President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel took a chaotic turn Monday when his speech in the Israeli Knesset was disrupted by loud heckling from opposition lawmakers. The dramatic interruption saw two members of the Israeli parliament shout and hold signs before being forcibly removed from the chamber.
According to the Associated Press, the disruption occurred just minutes into Trump’s address. The two lawmakers involved are believed to be Ofer Kassif and Ayman Odeh, both members of the Hadash-Ta’al alliance — a left-wing political group that promotes Arab-Jewish cooperation and Palestinian rights.
One of the men reportedly held up a small sign that read “Genocide,” while another held a paper that said “Recognise Palestine.” Security quickly escorted them out of the chamber, as several other lawmakers chanted “Trump! Trump! Trump!” in response.
“That was very efficient,” Trump quipped, drawing laughter and applause from many in the room.
Speaker Amir Ohana attempted to regain control, calling for order and addressing Kassif directly during the chaos. The incident cast a spotlight on the deep political divides surrounding Trump’s high-stakes visit to the region.
The protest came as Trump arrived in Israel just days after a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect. The truce followed a landmark peace agreement that saw the return of all surviving hostages to Israel and the release of Hamas prisoners in exchange.
Under the new peace plan, Hamas fighters who agree to disarm and pledge to peaceful coexistence will be granted amnesty. Those who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to accepting countries. Once all hostages are accounted for and the ceasefire holds, international aid will begin flowing into the Gaza Strip.
The controversial proposal has sparked mixed reactions globally, with some praising its ambitious scope while others question whether Hamas or Israel can fully commit to its terms.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking from Cairo during his own diplomatic tour, said he was “deeply relieved” by the return of Israeli hostages.
“I share the deep feeling of relief as Avinatan Or and other hostages are released today,” Starmer said. “But this is also a stark reminder of the treatment that he has been subject to at the hands of Hamas, and the atrocities that shook the world two years ago.”
“Having met his family, I know that no one can truly understand the torture and agony they suffered for two drawn out years and my thoughts are with them. My thoughts are also with the family of Yossi Sharabi, who are still waiting for news.”
Starmer thanked the efforts of the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, and added, “It is now crucial that we work together to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, and that will be my focus in Egypt today.”
“Commitment to this plan from all parties will be essential to ending the war and building the foundations for a sustainable path to a long-term peace. The UK will support the crucial next stage of talks to ensure the implementation of the peace plan.”
Despite the Knesset commotion, Trump continued with his address, reaffirming the importance of stability in the region and promising ongoing US support for Israel.
But the protest was a stark reminder that not everyone is on board — and that peace in the Middle East, even with the return of hostages and the signing of ceasefires, remains a politically volatile and emotionally raw issue.
The moment underscored the tension not just between Israelis and Palestinians, but within Israel’s own political ranks — and suggested that the path forward for Trump’s ambitious peace initiative may be rockier than he hoped.
Watch the moment below:
