Donald Trump’s speech to Israel’s parliament was dramatically halted as two left-wing politicians staged a protest.
There were chaotic scenes as Knesset members Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif held up a sign that read “recognise Palestine” – sparking a swift response from security, who removed them from the hall.
The interruption prompted an apology from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump looked startled as the hecklers interrupted proceedings on Monday, before regaining his composure to remark “that was very efficient” as they were bundled out of parliament.
Mr Odeh and Mr Cassif, members of the left-wing Hadash Party, raised placards and chanted against Israeli “genocide” in Gaza as the US President delivered his address.
Trump was in Israel as the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages seized by Hamas on October 7, 2023, were freed from captivity in Gaza to jubilation in their home country.
The hostage release – along with the release of 1,900 Palestinian detainees held by Israel – were secured in a US-brokered peace deal between the warring sides.
Trump told Israeli politicians that their country had no more to achieve on the battlefield and must work toward peace in the Middle East.
"Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change," he declared to the Knesset, which welcomed him as a hero.
"Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms," Trump said. "You've won. I mean, you've won. Now it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East."
Trump promised to help rebuild Gaza, which has been devastated during the conflict, and urged Palestinians to "turn forever from the path of terror and violence."
"After tremendous pain and death and hardship, now is the time to concentrate on building their people up instead of trying to tear Israel down.”
Trump even made a gesture to Iran, where he bombed three nuclear sites during the country's brief war with Israel earlier this year, by saying "the hand of friendship and cooperation is always open."
"We merely want to live in peace," he said. "We don't want any looming threats over our heads."
The U.S. president was continuing on to Egypt for a summit with more than two dozen other nations, although he was running hours late as speeches at the Knesset continued longer than expected.
"They might not be there by the time I get there, but we'll give it a shot," Trump joked after needling Israeli leaders for talking so much.
