and wants to do really bad things, but that’s about it. We don’t think we’re going to have that happen,” Trump qualifies.

Trump highlights the resilience of the hostage families whom he has met over the past year.

“I’ve looked into their eyes. I’ve seen the worst nightmares of their suffering, but I’ve also seen something else: the beautiful love of the people,” he continues. “That holds things together — the love that gives you the courage to carry on through thousands of years of persecution and repression and to emerge with the heart of David.”

“What you’ve done is a miracle. Look at your size. Look at your chances when it all started… You are safer today, stronger today, and more respected today than at any time in the history of Israel,” Trump says. “People used to say it wouldn’t exist. They don’t say that anymore.”

“If safety, security and coexistence can thrive here in the winding alleys and ancient paths of Jerusalem, then surely peace and respect and flourish among the nations of the broader Middle East.”

“The God who once dwelled among his people in this city still calls us, in the words of scripture, to turn from evil and do good, to seek peace and pursue it.”

“That is why, even after 3,000 years of pain and conflict, the people of Israel have never given up… You want the promise of Zion, you want the promise of success and hope and love and God,” Trump adds. “And the people of America have never lost faith in the promise of a great and blessed future for all of us.”

“From the very first day that modern Israel was founded, we have stood together through thick and thin… We have built industries together. We have made discoveries together. We have confronted evil together, and we have waged war together.”

“Perhaps most beautifully of all, we have made peace together. And this week, against all odds, we have done the impossible and brought our hostages home,” Trump says to another round of applause.

“Now, we’re going to forge a future that is worthy of our heritage. We’re going to build a legacy that all the people of this region can be proud of — new bonds of friendship, cooperation and commerce will join Tel Aviv to Dubai, Haifa to Beirut, Jerusalem to Damascus; from Israel to Egypt, from Saudi Arabia to Qatar, from India to Pakistan, from Indonesia to Iraq, from Syria to Bahrain, Turkey to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates to Oman and Armenia to Azerbaijan — another war that I just settled.”

“We are going to have hope, harmony, opportunity and happiness here in the spiritual and geographic center of the entire world… Israel, America and all of the nations of the Middle East will soon be safer, stronger, greater and more prosperous than ever before.

“This has been truly an honor… And I love Israel. I’m with you all the way. You will be bigger, better, stronger and more loving than ever before,” Trump concludes to a lengthy applause.