Trump arrives in Israel to address Knesset before Gaza summit in Egypt

US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday to address the Knesset before travelling to Egypt for a world leaders’ summit on ending Israel’s war on Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his wife Sara, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who helped broker the ceasefire deal, greeted Trump at Ben Gurion Airport. Trump and Netanyahu held deep discussions in a car following the welcoming ceremony.

Trump declared yesterday that the “war is over”, but significant questions remain about Gaza’s future governance and whether Hamas will disarm.

The US president will address the Israeli parliament shortly before heading to Sharm el-Sheikh for the summit.

Witkoff praised the UK’s role in securing the ceasefire in a post on X early on Monday. He wrote that he wanted to acknowledge the “vital role” of the United Kingdom and recognise the “incredible input and tireless efforts” of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.

His comments followed a suggestion from a UK cabinet minister on Sunday that Britain played a “key role” in the ceasefire negotiations. Top US and Israeli figures rejected that characterisation, creating potential awkwardness for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s comments “delusional”. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also rejected her description of the UK’s role.