President Donald Trump’s address to Israel’s Knesset was briefly interrupted by two lawmakers who shouted slogans and displayed signs in support of Palestinian statehood before being removed from the chamber.
Protesters Call for Recognition of Palestine
Arab Israeli lawmaker Ayman Odeh held up a sign reading “Recognize Palestine” during the speech. He later wrote on X that his demand reflected “the simplest demand, a demand that the entire international community agrees on,” emphasizing that “there are two peoples here, and neither is going anywhere.”
Far-left politician Ofer Cassif also shared a statement on X, accusing Israel’s government of occupation and apartheid. His post urged Israelis to “refuse to be occupiers” and “resist the government of bloodshed.”
Netanyahu Rejects Palestinian State Recognition
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to formally recognize a Palestinian state, despite supporting Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which aims to establish a sovereign Palestine. Trump has also stopped short of joining the majority of the international community in officially recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Protest Comes Amid Hostage Release Milestone
The interruption occurred as Trump marked the return of the last living hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attacks. The moment signaled a key step in the first phase of a deal intended to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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