U.S. President Donald Trump’s brief visit to Israel following the Gaza ceasefire was marked by both celebration and controversy. While Trump was greeted with official honors and lengthy applause at the Knesset, his speech was interrupted by two lawmakers protesting the government’s treatment of Palestinians.

Official Reception at Ben Gurion Airport

Air Force One landed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, where President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally welcomed U.S. President Trump in an official ceremony. Senior Israeli ministers and military officials were also present on the tarmac. The visit followed the recently brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas fighters in Gaza, under which 20 Israeli hostages and 1,966 Palestinian detainees were released in a phased exchange. Trump, who helped mediate the deal, described the day as “historic” and said it marked “a new era for peace.”

Visit to the Knesset and “Golden Dove” Gift

Following the welcoming ceremony, Trump traveled to West Jerusalem to address the Israeli parliament (Knesset). Upon arrival, he was greeted by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Before entering the chamber, Trump signed the parliamentary guestbook, writing: “This is a great honor; a great and beautiful day. A new beginning.”

During the session, Netanyahu presented the U.S. President with a golden dove, symbolizing peace, and praised him as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.” The gesture underscored Israel’s gratitude for Washington’s role in securing the ceasefire and prisoner exchanges.

Protest Inside the Chamber

Midway through the speech, Trump was interrupted by two lawmakers — Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian-Israeli member of the Knesset, and Ofer Cassif, a communist representative — who stood up holding placards reading “Recognize the State of Palestine.” Security personnel quickly removed both MPs from the chamber as other lawmakers shouted over the disruption.
After order was restored, Trump commented briefly, saying the protest was “impressive,” before continuing his address.

Following his removal, Odeh posted on social media: “I was expelled simply for expressing the most basic demand — one that the international community already agrees on.” He added, “Recognize the State of Palestine. There are two peoples here, and nobody is leaving.”

Cassif also shared a message online alongside a photo of their protest banner: “We came not to disrupt but to demand justice. Real peace that saves both peoples will only be possible once the occupation and apartheid end, and a Palestinian state is established beside Israel. Reject being an occupier! Stand against this bloody government.”