Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to peace, describing the end of Israel’s two-year conflict with Hamas and Iran-backed militias as a triumph of strength and resolve.

Netanyahu made the declaration during a special address to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem, where U.S. President Donald Trump was present. The visit coincides with celebrations over the release of all hostages under a historic peace deal brokered by the United States.

Describing Trump as “the greatest friend the State of Israel has ever had in the White House,” Netanyahu credited the former U.S. President with facilitating peace in the region and saving countless lives. He praised Trump’s decisive actions, including the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, and the Abraham Accords.

“True peace is achieved through strength. Only those prepared to use force today can prevent its necessity tomorrow,” Netanyahu declared.

The Prime Minister recalled the atrocities of the October 7, 2023, attacks, when Hamas gunmen stormed Israeli towns and kibbutzim, killing over 1,200 people and taking hostages, including Americans and elderly Holocaust survivors.

“Entire families were burnt alive. Children were taken hostage. We had no choice but to fight back,” he said, praising the bravery of nearly 2,000 Israeli troops, half of whom died in combat.

Netanyahu emphasized that the turning point came with Trump’s re-election. “Overnight, everything changed. With your unequivocal backing, Mr. President, we secured a new hostage deal and conditions for lasting peace,” he said.

He described how U.S. support enabled Israel’s operations in Gaza that dismantled Hamas’s strongholds and weakened Iran’s regional proxy network. “Together, we achieved the disarming of Hamas, the demilitarisation of Gaza, and the restoration of deterrence. Our enemies now understand that attacking Israel was a catastrophic mistake,” he added.

The Prime Minister concluded by announcing a global parliamentary campaign to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his leadership in ending conflicts across multiple regions.

“The Jewish people have risen from the ashes time and again. Our strength is the foundation of peace,” Netanyahu said.