In a stunning scene that exposed the raw tensions over the Gaza conflict, Donald Trump's highly anticipated address to the Israeli parliament was thrown into disarray when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the chamber, shouting demands for an immediate ceasefire.
Parliamentary Address Turns Protest Battleground
The former US president, who had been outlining his vision for Middle East peace, was forced to pause his speech as security personnel scrambled to remove multiple demonstrators who had infiltrated the Knesset gallery. Chants of "Free Palestine" and "Stop the killing" echoed through the historic chamber, creating one of the most dramatic moments in recent Israeli political history.
Security Breach Raises Serious Questions
How the protesters managed to breach the tight security surrounding Trump's appearance remains under investigation. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as parliamentary security and Trump's own Secret Service detail moved swiftly to contain the situation.
"The protesters emerged from different sections of the public gallery simultaneously," one Knesset member told reporters. "They were clearly organized and timed their intervention to cause maximum disruption during a key moment in Trump's address."
Trump's Response: From Surprise to Defiance
Initially taken aback by the outbursts, Trump quickly regained his composure, telling the assembled lawmakers: "This is exactly why we need strong leadership - to deal with those who would rather shout than listen to reason."
The incident occurred as Trump was detailing what he described as a "historic opportunity" for peace between Israel and Palestinians, though specific elements of his proposed deal were drowned out by the continuing protests.
Political Fallout and International Reaction
The disruption highlights the deepening divisions within Israeli society and the international community regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office later issued a statement condemning the "unprecedented breach of parliamentary decorum."
Meanwhile, protest organizers claimed responsibility, stating they had "no choice but to disrupt the normalisation of war crimes" during Trump's visit.
The incident raises serious questions about security protocols at the Knesset and comes at a sensitive time for Israeli politics, with the government facing both domestic and international pressure over its military operations in Gaza.
