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Tensions flared during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech at the Israeli Knesset after two shouting men attempted to rush toward him mid-address, sparking brief chaos in the chamber.
The disruption occurred just as Trump was praising American real estate developer Steve Witkoff, describing him as “great.” Loud shouting erupted from the Knesset floor, and cameras quickly cut to security personnel intercepting a man charging toward the stage. The individual, still yelling and holding a piece of paper with the word “genocide” written on it, was swiftly removed from the hall.
It was later confirmed that the two men involved were Knesset Members (MKs) Ofer Kasif and Ayman Odeh, both known for their left-leaning political stances.
Ayman Odeh, a vocal critic of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has long opposed U.S. and Israeli policies in the region. Ofer Kasif, meanwhile, has made headlines for his criticism of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and was previously expelled from the Knesset for accusing the military of war crimes and for supporting South Africa’s genocide petition to the International Court of Justice.
Despite the momentary chaos, Trump appeared unfazed. After the protestors were escorted out, he commented, “That was very efficient,” in reference to the swift action by security, before seamlessly returning to his prepared remarks about Witkoff.
Trump went on to deliver a lengthy and symbolic speech, emphasizing peace, faith, and a new era for the region.
“We gather on a day of profound joy and soaring hope… to give our deepest thanks to the Almighty God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” he declared.
He added that after years of conflict, “the skies are calm, the guns are silent, and the sirens are still,” framing it as the beginning of “a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region.”
