Lawmakers removed from Knesset during Trump address
President Trump’s speech to Israel’s Knesset turned chaotic when dissenting lawmakers interrupted, only to be promptly escorted out, The Hill reported.
The disruption occurred as Trump spoke to the Israeli parliament, clashing with the significant moment of the last living hostages, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, returning home as part of a deal to cease fighting in Gaza.
Two lawmakers from the Hadash alliance, Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, were behind the protest, making their objections loud and clear.
Protest Sparks Tension in Knesset Hall
Odeh waved a sign reading “Recognize Palestine” before security removed him from the session.
Cassif joined in the demonstration, later venting on social media about the need for change in government policy toward Palestinians.
Their actions weren’t just a spontaneous outburst; they were a direct challenge to both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on Palestinian statehood.
Hostage Milestone Overshadowed by Clash
At the same time, a deeply meaningful event was unfolding—the return of the final hostages taken during the brutal Hamas attack over two years ago.
This achievement, a key step in the first phase of a plan to end conflict in Gaza, deserved the spotlight but was nearly eclipsed by the parliamentary uproar.
Trump, meanwhile, has not followed the majority of global opinion in recognizing a Palestinian state, though he supports a 20-point peace framework aimed at eventual sovereignty.
Social Media Amplifies Lawmakers’ Message
Post-ejection, Odeh took to X, declaring that recognizing Palestine is “the simplest demand,” one backed by much of the world, and stressed that coexistence is non-negotiable.
Cassif, equally defiant, posted on X to “demand justice,” accusing the Israeli government of occupation and apartheid against Palestinians.
While their zeal is evident, one has to question if disrupting a visiting leader’s address truly builds bridges or simply deepens divides in an already fraught situation.
Netanyahu Holds Line Amid Criticism
Netanyahu remains unmoved on the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state, despite endorsing Trump’s broader peace proposal.
This delicate balancing act—juggling internal politics with global pressures—comes into sharp focus when protests like this steal the narrative on a day of celebration for the hostages’ return.
Ultimately, the Knesset incident reveals the raw nerves still exposed in this enduring conflict, where even moments of hope can’t escape the shadow of division.