Knesset speech: Trump urges amnesty for Netanyahu, praises Arab nations

US President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli parliament on Monday and said, "After two harrowing years, darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families.”

Trump told Israeli lawmakers, “This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

Trump also urged an amnesty for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over corruption charges during his Knesset speech. "Cigars and some champagne – who the hell cares?" he said, referring to the fraud charges Netanyahu faces.

The US president expressed his appreciation for Arab nations and the Muslim leaders “that came together to press Hamas, to set the hostages free”.

“We had a lot of help … a lot of people that you wouldn’t suspect, and I want to thank them very much for that,” he added.

Trump said that in Lebanon, “the dagger of Hezbollah” that was aimed at Israel has been “totally shattered”.

“My administration is actively supporting the new president of Lebanon and his mission to permanently disarm Hezbollah’s… brigades. He’s doing very well,” he said. 

The US president also said it would be great if a peace deal could be made with Iran, adding that the Iranian people “want to survive”.

Israeli-American billionaire and major Trump donor Miriam Adelson was seen in the visitors’ gallery, the Jerusalem Post reported.

She was accompanied by her son, Matan Adelson, and Likud MK Boaz Bismuth, who previously served as editor-in-chief of the Adelson family–owned daily, Israel Hayom.