THE KNESSET – JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Israel and Hamas have reached a historic peace agreement that includes a full ceasefire and a large-scale exchange of hostages and prisoners. The deal was brokered largely through the efforts of the United States and its regional partners. On October 13, 2025, President Donald Trump spoke before the Knesset about the historic deal which many pray will bring a lasting peace to the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke early in the session lauding Trump for his efforts and the efforts of the American people to secure peace. He stated (via translator), “On this exciting day that will be inscribed in the annals of Israel…and you too, Mr. President, will be inscribed in the history of our nation and you are already inscribed in the history of the world…we remember our friends and your important part in the return of the hostages. We were informed today that all of our hostages have been returned back to us.”

The Gaza War began on October 7, 2023 when Hamas launched a brutal attack against Israel killing an estimated 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals, and among them were 815 civilians. 251 individuals were taken hostage with the intention that it would force Israel’s hand to release Palestinian prisoners. Since the war’s inception over 67,000 people have been killed (many of these were women and children), sending a desperate cry throughout the region for peace.

After briefly speaking via a translator, Netanyahu, continued the remainder of his remarks in English as he introduced President Trump to The Knesset. He praised Trump for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and officially moving the U.S. Embassy there. He thanked the President for backing up Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and for “…standing up to the lies against Israel in the United Nations.” Additional thanks followed and were concluded with, “My friends, this is only a partial list, but is enough to affirm what I have said time and again – Donald Trump is the greatest friend that the State of Israel has ever had in the White House!”

Netanyahu went on to share that Trump’s peace proposal had the backing of nearly the entire world, would bring the hostages home, and end the war by achieving all Israeli objectives. He added, “Mr. President, you are committed to this peace, I am committed to this peace, and together, Mr. President, we will achieve this peace!” The Prime Minister also did not forget in his remarks the many soldiers that have died in the conflict saying, “Because of these heroes we will have peace.” He later added, “Israel is strong and Israel is here to stay.”

Quite notable among the Prime Minister’s remarks was his quoting of the biblical book of Ecclesiastes saying, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…a time for peace and a time for war…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 8). He then said, “The last two years have been a time of war. The coming years will hopefully be a time for peace – peace inside Israel and peace outside Israel…As Prime Minister, I extend my hand to all those who seek peace with us. No one wants peace more than the people of Israel.”

After another brief speech, President Trump took the platform to address the Knesset. He began, “Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Speaker and esteemed members of the Knesset and cherished citizens of Israel, we gather on a day of profound joy, of soaring hope, of renewed faith, and above all a day to give our deepest thanks to the almighty God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Trump went on to share that the last 20 hostages were now being returned to the embrace of their families and that the bodies of 28 more were being returned home to “…rest in this sacred soil for all time.” Trump also reciprocated Netanyahu’s praise saying, “He’s not the easiest guy to deal with, but that is what makes him great.”

President Trump shared that he believes a Golden Age for the Middle East and for Israel is beginning. Of the horrors that began this war in the first place, Trump echoed the Israeli sentiment saying, “Never forget and never again.” Trump then asserted confidently, “The long and painful nightmare is now over.”

As believers, moments like this invite us to reflect on God’s heart for peace. Scripture reminds us, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6). For generations, the Holy Land has been both the setting of God’s promises and the scene of substantial human conflict. This agreement stands as a reminder that even in the darkest chapters of history, the longing for peace endures. True peace, however, cannot be built on politics and treaties alone – it must spring forth from hearts reconciled to God and one another through Christ. Today’s news from Israel brings hope, but any earthly peace remains fleeting until the true Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, reigns fully in the hearts of men. As this peace deal unfolds, may believers around the world continue to intercede in prayer and action for the nation of Israel, for the Palestinian people, and for all who long for lasting peace in the land where God’s redemptive story began.