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Israel gives a hero's welcome to President Trump in Middle East

Donald Trump (L) holds hands and speaks to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Israeli parliament
Donald Trump (L) holds hands and speaks to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Israeli parliament

Even before he touched down in Israel, US President Donald Trump was reinforcing the message that has made him a hero in Israel.

"The war is over," said Mr Trump when asked by a reporter on Air Force One as he headed towards Israel this morning.

He remains confident about a lasting peace in the region, despite disquiet among many seasoned Middle East analysts who say the devil is in the detail, and there is much detail yet to be ironed out.

There may be some talk of that today, but the expectation is that the US President will want to focus his role in a deal that has seen the bombardment of Gaza cease in recent days, and the last 20 living hostages released in recent hours.

Asked if he would visit Gaza, Mr Trump said he would be honoured to do so, but there is little likelihood of him setting foot in the enclave during what is a whirlwind visit to Israel.

There is also little likelihood of him returning to visit Gaza, as Palestinians try to rebuild their lives, homes, businesses and futures.

As he stood to address the Knesset in Israel, the sound of extended applause ringing in his ears President Trump was called a "giant...who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history".

"The world needs more Trumps" Israel's parliament was told.


Read the latest stories on the ceasefire in Gaza


The message was one of undying loyalty to a US president that Israel believes has brought the 20 living hostages home against the odds.

It is a message President Trump will want to underline to the international leaders who have gathered in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt to discuss this peace deal and where it goes from here.

They will warmly welcome what Mr Trump has done in getting a peace agreement many thought impossible over the line.

But they may be more reticent about declaring this an end to the conflict in the Middle East as they wait to find out if the short-term interest of the US administration, which has already achieved so much, can be translated into a long-term commitment with so much more yet to do.